The Prince William County Planning Office has introduced new names for its key service divisions, effective July 1. This change is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and aims to make planning services more accessible and user-friendly for residents, businesses, and development partners.
The office’s three main divisions have been renamed to better describe their functions. The former Community Development division is now called Community Planning and Revitalization. Long Range Planning has been renamed Countywide Planning, and Current Planning is now known as Land Use Review.
Tanya Washington, Director of the Planning Office, stated: “We recognize that navigating the land use process can be complex for residents and stakeholders. Through this rebranding of our core services, we are putting an emphasis on customer experience, making it easier for our community to understand who to contact and how we can assist them at each stage of the planning and development process, and how to get involved in shaping land use decisions in the county.”
The Community Planning and Revitalization Division focuses on neighborhood-level planning, revitalization, placemaking through small area plans, and supporting implementation by the Board. These plans are informed by public input to establish a community vision for future development.
Countywide Planning manages long-range land use planning through updates to the Comprehensive Plan guiding future growth. It also supports cultural resource preservation of historic sites, conducts reviews of new public facilities, and manages mapping and technology functions.
Land Use Review leads review processes for land use applications such as rezonings or special permits. This division collaborates with other departments from initial submission to final decisions by the Board of County Supervisors.
Chris Shorter, County Executive said: “Renaming the Planning Office divisions reflects a thoughtful refresh that supports our residents by making county government easier to navigate.” He added that modernizing these services demonstrates a commitment to customer service excellence while strengthening connections with the community.
Further details about these changes can be found on their website: www.pwcva.gov/planning.
