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Albemarle County Community Digest
April 2026
| | | Welcome to another monthly edition of the Albemarle County Community Digest. Thank you for subscribing and being an engaged member of our community! Please share this email with any friends, family, and neighbors who might be interested in staying informed. | | Upcoming Events & Opportunities | | |
Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce: "Stepping with the CEO" – Friday Community Walk | May 1
Join our partners at the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce for a Friday morning outdoors on the go, complemented by an impactful conversation. The next free, monthly session of “Stepping with the CEO” walk is on Friday, May 1, from 7:30-8:30 am at Seminole Square Shopping Center. Led by Chamber President and CEO Andrea Copeland, you’ll have a chance to walk alongside guest walkers Albemarle County Executive Jeff Richardson and City Manager Sam Sanders, exploring Seminole Square, crossing the new pedestrian bridge, and passing through the Shops at Stonefield.
These walks provide a wonderful opportunity to network, build relationships, and enjoy a wellness-focused start to your day. Bring a friend or coworker and be part of the experience—registration is required. Sign up today on their website to reserve your spot!
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Get Ready to Roll into Bike Month in Albemarle County with Two Exciting E-bike Demo Events!
This year, join us to celebrate Bike Month with two electric bike demonstrations and get a taste of the ease and excitement that e-bikes bring to every ride!
Monday, May 11, from 6:15–8 pm at Hollymead Elementary School: Look for us in the bus loop on the north side of the parking lot. If it rains, we'll see you on Tuesday, May 12.
Tuesday, May 19, from 4:30–6:30 pm at the McIntire Road County Office Building: We'll be in the middle parking lot near the electric vehicle chargers. If it rains, we'll see you on Thursday, May 21.
At both events, you’ll discover a wide variety of e-bikes and connect with enthusiastic owners and micromobility fans who are passionate about this mode of transportation.
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking to try something new or a curious beginner interested in learning more about electric bikes, these demos provide a great chance to explore and test different styles and brands. Local bike shops, including Blue Ridge Cyclery and Endeavor Cycles, will also be participating.
Come out and explore, ask questions, and ride something new! You must be 16 years old or older to ride.
Looking for more festivities to enjoy this Bike Month? Check out bikecville.com for a full calendar of rides, clinics, challenges and more!
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Get Engaged - Join us at the How-To-Festival: May 2
On Saturday, May 2, from 10 am - 1 pm, our public engagement team will be on-site at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library (JMRL) Central Branch.
The How-To Festival is a free drop-in library takeover event, both inside and outside, at the Central Branch. This fast-paced festival offers short presentations and demos on a variety of topics, including 18th-century textile spinning, cooking, woodworking, making a leather bag, and more. Did we mention there will also be friendly llamas you can visit with? There will be llamas! 🦙🦙 All ages are welcome. Albemarle County's engagement team will be on hand to share how to Get Engaged in Local Government.
Learn more about this event on JMRL's website.
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Save the Date: Charlotte Humphris Park Community Meeting - May 11
📅 You’re invited to join us on May 11 from 6 – 8 pm at Albemarle High School (Media Center) to see the proposed design for improvements to Humphris Park. This effort is part of Albemarle County’s commitment to expanding access to parks and trails in our community—and your input matters!
At the meeting, you can:
- Hear about the project’s background, goals, and design ideas
- Explore the site plan and proposed features
- Connect with project staff and learn how the design has evolved
Learn more: engage.albemarle.org/humphris and add this event to your calendar. We hope to see you there. Be sure to bring your questions and ideas!
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Economic Development Office: Information and Opportunities
Did You Know? Economic Development Week is May 4 – 8!
Economic Development Week is May 4 – 8, and Albemarle County is joining communities across Virginia to highlight the vital role economic development plays in our quality of life. In Albemarle County, economic development supports a diverse local economy, helps businesses grow, strengthens our workforce, and expands the commercial tax base that funds schools, public safety, parks, and essential services. It’s also about fostering vibrant places, supporting small businesses, encouraging innovation, and ensuring that residents have access to good jobs close to home.
Economic development isn’t just about business; it’s about building better communities, and Economic Development Week is an opportunity to recognize how thoughtful, long‑term economic development helps keep Albemarle County thriving!
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Piedmont Ascent Business Conference is happening June 3 - Registration is Open
The Piedmont Ascent Business Conference is a new initiative designed to support business owners and entrepreneurs on their journey to success. Organized by the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC), the City of Charlottesville, and Albemarle County's Economic Development offices, this inaugural event will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 10 am - 5 pm at The Bolick Center at Piedmont Virginia Community College.
Attendees will gain practical, actionable insights through expert‑led sessions focused on marketing and sales, including customer discovery, paid advertising, social media algorithms, AI and marketing automation, and effective strategies for marketing on a budget. The day also features dedicated networking opportunities and a live pitch competition showcasing local founders.
Purchase tickets through the CVSBDC website to secure your spot at the Piedmont Ascent conference today. Take advantage of early-bird pricing through April 30; tickets are currently $20. Beginning May 1, tickets increase to $25.
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Current Job Openings: Join the Albemarle County Team
Communications & Public Engagement Intern (Temporary, Summer 2026)
Our Office of Communications and Public Engagement (CAPE) is hiring a full-time, temporary summer intern ($20/hour, 40 hours/week, from June–August 2026). This role offers hands-on experience in community outreach, content creation, and public communications, including supporting events, managing social media and newsletters, and helping develop campaigns and materials. Applicants should be current or recent undergraduate/graduate students (preferably in communications, marketing, or a related field) with strong writing skills, basic design experience, and an interest in public service. A valid driver’s license is required. Learn more and apply by May 12, 2026 at albemarle.org/jobs.
Lead Accountant (Full-Time)
The Department of Finance and Budget is seeking a Lead Accountant to manage complex accounting operations, financial reporting, and audit processes. This full-time, position involves overseeing reconciliations, supporting audits, improving financial systems, and supervising accounting staff. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years of accounting experience with strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles and financial reporting. Learn more about this opening and apply by May 8, 2026.
Finance and Budget is also seeking a full-time Sr. Revenue Tax Specialist to handle tax billing, payment processing, and customer inquiries. This role involves working directly with the public to resolve tax inquiries, processing payments, ensuring accurate records, and supporting compliance with state and local tax laws. Candidates should have an associate’s degree (or equivalent) and at least 2 years of relevant experience in billing, collections, or finance. Learn more and apply by May 13, 2026.
We also have additional career opportunities and more seasonal paid internships (closing soon) that support and enhance the quality of life in Albemarle County for our residents. View all the current job openings and apply today. Know someone who might be interested? Share this information with your network!
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Solarize Virginia
For a limited time each year, residents and businesses within the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC’s) nine-county service area can take advantage of competitive rates and financing mechanisms designed specifically for solar energy systems.
If you’ve been thinking about installing solar panels on your home, farm, or business, this is a great opportunity to learn more. This campaign is a cooperative program with PEC and the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), and participating municipal governments. The 2026 Solarize campaign runs from April 15 to July 15.
Visit the Solarize Piedmont webpage and fill out the interest form to get a free assessment to determine if your home is a good candidate for solar power. Solarize Virginia via LEAP is also offering free informational webinars on May 28 or June 10; signups are online at solarizeva.org/events. For more information or to sign up, visit www.solarizeva.org.
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Energy Resource Hub
Have you visited The Energy Resource Hub yet? If not, check it out! The Energy Resource Hub connects homeowners, renters, and businesses in Charlottesville and Albemarle County with energy-saving rebates and incentives. It helps community members leverage millions of dollars of funding for climate action, not only reducing our emissions but also lowering energy costs.
Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville, in partnership with Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) and Community Climate Collaborative (C3), launched the Energy Resource Hub in 2025. This important resource tool supports climate action for our community members. Visit the website at energyresourcehub.org to learn more.
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Information Session: Learn How to Become A Foster Parent
Community Attention Foster Families (CAFF) is looking for caring individuals and families in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and surrounding areas to open their hearts and homes to children in need—especially older youth and teens. If you've ever thought about fostering, now is the perfect time to learn more!
Attend a virtual information session to explore this rewarding opportunity and take the first step toward becoming a foster parent.
📅 Upcoming Information Sessions (via Zoom):
- Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 6:15 pm
- Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 6:15 pm
- Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | 6:15 pm
📌 Register here: https://www.charlottesville.gov/260/Become-a-Foster-Parent
For more information, call 434-970-3735 or email caffinquiries@charlottesville.gov. If you can’t attend on these dates, contact CAFF, and they will work to accommodate your schedule.
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Senior Safety Day: May 9 at The Center at Belvedere
Our partners at The Center at Belvedere are holding a Senior Safety Day on Saturday, May 9, from 9 am to 1 pm. At the event, resources and presentations will be provided to help keep seniors safe. Along with presentations about fraud, falls, home safety, and other topics, there will be representatives from 20+ organizations, including staff from both the Albemarle County Police Department and Albemarle County Fire Rescue. There will be information on physical, financial, mental, legal, and safety issues, among others, that can impact seniors. View presentation times and the detailed schedule here.
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Rivanna RiverFest: Saturday, May 9
Rivanna RiverFest kicks off Saturday, May 9, from 2:30 - 9 pm. Activities range from interactive games to nature scavenger hunts and more! There will be food, drink, music, and fun.
Be sure to visit County staff at the Rivanna Stormwater Education Partnership table with games (for all ages) to learn about how we all can take part in reducing stormwater pollution! Learn more and check for future updates at RivannaRiver.org/Rivanna-RiverFest.
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Upcoming Special Collection Days
Rivanna Solid Waste Authority (RSWA) operates a limited household hazardous waste collection site at the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center (SWRC) location. This spring, the 2026 Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Days run from 8:30 am to 4 pm. These events are only open to residents of Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and the Town of Scottsville:
- Saturday, May 2 – Appliances
- Saturday, May 9 – Tires
To learn which specific items are accepted for each date and to view details on Commercial Hazardous Waste Collection Days, visit rivanna.org/hhw.
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The Latest GIS Viewer Maintenance is Complete - New Enhancements Now Available
The updated GIS Viewer is now live, offering a more intuitive design and a range of new features to improve how users explore and interact with mapping data. Enhancements include a cleaner interface, a streamlined Parcel Pane, expanded map tools (including historical aerial imagery), and new capabilities such as saving parcel reports, exporting filtered data, and accessing EagleView imagery. Users can also take advantage of three new tools—Coords, Places, and Profile—along with improved mobile performance. Read more about all the updates at albemarle.org and explore the updated viewer at www.albemarle.org/gisviewer.
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Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD): Community Alert – Suspicious Activity: Impersonation of
Dominion Energy
The Albemarle County Police Department has received reports of individuals going door-to-door claiming to work for Dominion Energy. These individuals have allegedly been advising residents that they must pay a fee to maintain service. The suspects have provided residents with notices (as shown in the sample image) and ID badges featuring the company logo. However, the phone number listed is fraudulent, and ACPD believes the ID badges are as well.
Dominion Energy will never take payments in person. If you have questions about your bill, please contact your electric company directly using their official phone number or website to verify.
If you encounter suspicious activity or feel you have been the victim of a scam, please contact ACPD at 434-977-9041 to speak with an officer.
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Upcoming Office Closure Information
Friday, May 1, from 12 - 5 pm - Local government offices, with the exception of the public safety and the Business Tangible Personal Property (BTPP) tax unit of the Office of Revenue Administration, will be closed this Friday, May 1, from 12- 5 pm for a public service recognition staff event. Please note that the BTPP tax filing service in Suite 133 in the main County Office Building will operate as usual and will not be impacted by the May 1 closure.
Monday, May 25 - Our offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
Public safety, including Fire Rescue and Police Services, will operate as usual for both upcoming closures.
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Recap - Charlottesville Albemarle Airport: Triennial Emergency Drill Strengthens Preparedness
This month, the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport conducted its scheduled Triennial Full-Scale Emergency Drill as part of our ongoing commitment to safety and preparedness. The exercise brought together the Albemarle County Police Department, Albemarle County Fire Rescue, the Office of Emergency Management, airport personnel, and other local emergency responders to practice coordinating a response to a simulated mass casualty incident.
Training together in this way helps ensure all teams are ready to respond effectively in a real emergency. We appreciate the community’s ongoing support of these important safety efforts.
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Pedestrian Improvements Coming to Albemarle County
Work is underway on two projects aimed at improving safety, connectivity, and access for pedestrians across the county:
📍Commonwealth Drive & Dominion Drive
New sidewalks and bus stop pads are being added to make it easier to walk and access transit.
Timeline: March – December 2026
📍Old Lynchburg Road
A new pedestrian pathway and crosswalks are being constructed, including connections under I-64, to better link neighborhoods and outdoor spaces.
Timeline: March - October 2026
These improvements will help create safer, more connected spaces for everyone who walks, rolls, or rides transit.
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Recap - Financial Literacy Month: Children's Financial Workshop and County Volunteers
Our offices of Public Services Accessibility, Equity and Inclusion (PSA) and Communications and Public Engagement (CAPE) staff proudly supported Mahogany and Friends Foundation’s “Budget DOES IT” workshops with the Boys & Girls Club during Financial Literacy Month in April. Mahogany and Friends Foundation is committed to making financial literacy accessible, engaging, and empowering for kids, teens, and families through storytelling, hands-on activities, and culturally relevant programming.
Our staff volunteers played an important role in facilitating interactive learning stations, games, and practical budgeting challenges that helped youth build foundational financial skills. The workshops offered a thoughtful and welcoming environment for participants to explore key concepts such as needs versus wants, budgeting, saving, and goal setting.
Through this collaboration, PSA and CAPE contributed meaningfully to advancing financial literacy in the community and supporting young people as they grow more confident in making informed financial decisions.
Learn more about Mahogany and Friends: mahoganyandfriends.com.
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2025 Community Report - Now Available
We're pleased to share our 2025 Annual Community Report - thanks to Albemarle County residents for your engagement, feedback, and continued trust. Your involvement helps guide our priorities and shapes the community we serve.
View the full report online, which features images and stories from 2025, and read more about the year.
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Thank You for Participating in Our Community Budget Town Hall Events
We’re grateful to everyone who attended, supported, and participated in this year’s Community Budget Town Hall Events. We truly appreciate engaging with you (our community), hearing your input, and for these opportunities to connect with each other.
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The purpose of these town halls:
- To create an accessible and welcoming opportunity for community members to share ideas, questions, and feedback with the Board of Supervisors and County staff.
- To inform our community about the FY27 budget development process and to build community understanding about several key County initiatives and projects.
If you were able to attend our town hall events, we'd love to hear your feedback. Take the 2026 Community Town Hall: Attendee Experience questionnaire here to help us improve your experience as an attendee and guide our service for future events.
Did you miss participating in this year's events? If you were unable to attend the town hall meetings, be sure to visit the Engage Albemarle page to view the video presentation by our County Executive, Jeff Richardson.
As always, we have many other options for you to get engaged in your community. Visit engage.albemarle.org to learn more about some current projects happening in the county and explore ways you can get involved.
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Recap: Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and staff members from the County Executive's Office, the Albemarle County Leadership Team, Child Protective Services, ACPD's Special Victims and Victim/Witness Units, and other community partners planted pinwheels on the front lawn of the County Office Buildings to bring attention to this important cause. The pinwheel is a national symbol for child abuse prevention.
Child abuse prevention starts with each one of us. Together, we can make it easier for families to access support services and learn how to identify and build on family strengths. Learn tips and strategies to help keep children safe here.
If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, please call:
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Child Protective Services: 434-972-4010 – Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
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Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 804-786-8536 – After 5 pm or on weekends and holidays. If out-of-state, call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at: 1-800-552-7096. Language interpretation services are available.
| | Albemarle County Parks and Recreation (ACPR) Reminders and Summer Camps | | |
Reminder: Darden Towe Park Courts Closure Dates for Renovation Improvements
The Darden Towe Park courts facilities will be temporarily closed to the public for renovations and improvements from now through Thursday, May 21. For your safety, please do not enter these areas during construction and follow all posted signage. Parking may also be limited during court renovations, and thanks for your patience.
The Albemarle County Parks Foundation (ACPF) partnered with Central Virginia Pickleball (CEVA) to fundraise within the community to expand the pickleball courts at Darden Towe Park, increasing the number of dedicated public courts from six to twelve. The Darden Towe Parks Committee approved the project in 2025.
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ACPR is Hiring for the Summer
Summer is around the corner! We’re excited to welcome our community back to the swimming beaches at Chris Greene, Mint Springs, and Walnut Creek Lake Park.
🛟To gear up for the summer, we’re hiring lifeguards (starting at $16.50-$17.50 an hour), head lifeguards (starting at $18.50-$19 an hour), and beach managers (starting at $22.25-$22.75 an hour). If you’re 16+ and looking to earn up to 40 hours a week and spend your summer outside, this job is for you! Learn more about joining our team and view other job openings at albemarle.org/parks. Share this opportunity with others who might want to apply.
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Registration is Available for Albemarle County Parks and Recreation (ACPR) Summer Camps
Parks and Recreation will have a Summer Recreation Camp, an All-Sports Camp, and an Adventure Camp at four locations: Brownsville, Stone Robinson, Woodbrook Elementary Schools, and Walton Middle School. Here are the dates, pricing, and descriptions for each option:
Summer Recreation Camp: This program is for children ages 6 to 13 and includes organized recreational activities, sports, games, contests, arts & crafts, and special events. Dates are from June 15 to June 26, 2026* (*2 weeks, excluding June 19). The cost of camp is a one-time fee ($220) per child, whether you attend one week or both weeks, and includes field trips to Albemarle County lakes for swimming. This program is coordinated with summer school, but participants don't need to attend summer school to register for the camp. Learn more about this year's Summer Recreation Camp and register online at albemarle.org/parks.
All-Sports Camp: This program is also for children ages 6 to 13 and offers a positive multisport experience. Through a variety of sport options, we allow campers to explore and nurture their interest in leadership through athletics. This program is designed to introduce the participants to a variety of sports during the week, with contests and games on Thursday. Dates for All-Sports Camp are from June 29 to July 2, 2026, from 8 am to 5:30 pm. The cost of camp is a one-time fee ($150) per child. Learn more about All-Sports Camp and register online at albemarle.org/parks.
Adventure Camp: ACPR will also have an Adventure Camp this summer at the same four locations. This program is also for children ages 6 to 13 and will focus on outdoor adventures, offering campers opportunities to explore nature, develop skills, and build confidence through recreational activities. We will use the school facilities, school outdoor space, and field trips to Greenwood Community Center, Maymont Park, and Albemarle County and City Parks. Dates for Adventure Camp are from July 6-10, 2026, from 8 am to 5:30 pm. The cost of camp is a one-time fee ($185) per child. Learn more about Adventure Camp and register online at albemarle.org/parks.
Parks and Recreation Spring Catalog is Available
Martial Arts, Pickleball, Dance, Total Body Workouts, Track, Roller-Skating, and Yoga are just a few options offered this spring. Read the catalog and see more class options, and enroll today!
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Economic Development Office - Event Recaps | | |
Exciting Developments in the Biotechnology & Agricultural Sectors - AgroSpheres Welcomes Governor Spanberger at Manufacturing Facility Ribbon Cutting in Albemarle County
This month, AgroSpheres, a biotechnology company founded at the University of Virginia, marked a major milestone with the ribbon‑cutting of its first commercial biomanufacturing facility in Albemarle County. The event drew state and local leaders, including Governor Abigail Spanberger, Secretary of Trade and Commerce Carrie Chenery, and company co‑founders Payam Pourtaheri and Ameer Shakeel, highlighting the company’s growing role in Central Virginia’s biotechnology and agricultural sectors. The new 12,500‑square‑foot fermentation facility transitions AgroSpheres from Research and Development (R&D) to full‑scale commercial manufacturing, enabling large‑scale production of American‑made biological crop protection products such as FUN‑THYME, already used by premium grape growers in California.
The expansion also delivers significant economic benefits for Albemarle County. AgroSpheres has created 35 jobs to date, with more than 50 expected by 2030, and anticipates $25 million in investment. Supported by state and local partners, the project showcases the region’s ability to grow University of Virginia-born technologies into high‑impact companies that strengthen the local life sciences cluster and contribute to long‑term economic resilience.
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Recap: Panel Discussion – How Peer Cities Are Innovating: Think Tanks, Data, & Coalitional Action
During this year's Tom Tom Festival, County Executive Jeff Richardson joined local leaders and researchers for a panel discussion on how “think tank”–style institutions—inside and outside of government—help cities analyze trends, generate ideas, and translate research into practical action. The conversation explored how data, cross-sector collaboration, and research help communities plan ahead for the future, as well as anticipate change. The session highlighted lessons from peer cities and discussed how regional research partnerships and civic “think tanks” can shape smarter, more resilient communities.
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