CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW)– The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors is determining whether to move forward with two projects tied to the Affordable Housing Investment Fund, one of the main topics it will tackle during a work session meeting Wednesday.

“It’s an opportunity fund to help move along projects that will advance the county’s affordable housing goals” said Abbey Stumpf, BOS communications director during an appearance on WINA Morning News on Wednesday.

One program focuses on energy improvement projects in the home.  Its intention is to incentivize homeowners to increase energy efficiency, lowering household costs and increasing stability to stay in their homes. The other, in partnership with the Piedmont Housing Alliance and financial opportunity center, is called the Housing Navigation Partnership. The Housing Navigation Partnership is designed to help those in need of housing find available rentals and budget according to their specific financial feasibility.  It will connect them with the right landlords and assist them in browsing inventory.   

Together, the two programs, totaling $230,000, if funded, would leave $4.7 million remaining in the investment fund, Stumpf said.

Stumpf also mentioned that the Board will be looking at next steps collaborating with the Virginia Department of Transportation in making the Freebridge Lane Promenade Program permanent.  Current findings by the Board put visits between November and July to the promenade at over 30,000. 

The Board will also be going through an updated ordinance pertaining to potential data centers over 40,000 square feet and examining if the regulations contained in it meet the public’s needs. 

Stumpf encourages the public to be heard at the beginning of the 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. comment portions, but there will be no public comment opportunities in the 3 p.m. work session.   

You can also email the Board at BOS@Albemarle.org or go to engage.albemarle.org.