Discussions for this year’s list of the most powerful in Charlottesville turned not toward one particular person but an entity that truly affects Charlottesvillians’ daily lives—the Virginia Department of Transportation. Don’t worry, you’ll still see some familiar faces (last year’s power-topper Mark Brown remains embroiled in a battle with the city over the Water Street Parking Garage), as well as newcomers, such as craft beer giant Devils Backbone and Vice-Mayor Wes Bellamy. And don’t forget impactful changes, such as the Landmark Hotel finally being transformed into a thing of beauty—hey, one has the power to dream, right?
Related stories

Abortion access in Virginia two years post-Dobbs
Two years after the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion in Virginia remains protected up to 26 weeks and six days into pregnancy (with some exceptions for maternal health). In Charlottesville, organizations are working to uphold and expand existing protections around reproductive healthcare in the commonwealth and across the country. Despite stringent restrictions […]
Catie Ratliff | July 3, 2024
Abortion access in Virginia two years post-Dobbs
Two years after the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion in Virginia remains protected up to 26 weeks and six days into pregnancy (with some exceptions for maternal health). In Charlottesville, organizations are working to uphold and expand existing protections around reproductive healthcare in the commonwealth and across the country. Despite stringent restrictions […]
Catie Ratliff | July 3, 2024

CPD Chief says crime rates lower overall despite recent spike in gun violence
Readers’ concerns over the recent spike in shootings in downtown Charlottesville have not gone unnoticed, but they belie a substantial overall drop in violent crime in the area, says city police. According to data available on the City of Charlottesville’s website, there have been 112 calls for “shots fired” in the city so far this […]
Andrew Hollins | July 3, 2024
CPD Chief says crime rates lower overall despite recent spike in gun violence
Readers’ concerns over the recent spike in shootings in downtown Charlottesville have not gone unnoticed, but they belie a substantial overall drop in violent crime in the area, says city police. According to data available on the City of Charlottesville’s website, there have been 112 calls for “shots fired” in the city so far this […]
Andrew Hollins | July 3, 2024

Density opponents argue in court that city didn’t follow state rules
Will opponents of Charlottesville’s new zoning code get a court trial to argue against recent rules? That answer will not be known for at least several months following a 90-minute hearing last week on a motion from the city for Circuit Court Judge Worrell to dismiss the case. Charlottesville City Council adopted a Development Code […]
Sean Tubbs | July 3, 2024
Density opponents argue in court that city didn’t follow state rules
Will opponents of Charlottesville’s new zoning code get a court trial to argue against recent rules? That answer will not be known for at least several months following a 90-minute hearing last week on a motion from the city for Circuit Court Judge Worrell to dismiss the case. Charlottesville City Council adopted a Development Code […]
Sean Tubbs | July 3, 2024