Charlottesville · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Charlottesville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
CDBG Grant Funded Community Projects
The city's plan for roughly $1.2 million in federal housing and community-development money, funding homeowner repairs, eviction diversion, literacy, and nonprofit infrastructure. CRHA's $150,000 request couldn't be fully funded, leaving $55,000 unallocated.
Homelessness services funding — Vista 29 and Westhaven CARES Center
Money once earmarked for a low-barrier shelter is now going to PACEM, BRACH, and the Salvation Army as one-time support to keep services running.
Budget Cycle
Council held hearings on the FY2027 budget and the real property tax rate before final votes April 9. Residents pushed for bigger CHAP homeowner relief, questioned insurance and transit spending, and asked about asking UVA for a PILOT payment.
Participatory Budgeting Returns
Council agreed to keep exploring letting residents directly vote on how to spend a pot of city money — likely $100,000 for a first demonstration project in FY28, nearly a decade after the last pilot fizzled.
$4 Million for Emergency Sheltering and Housing Initiatives
The Holiday Drive shelter is up and running with ~70 guests a night, and Vista 29's 80 permanent supportive housing units open this winter — a genuinely regional, $26 million effort. Councilor Fleisher raised concern that the city lacks its own project-based vouchers, potentially re-entrenching segregation patterns.
School Tax Referendum
Voters will decide in November whether to add a 1% sales tax — groceries exempt — dedicated to building and renovating city schools over 20 years. Council stressed it is only asking voters, not imposing the tax; a joint council-school board meeting on August 12 will shape the project scope.
One Percent Sales Tax Referendum for School Capital Projects
Commissioners recapped a $475 million, 16-year projection of school facility needs, with a proposed sales tax potentially covering $240 million. A new high school could cost an extra $200-250 million if the existing one isn't expanded.
School Construction Tax
State law now lets Charlottesville add a 1% sales tax — but only for school building and renovation, and only if voters approve it in November. It could raise about $15 million a year for 20 years, with a June 30, 2046 expiration.