CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Today in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, Judge Norman K. Moon held a hearing in the case of Jason Kessler v. City of Charlottesville. At the hearing, Kessler withdrew his request for a court-ordered issuance of an event permit for August 11-12, 2018 in the City’s Market Street Park. 

The City’s case was presented by John Longstreth and Linda Odom of the firm K&L Gates and was supported by staff in the City Attorney’s office.

“We worked very hard to present the city's case in as much detail as we could,” said Acting City Attorney Lisa Robertson. “Kessler did not give a reason for withdrawing his request, but we are glad that he did, it was the right thing to do.”

The City denied Kessler’s application on December 11, 2017.

“We can move forward,” added Robertson. “He has not yet dismissed the lawsuit, just his request for the court to order a permit.”

The City of Charlottesville has not approved any other permits at this time. We will evaluate the pending event requests for Market Street Park to consider whether they can safely be permitted during August 10-12, 2018.

CITY COUNCIL VISION 2025

City Council Vision 2025 calls for the City to be a leader in innovation, environmental sustainability, and social and economic justice; to be flexible and progressive in anticipating and responding to the needs of the citizens; and to act as the cultural

and creative capital of Central Virginia. There are nine main areas of focus: economic sustainability, lifelong learning, quality housing opportunities for all, arts and culture, green city initiatives, healthy city initiatives, a connected community,

a community of mutual respect and smart, citizen-focused government.