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 Parks and Recreation (ACPR) Updates

Now Hiring: Join the Albemarle County Team

-Apply by the Friday February 27 Deadline – Director of Community Development: Albemarle County is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Director of Community Development to help lead the next chapter of growth and innovation in our community.

This leadership role will guide the implementation of major policies, programs, and strategic initiatives recently adopted by the Board of Supervisors. The Director will oversee implementation of the County’s Comprehensive Plan (AC44), lead modernization of the zoning ordinance, streamline development processes, and ensure consistent, effective results that serve residents and stakeholders alike.

If you are a seasoned planning or zoning professional who excels at turning policy into action and driving organizational improvement, we encourage you to apply. The application deadline is approaching soon on Friday, February 27 — don’t miss this opportunity to make a lasting impact. Learn more and apply.

-Job Opening for Police Officers: Are you ready to serve and protect the community? The Albemarle County Police Department is actively recruiting dedicated and community-focused Police Officers.

This is another opportunity for a meaningful career in public service. Officers receive competitive pay and benefits, comprehensive training, advancement opportunities, and the chance to build strong relationships within the community. This opening is also eligible for a $5,000.00 sign on incentive. If you’re considering a career in law enforcement, we invite you to explore this rewarding opportunity. Apply online here.

Interested in more opportunities for a fulfilling career serving the community? Discover all current job openings and apply today. Know someone who might be a great fit? Share these opportunities with your network and help us build a stronger Albemarle together.

Economic Development Office (EDO)

Piedmont Pitch - Apply by March 6 to Compete for $15k in Prize Money

The City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development and Albemarle County Economic Development have joined forces to offer educational programming leading to a pitch competition for local small businesses. Entrepreneurs and small business owners in Charlottesville and Albemarle can apply to pitch for up to $15,000 in prize money! 

To be eligible to receive prize money, participants must have an active business license in the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County by July 1, 2026. Learn more and apply at https://cvsbdc.org/piedmont-pitch/ by March 6.

Startup Series by 434 – Free Sessions this Spring

Thinking about launching a company based on your big idea, invention, or discovery? Already started but want to be better prepared? The Startup Series by 434 is a free, interactive program designed to help you master the nuts and bolts of building a scalable company.

Sessions cover incorporation, intellectual property, risk staging, fundraising, and more—grounded in real-world scenarios. Registration online is required to reserve your spot.

Dates: Thursdays – March 5, 12, 19, 26, and April 2, 16 (no session April 9)

Time: 12–1:15 PM

Location: 434 Headquarters at 225 E. Main Street, Downtown Mall

Learn more about 434 and RSVP for upcoming sessions on their website.



Dominion Energy: Charlottesville-Gordonsville 230 kV Electric Transmission Project

Our partners at Dominion Energy is hosting a community meeting in Charlottesville to discuss the Charlottesville-Gordonsville 230 kV Rebuild project, and upgrade to the transmission line between the Charlottesville and Gordonsville substations. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 3, from 5 to 7 pm at the Courtyard Marriott Charlottesville University Medical Center, located at 1201 W Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

Attendees can speak with project team members and ask questions about the planned rebuild and reconductoring of 20 miles of transmission lines. ​ Participants are encouraged to stop by at any time during the scheduled hours. ​ For more information, visit DominionEnergy.com/CharlottesvilleGordonsville or email powerline@dominionenergy.com. ​

⭐💡Ways to Save and Manage Your Energy Bill from Dominion Energy: Did you know there are tools and programs to help you save on energy costs? ​Check out their Energy Savings Finder for related resources, tools, and ideas for ways to lower your energy usage, as well as resources for those facing financial hardship, or might be in need of assistance with heating and cooling. Learn more at DominionEnergy.com/SaveMore.



Announcements

The Fiscal Year 2027 Recommended Budget

On February 25, 2026, County Executive Jeff Richardson presented his Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Recommended Budget to the Board of Supervisors. This was the first step in developing and ultimately adopting the annual budget for Albemarle County. Read more about the FY 2027 Recommended Budget.

Stay informed and engaged during the budget development process. Visit www.albemarle.org/finance to learn more about the process, including the complete schedule, FAQs, and the County’s current Operating and Capital Budget. Community Budget Town Halls will be held throughout the county for community members to attend and learn more about the recommended budget and County services. View upcoming Community Budget Town Hall info and dates here.

FY 27 Budget Public Hearings

• Wednesday, March 4 | 6 pm - County Executive's FY 2027 Recommended Budget and CIP
• Wednesday, April 15 | 6 pm - Board’s Proposed Budget and Calendar Year 2026 Tax Rate 
• Wednesday, April 22 | 5 pm - Board approves and appropriates FY27 Budget and Sets Tax Rates

FY 27 Budget Work Sessions

• Monday, March 9 | Work Session #1 - General Fund
• Wednesday, March 11 | Work Session #2 - General Fund
• Monday, March 16 | Work Session #3, To include School Board presents budget and CIP
• Wednesday, March 18 | Work Session #4, Board proposes Budget and sets maximum tax rate for advertisement
• If needed - Wednesday, April 1 | Work Session #5

Let's Talk About Local Government and the Recommended FY27 Budget

Curious about what local government does, the services we provide, and how budget priorities shape the year ahead?

Everyone is invited to attend the upcoming town hall and open house events with our elected officials, County executives, and local government staff. Read more and add these events to your calendar.

Each event will follow the same format and will include the same information. At 6 pm, we will hold an open house, where you can meet department staff and learn about the services we provide and the projects we undertake. At 6:30 pm, our County Executive will present the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, focusing on the revenue outlook and priority projects. We will have time for audience questions and staff responses after the presentation.

Bring your kids! Our Parks & Rec team will be on-site to provide creative, fun activities for kids at each event.

Albemarle County is committed to accessibility. We want everyone to be able to participate in our community budget town halls. If you need a reasonable accommodation to attend or participate, please contact Tamara Ryan in Public Services Accessibility at 434-296-5841 x3420 or at tryan@albemarle.org at least 5 business days in advance. We will work with you to ensure meaningful access consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

We hope to see you at one (or more) of our Community Budget Town Halls! Questions? Contact our Community Engagement Team.

Biscuit Run Park: Hickory Street Bridge Construction

As spring approaches, construction of the Biscuit Run Stream Restoration project is nearing completion, while the next phase, the Hickory Street Bridge and Trail Entrance, is kicking off. Crews will be working over the next year to construct an approximately 220-foot-long pedestrian bridge over Biscuit Run Stream, with an adjoining 800-foot-long ADA trail and more than 70 on-street parking spaces. 

Biscuit Run Park users are reminded that multiple park trails are closed to the public to ensure safety. Partial street closures are expected along Hickory Street between Southwood and the Covenant School on occasion. Contractors will begin work the week of March 2 and will remove necessary trees prior to April 1. Please visit the project website for additional information.

Facilities and Environmental Services - County Litter Clean-Up Crews Will Be At Work Soon



The County is gearing up for an early spring litter collection effort to keep our community looking its best. Beginning mid-March, crews will work along roughly 360 miles of county roadways to clear away trash and debris that has built up over the winter. This project not only improves the appearance of our roads but also helps protect local streams and waterways from pollution. The clean-up should take about 2–3 weeks, weather permitting.

Please keep an eye out for workers in bright safety vests and drive carefully, slow down, and use caution when approaching these work areas, as they help make our county cleaner and greener.

Daylight Saving Time is approaching on Sunday, March 8!

Daylight Saving Time is on Sunday, March 8, and is a great time for some annual safety precautions. Do you have your safety checklist ready?

• Change the batteries in your smoke alarms.
• Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and check your VIN for safety recalls.

We may lose an hour of sleep but don't hit snooze on these important safety tips.

People & Project Spotlights

County Response During Winter Weather



Winter weather that entered our area in late January kept county departments busy as snow, ice, and prolonged freezing temperatures created hazardous conditions across the community through early February.

County teams began planning for this winter storm more than a week in advance, closely monitoring a dynamic weather system and coordinating snow operations. The Office of Emergency Management activated the Emergency Operations Center, and a local emergency declaration was issued to ensure resources could be mobilized quickly.

Public safety, Facilities and Environmental Services, Parks and Recreation, and Human Services staff worked alongside community partners to support operations and assist vulnerable populations.

Fire Rescue responded to 122 storm-related calls, and Police responded to 84, with many involving vehicle crashes, falls, and disabled vehicles. Crews also handled several complex incidents, including a partial roof collapse caused by snow and ice buildup and multiple technical rescues involving residents, hikers, and pets.

In support of response and recovery, more than 1,100 staff hours were logged across departments, over 5,100 pounds of salt were used at County facilities, and fire crews helped clear ice from more than 50 buses to allow children to return to school.

We thank our community for their patience as crews worked to clear snow and ice and for heeding public safety warnings that helped reduce risk during and after the storm.

Albemarle County Recognized as a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer



The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has recognized Albemarle County as a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer. This recognition highlights some of the work our organization has accomplished as we continue to embrace the power of technology to bridge divides and empower lives through digital inclusion. We are all seeking to make a difference, one connection at a time. This month, NDIA honored all Trailblazer awardees at the conference Net Inclusion in Chicago.

In Case You Missed It

Reminder: Business License Filing Deadline is March 2



The deadline to renew a Business, Professional, Occupational License (BPOL) is quickly approaching. Business owners are required to obtain a BPOL if operating in Albemarle County and can easily renew and pay online at AlbemarleCountyTaxes.org/Business.

There is no fee for payments by electronic check; however, payments by debit/credit card will include a convenience fee. Renewal applications for business licenses are due by Monday, March 2, 2026. Read more about other important reminders related to business filing.

If you have any questions or would like assistance in completing your business filing forms, contact Albemarle County's Department of Finance & Budget:

• By email: AlbemarleCountyFinance@albemarle.org
• By phone: (434) 296-5852, Monday to Friday 8 am – 5 pm

Office of Housing - Community Development Block Grant



Albemarle County has been awarded $2 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to support the Southwood Sanitary Sewer Project, a key step in the ongoing redevelopment of the Southwood Mobile Home Community.

The project will extend public sewer service to 63 existing homes currently served by aging septic systems that are costly to maintain. Once installed, the new sewer lines will be incorporated into the public sewer system managed by the Albemarle County Service Authority, improving long-term reliability and quality of life for residents.

CDBG funding supports affordable housing and community improvement projects and is awarded through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, contingent on funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Housing Project Coordinator Morgan Hultman with Albemarle County will manage the grant and work with Joanne Peerman from DHCD on the project.

Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) - Reminder: 4 pm Burning Ban in Effect

Virginia’s 4 pm Burning Law is in effect from February 15 through April 30 each year. The 4 pm Burning Law bans open-air burning before 4 pm if the fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass which could carry fire to the woods. Burning is allowed between 4 pm and midnight as long as the burner takes proper precautions and attends the fire at all times.

In addition to the state code that limits open-air burning to the hours of 4 pm to midnight only, the Albemarle County code bans all commercial burns (for example, land clearing for development) during the Virginia Department of Forestry's ban of February 15 to April 30.

Learn more about open-air burning guidelines here.

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