Support Climate Action Plan Funding in Albemarle County’s FY26 Budget!
Beginning in 2018, Albemarle County signalled its commitment to climate change mitigation: it adopted a Climate Action Plan and set up a Climate Program to implement the Plan, and committed to placing climate and equity as the foundation of its comprehensive planning. However, while the County set a regional example in planning for climate change, it now risks falling behind in funding implementation of its Climate Action Plan. The County has only made two once-off climate action funding allocations since passing the Climate Action Plan, and that funding has been spent down, with no plans to replace it.
The insecurity of federal funding for climate change mitigation only makes this need all the more urgent, with federally-funded local climate programs already dealing with the impacts of the funding freeze.
C3 is asking that the County recommit to its Climate Action Plan and to invest $1m annually in a Climate Action Implementation Fund.
These flexible funds could be a force multiplier, used for either full projects or to bridge funding gaps, for community benefits like energy efficiency grant funding, e-bike grant vouchers, LED streetlights, urban greening, rooftop or car park solar and EV charging infrastructure, or for decarbonization of County buildings and vehicles.
Watch Executive Director of C3, Susan Kruse, share more about the new sign on letter and importance of taking local action on NBC29’s Community Conversations. (2-21-25)
Sign onto our letter for organizations and businesses
Please join a growing list of peer organizations and businesses, including Piedmont Environmental Council, Livable Cville, the Legal Aid Justice Center and many more, and add your logo to our sign-on letter in support of the Climate Action Plan Implementation Fund.
Organizational Sign Ons
Take Individual Action
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Write to Your Local Representatives!
You can email the County Board of Supervisors (make sure to CC your individual district Supervisor) with the subject line “Climate Action Plan Implementation Fund”, and ask that the County match the City of Charlottesville in its annual $1m budget for climate action.
Short on time? No worries - click the link below to open a pre-written email body. Remember, though: everyone likes the personal touch. Add a few details about who you are and why climate action matters to you.
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Use Your Voice!
Join C3 and our community of climate advocates by attending the upcoming work sessions and town halls, and voicing your support of the Climate Action Plan Implementation Fund.
Click here to see the list of upcoming public engagement opportunities on the County’s website, or hit the button below and subscribe to C3’s calendar.
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Make Signs!
Not everyone necessarily wants to speak at a public meeting, but as we’ve all been told a thousand times, a picture tells a thousand words! You can lend your support to folks making public comments by making signs to hold up at public engagement sessions.
Hit the link below if you’re interested in a sign-making party at C3’s office!