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
Jump-the-gun construction on a new subdivision triggers a major mess and angry neighbors
From the home she’s owned on Azalea Drive since 2017, Casey Gioeli watched the trucks roll in and the trees come down. Several weeks earlier, Stanley Martin Homes began construction […]
Nathan Alderman | August 12, 2026
Jump-the-gun construction on a new subdivision triggers a major mess and angry neighbors
From the home she’s owned on Azalea Drive since 2017, Casey Gioeli watched the trucks roll in and the trees come down. Several weeks earlier, Stanley Martin Homes began construction […]
Nathan Alderman | August 12, 2026
Albemarle supervisors will hear proposal to add 165 units at Fifth Street complex
The first objective of Albemarle County’s official housing policy calls for construction of thousands of new places by 2041, to accommodate a growing population. Housing Albemarle, adopted by the Board […]
Sean Tubbs | August 12, 2026
Albemarle supervisors will hear proposal to add 165 units at Fifth Street complex
The first objective of Albemarle County’s official housing policy calls for construction of thousands of new places by 2041, to accommodate a growing population. Housing Albemarle, adopted by the Board […]
Sean Tubbs | August 12, 2026
Plans moving ahead to redevelop Emmet Street Holiday Inn as residential complex
In the very near future, new residential units will come online near the University of Virginia, including 463 units at the 12-story Verve and 550 units on Old Ivy Road […]
Sean Tubbs | August 12, 2026
Plans moving ahead to redevelop Emmet Street Holiday Inn as residential complex
In the very near future, new residential units will come online near the University of Virginia, including 463 units at the 12-story Verve and 550 units on Old Ivy Road […]
Sean Tubbs | August 12, 2026