News

Charlottesville City Council increases salaries and considers ranked-choice voting

At its August 19 meeting, Charlottesville City Council delved into a number of hot-button local issues, including council salaries and ranked-choice voting. Under new legislation from the Virginia General Assembly, city governments can now vote to increase salaries, with pay limits determined by locality population size. A proposed salary ordinance would increase councilors’ annual pay […]

Catie Ratliff | August 21, 2024

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Draft congressional budget bills allocate millions for local projects and organizations

After a tumultuous budget cycle that led to the ouster of former speaker Kevin McCarthy last year, Congress is diving back into budget negotiations for Fiscal Year 2025. Draft bills passed by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee include more than $3 million in appropriations for local projects supporting Charlottesville and Albemarle County efforts around affordable […]

Catie Ratliff | August 21, 2024

Best of C-VILLE Staff Picks

A new page

After almost four years of renovations, the University of Virginia’s main library reopened its doors to the public at the beginning of the year. But the massive windows and study courts aren’t the only changes—the building also has a new name. Originally opened in 1938, the newly dubbed Edgar Shannon Library has been a staple […]

Catie Ratliff | August 20, 2024

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New CHS Principal Justin Malone on the 2024-25 school year

Charlottesville High School is kicking off the 2024-25 school year with a new principal, Justin Malone. Since starting on July 1, Malone has worked to get CHS ready for students to return. “I was ordered a new desk when I came on board and then went on vacation,” says Malone. “When I came back, not […]

Catie Ratliff | August 14, 2024

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City Council to consider ranked-choice voting ordinance

Charlottesville City Council will formally consider a draft ranked-choice voting ordinance at its August 19 meeting. If approved, Charlottesville would become the second locality in Virginia to adopt ranked-choice voting, and the new voting system will be used on a trial basis in the city’s 2025 election. Under a ranked-choice system, voters can rank candidates […]

Catie Ratliff | August 14, 2024

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Political coverage of Charlottesville seven years after A12

Since August 11 and 12, 2017, Charlottesville has become a national political talking point. With the seven-year anniversary of A12 just around the corner, discussion of Charlottesville continues to be deployed by both national media and political campaigns, especially in the 2024 presidential election. “We are living through a battle for the soul of this […]

Catie Ratliff | August 7, 2024

News

Charlottesville City Council discusses housing and salaries

Charlottesville City Council had a jam-packed meeting on August 5, covering everything from affordable housing efforts to potential salary increases for councilors. Earlier this year, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation, introduced by Charlottesville-area Del. Katrina Callsen, which allows city councils to increase compensation for their members. Currently, Charlottesville city councilors receive a salary of […]

Catie Ratliff | August 7, 2024

News

Meg Bryce appointed to Virginia Board of Education

Former Albemarle County School Board candidate Meg Bryce was appointed to the Virginia Board of Education by Gov. Glenn Youngkin on July 24. As a member of the VBOE, Bryce is now one of the top education officials in the state despite losing her previous bid for public office. In addition to her appointment to […]

Catie Ratliff | July 31, 2024

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Charlottesville seeks public input on parks’ plan

The Charlottesville Department of Parks & Recreation is currently gathering community feedback and input as it develops a master plan for the future of the city’s public spaces. As part of the master plan—which will guide the department for at least the next 10 years—the city is examining current and emerging community needs through a […]

Catie Ratliff | July 31, 2024

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Local perspectives on Biden dropping his reelection bid

In an unprecedented move, President Joe Biden announced on July 21 that he is ending his bid for reelection. The president has endorsed his former running mate and current Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination, but much is still up in the air ahead of the Democratic National Convention next month. Since entering the […]

Catie Ratliff | July 24, 2024