There are 19 items in today’s installment, and I have a lot more to go through for future editions of Charlottesville Community Engagement. I do not take it lightly when I say I felt a calling to get back to doing this work when I made the leap of faith to be an independent journalist again. Nothing makes me more easy than taking time off!
Albemarle County & the City of Charlottesville
The staff in PEC's Charlottesville office works with citizens to solve the many land use and conservation challenges facing the Charlottesville and Albemarle area.
New skilled meat cutter training program will help region’s meat processors serve Virginia cattle farmers
A recent study by The Piedmont Environmental Council and American Farmland Trust, spurred by pandemic-related breakdowns in national and local food supply systems, has led to the development of a new meat-cutter training program to be offered by the Rappahannock Center for Education beginning late fall 2021. Using a national training model, the program is intended to help local meat processors expand their operations and increase their capacity to serve the region’s cattle farmers by building a larger pool of available skilled laborers in the field.
Week Ahead for August 2, 2021: City Council recommended to keep meetings virtual for now; TJPDC to adopt regional housing plan
Somehow we find ourselves more than half of the way through 2021, a year in which the pandemic still permeates so much of our lives. Rising numbers of cases in Virginia have many thinking more cautiously about the near future. For instance, Charlottesville City Council will get details about a staff recommendation to not proceed with a once-considered plan to return to normal after Labor Day.
Week Ahead for July 26, 2021: An update on area recycling efforts; Transit expansion in Albemarle
This is the 30th week of the year, and another one in the middle of summer. Judging by the number of out-of-office emails I’ve gotten this month, it seems that many are taking time off from work. This is a highly recommended move!
Week Ahead for Monday, July 19, 2021: Council to approve ARPA funding, Fontaine streetscape design
The last few weeks have had the illusory quality of looking like they may be quiet. Of course, that’s never how things turn out in a community such as ours that is in transition from what it was to what it will be. But what about this week? Seems busy.
Undocumented Cemeteries & Burial Grounds
A severe lack of documentation contributes greatly to the loss of cemeteries and the stories they represent. We need your help!
Help Improve Neighborhood Connectivity in Charlottesville
For Charlottesville to reach its potential as a truly world-class city, residents must be able to move about easily, safely and affordably. Much needs to be done to reach that (appropriately) high standard, yet we can’t do everything all at once. So where should advocates, planners and officials focus their efforts?
Week Ahead for July 12, 2021: Charlottesville PC to consider Belmont rezoning, closing a paper street to Little High, alternate Future Land Use Map
Somehow we find ourselves halfway through the month, thought not even close to halfway through the summer. At first glance, this week looked like it might be lighter than usual, in part because Albemarle County is giving its Community Advisory Committees the month off. But as always, there’s a lot going on when you look at the totality of meetings in the area. This week Tuesday is the big day.
Week Ahead for July 5, 2021: Council meets Wednesday on Confederate statues; New alignment for TransAmerican bike route in Palmyra
Welcome to the second half of the year, or the first full week of the new fiscal year. Either way, today is the day after Independence Day and a good time to know what’s happening in local government in and around Charlottesville.
Week Ahead for June 28, 2021: Charlottesville PC to discuss next steps for comp plan update; Pantops group to review Urban Rivanna River plan
The final week of June and the first week of July take place within the same seven day period. Even though the Independence Day holiday will be observed on July 5, this may be one of the more demure weeks in local and regional government. Perhaps the new fiscal year is being celebrated more widely?