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Albemarle County Community Digest
March 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 | | |
Let's Talk About Local Government and the Recommended FY27 Budget
We’re grateful to everyone who has joined us so far for this year’s Community Budget Town Hall Events. Thank you to our residents, staff, and community partners for your engagement, thoughtful questions, and participation.
There is still one more opportunity to be part of the conversation THIS WEEK:
📍 Thursday, April 2, from 6 - 8 pm – Albemarle High School
Be sure to add this event to your calendar.
Come learn about how budget priorities shape the year ahead, the services we provide, and how local government works.
🕕 6 pm – Open House
Connect with department staff and explore programs, services, and projects
🕡 6:30 pm – Budget Presentation
Hear from the County Executive on the FY27 budget, including priorities and revenue outlook, followed by Q&A
Childcare will be provided at each event, with Parks & Recreation staff offering safe, engaging activities for children during the program.
We hope to see you this week at our final Community Budget Town Halls for this year! If you're unable to attend this last town hall meeting or if you missed the previous events, be sure to visit the Engage Albemarle page to view the video presentation by our County Executive, Jeff Richardson. Still have questions? Contact our Community Engagement Team.
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FREE Disaster Preparedness Training Signup is Now Available
Join the FREE Disaster Preparedness Training hosted by CUA911 in collaboration with the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Learn about regional hazards, preparedness steps, mitigation techniques, and how to become a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member.
The event takes place on Wednesday, April 22, at 6 pm at the Albemarle County Office Building, 1600 5th Street, Charlottesville. Space is limited to 25 attendees—sign up now online today or learn more about CUA911.
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Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD): Prescription Drug Take Back Day, April 25
The Albemarle County Police Department, in partnership with Sentara, Wegmans, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will have four drop-off locations for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, from 10 am to 2 pm.
Any unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications, vape pens, and e-cigarettes will be accepted. Medical sharps in a puncture-proof container (like a laundry detergent bottle) will be accepted at the Sentara locations only. Please remove any identifying information from medication bottles. Medical waste from commercial organizations will not be accepted. Following the event, all medications will be safely destroyed by ACPD, and all sharps will be handled by Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital.
New in 2026! At the main hospital location, a pharmacist will collect unopened, unexpired prescription medications in their original manufacturer packaging. All medications the pharmacist approves and collects will be redistributed to individuals in need.
This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Drop-off locations:
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**Wegmans (100 Wegmans Way, Charlottesville, VA 22902)
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*Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, Phillips Cancer Center Entrance (500 Martha Jefferson Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22911)
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*Sentara Crozet Family Medicine (1646 Park Ridge Drive, Crozet, VA 22932)
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*Sentara Forest Lakes Family Medicine (3263 Proffit Road, Suite 201, Charlottesville, VA 22911)
*Drive-thru event.
**No medical sharps accepted.
| | Albemarle County Parks and Recreation (ACPR) Updates | | |
32nd Annual Kids Fishing Day
It’s time for another fun year of fishing for kids! Calling all kids 12 and under for the 32nd Annual Kids Fishing Day on Saturday, April 25, from 9 am - 12 pm at Mint Springs Valley Park. We hope to see you there, and don't forget to add this event to your calendar.
The lakes will have limited access to event participants only during the event and will reopen to the general public for fishing at 12 pm on April 25. At that time, all state fishing regulations will apply. Please also note that, due to a construction project on the middle dam, this year’s event will be held only at the upper “swim” lake. During construction, the upper lake will remain open, but water levels will be temporarily lowered, and some areas and portions of trails may be closed. For your safety, please do not enter these areas during construction and follow all posted signage.
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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.
Reminder: 🛟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. Feel free to share this opportunity with others who might want to apply. It’s never too early to apply! Please share this opportunity with others who might be interested!
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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.
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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, April 14, 2026 | 6:15 pm
- Tuesday, May 12, 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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Upcoming Household Hazardous Waste (HHW), 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 upcoming 2026 Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Days will be Saturday, April 11 (e-Waste) from 9 am - 3 pm, and require advance online registration, which is currently full. You can, however, still sign up online for the e-Waste registration waitlist. The next dates for HHW days are Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, from 9 am - 3 pm.
Additional Special Collection Days are coming up soon, running 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, April 25 – Furniture and mattresses
- Saturday, May 2 – Appliances
- Saturday, May 9 – Tires
To learn more about which specific items are accepted for each date and to view details for Commercial Hazardous Waste Collection Days, visit rivanna.org/hhw.
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Facilities and Environmental Services (FES) and ACPR Project Update
Mint Springs Valley Park (MSVP) Middle Dam Construction In Progress
Construction on the middle dam at Mint Springs Valley Park is in progress and will continue through December 2026. During this time, Middle Lake will be fully drained and closed to the public for major infrastructure improvements, including spillway construction and vegetation removal. The upper lake will remain open, but water levels will be temporarily lowered, and some areas and portions of trails may be closed. For your safety, please do not enter these areas during construction and follow all posted signage.
Contract crews will be on site working in designated areas. We appreciate your patience and understanding as these important improvements are completed to keep the park safe and enjoyable for all.
| | People & Project Spotlights | | |
Yancey Community Center – Two Event Recaps and Impacts: Second Graders Visit Yancey and Community Clean-Up in Southern Albemarle
Throughout this month and into this year, Yancey Community Center will welcome 1000 2nd graders from 15 Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) to see a community center in action and learn about the services it provides to our neighbors. We’re halfway to this number, and the images below (Images 1-2) are from seven schools that have visited this month so far. The remaining eight schools will visit after spring break. The field trips include hands-on activities with our agency programs, and activities ranging from exploring surrounding nature and walking trails at Simpson Park, identifying trees along the path, to the thrill of planting radishes as a learning activity in association with the Yancey Community Garden, all before lunch, and play on the playground.
Earlier this month, along with the community at large, Yancey also conducted its sixth annual Southern Albemarle Community Roadside Trash Cleanup. 30+ volunteers of all ages from Scottsville, Keene, Chestnut Grove, Porters-Esmont, and Scottsville Elementary School helped clean up roadside litter. We had 35 volunteers from Scottsville, Keene, Chestnut Grove, Porters-Esmont, and Scottsville Elementary School. Together, we collected about 80 bags this year that counted toward the VDOT Adopt-A-Highway/AAH Program (Pictured below, Images 3-4). Ed Brooks, Parks and Recreation Community Engagement Program Manager, led the charge to organize these initiatives, with support from a host of staff and community volunteers. Thanks so much to everyone who participated and supported these important initiatives!
| | Image 1 - Ed Brooks welcoming ACPS second graders to Yancey. | | Image 2 - Learning activity with students in Yancey gymnasium. | | Image 3 - Esmont family volunteering in roadside clean-up. | | Image 4 - Chestnut Grove clean-up volunteer collecting litter bags. | | |
Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR): A New Ladder Truck has Joined ACFR
Truck 11 will help crews reach higher places, operate more safely, and better protect homes and businesses across the county. Before it went into service, our firefighters completed focused training to ensure it would be used safely and effectively. We’re excited to add this new resource to our fleet and continue serving our community.
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The Fiscal Year 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.
FY 27 Budget Public Hearings
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Wednesday, April 15 | 6 pm - Board’s Proposed Budget and Calendar Year 2026 Tax Rate
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Wednesday, April 22 | 5 pm - Board approves and appropriates FY27 Budget and Sets Tax Rates
Remaining FY 27 Budget Work Session
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Wednesday, April 1 | Work Session #5 | 3 pm
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2025 Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) Annual Report
The Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) is proud to share its 2025 Annual Report, a reflection on the department’s efforts and accomplishments over the past year. This report provides an in-depth look at our work to enhance public safety, build community partnerships, and modernize policing in Albemarle County.
From key enforcement initiatives to community outreach, officer recognition, and departmental advancements, the 2025 Annual Report highlights the dedication of our officers and staff. As we continue to evolve and grow, we remain committed to serving and protecting our community with professionalism and integrity. We invite you to explore the report and learn more about ACPD's initiatives, operations, and commitment to public safety.
📘 Read the full report at albemarle.org/police.
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Renew Your Real Estate Tax Relief by April 1, 2026
Albemarle County offers real estate tax relief to elderly and/or permanently disabled persons. If you received tax relief last year, you must file your application or certification renewal by Wednesday, April 1 to determine your eligibility prior to the June 25, 2026, real estate tax bills. You may qualify if:
- You were the owner of record as of January 1, 2025
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As of December 31, 2025, you were either (a) at least 65 years of age and/or (b) certified as totally and permanently disabled and
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Your combined total income (from all sources) for 2025 was no more than $100,650 and
- The combined total net worth of you and your spouse did not exceed $321,000 as of December 31, 2025
If you have any questions or would like assistance completing your certification form or your application, contact Albemarle County's Finance and Budget Department:
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April 21, 2026 Special Election: Early In-Person Voting is Happening Now
If you haven’t already, register to vote and create a voting plan for the upcoming April 21, 2026, Special Election. Early in-person voting for this election is happening now and runs through Saturday, April 18, at the Albemarle County Office Building (Conference Room B), 1600 5th Street Extended in Charlottesville.
Early voting hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm, with additional Saturday voting available on April 11 and April 18 from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Registered Albemarle County voters may also choose to vote by mail or vote at their polling place on Election Day, Tuesday, April 21, when polls will be open from 6 am to 7 pm.
The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is April 10 at 5 pm, and the voter registration deadline is April 14. Mail ballots must be returned by 7 pm on Election Day and may be mailed back using the prepaid envelope or dropped off at the secure drop box at the front entrance of the County Office Building. Get your mail-in ballot application today.
Click here to learn more about how to vote in the upcoming election and to view all your options for casting your vote. Read the latest Elections email to also learn more about the April 21 Special Election.
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Reminder: Burn 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 that 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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