On Tuesday, Blacksburg Town Council approved a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) outlining 114 local projects at an estimated total cost of $182.3 million over fiscal years 2027-2031.
The CIP is a five-year plan that (1) provides a snapshot of Blacksburg’s current financial condition, (2) forecasts future revenues and expenditures and (3) presents plans for major capital projects.
According to the CIP, Blacksburg’s “fund balances remain healthy and exceed minimum requirements set in the Town’s financial policies.”
Revenues have returned to pre-pandemic levels. “Healthy growth” is expected in revenues from real estate, meals and lodging taxes. “Moderate growth” is expected in other revenue sources, such as the stormwater fee.
Expenditures, including operating and capital costs, are expected to increase with inflation and higher-than-expected construction bids.
“It’s also worth noting that only funds in year one of the adopted CIP are funded and everything beyond that is a projection that may change, i.e. projects can shift around in priorities, lack of funding availability, etc.,” said Deputy Town Manager Matthew Hanratty in an email.
The 170+ page CIP outlines five categories of projects: downtown redevelopment, parks and recreation, transportation, transit and utilities.
Highlights of downtown redevelopment include approximately $11 million for Draper Road streetscape upgrades, such as pedestrian improvements and an outdoor gathering and dining area. Other downtown redevelopment plans include approximately $9 million for a two-deck parking garage on Progress Street and approximately $450,00 for an ADA-accessible, two-stall public restroom facility between College Avenue and Roanoke Street. All three of these downtown projects are expected to be completed in 2029.
Parks and recreation plans include approximately $10 million to renovate existing athletic fields. The field upgrades will be prioritized based on public input, with the entire project expected to span 2027-2029. Other parks and recreation plans include approximately $1 million to improve Heritage Park with restrooms and an additional bridge to create a looped trail, with an expected end date of 2031. In addition, approximately $5 million will be used to continue the Meadowbrook Trail and paved parking construction through 2032.
Transportation plans include approximately $8 million to improve the Clay Street roadway and sidewalks. The extensive project involves widening the road for bicycling, adding sidewalks and constructing a drainage network. The project is currently underway and expected to end in 2031.
Transit plans include $24 million to replace and expand the town’s bus fleet on a continuing basis. Also on a continuing basis is the plan to expand electric bus charging infrastructure with $5 million.
Utilities plans focus on maintaining and improving existing water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure. For example, approximately $5.5 million will be used to improve sewers on Harding Avenue between Patrick Henry Drive and Harding Elementary School. The project is expected to be completed in 2028.
Overall, the CIP integrates the town council strategic goals, the comprehensive plan and the budget. The CIP was introduced to the town council on December 9, 2025, and a public hearing was held at the regular town council meeting on January 13, 2026.