Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting - May 6, 2026

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on May 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in Lane Auditorium. The agenda included proclamations, public comments, several presentations, public hearings, and zoning actions. Key outcomes included approval of a $400,000 affordable housing incentive for 60 units at Premier Circle, a $25,000 cap on sign-on bonuses, a budget amendment of $15.9 million, and approval of a rezoning for up to 153 units at 1600 Rio Road West.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• Bike Month (May 2026): Proclamation recognizing May as National Bike Month. Speakers Peter Krebs (Piedmont Environmental Council) and Jeff (Charlottesville Area Mountain Bike Club) highlighted coalition efforts, health benefits, and the need for infrastructure. Board members expressed support and noted the e-bike lending library and trail projects.
• Public Service Recognition Week (May 3–9, 2026): Proclamation honoring county employees. County staff Mark Wilson, Jill Clark, and Ashley Perry Hernandez Arena thanked the board. Supervisors praised staff professionalism and noted the importance of local government.
• Police Week (May 10–16, 2026) and Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15): Proclamation recognizing law enforcement. Deputy Chief Randy Jamerson reported 115 law enforcement officers died nationally in 2025, including four from Virginia. He thanked the board for supporting public safety funding. Supervisors commended the department’s professionalism and workforce challenges, noting 24 police vacancies.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Afternoon Session:
  • Tom Olivier (Samuel Miller District): Urged the board to hire a second climate action staff member, a rural areas planner, and create a natural resources planning department. He stated the current comprehensive plan fails to address ecological crises.
  • Philip Reese (Rio District): Opposed removing the $5,000 cap on sign-on bonuses, recommending a cap (e.g., $10,000–$15,000) and annual reporting. He also proposed a housing allowance for police officers living in the county, noting 70% of officers live outside Albemarle County due to affordability.
• Evening Session:
  • Clyde Convisser (White Hall District, identifying as homeless): Opposed using the Affordable Housing Income Fund for a low-barrier homeless shelter, claiming it could be infiltrated by criminal agents and that the homeless count is inflated. He urged the board to avoid funding such a shelter.

Consent Calendar

• Approved without objection, including a resolution changing the start time of the May 20, 2026 meeting to 2:30 p.m.

Discussion Items

• Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) Request Review Process: Staff presented two pathways: direct board contact (preferred) or embedding CPA requests in ZMA/SP applications. Staff did not recommend re-establishing a separate CPA application process. Board consensus supported the approach, with Supervisor Malik expressing concerns about collapsing CPA and ZMA timelines and staff workload.
• Affordable Rental Housing Incentive Program (RHIP) for Premier Circle Apartments: Staff recommended approval of a 30-year tax rebate of approximately $400,000 (15% of annual taxes) for Piedmont Housing Alliance to build 60 affordable units (phase two). Units will serve households at 30%–60% AMI. Board approved 4-0.
• Climate Action Program Update: Staff reported a 2022 emissions inventory showing 400,000 metric tons reduction needed by 2030. FY26 projects included 26 home retrofits (target 74), lighting upgrades at fire stations, energy resource hub, and organic waste feasibility study. FY27 proposed $125,000 for transportation ($70,000 for bike/ped infrastructure, $55,000 for EV charging), $150,000 for building energy (microgrants, energy hub, LEAP), and $50,000 for organic waste study. Supervisors discussed project impact, staffing reorganization, and community concerns about internal focus.
• Sign-On Incentives Ordinance Amendment: Proposed removal of the $5,000 cap. Staff reported 139 hires using incentives since FY23, totaling $355,500. Board amended to cap at $25,000, requiring HR director proposal and county executive approval. Approved.
• Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Amendment: $15.9 million reappropriation primarily for school special revenue funds ($13.3 million). Public hearing held; no speakers. Approved after correcting attachment.
• Jurisdictional Area Amendment and Critical Slopes Waiver for Iglesia del Dios Pentecostal Fuente de Salvación: Request for limited water/sewer service and critical slopes disturbance for a 9,000 sq ft church and 65 parking spaces on Profit Road. Staff recommended approval based on fire safety and sewer line requirements. Board approved the jurisdictional area amendment 3-1 (Supervisor Malik opposed) and critical slopes waiver 3-1 (Supervisor Malik opposed).
• ZMA 2025-1600 Rio Road West: Rezone 3.2 acres from Commercial Office to Neighborhood Model District for up to 153 multifamily units, 20% affordable at 60% AMI. Includes proffer for future park trailhead. Special exceptions for mixture of uses waiver and amenity reduction to 16%. Planning commission recommended approval. Board approved 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Proclamations: all unanimous.
  • Consent agenda: unanimous (5-0).
  • RHIP Premier Circle: approved (4-0).
  • Budget amendment (corrected): approved (4-0).
  • Sign-on ordinance: approved with $25,000 cap (4-1, Supervisor Duncan voted no).
  • ACSA jurisdictional amendment: approved (3-1, Malik opposed).
  • Critical slopes waiver: approved (3-1, Malik opposed).
  • ZMA 1600 Rio Road West: approved (4-0).
  • Special exceptions for Rio Road: both approved 4-0.
• Appointments: Approved Heather Marcel (Jaunt Board), Jody Follardo (Police Citizens Advisory), Peggy Gilgas (Solid Waste Alternatives), Sue Bell Friedman (Village of Rivanna CAC).
• Next Meeting: May 20, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. in Lane Auditorium.
• Board Reports: Supervisor Pruitt discussed the Pantops CAC meeting on Stony Point Road improvements; Supervisor Malik shared notes from the High Growth Coalition meeting, emphasizing early engagement with General Assembly members; Supervisor Lapisto Kirtley reported EDA approved a $15,000 grant match for a Charlottesville-to-Boston flight connection; Chair Galloway highlighted news that Charlottesville ranks #3 nationally among luxury housing markets.