Charlottesville Fire Department holding meeting for input on strategic plan

In order for municipal fire departments to gain the seal of approval from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, they are required to develop a strategic plan.

The Charlottesville Fire Department last did so in 2021 with six goals.

The process to create another plan is underway and CFD will host an interactive community town hall from 6 to 8 p.m. in City Space.

One of two new assistant city managers encouraged people to attend at Council’s meeting on March 2.

“This is really designed for community members, stakeholders and department personnel to really come together and learn about their strategic planning process and for everyone to provide direct input on priorities, service delivery and community risk reduction efforts,” said Sam Roman, newly arrived from Roanoke.

Those who attend the meeting will get an overview of department operations and will participate in group discussions to inform the next plan. Food will be provided.

The Comprehensive Plan adopted by City Council in November 2021 covers fire protection services in goal 5 of the Community Facilities and Services chapter.

“Provide superior fire and emergency services focused on prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, and cultivation of a safe, resilient, and self-sufficient community,” reads that goal.

Comprehensive Plans offer strategies to accomplish goals. There are seven for this topic.

• Strategy 5.1 — Develop a neighborhood risk assessment to drive decision-making and service delivery to mitigate community and organizational risk.
• Strategy 5.2 — Implement a comprehensive facilities master plan to maximize service delivery, safety, energy conservation and sustainability.
• Strategy 5.3 — Maintain a fleet of emergency response vehicles appropriate for the delivery of rapid and effective emergency services to meet the identified community in an increasingly more densely populated environment.
• Strategy 5.4 — Provide aggressive, comprehensive Community Risk Reduction strategies to match programs and service resources to identified community needs.
• Strategy 5.5 — Maintain a superiorInsurance Service Office rating of Class 1 to ensure the city’s infrastructure supports the provision of adequate fire protection
• Strategy 5.6 — Maintain agency status through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International to ensure the fire department maintain an organizational environment of continuous improvement through performance measurement, risk assessment, and strategic planning.
• Strategy 5.7 — Recommend and advocate for the installation of fire protection systems in all renovated and newly constructed buildings

For more information, consult this release about the meeting.

Before you go: The goal of Town Crier Productions is to increase awareness about what is  happening at the local, regional, state, and federal government levels. Please share the work with others if you want people to know things!

Paid subscribers cover the cost of conducting research for this article which was originally published in the March 3, 2026 edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement.  You can either subscribe through Substack or make a charitable contribution.