To position itself to thrive in the new economy, Roanoke adopted the Vision 2001-2020 Comprehensive Plan in August 2001. With more than 2,000 Roanoke residents participating in intensive public forums, surveys and interviews, the city developed innovative long-term strategies for approaching many of its public policy areas. The centerpiece of its new economic strategy is called “Shifting Gears,” which pushes the city to aggressively pursue creative community agenda items such as investing in critical amenities to attract highly skilled workers, developing high-tech businesses and infrastructure, and making Roanoke a livable city for all its residents. The city’s new strategy also emphasizes regional economic development, strengthening the role of downtown, growing tourism, industrial and commercial redevelopment, workforce development, and the creation of village centers as the focus of neighborhood stabilization.