Albemarle’s success. “We have tremendous parks and lakes around us,” Mayor Michael says.“We have a lot to offer, not just from a lifestyle standpoint but from a business perspective as well. Our community has many opportunities ahead, and we are very intentional about planning for them.” That sense of intention runs through every part of the city’s growth. Guided by an award-winning strategic plan and shaped by strong community engagement, Albemarle is moving confidently into the future, blending the warmth of a small town with the innovation and momentum of a modern city. SMART GROWTH THROUGH STRATEGIC PLANNING City Manager Darren Rhodes explains that Albemarle’s evolution is not accidental but deeply rooted in deliberate planning. “Our council set out a mission and vision through our strategic plan, which we review annually,” Rhodes says.“It is guided by community input, staff expertise, and council leadership.” The plan centers on five key goals: organizational capacity, safety and security, infrastructure, community and economic growth opportunities, and inclusive community engagement. “We develop tangible actions each year,” Rhodes continues.“These tactics become part of the annual budget, so every initiative has a clear path from idea to implementation.” Albemarle’s land use plan, a comprehensive blueprint informed by more than 700 community responses and over a dozen public meetings, defines how the city will grow over the next two decades. “Growth is coming to Albemarle on a historic level,” Rhodes says. “This plan helps us ensure that development enhances our community while preserving what makes it special.” Mayor Michael emphasizes that transparency has been essential to the process.“We do not want to do anything without the public knowing what we are doing,” she says. “Having the community involved from the beginning was very important to us.” A PRO-BUSINESS MINDSET For Lindsey Almond, Albemarle’s Economic Development Director, the city’s success lies in its ability to attract new businesses while keeping costs manageable and supporting local enterprise with ease. “Within the Charlotte region, Albemarle offers lower operating costs, affordable land, and a highly engaged workforce,” Almond says. “We have a pro-business mindset at City Hall. Because all of our municipal utilities are managed locally, we can streamline timelines and keep rates competitive.” The Albemarle Business Center, located just minutes from downtown, has become a cornerstone for industrial and advanced manufacturing growth. “We have ample water and sewer capacity on site, and we are expanding our electrical capacity to 25 megawatts by 2028,” Almond explains. “That 21 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 ALBEMARLE, NC
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