Updates from the Office of Economic Development

Local Buildings Recognized

Several new City building projects were recently recognized with awards by state and national groups. The Quirk Hotel on West Main Street received an Award of Merit from the Virginia chapter of the American Institute of Architects and University of Virginia University Hospital Expansion received an Award of Honor from the same group. Dairy Central, a mixed use project that brought a food hall, event space and Class A office space to the City in 2020, received the LEED Silver designation from the U.S. Green Building Council for sustainability efforts used in the Dairy Phase 1 adaptive reuse project. Congratulations to all.

Brazos Tacos is Expanding

The popular downtown taco spot is expanding and adding a second location at Barracks Road Shopping Center this spring. The new location, in the former Brix restaurant, will offer full service with a large outdoor space and the same menu that locals and visitors have come to enjoy.

Second Street Gallery Receives Grant

Second Street Gallery was one of four non-profits that was awarded grant money by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation (CACF).  The Smith Family’s Prana Fund awards grants to support local projects that integrate the visual or performing arts and the environment. All recipients of the grant incorporate hands-on learning and a multi-disciplinary approach in a joyful, creative way.  Congratulations on the grant award!

DJC Participates in Thomas Jefferson Area CIT Meeting

The Downtown Job Center recently participated in the area police departments’ joint monthly Thomas Jefferson Area Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) meeting. This group of police personnel is dedicated to providing specific care for individuals who have heightened mental health needs while navigating throughout the community. The group consists of police officers and staff from the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the University of Virginia. In addition to the Downtown Job Center, other participating agencies and community partners include Home To Hope, OAR, Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail, Region Ten, Charlottesville Department of Social Services, Albemarle County Department of Social Services, UVA ER Department, the Albemarle Charlottesville Magistrates Office, PACEM, The Haven and various other local partners. 

Upcoming Workshops from CNE

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) will be collaborating with Vernetta Walker, J.D on the Board’s Role in Racial Equity Workshops. Ms. Walker will be instructing company leadership roles on the importance of racial equity. Sessions will consist of four 90-minute sessions from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on: February 2nd, February 16th, March 2nd, and March 23rd, 2022. Applications will be due January 19th. Click here to apply.  

Upcoming Webinars from CVSBDC
CV SBDC is a team of business and technical experts available to listen, advise and assist entrepreneurs, confidentially and free of charge. They offer 1:1 assistance, connection to curated research, access to technical experts and professionals, and timely events and training.

Charlottesville Entrepreneurs & Espresso – January 28th at 8:00 am PREREGISTER

Money & Recordkeeping – January 20th at 6:00 pm PREREGISTER