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Albemarle County Community Digest
August 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 | | | | Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR): 9/11 Stair Climb is September 12 | |
Albemarle County Fire Rescue and Charlottesville Fire Department invite you to the 25th Anniversary 9/11 Stair Climb at John Paul Jones Arena on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 8 am.
Join career and volunteer firefighters, along with community members, as we climb the equivalent of 110 stories, or 2,200 steps, in remembrance of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
This event is free and open to all.
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FY28 County Funding Opportunities for Community Non-Profits
Albemarle County invites local nonprofits to participate in the FY28 Human Services Funding Process, Arts & Cultural Funding, and Community Non‑Profit Capital Request Funding Process. Applications will open on the Wizehive NextZen online platform on Thursday, October 1, 2026, and are due by 11:59 pm on Monday, November 2.
To help organizations prepare, the County will host two live virtual orientation sessions covering all three funding programs, the application process, and an overview of the Wizehive site. Sessions are optional, will include time for Q&A, and will share identical content, so attendees only need to participate in one session. Dates are:
View the Teams virtual meeting details for Session 1 or Session 2 to join the orientation session. Participants may join through a web browser—no Teams app required and a recording will also be available afterward.
We look forward to connecting with you and supporting your organization throughout the FY28 funding process.
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Early In-Person Voting Starts September 18
Register to vote and create a voting plan for the upcoming November 2026 General Election! Early in-person voting begins Friday, September 18, and runs through October 31. Any voter registered in Albemarle County may opt to vote early in person in Conference Room A at the County Office Building on 5th Street. You can view early in-person voting hours for this election on our website.
There are three different options to cast your vote in the 2026 November General Election. You can vote by mail, early in person, or at your polling place on Election Day.
Register by Friday, October 23. Be sure to check your voter status. You can use Same-Day Registration to cast a provisional ballot between October 23 and November 3, if you're eligible to register to vote. However, if you're already registered in a different locality and need to update your registration, you might qualify to cast a non-provisional ballot instead. For more details on eligibility for Same-Day Registration, please contact the Elections Office.
Voters can opt to cast their ballot by mail for the upcoming 2026 November General Election. To vote by mail ballot, you must apply for an absentee ballot by October 23. You can mail your ballot to the Voter Registration Office at the County Office Building or drop it in the drop box at the front entrance to the building. Use the pre-addressed envelope included with your mail-in ballot. Get your mail-in ballot application today.
Click here to learn more about how to vote in the upcoming election and all your options for casting your vote.
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SEAS The Day: Military-affiliated Family Event is Happening Sunday, September 20
2026 SEAS the Day Veterans’ Outdoor Day will take place at Walnut Creek Park on Sunday, September 20, from 12 - 3 pm. This event is open to all military-affiliated families and is hosted by the West Point Society of Monticello, in partnership with Albemarle County Parks and Recreation.
Outdoor activities will include water activities, spin and fly-fishing instruction, a bounce house, games for children, demonstrations, and a 'Touch a Truck' display. Local business organizations that support and provide opportunities for veterans will also be on-site. County staff will also be at the event with outreach materials.
The event will feature a picnic catered by Mission BBQ, live music, and raffles for gift cards. SEAS the Day provides an opportunity to come together and celebrate. Registration is required to attend.
Learn more and register online ahead of the event. We hope to see you there!
| | Economic Development Office (EDO) | | |
Vendor Engagement Opportunity: Reverse Vendor Fair Fall 2026
Our partners at the City of Charlottesville are hosting a Reverse Vendor Fair on September 15, 2026, from 10 am–1 pm at the Carver Recreation Center to connect City buyers with local vendors. This event is open to local County and City businesses, and representatives from numerous city departments—including Procurement, Human Services, Neighborhood Development Services, Parks & Recreation, Public Works, IT, and more—will be available for face-to-face conversations about purchasing needs and vendor opportunities.
Local vendors are invited to register by September 11 using the event webpage here. For more information, contact Madi Alvis at alvism@charlottesville.gov.
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Register now for the BioDiscovery Summit - September 18, from 8:30 am - 8 pm at Irving Theater at CODE Building - The 5th Annual BioDiscovery Summit is an exciting opportunity to explore the future of biotechnology. Whether you're an experienced expert or beginning your path in the field, the BioDiscovery Summit provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to deepen your knowledge, connect with top industry minds, and find fresh inspiration for your work.
Learn more and purchase tickets for this year's event here. To explore more about this year’s BioDiscovery Summit and BioDiscovery’s pitch competition, BioSpark, head over to their website. This year’s theme, “From Spark to Scale,” brings together founders, investors, and industry leaders for a full day of candid conversations about the milestones that shape emerging biotech companies. Caitlin Gearen Frazer, Executive Director of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, will provide a keynote discussion on the expanding role of biotechnology in national competitiveness and security. The Summit will conclude with a special reception celebrating 10 years of CvilleBioHub.
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Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grants - Verizon, in partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a national nonprofit organization that helps fund and support communities and small businesses across the United States, is offering $10,000 grants through December 2026.
To qualify, complete any two eligible courses or virtual events related to support for business through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform. Once completed, you may submit your application at any time during the year, and it will remain active for all monthly selections. Each month, 10 small businesses will be selected. If your application isn’t chosen, it stays eligible for future review. Learn more.
| | Rivanna Solid Waste Authority (RSWA) - Upcoming Free Disposal Days | | |
Rivanna Solid Waste Authority (RSWA) operates a limited household hazardous waste collection site at the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center (SWRC) location. This fall, upcoming 2026 Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Bulky Waste Days for the residents of Albemarle County, City of Charlottesville, and Town of Scottsville can bring specific hazardous waste items to the RSWA Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center from 9 am - 3 pm on Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19.
Electronic Waste Collection Day (for residents of Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville only) at Ivy SWRC is Saturday, September 12, from 9 am – 3 pm and requires pre-registration, but has reached capacity. Sign up to join their online waitlist here.
2026 Bulky Waste Free Disposal Days will be held on the following Saturdays from 8:30 am - 4 pm: September 26, October 3, and October 10.
Learn more about which specific items are accepted for each date. Free Disposal Days are available only to residents of Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and the Town of Scottsville.
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September is National Preparedness Month: Stay Informed and Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
September is National Preparedness Month, and preparedness starts with information. If you haven't already, get emergency alerts straight to your phone by texting ALBEMARLE, CVILLE, or UVA to 226787. It only takes a minute—and it could make all the difference.
Visit cua911.gov/alerts to learn more and manage your alert preferences.
| Albemarle County Parks and Recreation (ACPR) | |
The Fall Catalog for Albemarle County Parks and Recreation is Now Available
Our fall catalog of programs is now available! There is something for every age and skill level in the Albemarle County Parks and Recreation 2026 Fall Catalog, including options like beekeeping (YES, BEEKEEPING 🐝), pickleball, baton twirling, total body fitness, yoga, sports, dance programs (including West Coast Swing AND Square Dance), and more! View the catalog and learn more about class options, times, locations, and additional details. Don’t delay, check out these recreation options today!
Need to reserve a facility for an event, gathering, party or meeting? We've got you covered! Make a facility reservation today.
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Register Now for Albemarle County Parks and Recreation Fall Middle School Sports
Register now for fall middle school sports: Basketball, Tennis, and Cross Country. A sports physical is required to play in all sports.
Our middle school sports program is held at all five Albemarle County middle schools, and homeschoolers are also welcome. This popular after-school program is a partnership between Albemarle County Public Schools and Parks and Recreation. Learn about registration costs, school locations, and more for the fall. Registration is first-come, first-served, and spots are filling quickly, so we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.
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2026 Summer Swim Update
Soak up summer while it lasts! Don’t miss your final weekend of summer swim at Chris Greene Lake Park, operating on weekends only from now through Labor Day, September 7, from 10 am to 6 pm. As a reminder, Chris Greene Lake swimming beach will be open on Monday for Labor Day. As a reminder, Walnut Creek and Mint Springs Valley Park swimming beaches are now closed for the season.
Come unwind and enjoy the lake before the swim season ends. Bring your friends, family, and favorite floaties for a fun-filled farewell to summer. Let’s make it one to remember. Come cool off with us. Don't forget to give your feedback on your experiences at our swimming beaches, if you haven't already. Participate in the 2026 Summer Swim Survey!
Fees for Albemarle County residents are $3 for adults, $2 for children (ages 4-12), and free for swimmers under 4 and over 62. Fees for non-Albemarle County residents are $5 for adults, $3 for children (ages 4-12), and free for swimmers under 4. We now accept credit card payments 💳 in addition to cash and checks! Making payments is easier and more convenient than ever.
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New Riparian Buffer Protection Standards Take Effect September 1
Albemarle County is implementing updated Riparian Buffer Protection Standards beginning September 1. These standards strengthen protections for vegetation along streams, rivers, ponds, and wetlands to improve water quality, reduce erosion, and support aquatic habitats.
The Board of Supervisors adopted the updated standards on June 17 as part of the County’s Stream Health Initiative. The standards strengthen protections for vegetation along streams and rivers and align County regulations with Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.
Property owners must maintain existing native vegetation within protected buffers, though several activities—such as removing dead trees, maintaining existing mowed or paved areas, or creating unpaved trails—are allowed without County approval. Some other activities, unless needed for an allowed activity, include building new structures or clearing native forest vegetation (except for approved agricultural/forestry uses), and removing trees/shrubs for views/sightlines, and are generally not allowed. Buffer sizes vary by location, with larger protections near reservoirs and in rural areas.
For more details and guidance before beginning any work near waterways, read the entire email here.
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Labor Day Office Closure
Monday, September 7 - Our offices will be closed in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Public safety, including Fire Rescue and Police Services, will also operate as usual.
Offices will reopen Tuesday, September 8, 2026, on a regular schedule.
| | People & Project Spotlights | |
2026 Digital Counties Survey Top 10 Award Recipient
We are honored to be recognized as a 2026 Digital Counties Survey winner by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo), part of Government Technology News.
CDG and NACo recognized the County and ranked us nationally in the top 10 in the "Up to 150,000 Population" category, thanks to ongoing, enterprise-wide IT modernization. One major accomplishment was replacing a 20-year-old public GIS map with a faster, mobile-friendly version that gives residents, businesses, and real estate professionals quicker access to property, zoning, and environmental information.
We also rolled out self-service kiosks that let staff pull decades of permitting records in minutes, handling about 40 reports a day while cutting down on paperwork and wait times. Election upgrades, including new poll books and ballot scanners, helped speed up voter check-in while adding another layer of election security.
Center for Digital Government's 2026 Digital Counties Survey honors counties that reflect a continued shift toward stronger technology governance, improved constituent experience, data-informed decision-making, workforce readiness, and the responsible adoption of emerging tools. Read more about the survey and its initiatives.
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Virginia State Police (VSP) - Med Flight 1 Joint Training
On August 15, Albemarle County Fire Rescue, members of the Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle County Emergency Communications Center, and Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad participated in a joint training with VSP Med-Flight 1. Med-Flight 1 is a specialized, collaborative helicopter emergency medical service partnership between the Virginia State Police Aviation Division and Chesterfield County Fire and EMS.
The training gave local first responders an opportunity to learn more about Med-Flight 1’s technical rescue, search, and medical capabilities, as well as how to use those resources during complex or challenging emergencies. The training also focused on how local responders can safely and effectively work alongside the Med-Flight 1 crew during an incident.
Joint training opportunities like this strengthen coordination between regional public safety agencies and help ensure responders are prepared to work together when our community faces difficult emergencies.
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Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) - Resolution of Appreciation for Police Chief Sean Reeves
This month, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors recognized Colonel Sean Reeves with a Resolution of Appreciation ahead of his retirement on October 1. Read his Resolution of Appreciation.
Colonel Reeves has dedicated more than 30 years to public service, including 25 years with the Albemarle County Police Department. During his career, he helped advance initiatives in behavioral health response, officer wellness, technology, community partnerships, and modernizing law enforcement practices. Sin Barreras/Without Barriers also gave Chief Reeves special recognition for his leadership, commitment, and long-term support for the Hispanic and immigrant community through their organization.
We’re grateful for his leadership, dedication, professionalism, and compassion, and for the lasting impact he has made on the Albemarle County community. Thank you, Colonel Reeves, for a career dedicated to serving others.
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Albemarle County Receives VACo Achievement Award
Albemarle County received a Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) 2026 Achievement Award in the Community Development, Economic Development, and Land Use category for supporting extensive public engagement through AC44, the County's Comprehensive Plan, this month.
Learn more about this initiative and the award. Albemarle County was one of 40 recipients recognized in the 2026 Achievement Awards out of 103 submissions.
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FY2026 Strategic Plan Progress Report
The FY2026 Strategic Plan Progress Report underscores our commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents through strategic planning, community engagement, and cross-departmental collaboration. This third year of Albemarle County’s SPEAR report reflects an organization that is committed to high performance and willing to confront areas where improvement is needed. The results demonstrate that, while we have much to celebrate, we are also committed to confronting areas for improvement as we continue the important work of fully realizing the vision of the FY24–28 Strategic Plan.
Our Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap that guides our decisions and actions in meeting the needs of our community. The FY26 findings highlight meaningful progress across core priority areas, including public safety and climate action, workforce stability, community resilience, and economic development.
The report reflects a year of substantial momentum toward long-term goals, strengthened by major investments, improved performance indicators, and continued accountability in managing public resources. These accomplishments are the result of a collaborative approach that unites the efforts of the Board of Supervisors and County staff.
Learn additional details and read the full report, which features all Strategic Plan Execution Analysis and Reporting (SPEAR) metrics and more.
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Civic Access Portal Upgrade & Scheduled Downtime
Albemarle County’s online permitting and licensing portal, Civic Access, is getting upgrades with a modern look, easier navigation, faster applications, and improved mobile use. To complete the transition, the system will be unavailable Saturday–Sunday, September 12–13, 2026. Please submit time‑sensitive applications, payments, and inspection requests before the downtime.
When the new Civic Access launches, you’ll see a smarter dashboard, better project visibility, simplified application steps, flexible inspection requests, and more — all with your existing account automatically carried over. Read this email to learn more.
For assistance, contact Community Development at 434‑243‑7923 or applicationservices@albemarle.org.
| | Reminders: Drought Watch Information, Storm Reporting and Safety Tips | |
Drought Watch In Effect
Albemarle County residents are encouraged to conserve water due to below-normal rainfall across our area. The Rivanna Authorities has issued a Drought Watch for Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville. Our partners at the Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) are encouraging voluntary water conservation measures and the adoption of water-saving practices to help protect this valuable resource.
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Report Non-Emergency Damage to Help County Reports
Albemarle County experienced a strong storm with high winds and hail that caused damage across the region. The Office of Emergency Management is assessing damage across our community to better understand any recovery efforts needed. Every entry to the Storm Damage Report Form helps us build a clearer picture of how this month's storms affected our community. If you experienced significant, non-emergency damage, please take a few minutes to share what you experienced through the Storm Damage Report Form.
Please note that submitting a report does not guarantee a response or inspection from the County. The form is not intended for insurance claims or emergency situations.
Questions about the form? Contact the Albemarle County Office of Emergency Management at EM@albemarle.org. Read this email to learn more about why your report matters. We appreciate your participation.
⚠️ Be Prepared: Storm Safety Tips
Severe weather can bring down trees, cause power outages, and create hazardous road conditions. Taking a few simple steps before a storm can help keep you, your family, and this community safe.
Be Ready:
- Check on neighbors who may need assistance.
- Prepare an emergency kit and keep flashlights and medications on hand.
- Make sure your house number is clearly visible.
- Sign up for emergency alerts at CUA911.gov.
- Keep phones and other devices charged.
- Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Be Safe:
- Bring pets indoors.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
- Keep generators outside and away from doors and windows.
- Slow down and drive cautiously.
- Secure outdoor furniture and decorations.
Report downed trees, debris, or other roadway hazards to VDOT at 1-800-367-7623 or my.vdot.virginia.gov. Report power outages directly to your utility provider. For emergencies or medical needs, call 911.
| | Recap: Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD): National Night Out | |
Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) and the Albemarle County Police Foundation were proud to participate in the annual National Night Out to strengthen the ties between our officers and the community we serve. The community had the opportunity to see the fleet vehicles, talk with different personnel about working in public safety, pick up free school supplies, and more.
We had an amazing turnout with over 1,000 community members joining us for an evening of fun and connection. Together, we enjoyed about 800 slices of pizza, 705 rounds of Putt-Putt, 704 Kona Ice cups, and distributed 230 school supply packs, plus 100 backpacks and lunchboxes, to local students! 🍕⛳🍧🎒📚
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live. Thanks to everyone for supporting this event and to all of our community partners - particularly the Albemarle County Police Foundation for its unwavering support and partnership. We look forward to next year!
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Recap: ACPR- Thank You for an Amazing Outdoor Movie Night at Chris Greene Lake!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a magical summer evening at Chris Greene Lake! Our community came out in full force on August 1 for games, local gov engagement, crafts, free snacks, and a lakeside showing of The Goonies. Families and friends spread out on blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy a beautiful night under the stars, and your enthusiasm made the event truly special.
We’re grateful to everyone who participated and helped create such a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Special thanks also go to our Information Technology Department for partnering with Park and Rec to provide on-site technical support for this event. Stay tuned for more Parks & Recreation events, and thank YOU for being part of what makes Albemarle County such a great place to live and play.
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ACPR Reminder: Have You Taken the 2026 Summer Swim Survey? Please Participate and Share Your Experiences From Your Visit
We value your feedback! The Summer Swim Survey is available and will remain open throughout the swim season.
We'd still appreciate hearing your thoughts. Your input helps us create the best possible experience for everyone in our community.
Take a few minutes to share your feedback—it'll be quick and easy, and it'll make a big difference!
👉 Take the Summer Swim Survey Here. Thank you for being part of what makes our swim season so special!
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Department of Social Services: SNAP/EBT Changes Are Coming Soon This Fall
Have you heard? Virginia is transitioning to more secure SNAP EBT chip cards to protect your benefits from theft and skimming. Once you receive your new card this fall:
> Activate it right away
> Set a secure new PIN
> Lock your card when not in use
> Change your PIN regularly for extra protection.
Your balance will transfer automatically once you activate the new card. All Virginia EBT customers should expect to receive their chip cards by December 31, 2026. Learn more at VirginiaChipCard.com.
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