Attractive community appearance and cleanliness - One of the characteristics of Blacksburg that residents and visitors recognize on a daily basis is the cleanliness and appearance of the Town. The citizens place a high priority on beautifying their environment through landscaping, plantings in median strips, hanging baskets downtown, street sweeping, washing of downtown sidewalks, and well maintained homes and businesses. Open Government - The Blacksburg community prides itself on the level of citizen input and community involvement. Key issues facing the town are evaluated in meetings that are open to the public. All major public meetings are televised on the Town's public access television station.
Town government works hard to be responsive to citizen needs and to be customer focused.
There are many active civic groups including the League of Women Voters, the Neighborhood Federation, and the Townscape Committee which are active in community affairs. The Town is fiscally sound as demonstrated by, low taxes, a diverse revenue stream, a high bond rating, and reasonable user fees, all of these supporting high quality services. Community partnerships - Many community partnerships have developed and have had a profound effect on community activities and facilities. Town-community partnerships have contributed their resources to projects such as renewing the Lyric Theater, the Hand In Hand Playground, downtown streetscape improvements, and renovations and improvements to the Blacksburg branch library. Partnerships have also provided gazebos in Town parks, lights at soccer fields, and have promoted activities such as the Town Christmas Parade, the annual Steppin' Out Festival, and Fourth of July fireworks.