Initiative: Work with Landowners to Understand the Value of Agriculture Reserve Program (ARP)

Milestones

  • Grow interest & secure more land in ARP program by increasing acreage enrolled in program and purchasing development rights. | Target date: June 30, 2026
  • Promote the land preservation that provides land for farming.  | Target date: June 30, 2026

Performance Measures

  • Number of acres enrolled in ARP.
  • Cumulative total of development rights purchased.

Initiative: Bolster the Farmers Market through Needed Improvements

Milestones

  • Complete replacement of the dance floor area. | Target date: June 30, 2026
  • Finish the renovations to the restaurant space. | Target date: June 30, 2026
  • Perform other exterior enhancements. | Target date: June 30, 2026

Performance Measures

  • Farmers Market total revenue.
  • Farmers Market Tenant lease payments.
  • Farmers Market sponsorship revenue.
  • Number of children participating in Farmer Market/Rural Heritage Center educational programming.

Initiative: Enhance and Explore Additional ways to Serve the Public Through Agricultural-based Services and Classes

Milestones

  • Continue the partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) to provide science-based educational information, resources, and training through Family and Consumer Sciences programs, Agriculture and Nature Resources programs, Horticulture Program, Extension Master Gardeners Program, and 4-H Youth Development Program. | Target date: June 30, 2026
  • Review the feasibility of offering other services for the public. | Target date: June 30, 2026

Performance Measures

  • Number of individuals participating in family and consumer science related programs. | Target date: June 30, 2026
  • Number of volunteers and volunteer hours in Agriculture. | Target date: June 30, 2026
  • Number of individuals attending pesticide certification classes. | Target date: June 30, 2026
  • Number of Virginia Beach youths participating in local programming and camp. | Target date: June 30, 2026

Initiative: Foster a Sense of Belonging and Inclusive Leadership in the Department Through two or more Select Milestones

Milestones

  • Creating meaningful opportunities for coworkers to connect. | Target date: June 30, 2026
  • Being receptive to alternative ideas & opinions. | Target date: June 30, 2026
  • Recognizing the inherent value of employees. | Target date: June 30, 2026

Performance Measures

  • Number of activities/events to create meaningful connections hosted and associated impact.
  • Number of recognition events and associated impact.