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.
Our Region
PEC focuses on nine counties and one city in the northern Piedmont of Virginia: Albemarle, Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock.
We also team with local organizations to promote thriving communities and healthy natural resources in a much larger region, including the Shenandoah Valley, the central Piedmont, and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Corridor. In addition, we are proud to serve as fiscal sponsor of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, an organization that focuses on land use and policy in the greater Washington D.C. area.
Fauquier Land Use Update – May 4, 2020
As we enter the month of May our communities remain under orders to maintain social distancing. Fauquier County has adopted a significantly reduced budget and is implementing a new public hearing format which allows for both in person and remote participation (see more detail below). The Town of Warrenton is working on revising their 2021-2026 CIP and FY 2021 Budget with a series of worksessions and public hearings in May and adoption planned for June 9.
Self-Guided Public Art Bike Tour
Charlottesville (and urban areas of Albemarle County) has a rich collection of murals and large-scale sculptures that incorporate community perspectives, showcase the talents of regional and international artists, while contributing to the cultural and visual vibrancy of the city.
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.
Video Messages from Earth Day
PEC staff were busy all over the Piedmont for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
Earth Day Tree Giveaway
The Piedmont Environmental Council partnered up with Friends of the Rappahannock to give away free trees to Fauquier County residents in honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day!
Rappahannock Update – April 21, 2020
Read this third edition of the Rappahannock Land Use blog for PEC as a summary of the past week’s events, for April 13-17, 2020.
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.
Orange Land Use Update – April 17, 2020
The April 14 Board of Supervisors meeting was held via virtual public access on YouTube, a format that the county intends on using throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting covered multiple administrative topics, including a public hearing on the adoption of the Continuity of Government Operations ordinance and BOS approval for the inclusion of a dog park at Booster park.
Rappahannock Update – April 14, 2020
…Here at PEC, we continue to work remotely and provide you with connection to your community and the issues that affect you. I have drawn together this second edition of the Rappahannock Land Use blog for PEC as a summary of the past week’s events, for April 6-April 12, 2020.