FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2024
Charlottesville City Council & Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Hold Joint Meeting
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – On September 17, 2024, the Charlottesville City Council and Albemarle County Board of Supervisors convened for a joint meeting, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the shared needs of the region’s residents. With many people living, working, commuting, and recreating across both jurisdictions, ongoing collaboration between the City and County is critical to ensuring seamless delivery of services and opportunities for everyone.
Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade remarked, “Our residents expect seamless services and support across City and County lines. By working together, we’re making sure that our communities are safe, connected, and prepared for future growth. This joint meeting is just one example of how we’re committed to building a stronger region for everyone.”
Albemarle County Board Chair Jim Andrews echoed this sentiment, stating, “Communication and collaboration between Albemarle and Charlottesville is essential for addressing the needs of our intertwined communities. We share so many resources and challenges, we must work to ensure that we’re delivering the best possible services to our residents, whether they live, work, or play in the City or County.”
During the meeting, several important topics were discussed. One key presentation highlighted the work of the Land Use and Environmental Planning Committee, which brings together City, County, and University of Virginia staff, alongside other regional partners to collaborate on land use, infrastructure, and environmental planning. The presentation highlighted the cooperative efforts on topics such as transportation, environmental resiliency, and stakeholder engagement, and emphasized the committee's commitment to equity and inclusion in community development.
The boards were also updated on efforts to establish a Regional Transit Authority, presented by Deputy County Executive Ann Wall and City Transit Planning Manager Ben Chambers. This authority is expected to expand and improve public transportation across the region, making it easier for residents to travel between Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The vision is to create a more connected region where commuting and public transit are more efficient and accessible.
In addition, Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) Director Garland Williams recapped a recent visit to Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, where elected officials and staff from Charlottesville and Albemarle County studied the operations of the City’s Mass Transit District. The purpose of this tour was to gain firsthand knowledge of hydrogen fuel cell transit bus technology and the infrastructure required to implement a pilot program for CAT. The insights gained from this visit are expected to inform future improvements to the local transit system, helping both the City and County enhance transportation options for the region’s growing population.
A partnership report, developed by local government staff, was shared with both boards, highlighting ongoing collaborative efforts. Public safety remains a top priority, with initiatives like the Community Safety Working Group and regional opioid abatement programs showing the benefits of a unified approach to addressing safety challenges across both jurisdictions. Joint police operations and coordinated public safety strategies demonstrate the City and County's shared responsibility to keep residents safe.
Both boards hope to continue holding these joint meetings annually to maintain regular communication and address the needs of the shared community.
Media Contacts:
Afton Schneider
Director of Communications & Public Engagement
City of Charlottesville
434-996-0331
media@charlottesville.gov
Abbey Stumpf
Interim Communications & Public Engagement Director
Albemarle County
434-296-5841 x3368
astumpf@albemarle.org