Like so many others, we are profoundly disgusted and deeply saddened by what is happening in our country: the horrific and inexcusable death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, along with the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless others; the threat of arrest of Christain Cooper in Central Park; the shooting of peaceful protestors in Louisville; and the incarceration and use of excessive force to stifle democratic acts of protest. These actions are painful reminders that we have a long way to go to ensure that justice and equity are applied to all Americans.
Marco Sanchez
Week Ahead for May 18, 2020 (Alb/Cville/Greene)
As the pandemic enters its third month, many institutions of local government have managed to get public meetings going again. It is crucial for the public to have access to information to what is happening and to have context by which our decisions are made. The goal of this newsletter continues to help you know what is happening and to let you know how you can get involved.
Piedmont Environmental Council connects local dairy farm and food pantry needs
The Piedmont Environmental Council has found an innovative way to connect the milk produced at Remington’s Cool Lawn Farm, Fauquier County’s largest dairy farm, with two food pantries in Fauquier and Rappahannock counties.
Week Ahead for May 4, 2020 (Alb/Cville/Greene)
Even though the quarantine continues, local government is continuing to come back to life with actual meetings where matters are discussed and votes are taken. On April 22, the General Assembly ratified a budget amendment Governor Northam suggested that opened up meetings to more than just emergency business. That’s why we are beginning to see more appointed bodies meeting electronically, beginning this week with the first meeting of the Albemarle Planning Commission in nearly two months.
Week Ahead for April 27, 2020 (Alb/Cville/Greene)
The end of the month is in sight! This week is quieter than we can expect in the near future, as more appointed bodies are expected to begin operating online over the month of May. Virginia localities are still easing forward with governance in a virtual age, and we have a watchful eye to make sure you know what is happening.
Week Ahead for April 20, 2020 (Alb/Cville/Greene)
The new normal is one where more and more business is being conducted online and that includes local meetings. Last week, the elected bodies in Albemarle and Greene held public hearings and took comments virtually. While we would prefer these meetings to be held in person, there is no end in sight yet for the social distancing restrictions that are helping to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Week Ahead for April 13, 2020 (Alb/Cville/Greene)
We are now a month into the state of emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While much is still uncertain, we do know that local governments across Virginia are beginning to test the waters in terms of what business can be conducted via electronic public hearings.
Week Ahead for March 30, 2020 (Alb/Cville/Greene)
We are in the third week of the COVID-19 response waiting for more information and staying at home as much as we can. I want to update you on what’s happening in local government this week. Many localities are beginning to adjust. I hope you and your family are safe. I want to hear from you. Please tell me what’s going on in your area. Please reach out.
Week Ahead for March 23, 2020 (Alb/Cville/Greene)
Hello everyone. I hope you are doing well and are prepared for a long period of time when things are different. Most if not all government meetings have been canceled for the time being, though the Greene County Board of Supervisors meeting is still scheduled for tonight. And while Albemarle and Charlottesville do not have any scheduled meetings this week, I’m told that the Charlottesville-Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau did meet today via conference call…
PEC and COVID-19
Like all of you, we are monitoring the rapidly evolving COVID-19 response and guidance at the local, state and federal level. I am sure it is impacting your daily lives and future plans. As well, it is impacting PEC operations and our upcoming events.