February 7, 2025: Coalition wants Albemarle Supervisors to raise property tax rate to generate more revenue for housing support
Plus: Albemarle County Supervisors mark Black History Month
On this day in 1964, four lads from Liverpool arrived in the United States of America for their first ever tour of this country. That’s just one of the many pieces of information available on the Wikipedia entry for February 7. This fact has been selected from many because it is a Friday and many in the audience may seek joviality and mirth at the beginning of this installment of Charlottesville Community Engagement.
If you would have liked another selection, they run the gamut from Leo I becoming the first Eastern Roman emperor in 457 to the death in 2020 of Li Wenliang, a Chinese ophthalmologist who had sounded the alarm about COVID-19. I’m Sean Tubbs, living on the bend of a kaleidoscope.
In today’s installment:
A member of the Albemarle Board of Supervisors raises concerns about the impact of sweeping changes sought by the second Trump administration
A coalition of groups is seeking Albemarle to raise its property tax rate so more money can be spent on subsidizing housing
Charlottesville hires a new director of social services
Albemarle County marks Black History Month
First shout-out: Alliance Française de Charlottesville
The Alliance Française de Charlottesville promotes the French language and francophone culture through educational and cultural programs. Visit the Alliance Française website to learn more about group classes, private lessons, cultural events, and social activities for both kids and adults.
Supervisor Pruitt sounds alarm on economic threat of federal cuts, executive orders
Donald Trump became the President of the United States for a second time 18 days ago and immediately began to disrupt the federal government with a series of executive orders ordering a different way of doing business. The full scope of all that is going on is not yet known but there will be an impact on all levels of government.
There are at least two federal court orders seeking to block the Trump administration’s attempts to freeze federal funding for programs deemed to be objectionable such as elimination of any funding for programs involved with “diversity, equity, inclusion” as well as anything having to do with health care for people who identify as transgender.
Albemarle Supervisor Mike Pruitt of the Scottsville District took the opportunity on February 5 to tell his colleagues of his concerns.
“About nine percent of the Virginia economy in the workforce is employed in nonprofits and that is much, much higher in our area because we have [the University of Virginia], we have a lot of regional and environment nonprofits,” Pruitt said. “We have a lot of things driven by that engine.”
Pruitt said a lot of people’s lives are now in jeopardy because federal contracts are either under threat or have already been terminated by teams working under the umbrella Department of Government Efficiency.
“My closest friend yesterday had to lay off 30 people and is himself probably going to be furloughed for the next three months and then probably furloughed at the end of those three months,” Pruitt said. “I know this is happening to a lot of other people in the University who administer federal contracts.”
Pruitt referred the Board and the public to an article by Catie Ratliff in the February 5 C-Ville Weekly with more information. Ratliff also wrote an article in the February 5 edition on UVA Health’s decision to end all “gender affirming care” for people under the age of 19.
“Trans folks under 20 in our community, many who are adults, have had their care terminated by an illegal order,” Pruitt said. “This means a complete loss of access to their psychiatrists, an interruption to their medical care. That includes medication, hormones, that is being abruptly stopped mid-cycle.”
Pruitt said he’s fielded many calls from people who want legal representation, but he doesn’t yet have answers because the presidential declaration is still relatively new. For instance, some are concerned they will not be able to renew a passport.
The uncertainty pervades housing issues as well.
“There is in our budget 1,500 people who receive [federal] housing choice vouchers that allow them to live where they do,” Pruitt said. “[Albemarle Housing Improvement Program] is funded in large part by Community Development Block Grants and HOME grants through Charlottesville and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission. And really importantly, the telecom initiative that we’re using to expand broadband throughout the county, while it is a state grant, it in turn receives money from federal grants and is not clear to me that that means there will be a potential interruption of work laying of line in Keene that is expected to come later this year.”
During the public comment period, the former CEO of the Jefferson Board of Aging said her replacement has taken over at a time when that agency is also concerned about the future.
“JABA is funded by the Older Americans Act,” said Marta Keene. “And so we are watching all of that very closely. And that didn't scare her one bit. She's ready to take it on.”
Judith Selzer is the new CEO of JABA and said she’s ready to fill Keene’s shoes. She said in this community, 31 percent of seniors live alone and ten percent are below the federal poverty. Local support provides local services
The investment you make every day in your constituents across the county to ensure that they can get home delivered meals, that they can have our case managers help them navigate different difficult situations, that they can come to our community centers to have enrichment, that they can have community support, that they can get a warm meal and not be isolated or lonely at home are incredibly important services,” Selzer said.
Have you been affected by the potential of cuts? Please drop me a line or reach out to another reporter. Everyone will be affected in some way and this is a time for more conversation.
Coalition wants Albemarle County to pay $10 million a year toward housing costs
In less than a month, Albemarle County Executive Jeffrey Richardon will unveil his budget for the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2025.
In late January, a coalition of groups sent a letter to the Albemarle Board of Supervisors asking for major investments in subsidized housing including a higher estate tax rate. (read the letter)
“Real estate taxes haven’t been raised in 5 years,” reads the January 25 letter. “You have the opportunity to educate the public about the budget impact of professional firefighters in our community and other rising costs.”
Groups who have signed on to the letter run the gamut from the Albemarle Education Association to Virginia Organizing and include at least one group who would likely receive additional funding requested in the letter.
“Establish a ‘Housing Trust Fund’ with at least $10 million in dedicated annual funding that would go specifically toward affordable housing needs such as new construction and preservation,” reads one of the requests.
That would match the amount the City of Charlottesville spends each year on projects, with a lot of that funding going to the Piedmont Housing Alliance for various projects such as the redevelopment of Kindlewood into Friendship Court.
The Piedmont Housing Alliance signed on to the letter.
Shortly before they spoke, Supervisor Michael Pruitt urged his colleagues and the community to read the letter and its various demands.
“Some of them will be more achievable than others but I think there are things we need to really dig into collectively as a Board and I am grateful that they are here today,” Pruitt said.
One of the speakers was Mark Lorenzoni, the owner of the Ragged Mountain Running and Walking Shop who recently moved to the Samuel Miller District.
“We've also been now, along with our two oldest kids, city business owners for the past 43 years,” Lorenzoni said. “Living in the same community where we work used to be a given, even when our personal income was much lower. But now I look upon it as a privilege and that bothers me. Everywhere I turn, there are glaring examples of folks working in the city or county who can't afford to live here. Like overhearing Costco employees while I'm checking out, talking about their long drive home to Louisa or Buckingham.”
Lorenzoni also said there are many people in many trades who cannot afford to continue living here. He thanked the Board of Supervisors for their investment in places like Premier Circle and the redevelopment of the Southwood Mobile Home Park, but he said more needed to be done.
Vicki Bravo spoke on behalf of the group IMPACT which has advocated for various policies over the years. She called for the $10 million housing trust fund to be created to fulfill some of the promises enshrined in the Housing Albemarle plan adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 2021.
“When you passed the new housing policy, an affordable housing trust fund was part of that, but the trust fund hasn't been set up yet,” Bravo said. “Why are we pushing so much for an affordable housing trust fund? It's best practised nationally and has a record of success for more than four decades. It ensures regular funding. It provides financing for local solutions and priorities.”
In the budget for fiscal year 2025, Supervisors did agree to set aside $2 million for the Affordable Housing Investment Fund, a fund created in 2019 for “to support housing initiatives that are one-time costs and will support the County’s strategic and housing goals.”
Bravo also referenced that Fairfax County puts $18 million a year into such a fund. It should also be noted that Fairfax County’s population is ten times the size of Albemarle. That locality also has a redevelopment and housing authority where Albemarle does not.
Several other speakers also had their say. The video of the meeting is here and users can navigate to the section they would like to see. Click here.
Charlottesville hires a new Director of Social Services
Charlottesville City Manager’s quest to fill vacant positions at City Hall claimed more one objective this week as Leon Henry began work as the city’s new director of social services.
“I always lead with my heart and choose to use my voice in times that are difficult or when others don’t always feel comfortable speaking up,” Henry is quoted in a press release sent out today. “I want to help children and families break down barriers to create opportunities for people.”
Henry previously worked for the University of Virginia Health system where he served as a manager of clinical social work. Before that he worked in the Department of Children and Families in the Commonwealth of Masschusetts. He is originally from the Bronx.
Second shout-shout: WTJU Folk Marathon - February 3 through February 9
“All music is folk music; I ain’t never heard no horse sing a song.” So said Louis Armstrong, or possibly Big Bill Broonzy. Either way, WTJU embraces it.
From February 3 – 9, WTJU brings you all kinds of Folk music during the 2025 Folk Marathon. You can depend on their dedicated volunteers to bring you inspired programming, day in, day out. When the world seems to be losing its mind, you can always tune in to WTJU to find yours again.
WTJU is here for you – and your donation makes this station available to everyone!
Albemarle Supervisors mark Black History Month
On the fifth day of Black History Month 2025, the Albemarle Board of Supervisors adopted a proclamation marking the 99th anniversary of the occasion.
“We, the Albemarle Board of Supervisors, do hereby honor and celebrate Black History Month as an opportunity for all county residents to recognize and support the social, physical and cultural contributions of Black Americans and to take meaningful actions to create a more equitable and inclusive community for all,” said Supervisor Diantha McKeel.
The proclamation was accepted by Rebecca Kinney, the president of the Board of Directors for St. John Family Life and Fitness Center. That’s the name of the organization that is renovating a small school building constructed in 1922 for Black residents.
“The St. John Family Life and Fitness Center stands on the foundation of the historical St. John Rosenwald School, a school that once provided education to Black children during segregation when opportunities were scarce or non-existent,” Kinney said.
The St. John Family Life and Fitness Center is the subject of a recent historic market installed to commemorate the role Rosenwald Schools played across Virginia.
Jack Jouett Supervisor Diantha McKeel said she was a teacher in the early 70s.
“During those years, February was my favorite teaching month because the school supported Black History Month,” McKeel said. “And the school support enabled me to highlight the achievements of African Americans and to teach about those African Americans who were important to our nation's history. And it also empowered me to include black history into my curriculum throughout the year.”
Supervisor Ned Gallaway took the opportunity to read a quote from Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), the minority leader in the U.S. House of Representatives. On January 23, 2025, Jeffries responded to an executive order from the White House seeking to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion are American values. Perhaps I can explain. The motto of the United States of America is E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, one. That's diversity. The 14th amendment to the United States Constitution, one of the most important amendments in our country, provides equal protection under the law. That's equity in this country. We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, a flag that we just presented to the new president and vice president. And in that pledge, we promise one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. A L L. That's inclusion.”
You can read the statement here .
Supervisor Michael Pruitt of the Scottsville District said he worked as a civil rights lawyer and it’s important to not freeze Black history in amber because there is still move work to be done.
“I am still suing landlords every day for the things they do against Black people,” Pruitt said. “In fact, there are more lawsuits, vindicated lawsuits, right? Like folks who win on claiming discrimination on the basis of race now than there were when we passed the Civil Rights Act, than there were around the time that Dr. King was shot. Segregation indexes are higher in many parts of Virginia now than they were in the 60s.”
For additional references and to learn more, I’ve cut and pasted these links from the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s website.
Events at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center
Events with the Black Professional Network of Charlottesville
Explore Charlottesville and Albemarle County's Black History
For more on the St. John Family Life and Fitness Center, take a look at this video:
Reading material for #809
Albemarle County breaks ground on Mountain View Upper Elementary School, Mark Gad, CBS19 News, February 6, 2025
ACPS silent on Trump’s executive order threatening funding, Mark Gad, CBS19 News, February 6, 2025
Billions of dollars for US projects remain frozen by Trump, managers and advocates say, Bo Erickson and Richard Cowan, Reuters, February 6, 2025
School Division Looks to Heighten Security, Lisa Martin, Crozet Gazette, February 7, 2025
Housekeeping for #809
If I make it to a hundred installments from now, I’ll do a Beatles reference in this slot because “One After 909” is a favorite of mine. I’m told it is a track that is an early one from when John Lennon and Paul McCartney were in a skiffle band in Liverpool. My parents were in the same age range and I’ve always felt a weird proximity to the Beatles as a result. I’m still quite amazed I’ve been able to see Sean Lennon play guitar on Tomorrow Never Knows at a show at the downtown Pavilion.
That’s it for today because it’s 3:53 p.m. and fewer people read these when they go out this late on a Friday. These segments will end up on Information Charlottesville over the weekend. Also coming up at some point is a look at December 2024 property transactions and possibly more stuff. There’s a lot to write every day.
I didn’t even get to what I wanted to say about local journalism. There will be more Monday. Here’s a link to the show I mentioned above from August 6, 2019. The sound quality is pretty bad, but I’m fairly certain the very loud “yeah!” is me. I totally forgot the Claypool-Lennon Delirium also did Astronomy Domine, too. In another life, I could write about music all day.