City Mission and Prioritized Goals

Mission Statement

The City of Annandale will maintain and enhance its high quality of life through a strong community culture, diverse amenities, and excellent services. 

Principals that Guide City Decisions

• Inspire community engagement by supporting and encouraging volunteerism, community involvement, and active community organizations.
• Increase operational effectiveness by practicing fiscal responsibility and prioritizing the delivery of high-quality public services.
• Enhance the local business environment by fostering local support for business and encourage economic development activities that lead to a vibrant  downtown and a well-balanced business community.
• Develop and manage a strong parks and trails system that capitalizes on the community’s natural amenities.
• Provide proactive leadership that maintains strong relationships, a collaborative-style, and seeks improvement through technology.
• Ensure a safe and well-kept community for residents and businesses to call home. 

2026-2027 Prioritized Goals

The Annandale City Council approved the following prioritized goals for 2026-2027. These goals are reviewed and updated annually.   

1. Create a DT Business Strategy to increase retail activity downtown and spur economic development
   1. Utilize Community Outreach and Development Director positions to meet with businesses on an annual basis to share ideas and offer opportunities on how the city can support their success with retention and expansion.
   2. Develop electronic tools to share available and/or vacant properties.
2. Support Community Groups and Improve Communication
   1. Develop a Comprehensive Community Plan utilizing apps or chatbot that would allow push notifications to the public
   2. Develop community events calendar focusing on supporting and promoting community groups and institutions
   3. Identify and partner with community organizational needs within the city
   4. Update photos and tools to promote Annandale
3. Continue to monitor codes and tools to combat blight within the City.
   1. Develop tools to educate on the importance of community standards
   2. Monitor rental house licensing and standards for rental units
   3. Review building code information handouts and revise if necessary
   4. Continue to partner with DEED for grant opportunities
4. Develop strategies to provide emphasis on public safety and positive influences in the community.
   1. Support public events including Fire Prevention and National Night Out
   2. Promote positive policing contacts
   3. Monitor traffic and intersections proactively for safety concerns
   4. Develop public camera plan
   5. Continue to monitor multi-purpose vehicle use in town
5. Develop planning and standards for the provision of parks and community recreation opportunities
   1. Update City parks plan and prioritize projects for possible grant and funding opportunities
   2. Identify trail expansion – specifically as Lake John corridor develops
   3. Work with local community groups regarding best uses of community donations - specifically, the Lions for work projects
6. Develop long-range planning for transportation and land use
   1. Develop transportation plan
   2. Update Comprehensive Plan by 2030
   3. Plan for Business Park Expansion
   4. Review zoning and subdivision ordinances to ensure they are development friendly and meet standards of the city
   5. Review parking lots at city facilities and public areas with focus on handicap spaces to meet required needs
7. Focus on Public Art Opportunities and city aesthetics
   1. Focus on gateways to city and/or downtown (Roundabout)
   2. Review grants and community partners to install additional public art
   3. Look at signage in town for a cohesive look