UNIFYING THE GATEWAY COMMUNITIES ALONG THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan - Executive Summary

Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan - Comprehensive Report

County & Regional Meetings

County Profiles

Virginia County Profiles

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North Carolina County Profiles

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Resilience Results

Key Initiatives

Plan Purpose

Blue Ridge Rising is an initiative of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising partner for the Blue Ridge Parkway (Parkway), to strengthen cross-jurisdictional relationships, foster economic development within the region’s gateway communities, and establish a unified regional voice.

The Parkway is one of the most visited units of the National Park System hosting 15.9 million visitors along its ridges in 2021. The 469-mile ribbon of road travels through 12 counties in Virginia and 17 counties in North Carolina, connecting rural mountain communities, towns and cities.

The Parkway generates approximately $1.3 billion of positive annual economic impact to the adjacent communities. The Parkway is a catalyst for promoting regional tourism and is a significant contributor to regional economic vitality.

Blue Ridge Rising will establish a collective regional vision that celebrates our shared culture, protects our unique natural resources, and strengthens the regional economy.

Blue Ridge Rising is made possible in part by two grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

“The Blue Ridge Parkway, the gateway communities, and 16 million annual visitors all depend on each other. We now have all the pieces in place to move forward together.” -Carolyn Ward, chief executive officer of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

Plan Goals

IDENTIFY

Inventory significant regional assets including natural resources, historical sites, cultural experiences, and outdoor recreation opportunities that enhance the experience of the Parkway visitor.

LISTEN

Engage government and community leaders and underserved populations to identify strengths and opportunities within and between Parkway communities to attract more diverse and abundant visitors.

UNIFY

Cultivate a regional coalition and strengthen relationships between gateway communities to connect and further leverage the Parkway and regionally significant assets.

IMAGINE

Inspire a unified and coherent vision that elevates the entire Parkway corridor and gateway communities to generate new resources and opportunities.

ACT

Develop a comprehensive Action Plan that strengthens gateway communities and enhances the Parkway traveler experience.

Plan Process

1 Project Launch

Create a unique plan identity that engages stakeholders and builds excitement. Produce a promotional video that captures enthusiasm about the Blue Ridge Parkway, its gateway communities, and the Blue Ridge Rising initiative. Host a project website that informs community leaders about project goals, opportunities for engagement, and progress.

2 Discovery and Analysis

Review existing local and regional plans that identify opportunities and gaps within gateway communities and the region. Examine economic data including demographic characteristics, business and industry data, visitor trends, and community infrastructure and assets.

3 Community Engagement

Conduct in-person meetings with government and community leaders in each gateway community to share analysis, gather input, and generate ideas. Host multi-jurisdictional meetings to facilitate regional collaboration around key topics. Gather and synthesize input from stakeholders through a variety of tools to ensure that all voices are heard.

4 Plan Development

Identify recommendations for regional and county-level actions that include both short-term economic recovery opportunities and long-term resilience strategies. Highlight actions to strengthen partnerships between communities and foster regional collaboration. Outline strategies to grow travel, tourism, outdoor recreation and related entrepreneurship in the Parkway communities and region.