News

Budgeting for time

Charlottesville City Manager Sam Sanders presented the proposed budget to City Council on March 6, prompting discussion and debate on funding allocations and potential tax hikes. Coming in at 350 pages and $251,526,900 in total revenues and expenditures, Charlottesville’s budget for FY25 is hefty in several ways. However, nothing is final yet. Councilors have until […]

Catie Ratliff | March 13, 2024

News

Wading in

Juandiego Wade never expected to settle down in Charlottesville, let alone be elected mayor. When Wade met with C-VILLE—in a tiny meeting room in an under-construction City Hall building—on a snowy late January morning, the mayor arrived in a heavy winter coat and hat. He had just finished shoveling snow with a neighbor. Despite the […]

Catie Ratliff | February 28, 2024

News

Ribbit-roaring

Members of central Virginia’s FrogWatch are putting their ears to the ground and leaping into action. The FrogWatch program—started by the Akron Zoo—monitors trends in frog and toad populations by training volunteers on the calls of local species. The central Virginia chapter of FrogWatch is run collaboratively by the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation […]

Catie Ratliff | February 21, 2024

News

Sure steps?

The University of Virginia Community Safety Working Group released its report aimed at improving community security following an uptick in gun violence in and around Charlottesville. Formed in the aftermath of the November 13, 2022, fatal shooting on Grounds and a wave of area shootings, the CSWG is a collaborative effort between UVA, Charlottesville City, […]

Catie Ratliff | January 31, 2024

News

Looking Good?

Election season is in full swing for Rep. Bob Good, who’s faced barbs from his challenger, substantial intra-party criticism, and an all-but-declaration-of-war from the Trump campaign. But despite these hurdles, Good says he is confident the constituents of Virginia’s 5th District will “get it right” in the June primary. The two-term incumbent faces a primary […]

Catie Ratliff | January 24, 2024

News

Fuel for thought

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 […]

Catie Ratliff | January 24, 2024

News

Digging in

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 […]

Catie Ratliff | January 17, 2024

News

Filling it in

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 […]

Catie Ratliff | January 17, 2024

News

Capitol-ized

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 […]

Catie Ratliff | January 10, 2024

News

Kickstart

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 […]

Catie Ratliff | January 10, 2024