Charlottesville · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Charlottesville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Technology business tax incentive extension
A proposed ordinance would extend the city's tax incentives for technology businesses through the end of 2031. Supporters generally see it as a job-retention tool; it also forgoes some tax revenue.
Inclusionary zoning affordability terms
Members argued the federal AMI measure is broken — 100% AMI jumped from ~$83,000 in 2022 to $139,000, so 'affordable' units are priced out of reach of actual low-income residents. The HUD methodology also excludes single-person households and blends renters with higher-income owners. A working group was formed to push for recalibration.
City Charter Amendments
Council was scheduled to hold a public hearing and vote on amendments to the City Charter — the document that defines how city government works.
CMAR Construction Procurement Procedures
Council was scheduled to approve Construction Management at Risk procedures, a project delivery method that can affect how major city construction projects are managed and budgeted.
FY2028 Budget Recommendations for Police Oversight and CPD
Budget season for FY2028 starts now — the office's operating budget was cut from $125,000 to about $104,600 amid board uncertainty, and Walker wants a bigger food/outreach budget. Board members can weigh in on the police budget, including whether more officers would cut costly overtime.
Revenue sharing agreement review
The county hands the city about $20 million a year under the 1982 annexation deal, and a supervisor floated asking the city to accept a voluntary hard cap on future payments. City leaders didn't agree to anything, but expect this to come back during budget season.
Bringing curbside trash collection in-house
The city pays GFL about $1.3M a year to collect trash; running it in-house is estimated at ~$730K annually after a ~$2M startup. Council liked the idea but the FY27 truck purchase ($1.3M) and staffing must survive the budget. A 15% sticker rate hike — the first in 15 years — is also on the table.
Rental arrears crisis at affordable housing properties
The city's locally funded rental voucher program is full at 66 households and almost frozen — only one new household joined in 2026. Council backed the incremental redesign and wants staff exploring time-limited assistance with case management to free up slots.
FY28 budget gap and adoption timing
Staff's early FY28 forecast shows a ~$3.6 million hole — normal starting point, but the surplus years are over. Council also debated delaying budget adoption to catch late state numbers, settling on keeping this year's dates but exploring removal of the city-code deadline.