Key Issues in Rivanna


ENVIRONMENT

  • Climate resilience is a top priority to buffer our community against large storms, heavy rains, and heat events which are predicted to increase with climate change.

  • Construct a Convenience Center in the northern part of the County (up Rte. 29) similar to the one recently opened in Keene. This will provide a convenient low-cost option for trash drop off and free recycling.

  • Support agriculture and protect Albemarle County’s rural beauty and biodiversity by prioritizing growth in the development areas.

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Economic development helps ensure our long-term viability

  • Further development of the National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC) at Rivanna Station and working with the military is important for our local economy as they are our second largest economic engine.

  • Adopting a balanced approach to growth is crucial to prevent overburdening our natural resources and community infrastructure

  • Addressing affordable housing concerns allows our fire rescue, police, teachers, and health professionals the opportunity to live in Albemarle.

  • We continue to collaborate with our community partners to

    achieve long-term solutions

FIRE AND POLICE

  • Prioritize public safety for people living throughout the Rivanna District by continuing to support our County Fire Rescue and Stony Point Volunteer Fire Company - supporting the addition of an ambulance and fire engine.

  • Properly fund our Police, Fire, and Rescue departments to retain and increase our well-trained and well-equipped safety personnel.

PARKS AND RECREATION

  • Maintaining a vibrant County Parks system ensures all residents have access to recreational and open spaces for active, passive, and mental health enjoyment.

  • Creation of the Greenway Promenade (along the closed Free Bridge Lane) that will be added to Darden Towe Park. This will allow pedestrians, cyclists, walkers, and runners to utilize and enjoy the pathway along the Rivanna River.

  • Establish the Albemarle County Parks Foundation, a non-profit organization that will provide private funding for amenities aimed at enhancing our parks.

  • Renovation of the Darden Towe grass playing/soccer fields.

  • Accomplished the installation of pickleball courts at Darden Towe - working with the local Pickleball Club.

EDUCATION

  • As a former teacher, principal, and director in charge of 24 elementary schools, I strongly support having schools that provide the best educational opportunities for our children.

  • Our teachers require our support and resources to continue providing excellent learning opportunities for our children.

TRANSPORTATION

  • Providing multimodal transportation opportunities in our region is vital to addressing the needs of our community.

  • The Micro-CAT pilot on-demand program, through a state grant, will provide additional service for transit riders.

  • The addition of covered bus stops will improve the traveling experience and hopefully boost ridership.

BROADBAND

  • Broadband and cell service is a health and safety issue and vital for all our residents for education and work purposes.

  • Continuing to work with the local providers so that each resident has connectivity continues to be a priority

  • Our efforts to have broadband throughout the County are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025