Blacksburg Town Council Work Session – June 3, 2026

This work session covered four agenda items: a presentation on stratified policing, an update on retail strategies, an overview of the retail incubator at 414 North Main Street, and a discussion of upcoming committee and board appointments. The meeting was held at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street.

Stratified Policing Presentation

• Blacksburg Police Chief Clair introduced Dr. Rachel Santos of Radford University, founder of Stratified Policing. Dr. Santos explained that the Blacksburg Police Department plans to implement the evidence-based Stratified Policing model through a Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) grant. The framework uses data-driven problem-solving, targeted crime reduction strategies, and community engagement to address local public safety issues while improving accountability and trust. The three-year implementation will begin with internal agency changes, expand to collaboration with town departments, and ultimately include community stakeholders to create a sustainable and proactive approach to crime reduction in Blacksburg.

Retail Strategies Update

• Jen Gregory of Retail Strategies provided an update on the ongoing partnership focusing on downtown revitalization and broader retail recruitment. Gregory shared recent community feedback highlighting downtown’s strong character and walkability, while also noting concerns related to parking, traffic, vacancies, and limited retail variety. Current efforts include facade improvement grants, refreshed branding, and new downtown initiatives. On the recruitment side, Retail Strategies has engaged 55 retail brands, though progress is constrained by longer development timelines and available space limitations, with priority interest in grocery, fitness, wellness, and dining concepts. A unified Blacksburg brand and visitor experience strategy is also in development.

Retail Incubator Overview

• Housing and Community Connections Manager Kim Thurlow presented that the retail incubator at 414 North Main (former Cook’s Cleaners), renovated with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, is slated to open in Fall 2026 under a five-year master lease managed by Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. (DBI), while the Town retains ownership. The facility will provide space for startup businesses, mentor tenants, retail displays, events, and community gathering. Thurlow explained that DBI will oversee operations, tenant selection, and reporting, with rents structured to help businesses transition to independent storefronts. The program is designed to support small business growth and become self-sustaining within three years. A Council tour will be scheduled once permanent power is installed, and the rear lot will be converted into green space for events and public use.

Upcoming Committee and Board Appointment Discussion

• Mayor Sutphin reviewed proposed appointments to fill vacancies on various citizen boards and committees. Statements of interest were distributed, and the Mayor opened the floor for Council discussion. Councilmembers briefly reviewed the materials and noted that additional review may be necessary before final action.

Key Outcomes

• The Council received presentations and updates on all four agenda items. No formal votes were taken; the stratified policing presentation and retail strategies update were informational. The retail incubator overview outlined a Fall 2026 opening timeline, and the board appointment discussion was continued for further review.