Joint Work Session of Charlottesville City Council and CRHA: September 9, 2026

The Charlottesville City Council and the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA) Board convened for a joint work session on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:49 PM at CitySpace. The agenda focused on an update from CRHA on its executive director search, redevelopment projects, funding requests for affordable housing preservation, and several policy requests regarding board composition.

Action Item

• On a motion by Vice Mayor Oschrin, seconded by Councilor Fleisher, City Council voted 5-0 to appoint Carl Schwarz and Ross Harnes(s) to the Planning Commission. The approved minutes record the appointment of these individuals, though the transcript contains a garbled reference to this vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joy Johnson, Chair of the Public Housing Association of Residents (PHAR), expressed the strong desire of residents for redevelopment to continue without pause to maintain trust. She highlighted the work of 12 women who contributed to the design of the redevelopment phases and requested that the City Council formally recognize them.

Discussion Items

1. CRHA Executive Director Search & Transition

• CRHA Board Chair Brigid O'Rourke reported on the search to replace Executive Director John Sales, who resigned effective December 4, 2026.
• The request for proposals (RFP) for recruitment firms was issued the week of August 31, 2026. The search cost is estimated at approximately $75,000. Council directed the City Manager to review the request for financial assistance and present funding options.
• City Manager Sanders noted the City's HR department could assist with a compensation study to ensure the salary package remains competitive.

2. Board Composition & Term Limits

• CRHA requested City Council amend the board's charter to extend board member terms and to explicitly allow Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) recipients to fill resident commissioner seats, expanding the candidate pool in line with HUD requirements.
• Council was broadly supportive of the eligibility expansion. The City Attorney noted the state charter limits single terms to four years but consecutive terms are possible. Council directed the City Manager and City Attorney to bring forward a formal action item to revise the relevant code sections.

3. Redevelopment Project Updates

• Deputy Executive Director Kathleen Glenn-Matthews presented on current projects:
  • South First Street Phase 2: A 113-unit project. 23 units are ready for occupancy, 20 units expected by November 2026, and 70 units by May 2027. The new community center is complete.
  • Sixth Street Phase 1: A 47-unit building under construction with plans for an on-site clinic, business center, and teen lounge.
  • West Haven: Master planning continues; the relocation process is estimated to begin in late 2027 or early 2028, emphasizing wraparound services and community connectivity.
  • Capital Improvements: A $1.5 million competitive grant from HUD and private partners funded extensive renovations at Nikki Drive and other sites, with resident planners selecting the finishes.

4. Affordable Housing Preservation (NOAH & Acquisitions)

• CRHA has preserved approximately 80 Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) units in partnership with the City.
• Silk Purse Acquisition: CRHA requested $3 million to acquire 11 properties (13 deeply affordable units). The units cannot support conventional financing without significant rent increases.
• Rivanna Terrace Apartments: CRHA requested $5 million in City funding to support the acquisition of this 48-unit complex, listed for $9.6 million.
• Dispositions: The Dogwood portfolio will shrink by 4 units due to a planned sale back to Woodward and the conversion of 801 Harris Street to commercial. Future tax credit applications could repay City funds.

5. Staffing, Capacity, and Long-Term Financial Planning

• Chair O'Rourke highlighted that staffing capacity and compensation are ongoing challenges as CRHA manages additional units without a corresponding increase in operating staff.
• Councilor Snook requested a three-to-five-year financial forecast from CRHA to assess the long-term obligation of the City to fund the agency's operating deficits and capital program. CRHA Director of Finance TC Nichols agreed to produce the projections.
• Councilor Payne noted CRHA has fewer staff per unit than comparable local housing organizations and advocated for a sustainable, well-funded staffing model.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments: Carl Schwarz and Ross Harnes(s) were appointed to the Planning Commission (5-0).
• ED Search Referral: The request for $75,000 in financial assistance for the Executive Director search was referred to the City Manager for a budget recommendation.
• Policy Changes Referred: The requests to amend board term limits and expand resident commissioner eligibility were referred to the City Manager and City Attorney to draft a formal action item for Council.
• Long-Term Forecast Requested: Council directed CRHA to produce a three-to-five year financial forecast to inform future funding decisions.
• Coordination: City and CRHA staff will hold monthly leadership meetings and plan to reconvene in December 2026 to coordinate with the incoming executive director.
• Mayor Wade left the meeting at 5:30 p.m. (per the approved minutes).
• The meeting was adjourned by acclamation at 5:49 p.m.