By Mayor Derrick R. Wood
June 24, 2025

Big news, Dumfries: Our future is no longer just something we talk about — it’s something we’re building, together.

Last week, the Dumfries Town Council unanimously passed the Destination Dumfries 2044 Comprehensive Plan — a 20-year vision that outlines how we will grow, protect our heritage, and create opportunities for generations to come.

This moment matters. It’s more than a vote. It’s a clear signal that we are stepping boldly into our next chapter with purpose and unity.

What Is Destination Dumfries 2044?

It’s a comprehensive plan — but don’t let that word scare you. This isn’t just a binder of policies. It’s a community-driven blueprint for how Dumfries should look, feel, and function over the next two decades.

Think:

• A walkable, thriving Main Street
• A reimagined waterfront for families and events
• Affordable housing that fits real people’s lives
• Safer streets, better sidewalks, smarter growth
• Support for small businesses, jobs, and parks

Every page of this plan is rooted in what we heard from you — the people who live here, raise families here, and believe in Dumfries.

Why This Is Such a Big Deal

We’ve seen the momentum building. You’ve seen it too.

You’ve seen The Rose Gaming Resort rising from vision to reality.
You’ve seen the landfill close ahead of schedule, making room for Overlook Park.
You’ve seen us invest in infrastructure, leadership, and transparency.

Now, with this plan in place, we have the roadmap to connect the dots and make it all work together.

“This isn’t just a vision — it’s a commitment to action.”
— Mayor Derrick R. Wood

What Makes This Plan Different?

Many towns pass plans. Few follow through.

But Dumfries is doing things differently. Our plan includes a full implementation schedule, with timelines and action steps already underway. In fact, we’re working to accomplish more than 50% of the goals within the first three years.

We’re not waiting on change. We’re leading it.

We’re No Longer the Town People Drive Through

Let’s be honest — for years, Dumfries was the town people passed on their way to somewhere else.

Not anymore.

We are becoming a destination — a place people are proud to call home, open businesses, and make memories.

We’re going from overlooked to unforgettable.
And this plan makes that transformation real.

Want to Be Part of the Journey?

You don’t have to sit on Council to shape Dumfries.
You can:

• Read the full plan at 
• Attend a Council meeting and share your ideas
• Talk to your neighbors about what kind of town we’re building
• Volunteer, serve, and speak up — because this plan only works if we all show up

We’re not just planning for Dumfries to grow — we’re planning for Dumfries to thrive.

Thanks for being a part of it.

With momentum and purpose,
– Mayor Derrick R. Wood