|
|
Albemarle County Community Digest
May 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 | | | | |
FREE Disaster Preparedness Training is Available Now
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 Thursday, June 4, at 6 pm at the Albemarle County Office Building, 1600 5th Street, Charlottesville.
Learn more about CUA911.
| |
|
Economic Development Office
Reminder: 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) and the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County 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; tickets are currently $25.
| |
Charlottesville-Albemarle Black Business Expo - June 20
Charlottesville-Albemarle Black Business Expo is happening, Saturday, June 20, at the Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center, from 9 am - 3 pm. The Albemarle County Economic Development Office is co-sponsoring and attending this vibrant business community event organized by Lifeview Marketing and WTJU. This event is free to attend and celebrates local black-owned businesses. The event will also feature panel discussions on marketing, finance, and technology, as well as a business pitch competition. There will also be dozens of local vendors, community organizations, and live music.
| |
Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) Fall 2026 Entrepreneur Workshop Applications are OPEN - Apply by July 3
Attention aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in Albemarle County! Do you need a supportive space to learn more about the basics of business? Do you want to own your own business, but are not sure where to start? Our community partners at the Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) have a 16-week Entrepreneur Workshop created with you in mind!
Each Tuesday, beginning in August, you'll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from experienced professionals in the area.
Visit cicville.org by Friday, July 3, for more information and to apply!
| |
|
Now Available: The 2026 Summer Swim Survey
We’re excited to announce that our Summer Swim Survey is now available and will remain open throughout the swim season!
Whether you're a regular at the swimming lakes or just stopping by for a few sunny afternoons, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Your input helps us create the best possible experience for everyone in our community.
Summer Swim Survey flyers are posted at the swimming beaches and are available for your input. Please 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!
|
Current Job Openings: Join the Albemarle County Team
There are a variety of other career openings. If you're interested in more opportunities for a rewarding career serving the community, check out all the current job openings online and apply today. Know someone who might be interested? Share this information with your friends and family!
| |
Kindergarten Registration is Open and Now Accepting Preschool Applications for 2026-27 — Please Share With Families You Know
Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) invites families to register for kindergarten and apply for preschool for the 2026-2027 school year! If your child will be 5 years old by September 30, 2026, register for kindergarten by gathering required documents and completing the online form at k12albemarle.org/kindergarten. School begins on Wednesday, August 12, and ACPS encourages families to register early. If you’re not a kindergarten family, but know others that are, please share this message and encourage them to register now.
For preschool, children who will turn 3 or 4 by September 30, 2026, may be eligible for this free, full-day program with nutritious meals and play-based learning—learn more about requirements and apply now at k12albemarle.org/preschool. NEW! ACPS is expanding preschool access for 2026-27 through a partnership with the United Way of Greater Charlottesville. New preschool classrooms will open at Mountain View Elementary and Baker-Butler Elementary.
For questions or assistance, contact your child's school or call (434) 296-5820. Don’t miss out—learn more, register for kindergarten, and apply for preschool today to secure your child’s spot!
| | If your child will be 5 years old by September 30, 2026, register for kindergarten by gathering required documents and completing the online form at k12albemarle.org/kindergarten. | | For preschool, children who will turn 3 or 4 by September 30, 2026, may be eligible for this free, full-day program. Learn more about requirements at k12albemarle.org/preschool. | | |
Jaunt 50th Anniversary and Brand Refresh
Join Jaunt, Central Virginia's regional public transportation provider, this month as it celebrates 50 years of connecting communities with the launch of its refreshed visual brand! Jaunt connects residents of Albemarle, Buckingham, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson to all of central Virginia. This milestone event honors Jaunt’s legacy of care, access, and community connection, featuring a vibrant new logo and identity that reflect its commitment to people, service, and connection.
Developed with input from riders and community partners, the new branding seeks to make Jaunt’s services more welcoming and easier to recognize across the region. As Jaunt marks this milestone year, they'll share stories from riders, staff, operators, and community partners throughout the region — highlighting the many ways transportation supports independence, dignity, and connection.
Community members are encouraged to follow Jaunt on social media and tag them when you spot a new bus, and visit ridejaunt.org for anniversary updates, service information, and ways to get involved. Discover the story behind the brand and see how Jaunt continues to shape the future of mobility in Central Virginia. Learn more about Jaunt’s new visual brand and anniversary events at ridejaunt.org.
| | |
Summer Safety Tips
The weather is warming up. Be sure to check out these tips to keep your friends and family healthy and safe this summer. Our community's health and safety are a top priority. Let's all commit to a safe summer - share this flyer with your neighbors.
| |
Elections - August 4 Primary Election: Early Voting Starts Thursday, June 18
The 2026 primary election for both parties will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, to nominate candidates for the offices of United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, and for local offices. Register to vote or update your registration by 5 pm, Friday, July 24, 2026. Be sure to check your voter status! There are three different ways to cast your vote:
- early in-person
- vote by mail (absentee)
- or in-person at your polling place on Election Day
Early in-person voting begins Thursday, June 18, and runs through August 1, 2026. Any voter registered in Albemarle County may vote early in-person at the County Office Building on 5th Street in Conference Room A. There will be directional signage and volunteers to guide voters to early voting parking locations.
View full dates and times for early in-person voting on our website.
To vote by mail, download and complete your absentee ballot application today. You must submit your absentee ballot application by July 24. If you miss the July 24 deadline, you can use Same Day Registration to cast a provisional ballot in person if you are eligible to register to vote. For more details on eligibility for Same Day Registration, please contact the Elections Office.
Learn more about the upcoming election and all your options for casting your vote. Still have questions about this election? Call our Elections Office at 434-972-4173 for additional assistance.
| |
|
First-Half Personal Property and Real Estate Tax Deadline Reminder for June 2026
The deadline to pay the first-half personal property and real estate tax is Thursday, June 25, 2026. Pay taxes on or before June 25 by using one of the convenient payment methods, and learn details on ways to pay. One convenient method is to pay online at www.AlbemarleCountyTaxes.org using a credit card, electronic check, or PayPal. There is no fee for electronic check payments; however, payments by debit/credit card do have a convenience fee. View additional payment methods here.
Important Reminders To Keep In Mind
If mailing payments, mail early to avoid possible United States Postal Service (USPS) postmark date delay. USPS postmarks now show when mail is processed at a regional hub—not when you drop it off. This can delay the postmark by 1–3 days and may cause late penalties. To avoid this, mail items 3–4 days early, request a handstamp at the counter, or use certified mail. Postage meter dates are not valid proof of mailing.
Use exact change or pay electronically due to a penny shortage. Due to a penny shortage, cash payments may
result in small credits applied to your next bill. Please use exact change or pay electronically when possible.
E-Billing Option For Your Tax Notices
We offer digital billing for electronic communications about your Albemarle County tax notices. This secure digital solution responds to taxpayers’ growing preference for paperless options.
Please contact the Department of Finance and Budget before the deadline if you have not received your personal property or real estate tax bill(s), or if you have a vehicle, trailer, boat, airplane, or any other taxable property located in Albemarle County that is not listed on your bill.
If you have any questions or would like assistance, contact Albemarle County's Finance and Budget Department by email at AlbemarleCountyFinance@albemarle.org or by phone at (434) 296-5855, Monday to Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.
| | |
Upcoming Office Closure
Albemarle County offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Offices will reopen Monday, June 22, 2026, on a regular schedule. Public safety, including Fire Rescue and Police Services, will operate as usual.
Juneteenth allows the opportunity to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States and the freedom of all Americans. Juneteenth also helps us live out our Albemarle County value of Community, which states that "we expect diversity, equity, and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission."
We continue to commit to ensuring an equitable, inclusive community for all and value and appreciate all members of our community.
| | People & Project Spotlights | | |
Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) - Recap: Child Car Seat Event
This month, Albemarle County Fire Rescue hosted a free Car Seat Safety Check event, helping families ensure car seats were properly installed and fitted for their children. The event provided hands-on training opportunities for Recruit School members working toward Child Passenger Safety certification under the guidance of certified instructors. Certified technicians were available to ensure car seats were properly installed and fitted, and to educate parents and caregivers on best practices for securing children during travel. The event is part of the department’s broader initiative to reduce injuries and fatalities in traffic accidents, particularly among young children.
Need help with a car seat installation? Schedule your child safety seat inspection by calling 434-531-6614, emailing carseats@albemarle.org, or by submitting a request online.
| | |
Let's Talk Albemarle Podcast: Zoning Modernization
Zoning is incredibly important. It's essentially the blueprint for land use in our community. It's the result of decades of planning and a long engagement process. Zoning is the tool we use to say where we want our bustling shops and walkable neighborhoods, where we want to preserve our forests and farmlands, and where we want to provide access for companies that need industrial power and water. It's how we ensure that the quiet residential street doesn't suddenly have, for example, an industrial facility move in next door.
Learn about our effort to modernize the zoning ordinance. Visit the project page and listen to the latest Let's Talk Albemarle podcast.
| |
Board Adopts FY 2027 Budget & Tax Rates
The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors has approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and the Calendar Year 2026 tax rates. This fiscal year spans from July 1 to June 30, with FY 2027 beginning on July 1, 2026.
The FY27 Budget is built on the purpose of maintaining the services our community expects, meeting our obligations, and making disciplined financial decisions to position Albemarle County for long-term success and stability. This budget is focused on execution and designed to deliver on adopted plans, respond to current service demands, and make long-range decisions that keep the County financially strong.
As our community grows and progresses into the future, we face increasingly complex issues that require complex answers. Housing affordability, education, public safety capacity, and community infrastructure, like parks, schools, and courts, all require attention. These needs cannot be solved in a single budget cycle. When facing competing priorities, we must lean into our commitments. This budget focuses resources where they will make a meaningful impact, this year and into future years, as envisioned by the Board’s Strategic Plan. Learn more about the FY 27 Budget.
Fiscal Year 2027 Key Investments
The adopted Fiscal Year 2027 combined capital and operating budget totals $727,690,282, balanced on a personal property tax rate of $4.28 per $100 of valuation and a real property tax rate of $0.894 per $100 of assessed value. Visit our website to read more about the FY2027 Budget.
| | Albemarle County Parks and Recreation (ACPR) Reminders and Summer Camps | | |
The 2026 Swim Season has Begun!
Make a big splash into summer! 🏊♂️☀️ Our summer swim season is in full swing. Albemarle County’s swimming beaches at Chris Greene Lake Park, Walnut Creek Park, and Mint Springs Valley Park* will be open for swimming this Saturday and Sunday, May 30–May 31, from 10 am - 6 pm.
*As a reminder, Mint Springs Valley Park is opening for swimming on May 30, following multiple tests that have shown normal water quality results. There have been no reported health problems, however, the Department of Parks and Recreation closed the lake earlier this month after test results showed harmful algae present. It is now safe again to have contact with the water. Greene Lake Park and Walnut Creek Park were not affected.
Beginning June 1, the lakes will be open 7 days a week, from 10 am to 6 pm, during summer operating hours through August 9. After August 9, we will transition back to weekends only at Chris Greene Lake until Labor Day, September 7.
We’re excited to announce that we now accept credit card payments in addition to cash and checks! Making payments will be easier and more convenient than ever.
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 also have kayak, canoe 🛶, and 🏄🏽♀️ paddleboard rentals at Walnut Creek Park and Chris Greene Lake for $15 per hour. Did you know we also have season passes for Summer Swim? Passes are available for purchase in person at the lake entrance booth when you arrive. Learn more about this and other Summer Swim details for this season!
👉 And don't forget, if you haven't already, take the 2026 Summer Swim Survey online if you've recently visited our swimming beaches.
| |
Registration is Available for Albemarle County Parks and Recreation (ACPR) Summer Camps
Parks and Recreation is hosting Summer Recreation Camp, an All-Sports Camp, and an Adventure Camp at four locations: Brownsville, Stone Robinson, and 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 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.
| |
|
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, June 9, 2026 | 6:15 pm
- Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | 6:15 pm
- Tuesday, August 11, 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.
| |
Reminder: 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 June 10; signups are online at solarizeva.org/events. For more information or to sign up, visit www.solarizeva.org.
| | | | |
