What’s Happening in Local Climate Policy
Already this year you may have heard or seen more talk around the County and City taking action on climate policy! The start has been a busy one in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. We’re here to help you keep track of all the progress and offer advocacy opportunities for advancing climate-smart policies!
There are four (yes, FOUR) major pieces of climate policy that C3 is tracking: (1) the Charlottesville Climate Action Plan, (2) the Charlottesville Zoning Rewrite, (3) the Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan Update, and (4) the Woodridge Solar Development. Here’s what you need to know:
Charlottesville
Charlottesville Climate Action Plan
Quick Summary: We are still celebrating Charlottesville’s January adoption of the Climate Action Plan (CAP) into the Comprehensive Plan! The CAP provides a promising framework for advancing climate change mitigation as a City and as a community. Incorporating the CAP into the Comprehensive Plan means that climate will be considered in major and minor City decisions alike.
Why it Matters: As climate advocates, we need to keep pushing action and adoption on the part of local government. You’ll have that chance next week at the City’s Acting on Climate Together event.
Coming up: Acting on Climate Together will be at Carver Rec on Wednesday, March 15th. Drop in any time between 4 and 7 PM!
(Photo credit: Skyclad Aerial)
Charlottesville Zoning Rewrite
Quick Summary: Charlottesville is currently rewriting its zoning code, and the changes seek to address housing affordability concerns and promote multi-modal transportation. The draft code is being released in three modules, the first of which was released in early February and includes the zoning map as well as districts, rules, and uses.
Why it Matters: Updating our zoning code to incentivize climate-smart growth neighborhoods has important climate benefits because it reduces the need for cars and can increase energy efficiency. C3 is excited by the progress that module one makes toward building an equitable and climate-smart city. We want to celebrate the proposed increase in residential density and focus on infill development. In the next module, we hope to see (1) further reductions in barriers to solar, (2) the elimination of public parking incentives, and (3) a reasonable readjustment in allowable heights for multi-family homes in residential districts. Check out our zoning recommendations here!
Coming up: To make your voice heard on the Charlottesville zoning code rewrite, send your thoughts on the new zoning plan to the city by Friday, March 31st.
Albemarle County
Albemarle’s Comprehensive Plan Update
Quick Summary: Phase Two of the Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan update began in February. Expected to be completed in 2024, the update, known as AC44, is a vision for the next 20 years in Albemarle County.
Why it Matters: Our comprehensive plan guides development, funding, and policy decisions, and the rewrite will center on two main themes: equity and climate.
Coming Up: Complete the County’s ~35-question survey by Friday, March 17th and attend one of the Community Pop ups happening across the county the week of March 13th to share your thoughts on transportation, land use, housing, economic development, and more.
(photo credit: Richard Guy Wilson)
Solar Energy in the County
Quick Summary: Thank you for all of your support of C3’s petition to approve the proposed Woodridge Solar project, which was based on our Solar Climate Justice Scorecard analysis. We are thrilled that so many community members (~350) and social justice organizations are supportive of equitably and responsibly adding renewable energy in the County.
Regarding other county solar news, the Planning Commission met with the Berkley Group, a Virginia-based consultant, to develop regulations for solar development in Albemarle County. This process is now in its infancy, and as it develops, we will keep you informed on how to get involved in shaping these regulations. This could be a very exciting opportunity to help our county lead in the just clean energy transition!
Why it Matters: We know that adoption of renewable energy will be a key solution to meeting the urgency of global climate change.
Coming up: On Wednesday, April 5th, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors will vote on the Woodridge solar project, and we will release details on how to speak as we get closer to the date.
General Advocacy
For all of the above or any other advocacy opportunities that you consider important, please reach out to C3’s policy team at policy@theclimatecollaborative.org. We’d love to hear what suggestions, questions, or ideas for collaboration you might have.