Supported by Partnership for Smarter Growth

Envision Henrico

The Citizen Voice for Henrico’s Future

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Why transform this...

Curles Neck Farm, PSG Photo

By doing this...

Old Osborne Turnpike, PSG Photo

To get more of this?

Nine Mile Road , PSG Photo

Between 1990 and 2006 Henrico County lost 16 % of its residual farms and forests — what the county calls “vacant land.”

Why is the 2026 Comprehensive Plan important?

The draft 2026 Henrico Land Use Plan re-labels even more farmland as "suburbs", paving the way for more houses, more cars, and a whole lot less of the open land that has characterized this county for the last 400 years.

Why should I get involved - and how?

So many of us have stood up to protect Varina that government officials are listening. In 2005 Henrico conducted a survey in which 82 % of respondents said they “support further restricting or managing new development in rural areas.”

Jim Donati stated in a Style Weekly cover story that “'If you put houses on, say, a 500-acre field, you have to build a new school for that and hire more police officers and maybe build a new fire station.' Add in water and sewer service, and the county ends up losing money, spending $1.16 per $1 of income." 

To make sure Varina's future is shaped by Varina residents, not by real-estate developers, like-minded neighbors and neighborhood associations have joined forces to create Envision Henrico. Residents from all districts of Henrico are welcome to join us in our mission to ensure balanced growth throughout the county.

Why should I support the City of Richmond's draft Downtown Master Plan?

Directing growth where it makes sense - in places like cities with existing infrastructure - just plain makes sense. More vibrant urban centers mean that we can preserve the rural character of special places like Varina. The City of Richmond Downtown Master Plan is a blueprint for a more cohesive, connected city. Sign the petition here.

Meetings:

All committed to a sustainable future for Henrico are welcome to join us at Envision Henrico's 4th Mondays meetings.  The next is on Monday, October 27th, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at the fellowship hall at Sandston Presbyterian Church, 13 North Confederate Drive, Sandston.

The hands-on working group discussion about the impact of the 2026 Comprehensive Plan on Varina on September 15th showcased true public process. Stay connected to the effort with Envision Henrico.

Register for PSG's Grassroots is Always Greener: Smart Growth Advocacy Training Program. November 15th.

Vision:

Envision Henrico strives toward a county in which growth is managed to provide a healthy and sustainable environment for all its citizens, for future generations, and planned to conserve its vast cultural, historic, and natural resources.

Mission: 

Envision Henrico will work to preserve and protect Henrico’s land, environment, history, and quality of life, by monitoring and influencing how and where we grow, and by advocating for strong public participation in local land use and transportation decisions.

Goals:

Envision Henrico will specifically accomplish the following objectives:

• Promote better models for development, guided by the principles of smart growth, environmental protection, community character, transportation alternatives, diversified economic development, recreation and parks promotion, watershed protection, and regional cooperation. 
• Promote transparency in Henrico’s government
• Promote public input as critically important and essential throughout the Comprehensive Plan process. 
• Provide a forum for discussion and review of relevant growth-related and rezoning issues.
• Inform and connect interested citizens and organize community response as necessary.
• Coordinate presence at all Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission meetings
• Partner with federal, state, and local governments, Partnership for Smarter Growth, Virginia League of Conservation Voters, and other organizations, to build a better Henrico together.

Platform:

• Concerned citizens from Henrico analyzed the Comprehensive Plan and created a platform.
• The platform outlines how the 2026 Comprehensive Land Use Plan should evidence commitment to principles that are important to ensure quality of life in Henrico County for years to come.

Membership:

• The group meets 4th Mondays at the fellowship hall at Sandston Presbyterian Church, 13 North Confederate Avenue, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  Email Acting President Lynn Wilson for more information.
• All committed to taking an active role in the Comprehensive Plan - and ensuring better public process in the creation of this powerful document - are welcome.