Fuquay-Varina Approves 2025–2029 Strategic Plan: A Roadmap for Growth, Character, and Quality of Life

Each initiative includes measurable performance targets and will be supported by future budgeting through the town’s five-year operating and capital plans.

Fuquay-Varina, NC, Aug. 6, 2025 — At its Aug. 4 board meeting, Fuquay-Varina commissioners unanimously adopted a new five-year strategic plan intended to guide the town’s growth, services, and long-term priorities through 2029.

The 2025–2029 Strategic Plan (link) builds on the foundation of the town’s previous plan, incorporating updated goals and initiatives that reflect the community’s current needs and future aspirations. According to town officials, the plan serves as a roadmap for decision-making, budget development, and resource allocation—anchored in measurable objectives across six core values: effective government, fiscal strength, safety and security, economic vitality, character preservation, and quality of life.

A Deliberate, Inclusive Process

The plan was developed during the 2025 Town Board Strategic Planning Retreat, where elected officials and town staff reviewed progress from the 2021–2025 plan. That process included a report card of past achievements, evaluation of in-progress goals, and the identification of new initiatives to meet emerging challenges.

Town departments also prepared their own aligned strategic plans to support townwide goals. The final document includes both new initiatives and continuing efforts, all aimed at enhancing transparency, operational effectiveness, and quality of life.

“We are dedicated to transparency and will annually share our successes and areas for improvement on the Town website,” said Town Manager Adam Mitchell in the plan’s foreword. “Through dedicated efforts, we will work to achieve the goals of the plan to keep making Fuquay-Varina... A Dash More.”

Purpose and Use of the Plan

The Strategic Plan is intended to:

• Set a unified vision and mission for the town.

• Provide a framework for realistic, data-driven goal setting.

• Align departmental operations with townwide priorities.

• Guide budget decisions through 2030.

• Encourage resident participation in the town’s progress.

• Deliver accountability through annual reporting.

Town leadership emphasized that the plan will not sit on a shelf. Each initiative includes measurable performance targets and will be supported by future budgeting through the town’s five-year operating and capital plans.

Top 10 Takeaways for Residents

For Fuquay-Varina residents, here are ten key takeaways from the newly adopted strategic plan:

1. Public Safety Expansion
   The town will expand the police department headquarters, install security cameras in public parks, and invest in long-term water infrastructure to meet future needs.

2. Improved Customer Service Access
   Residents will see faster, more responsive services through automated workflows, annual staff training, and AI tools added to the town website.

3. Strong Financial Stewardship
   The town will maintain healthy reserves, pursue grant funding, and align its five-year budget with long-term goals, ensuring fiscal responsibility without sacrificing services.

4. Infrastructure That Supports Economic Growth
   Fuquay-Varina will target infrastructure investment in growth areas and plans to acquire land for a new business park to attract advanced manufacturing and employment.

5. Preserving Small-Town Character
   The plan calls for policies that encourage thoughtful development, protect historic buildings, and preserve environmental features like trees and natural land.

6. More Arts, Culture, and Recreation
   Initiatives include expanding adult and environmental programs, adding park amenities, and creating a branded Arts District tied to the Downtown Generational Plan.

7. Transparency and Community Engagement
   Town leaders will post annual progress reports online and encourage residents to engage with the plan’s execution.

8. Focus on Environmental Sustainability
   The plan supports efforts to retain native vegetation, promote green development practices, and increase access to nature through passive parks and greenways.

9. Investment in Town Workforce
   Fuquay-Varina will continue to invest in competitive compensation, professional development, and workplace culture to attract and retain a strong public service workforce.

10. Data-Driven Safety and Smarter Roads
    The town will use crime and traffic data to improve public safety and install an integrated traffic signal system to enhance mobility across town.

What’s Next for the Fuquay-Varina Strategic Plan?

Following the adoption of the 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, the Town of Fuquay-Varina is putting the plan into action. Here's what residents can expect in the months and years ahead:

1. Measurable Progress: Town departments will set specific performance targets for each goal in the plan. These targets will help track how well the town is delivering on its promises.

2. Funding Through Future Budgets: Key initiatives will be funded through the Town’s annual budgets and five-year capital plans beginning with FY 2026. The plan helps shape how public dollars are invested over time.

3. Departmental Action: Every Town department has developed its own strategic plan that aligns with the townwide vision. These departmental plans ensure that daily operations support long-term goals.

4. Annual Public Updates: The Town is committed to transparency. Each year, residents will receive updates on the Town’s website showing what’s been accomplished and where improvements are still needed.

5. Community Involvement Encouraged: Residents are invited to stay informed, give feedback, and take part in shaping the future of Fuquay-Varina as the plan moves forward.

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Got something to say about the plan? Need more information?

Contact Adam G. Mitchell, Town Manager
Fuquay-Varina Town Hall, 134 N. Main Street
Phone: (919) 552-1401
Email: amitchell@fuquay-varina.org