Catie Ratliff

On January 22, Charlottesville City Council reconvened after winter weather postponed its regularly scheduled session. One topic of discussion was alternative fuel sources for Charlottesville Area Transit, which must move away from diesel vehicles in order to meet the city’s goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. A presentation given by consultant group […]

On January 12, the Piedmont Housing Alliance broke ground on the Hickory Hope apartments at Southwood. The apartments will add 121 new affordable units to the community, and are the latest step forward in Southwood’s years-long resident-led redevelopment effort. Hickory Hope apartments—a joint effort of PHA, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and […]

Things are getting messier in the rollout of the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, with a form error potentially reducing the amount of aid students will receive. As students navigate the FAFSA, C-VILLE asked area colleges and high schools how they’re advising both current and prospective enrollees on the financial aid process. At […]

Charlottesville’s lawmakers are in Richmond for the start of Virginia’s new legislative session, which is scheduled to run for 60 days, beginning on January 10. The legislators’ priorities run the gamut, from abortion access to restoration of voting rights. For state Sen. Creigh Deeds, the start of the session comes with a new district number—11—and […]

There was a new face on the dais at City Council’s first meeting of 2024.   Natalie Oschrin, a Charlottesville native, ran for council on a platform focused on improving transportation, planning, access to housing, and the relationship between the city and UVA. As she settles into her new role, Oschrin says she’s excited about […]