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Press Releases

Chatham Rotary Foundation Secures $201,350 Grant to Advance Reimagine Chatham Projects in 2026

The Chatham Rotary Foundation is pleased to announce that it has received a $201,350 grant from a local Trust to continue advancing the community projects launched over the past two years through the Reimagine Chatham initiative.

The grant supports three project areas that began in 2025 and are now ready to move into the next phase of implementation. Planned improvements include the initial build-out of a local walking path and trail system, continued support for local business development and deployment of the town’s newly developed brand, and installation of themed murals in prominent locations.

Special thanks go to Richard Camp, Reimagine Chatham Co-Chair, for his diligent work in drafting and advancing the grant request.

The Reimagine Chatham Steering Committee is now organizing working groups to help guide each of these initiatives. As in past phases of the initiative, this work will continue to rely on a collaborative approach involving civic organizations, local businesses, private schools, and the Town of Chatham. Fiscal oversight will be provided by the Chatham Rotary Foundation, with River District Consulting Group offering support as needed.

The Chatham Rotary Foundation is deeply appreciative of the Trust’s continued confidence in its fiscal management and support for the work of Reimagine Chatham and its many volunteers and partners. The Foundation remains committed to being a responsible steward of these funds and to advancing improvements that benefit the entire community.

About Reimagine Chatham

Reimagine Chatham is a collaborative initiative led by the Chatham Rotary Foundation, Chatham First, and the Town of Chatham, bringing together civic groups, local businesses, service organizations, and community leaders, to enhance the vitality of Chatham and its surrounding areas — from the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex to the Tightsqueeze community.

Implementation of the Reimagine Chatham Strategic Plan is guided by an all-volunteer steering committee, with support from a local consulting firm, River District Consulting Group. The initiative remains committed to transparency and community involvement, ensuring residents have a voice in shaping Chatham’s future.

To stay informed about ongoing projects, track progress, and explore the initiative’s history and evolution, visit ReimagineChatham.org to sign up for updates. Together, we are building a stronger and more vibrant community.

Join Us for the Unveiling of a New Brand for Chatham

The Reimagine Chatham initiative invites everyone who lives in, works in, or simply loves the Chatham area to attend a public presentation of the community’s new brand on Wednesday, October 8 at 6:30 PM at the Pittsylvania County History Research Center and Library, located at 340 Whitehead Street in Chatham.

Branding consultants from Arnett Muldrow & Associates will present the newly developed brand and logo, created to reflect the identity, values, and vision of the broader Chatham community, from the Town itself to the neighborhoods, rural areas, and organizations that define this region.

The presentation will include the new logo, color palette, tagline, and messaging, all shaped through community input gathered over the past several months. This work is part of a larger effort to promote Chatham as a welcoming place to live, visit, invest, and grow.

“This is not just a logo for the Town,” said organizers. “It’s a brand for the entire Chatham community—a shared invitation to help shape the future of this place we all care about.”

The presentation is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to attend—residents, students, visitors, business owners, or anyone who feels connected to the Chatham area.

About Reimagine Chatham

Reimagine Chatham is a collaborative initiative led by the Chatham Rotary Foundation, Chatham First, and the Town of Chatham, bringing together civic groups, local businesses, service organizations, and community leaders to enhance the vitality of Chatham and its surrounding areas—from the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex to the Tightsqueeze community. Implementation of the Reimagine Chatham Strategic Plan is guided by an all-volunteer steering committee, with support from a local consulting firm, River District Consulting Group. The initiative remains committed to transparency and community involvement, ensuring residents have a voice in shaping Chatham’s future. To stay informed about ongoing projects, track progress, and explore the initiative’s history and evolution, visit ReimagineChatham.org to sign up for updates. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant community.

Reimagine Chatham’s Local Improvement Initiatives Continue

The summer of 2025 is seeing the completion of several of the initiatives begun under the 2024 Reimagine Chatham Growth and Renewal Strategic Plan. Accomplished with funding from a local Trust and completed last November, the plan has defined a vision for betterments in Chatham and the adjacent area and is being used as the basis for several current projects.

This “implementation phase” of the strategic plan is underway and is being driven primarily by grant funds. As was the case with the plan’s development, the work is being accomplished by a collaborative effort among local civic and service groups and the Town of Chatham. Projects are guided by a steering committee and are being managed with assistance of the local firm River District Consulting. Fiscal oversight is by the Chatham Rotary Foundation, the grant applicant.

Specifically, the summer will see the completion of a feasibility study for a series or walking trails in and around town, the completion of pickleball courts at Harris Field, and a study to define a local brand and marketing strategy. Reimagine Chatham is also partnering with the town to help improve the appearance of the town entrance at Highway 57 West and with paving at Silas Moore Park. Further, Chatham Rotary, a member of the steering committee, is working to add playground equipment at Harris Field.

The trail system will include both existing sidewalks and natural sections made available by the support of Chatham Hall and Hargrave Military Academy, which have offered access to certain existing trails and paths on their respective campuses. The trails will link points of historic and aesthetic interest. Future efforts will focus on development of directional and interpretive signage, improvement of some natural sections, and the development of some new small park areas and trailheads. The feasibility report is available for viewing at ReimagineChatham.org.

The pickleball courts are scheduled to be completed in early August. The facility will include two courts with netting and fencing.

Work has begun on improvements at the railway underpass on 57 West with the clearing of the overgrown railroad embankment slopes. Landscaping and other aesthetic improvements are being planned.

Late August will see the completion of the branding study and marketing plan. Though not as visible as the other initiatives, the branding and marketing plan may be the most consequential for the long-term growth of the town. The study is being conducted by the firm of Arnett Muldrow and Associates of Greenville, South Carolina. They have developed many similar plans throughout the region. Branding will include a primary logo for the town, as well as logo variants that can be used for purposes such as signage, specific events, advertising, business promotions, and any other activity identified with the town. Also included will be a “tag line” or slogan, and recommendations for colors and fonts to provide overall compatibility. These resources will be available for use, within guidelines, by businesses, civic groups, and others for events that publicize and promote Chatham and the adjacent area. The marketing plan will be a tool containing ideas and initiatives for improving the local business environment.

All these projects will require further investments of time and resources to maximize their potential for improving our town. Reimagine Chatham will be helping lead efforts to put in place the structure and processes to continue to move these and other betterments forward. You can stay up to date by following Reimagine Chatham on Facebook and signing up for email bulletins at ReimagineChatham.org. By staying informed, you will have the opportunity to shape future projects that have an impact on our town.

Press Release: Help Shape the New “Brand” for Chatham

Chatham, VA – March 31, 2025 — Reimagine Chatham, a collaborative effort led by the Chatham Rotary Foundation, Chatham First, and the Town of Chatham, is excited to announce the launch of a new project to develop a graphic identity and marketing strategy for Chatham and its surrounding area. This branding effort will highlight the unique assets of the region and promote it to residents, visitors, and potential investors. The project will begin with a public meeting on April 8 at 6:00 PM at the [original location] Pittsylvania County History Research Center and Library, located at 340 Whitehead Street, Chatham [new location] Pittsylvania County Community Center’s Gallery Room, located at 115 S Main Street, Chatham.

Community Input Needed!

The Chatham brand will go beyond just a logo; it will encompass a complete graphic identity system, including a style, theme, color palette, typography, and messaging that reflects what makes Chatham and the surrounding area special. This identity will be applied to various marketing materials, including signage, websites, brochures, and more, providing a cohesive and attractive image for the community. We invite all Chatham residents and stakeholders to attend the community meeting to share their thoughts on what makes Chatham unique. Your input will play a key role in shaping the future of the brand for the community.

For more details about the branding initiative, please contact:

About Reimagine Chatham:

Reimagine Chatham is a collaborative initiative led by the Chatham Rotary Foundation, Chatham First, and the Town of Chatham, bringing together civic groups, local businesses, service organizations, and community leaders to enhance the vitality of Chatham and its surrounding areas—from the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex to the Tightsqueeze community. Implementation of the Reimagine Chatham Strategic Plan is guided by an all-volunteer steering committee, with support from a local consulting firm, River District Consulting Group. The initiative remains committed to transparency and community involvement, ensuring residents have a voice in shaping Chatham’s future. To stay informed about ongoing projects, track progress, and explore the initiative’s history and evolution, visit ReimagineChatham.org to sign up for updates. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant community.

Press Release: Reimagine Chatham Works to Implement Area Growth and Renewal Plan

The Area Growth and Renewal Strategic Plan, adopted last fall as part of the Reimagine Chatham initiative, outlined key community actions to enhance the business environment and local amenities. Several top-priority projects identified in the plan are now in progress, made possible by a generous grant from a local trust approved in November 2024. The Chatham Rotary Foundation received the grant and will oversee the administration of funds. These projects will be either fully grant-funded or cost-shared with the town, subject to council approval.

Walking Trails Feasibility Study

Two people stand outdoors, looking at a large aerial image of the town together. They're near the former train depot, a large one-story brick building. In the background, two other people talking, and railroad tracks are beyond a fence.
Reimagine Chatham Steering Committee member Frank Fox and Hill Studio’s Chris Lawrie discuss priority areas for a potential trail during a site visit through town as part of the February 24 kickoff for the walking trails feasibility study. The team is assessing potential routes to enhance walkability and connectivity in Chatham.

One of the most highly requested amenities during the strategic plan’s public input phase was a system of town walking trails. Work is currently underway on a feasibility study to explore potential routes and implementation strategies. The town has awarded a contract to Hill Studio of Roanoke, which developed the strategic plan and has extensive experience in pedestrian-friendly spaces.

The proposed system aims to connect scenic and historic points of interest, with smaller loops providing walkers opportunities to explore the town’s ambiance, history, and culture. This initiative will integrate with ongoing work by Chatham First to develop an interactive town tour.

The study commenced on February 24 with a site visit and town tour led by the consulting team, followed by discussions with the Reimagine Chatham Steering Committee. The feasibility study is expected to be completed by summer 2025 and will assess trail placement, priority sections, and estimated development costs.

Two men standing and talking in front of a wooded area, both wearing casual outdoor attire including jackets and pants. One man wears a hat and sunglasses. Sparse undergrowth is visible around them.
Town Manager Nick Morris and Hill Studio’s Chris Lawrie discuss options for trail development near Harris Field.
A group of people stands in a parking lot, engaging in conversation. It is a clear day. Cars, construction equipment, and trees are visible in the background.
The February 24 feasibility study kickoff brought together Reimagine Chatham steering committee members and Hill Studio to assess potential walking trail routes. This initiative aims to create a safe, scenic, and engaging experience for residents and visitors alike.

Community Branding Initiative

Efforts are underway to develop a coordinated branding strategy for downtown Chatham and the surrounding community, enhancing the area’s identity and visibility. A contract is being finalized with the Chatham Rotary Foundation, in collaboration with the Reimagine Chatham initiative, and Arnett Muldrow & Associates of Greenville, SC, a firm recognized for its expertise in community branding. Arnett Muldrow has worked extensively across Virginia, including projects in Bedford, Altavista, Amherst, and Buena Vista.

The branding process will focus on capturing and promoting the unique character of both downtown Chatham and the broader area, ensuring a cohesive identity that supports business growth, tourism, and community pride. Public engagement will play a key role, with community meetings and input sessions allowing residents to help shape the final brand. Once the contract is finalized, the branding process is expected to take approximately four months.

Pickleball Courts at Harris Field

A plan is in place to construct pickleball courts at Harris Field off Davis Road, expanding recreational opportunities in Chatham. These courts will be grant-funded and administered by the town, with additional details to be finalized in the coming weeks.

About Reimagine Chatham

Reimagine Chatham is a collaborative initiative led by the Chatham Rotary Foundation, Chatham First, and the Town of Chatham, bringing together civic groups, local businesses, service organizations, and community leaders to enhance the vitality of Chatham and its surrounding areas—from the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex to the Tightsqueeze community.

Implementation of the Reimagine Chatham Strategic Plan is guided by an all-volunteer steering committee, with support from a local consulting firm, River District Consulting Group.

The initiative remains committed to transparency and community involvement, ensuring residents have a voice in shaping Chatham’s future. To stay informed about ongoing projects, track progress, and explore the initiative’s history and evolution, visit ReimagineChatham.org to sign up for updates. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant community.

Press Release: Reimagine Chatham Celebrates 2024 Milestones and Outlines Its Exciting Path for 2025

Chatham, VA – January 14, 2025: Reimagine Chatham, a local group created to identify opportunities and address challenges in the area, is proud to celebrate a year of progress and collaboration as the group moves into the next phase of growth and renewal for the community. Since completing the Growth and Renewal Strategic Plan in October, efforts have turned toward Phase 2: implementing the outstanding, forward-thinking recommendations from this community-driven process.

Leading this phase is River District Consulting Group (RDCG), a Chatham-based firm, with John Harris serving as project manager. As a member of the RDCG team, John brings both professional expertise and a deep personal connection to the area. A long-time resident, John is actively involved in civic initiatives and community volunteer work, making him uniquely qualified to guide this effort.

2024 Accomplishments

This year marked several significant achievements for Reimagine Chatham:

  • Completing the Strategic Plan: The Growth and Renewal Strategic Plan reflects input from over 450 survey respondents, focus groups, and stakeholders, creating a shared vision for Chatham and the surrounding areas.
  • Securing Grant Funding: A $146,450 grant from a local Trust was awarded in November, enabling the launch of several high-priority projects. These projects include:
    • Feasibility Study for a Walking Trail: This study will explore options for a designated walking trail, promoting outdoor recreation and connectivity across the region.
    • Town Branding Initiative: Work has begun to develop a cohesive and recognizable “brand” for the area to enhance marketing and public relations efforts, fostering economic growth and community pride.
    • Beautification and Infrastructure Improvements: Projects include enhancements at Silas Moore Park and Harris Field, cleanup and beautification of the Highway 57 West entry point, and landscaping improvements. At the January 13, 2025 Town Council meeting, Council approved Reimagine Chatham moving forward with Construction of a Pickleball Court at Harris Field. The project will be funded entirely through the grant at no cost to the Town.
    • Historic District Revisions: Pending the results of a feasibility study, plans are underway to revise and expand Chatham’s historic district, providing additional opportunities for preservation and economic incentives. At their January meeting, Town Council approved sponsoring the application for preliminary consideration to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to explore the expansion of the Town’s Historic District. This initial exploration phase comes at no cost to the Town.

Meet the Steering Committee

The implementation phase is being guided by a talented and dedicated team of local leaders:

  • Consultant Project Manager: John Harris, River District Consulting Project Manager.
  • Members:
    • Janet Bishop, Town of Chatham
    • Nick Morris, Town Manager, Town of Chatham
    • Phil Mauger, Chatham Rotary Club and local business owner
    • Richard Camp, Chatham Rotary Foundation
    • Joe Rogers, Chatham Rotary Foundation
    • Kathy Ramsey, Chatham First and NAACP
    • Frank Fox, Chatham First
    • Delilah White, Executive Director of Off Season and Owner/Manager of Ry’s Pies
    • Eric Peterson, President, Hargrave Military Academy
    • Sara Stephenson, Rector, Chatham Hall
    • David Mitchell, Bridge Web Solutions

The Chatham Rotary Foundation serves as the grant recipient and has fiduciary responsibility for the awarded funding.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Residents across Chatham and the surrounding areas can expect to see tangible progress on these initiatives starting early in 2025. The projects funded by the recent grant are slated for completion by September 2025, with work focused on enhancing the region’s infrastructure, amenities, and overall appeal.

Reimagine Chatham remains committed to transparency and community involvement. To stay informed about ongoing progress, residents can visit ReimagineChatham.org to sign up for updates and explore detailed project information, including the project history and evolution. Together, we are creating a stronger, more vibrant community.

About Reimagine Chatham

Reimagine Chatham focuses on the Town of Chatham and the surrounding area, spanning from the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex to the Tightsqueeze community. This initiative brings together civic groups, local businesses, service organizations, and representatives from the Town to identify opportunities and address challenges across this vibrant region.

Contact the Reimagine Chatham Steering Committee

Press Release: Reimagine Chatham Reaches a Milestone and Looks Ahead

The collaborative effort branded Reimagine Chatham reached a milestone this week for its initiative to develop a community-wide vision for Chatham and the adjacent area. The consultant firm, Hill Studio, submitted the first draft of the Growth and Renewal Strategic Plan for the town. The work, which began in April 2024, was funded by a grant from a community minded trust. It is being managed by a steering committee led by the Chatham Rotary Foundation and comprised of local civic organizations, with representatives from the town and local businesses. Since that beginning, the committee has sought broad public awareness and input. Awareness efforts culminated with a mass mailing within the study area. While the primary focus has been on the Town of Chatham, the economic impact area ranges from Tightsqueeze in the south to ODAC in the north, and beyond. The draft report utilizes public input gathered for surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews.

Currently, the draft is under review by members of the steering committee. The consultants will present the study results and recommendations at a public meeting on September 11, 2024, at 5:30 pm, at the Old Dominion Agriculture Center (ODAC). The final report is due near the end of September.

The final growth and renewal strategic plan will serve as a basis for local improvements during the coming years. It will contain specific recommendations for improving the local business environment, amenities, housing, and outdoor recreation. All recommendations will be based on an economic evaluation of the local economy so that goals set are attainable within the strategies presented.

With the report on track for completion, Reimagine Chatham is turning its attention to the next phase of the work — implementation. The steering committee structure will be reconfigured, using the same general structure, and the implementation group will begin systematic evaluation and implementation of study recommendations. Currently, members are reviewing opportunities for early-on initiatives identified in the draft report as items of broad interest in the community. These include a possible feasibility study for a town system of walking trails and an evaluation of an expansion of the current designated historic district. A broadened historic district designation will offer economic benefits for development of specific structures within the zone. The current Chatham Lofts, a project which converted the old elementary school into apartments, benefited from being in the current district.

For more information on the Reimagine Chatham initiative from the beginning until the present, go to ReimagineChatham.org.

Press Release: Consultant Selected

Reimagine Chatham is pleased to announce that it has hired a design team to conduct the Growth and Renewal Study for the town and adjacent area. Funded by a grant from a local Trust, the process of picking a company to develop the plan has been underway since early February 2024.

After requesting and reviewing proposals from three qualified firms, the Steering Committee narrowed the field to two. Following face to face interviews, the committee then selected the finalist. The committee voted to contract with Hill Studio of Roanoke, Virginia in partnership with the firm Arnett Muldrow & Associates of Greenville, South Carolina. The contract will be effective on April 29 and the work is currently scheduled to take about six months to complete.

Hill Studio has been in business for 35 years and has conducted over 60 strategic and similar master plans throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Customers have ranged from cities to communities as small as Floyd, Virginia. A notable example of their work is the recent plan for Stuart, Virgina which has brought many positive changes there, including access to grant funding for local development. Arnett Muldrow is a frequent partner with Hill and, though located in South Carolina, has worked extensively in Virginia, including this region. Together, they bring capabilities and depth of experience in planning, architecture, landscape design, historic preservation, economic evaluations, business development, and strategic planning to the Reimagine Chatham effort.

In their response to the RFP issued for the work, the consultants showed a good understanding of the intent of the growth and renewal effort as well as the unique aspects and assets of Chatham. During a driving tour of the town, they described Chatham a “hidden gem” and spoke of the concepts to bring more business traffic into town, such as possible branding and signage along Highway 29. They were quick to identify many positive aspects of the town as well as areas that could benefit from improvement.

The study area is generally defined by a circle with the town in the center, extending south just past Tightsqueeze and north to the Old Dominion Agricultural Center. The first several weeks of the work will involve data gathering and familiarization with the community. Later in the study process, input from the public will be sought. People interested in keeping apprised of progress and information on public meetings can sign up at ReimagineChatham.org. A Facebook page has also been created and will be used primarily to post information and updates from the consultants as the study progresses. Public awareness and outreach efforts will be an important aspect of the study. In additional to digital media, efforts will be made to reach as many people as possible who lack access to the internet.

Press Release #2

As announced in a press release in early January 2024, a partnership of local civic groups has received a grant from a regional trust to acquire the services of a consulting firm to conduct a study aimed at identifying initiatives for growth and renewal in Chatham and the adjacent area. The Chatham Rotary Foundation, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Chatham and Chatham First, Inc. applied for the grant in September 2023 and received notification of an award in early December. Subsequently, the effort has been branded Reimagine Chatham. This press release provides a status report on the efforts to date.

Reimagine Chatham is a collaborative effort aimed at developing the growth and renewal plan for Chatham and the adjacent area based on a broad consensus of community needs, desired improvements, and amenities. The grant is being administered by a steering committee composed of designated members of the aforementioned civic organizations plus representatives of the Town of Chatham Council and local businesses. The plan will be developed by a consulting firm expert in the subject, and the process will involve opportunities for public input to help define the community vision for the future. Once adopted, the study will serve as the basis of future initiatives to develop and implement the plan’s specific recommendations for improving the business environment and quality of life in town.

The steering committee, as presently constituted, is comprised of the following:

  • Joe Rogers, Committee Chairman – Chatham Rotary Foundation
  • Richard Camp – Vice Chairman – Chatham Rotary Foundation
  • Phil Mauger – Treasurer – Chatham Rotary Foundation
  • Frank Fox – Chatham First
  • John Harris – Chatham First
  • Donna Yeatts – Chatham Rotary Club
  • Marilyn Waller – Chatham Rotary Club
  • Langhorne Jones – Pittsylvania Historical Society
  • Janet Bishop – Town of Chatham Council
  • Irvin Perry – Town of Chatham Council
  • Dean Rogers – Local Business, Callands Coffee
  • Delilah White – Local Business – Executive Director, Off Season
  • Deborah Haymes – Local Business, Studio 29 & Pruden and Main

In mid-January 2024, Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) were sent to several firms to ascertain their interest in developing the plan. Responses to those proposals are scheduled to be received by mid-February. Responding firms will be evaluated by the committee, and the hope is to have someone under contract by early March.

As indicated, the consultant will be asked to identify initiatives focused on town growth and renewal. The consultant will evaluate the town and business environments and make recommendations to improve local quality of life. The evaluation will include pertinent elements of the Town’s 2023 Comprehensive plan. During the process, public meetings will be held to offer the opportunity for broad public input into what local citizens and businesses would like to see the town become. Simply put, the objective is to form a consensus vision for the community, specific aspects of which to be developed in the coming years. The final study, which is planned to be complete in late spring 2024, will establish as basis for future initiatives, including grant requests, dedicated toward community improvement based on the past successes of partnerships between businesses, civic groups, and the Town. This type of community teamwork is an objective of the Town’s 2023 Comprehensive Plan which established goals for the town to:

  1. Reach out to service groups to find ways to improve life in Chatham Citizens.
  2. Encourage residents to participate in the Chatham Community.

Though the process is focused on desired changes in the community, an overarching objective is to preserve local shared values, historic character, scenic beauty, and sense of community, yet sustain a prosperous and vibrant economy.

Concurrently, the steering committee is working to provide tools to promote broad community awareness of the effort. A web site has been developed and is live. The site can be found online at ReimagineChatham.org. There, anyone can find basic information on the study and sign up for periodic email updates on progress, as well as opportunities to become personally involved. Also, posters and cards will soon be available within the community. Individuals will be able to scan the QR code on these materials and be directed to the web site.

The Steering Committee believes this is a unique opportunity for our town and adjacent area. It offers a chance to transform the area in the coming years. However, they want to emphasize that this is intended to be a collaborative community-wide effort. Therefore, the committee urges citizens, businesses, civic groups, and town leaders to avail themselves of opportunities to become a part of the process, so that the final effort truly represents a broad community consensus and vision. That involvement can begin at ReimagineChatham.org.

Press Release: Civic Partnership Receives Study Grant

A partnership of local civic groups has received an anonymous grant to acquire the services of a consulting firm to conduct a study aimed at identifying initiatives for growth and renewal in Chatham and the adjacent area. The Chatham Rotary Foundation, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Chatham and Chatham First, Inc., applied for the grant in September 2023 and received notification of an award in early December.

An initial action toward beginning the study will be the formation of a steering committee to select the consultant and to manage and support the effort until its completion. The steering committee will include representatives of the civic groups mentioned above plus representatives for the Town of Chatham and local businesses. The committee will be chaired by the Rotary Foundation.

The consultant will be asked to identify initiatives focused on town growth and renewal. The intent is to include pertinent elements of the Town’s 2023 Comprehensive plan plus evaluate the business environment and make recommendations to improve local quality of life. During the process, public meetings will be held to offer citizens the opportunity to provide broad public input into what local citizens and businesses would like to see the town become. In effect, the hope is to form a consensus vision for the community to be developed in the coming years. The final study, which is planned to be complete in late spring 2024, will establish as basis for future initiatives dedicated toward community improvement based on the past successes of partnership between businesses, civic groups, and the Town. This type of community teamwork is an objective of the Town’s 2023 Comprehensive Plan which established goals for the town to:

  1. Reach out to service groups to find ways to improve life in Chatham Citizens.
  2. Encourage residents to participate in the Chatham Community.

The steering committee has an objective of organizing and soliciting study proposals from qualified firms by early January 2024. Concurrently, they will be working to provide tools that allow the community to be routinely informed on progress and alerted to opportunities to provide input and ideas.