STAFFORD — Stafford County Economic Development is beginning a planning effort to revitalize and define the future of downtown Stafford and St. John by developing two unique Downtown Master Plans. This process will bring together the public and stakeholders to guide decision-making and help identify priorities for future opportunities in each downtown.

Stafford residents are invited to join a visioning workshop for the Stafford Downtown Mater Plan. The meeting is set for 4-7 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Stafford County Museum Library, 100 N. Main St. This interactive workshop will feature hands-on exercises, mapping activities and conversations designed to gather ideas and set the vision for downtown.

There is an online survey where people can give feedback on Stafford or St. John at tinyurl.com/Vision-Stafford-StJohn. The survey will close on May 8.

Community input will help identify the strengths and potential opportunities for downtown Stafford and downtown St. John. According to information on the link, this survey will include multiple-choice, short-answer, and ranking questions and should take only a few minutes to complete. There are no right or wrong answers. Responders are asked to share their perspective based on their experience living in, working in, or visiting these areas.

These planning efforts are a cooperative effort among Stafford County Economic Development, its consultant funded by USDA grant funds, Downtown Redevelopment Services, and the cities of Stafford and St. John.