Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Meeting – September 2, 2026

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors met on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Lane Auditorium. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, consent agenda, action items, work sessions, presentations, a closed meeting, and a public hearing. Key decisions included approval of the Southwood Phase II Performance Agreement, adoption of MicroCAT fares, and approval of the Windy Knoll rezoning (5-1).

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of June 3, 2026, Fiscal Year 2026 and 2027 appropriations, the FY28 Operating and Capital Budget Calendar, the Free Bridge Lane Discontinuance Resolution, and a letter of support for the NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet (all approved by recorded vote).
• Received for information: Facilities and Environmental Services FY26 Annual Report and VDOT Monthly Report.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rick Randolph (Scottsville) questioned the county's transparency regarding TIF fund projections and property tax capture for the Southwood redevelopment.
• Pam Riley (Scottsville) urged the board to review non-displacement data for original Southwood residents before committing additional $15.75 million in Phase II.
• Peter Krebs (Piedmont Environmental Council) expressed strong support for the Old Mills Trail extension, citing a potential DCR grant and community fundraising; invited the board to a kickoff event on September 30.
• Pat Salin Houston (online, White Hall) opposed paving Sugar Ridge Road, arguing that gravel roads support walking, biking, and safety; she expressed concern that paving would increase speeding and reduce recreational use.
• Tom Olivier (Samuel Miller) advocated for a standalone rural areas plan and a dedicated rural areas planner in the county budget.
• Tim Kendrick (White Hall, on behalf of Albemarle County Farm Bureau) presented a booklet "Welcome to the Country" and urged the board to consider agricultural values in future decisions.

Discussion Items

Habitat for Humanity – Southwood Phase II Performance Agreement

• Staff (Kaki Dimock, Jacob Sumner) presented a performance agreement for Phase II, covering 86 acres and 1,000 dwelling units. The maximum TIF incentive is $15.75 million over 20 years, funded by incremental property tax revenue.
• Conditions: at least 227 affordable units at or below 80% AMI; 40-year affordability for homeownership, 30-year for rentals; non-displacement of original residents; biannual reporting; and a community center contingent on outside funding.
• Habitat CEO Dan Rosenswag reported that Phase I rehoused 89 families (29% of original residents) with an 85% stay rate (national average ~20%). No involuntary displacements occurred.
• Board questions addressed TIF structure, displacement tracking, and maintenance obligations. The board approved the resolution unanimously.

MicroCAT Program Update and Fee Discussion

• Ryan Davidson reported that MicroCAT, launched October 2023, has completed over 184,000 rides, averaging 180 rides per day (double the initial estimate). The service has a 93% five-star rating, 79% repeat riders, and fewer than 0.3 complaints per ride.
• Staff recommended a $2 flat fare per ride, with $1 reduced fares for seniors (65+), persons with disabilities, low-income riders (below 60% AMI), and shared trips. Fare collection begins January 1, 2027, after a rider education period.
• Estimated revenue: $80,000 in FY27 (mid-year start), $160,000 annually thereafter. The board approved the fare structure unanimously.

2027 Draft Legislative Priorities (Work Session)

• Staff presented a draft legislative program with one priority (photo speed monitoring expansion) and eight principles, plus 26 positions. Key state context: short session (46 days), 15-bill limit per legislator, pre-filing deadline November 30.
• Board discussion focused on transportation funding, machinery and tools tax decoupling, and housing. Consensus emerged to: (1) elevate transportation funding to a priority (calling for a governor-led convening), (2) add machinery and tools tax decoupling to the program, and (3) endorse expansion of the state's 5,000 Families voucher program. The board also agreed to pursue earlier, individual meetings with legislators before the formal adoption in October.

Rural Rustic and Unpaved Road Improvement Program (Presentation)

• Alberic Karina-Plun presented a revised process for managing unpaved roads, including a maintained gravel roads list and a recreational road designation. The board may add roads to the list for six-year periods, preventing paving requests.
• Eight roads were identified as recreational by biking and running clubs. Several supervisors suggested adding more roads and conducting broader outreach to the recreational community. No action was taken; staff will return with a refined list at the April 2027 work session.

2026 TJPDC Regional Solid Waste Management Plan (Presentation)

• Isabella O'Brien presented the required five-year update. The region's recycling rate (2021-2024) ranged from 34% to 41%, exceeding the state's 25% minimum. Charlottesville/Albemarle reported 41-49%.
• Public feedback (257 responses, 97 from Albemarle) highlighted demand for more recycling/composting drop-off locations, better education, and transparency. Albemarle contributed 14 of 60 locally specific actions. The plan is due to DEQ in October 2026.
• Supervisor Malik raised concerns about private hauler reporting; the county attorney will investigate authority to require registration and tonnage reporting.

Windy Knoll ZMA (Public Hearing)

• Proposal: Rezone 3.146 acres from R1 to R6 for up to 18 units (5.7 units/acre) with 20% affordable housing. The Crozet Master Plan designates this area for up to 6 units/acre. The Planning Commission recommended denial (5-1) in May.
• Applicant Justin Schimp defended the plan, citing infill benefits, walking distance to services, and proffered buffers (10-ft planted buffer, 25-ft rear setback). He noted that 18 units include an existing home, so 17 new units.
• Public speakers (approximately 15) opposed the project, citing density, stormwater, tree loss, traffic, and lack of community engagement. Many offered alternative lower-density designs.
• Board discussion: Supervisors Duncan, Pruitt, Missel, LaPisto-Kirtley, and Galloway supported the project, citing consistency with the master plan, affordable housing, and infill need. Supervisor Malik opposed, citing design incompatibility and burden on neighbors.
• Motion to approve passed 5-1 (Malik dissenting).

Key Outcomes

• Southwood Phase II Performance Agreement: Approved unanimously; staff authorized to execute the agreement.
• MicroCAT Fares: Approved unanimously; $2 flat fare, $1 reduced fares, effective January 1, 2027.
• 2027 Legislative Priorities: Board provided direction to add transportation funding, MNT decoupling, and 5,000 Families program to the program; staff will schedule individual legislator meetings before formal adoption on October 21.
• Windy Knoll ZMA: Approved 5-1 (Malik no); rezoning to R6 with proffers for buffers, setback, and affordable housing.
• Meeting Time Change: September 16, 2026 meeting start time changed from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (approved unanimously).
• Closed Meeting: Certified; appointments made to multiple boards and commissions; gift proffer letter for Rivanna Station authorized.