HISTORIC TRIANGLE — In addition to warming temperatures and longer days, Spring also brings budget season as local governments start focusing on their Capital Improvement Plans (CIP), which determine the budget for upgrading infrastructure.
The CIP is the cornerstone of a government’s Planning, Public Works, and Finance departments and is an important road map used by local authorities to coordinate and prioritize the community’s needs and wants over an extended period — usually four to six years.
It is one of the major responsibilities of a government entity.
Citizen input, as well as the requirements of government support services, are used to assist in preparing the future needs profile.
Each locality has its own process, however, all CIPs are voted on by government leaders.
CIPs only authorize the first year, additional years can be adjusted as needs evolve.
To find out more about your locality’s process, citizens are encouraged to visit their local government’s webpage, attend public meetings and offer feedback.
Current CIP discussions for each locality can be reviewed at the Jan. 28 City of Williamsburg Planning Commission meeting, during the Feb. 25 James City County Board of Supervisors meeting, York County Board of Supervisors during its March 4 meeting and on the City of Poquoson webpage.
