As we look back on 2024, we are proud to share the tangible impact of local government services that make a real difference in our community daily. Here are some takeaways from 2024:

Strengthening Public Safety 

Investing in Our Community 

Advancing Innovation and Infrastructure 

Building a Resilient and Sustainable Future 

Empowering People and Programs 

Biscuit Run Park   
Biscuit Run Park officially opened on December 14, 2024, welcoming over 10,000 visitors in its first month. The opening marked the completion of an initial phase of amenities, which includes eight miles of multi-use trails for hiking, running, biking, birding, restroom facilities, and a 75-space trail head parking lot. Located south of Avon Street on Route 20, at 2020 Scottsville Road, the park provides a much-needed recreational space in Albemarle’s Southern development area while preserving 80% of its natural landscape. 

Developed through a partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the County secured a 99-year lease to develop and manage the park. Future phases will expand the park’s offerings with additional facilities and recreational opportunities, ensuring it remains a long-term asset for outdoor enthusiasts. Biscuit Run Park represents a significant milestone in the County’s efforts to balance public recreation with environmental conservation. 

Rivanna Futures
In 2024, Albemarle County made substantial progress in advancing the Rivanna Futures site toward its envisioned future state as a hub for intelligence and national security agencies, academic institutions, and private-sector entities, leveraging its proximity to Rivanna Station. 

Since acquiring the property in December 2023, Albemarle County has focused on site readiness efforts through zoning, environmental assessment, and infrastructure planning. Initially ranked as a Tier 1 site under the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s ranking system, Rivanna Futures has progressed to Tier 3 of 5. Strategic partnerships remain essential, and the County is actively pursuing state and federal funding to ensure infrastructure improvements position the site for future economic opportunities.  

A key milestone was the Intelligence and National Security Alliance hosting their Common Threads event here in Albemarle County, which brought together over 300 government, industry, and academia professionals. This reinforced Albemarle County’s role as an emerging intelligence and national security innovation hub. 

Climate Action Grants
The Community Climate Action Grant program continued in 2024, supporting projects that advance the County’s Climate Action Plan. The first round of grantees completed their initiatives, while a second round introduced new projects focused on emissions reduction and sustainability.

Projects included expanding bike repair programs, transitioning community farms to electric equipment, and launching composting initiatives. The County also supported workforce training programs in green industries and a grassland restoration project in a public park. By funding innovative community-led solutions, the program has strengthened environmental stewardship and community resilience.

These grants reflect Albemarle County’s commitment to climate action. By investing in local initiatives, the County empowers residents and organizations to drive meaningful change, ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Citizens Police Academy
In 2024, the Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) successfully relaunched the Citizens Police Academy, providing community members with an immersive experience into the world of law enforcement. The academy welcomed 15 participants, offering hands-on activities, direct engagement with officers, and a deeper understanding of police operations.

Over the course of three Saturdays, participants learned more about crime scene investigations, traffic enforcement exercises, K-9 unit functions, and police training programs like the virtual reality simulator. The academy fostered strong relationships between ACPD and the community by providing firsthand insight into the challenges and responsibilities of law enforcement.

While this program is designed to educate the community and not specifically a recruitment effort, one participant who attended ultimately pursued a career in law enforcement and became an officer with ACPD. The success of the 2024 academy highlights its role in strengthening community-police relations and providing a transparent look into modern policing. With its relaunch, ACPD is excited to continue offering this valuable experience in the years to come.

AI Policy

In 2024, Albemarle County implemented policies and training programs to ensure the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). The initiative focused on security, ethical considerations, and expanding efficiencies while protecting County data. To ensure compliance, the County established clear guidelines for AI usage, including approval for AI-generated content creation and ongoing monitoring for risks. The initiative also included staff training on AI best practices and risk mitigation to ensure responsible use.

The County’s approach was recognized at the 2024 Commonwealth of Virginia Information Technology Symposium, where it received the Commonwealth Technology Award for Cybersecurity and Privacy Initiatives. This acknowledgment highlights Albemarle’s commitment to innovation while maintaining security and compliance.

SPEAR

 Albemarle County launched its first-ever Strategic Plan Execution Analysis Report (SPEAR) in 2024, establishing a new standard for tracking performance and improving service delivery. By systematically measuring key metrics, the County is ensuring that strategic initiatives achieve measurable results, fostering greater accountability and efficiency.

SPEAR provides a data-driven assessment of County operations, offering insights that inform decision-making and enhance transparency. With the launch of SPEAR, Albemarle County is committed to continuous improvement, leveraging performance data to optimize resources and better serve the community. This report represents an important step in strengthening transparency, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring that County operations align with long-term strategic goals.

Pharmacy Project
In response to new regulations requiring hospitals to transition out of EMS pharmaceutical supply, Albemarle County took on a greater role in the procurement, management, and oversight of pharmaceuticals for Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) paramedics. To meet these requirements, the County developed and implemented a comprehensive system designed to enhance security, tracking, and regulatory compliance in managing the medical drug supply.

Through strong collaboration between Fire Rescue, Finance & Budget, and IT, the project was successfully completed ahead of schedule. The new system not only streamlines the procurement process but also enhances drug monitoring and security, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant emergency medical care.

Roadway Litter Collection Program
Albemarle County launched its Roadway Litter Collection Program in 2024 as part of its commitment to maintaining clean and safe roadways. Using funds from the Disposable Plastic Bag Tax, the County launched the program in 2024, targeting high-traffic areas and clearing over 100 miles of roadway during its first phase. This initiative works in coordination with routine street sweeping, drainage maintenance, and roadside vegetation management, along with the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) road maintenance efforts to create a cleaner and more resilient roadway system.

Removing roadway litter also played a critical role in protecting local waterways by preventing debris from entering storm drains and streams. By integrating this program into the County’s broader street maintenance efforts, Albemarle ensured that roadways remain safe and visually appealing for residents and visitors alike. 

FY 25 BUDGET SUMMARY

The County’s Adopted Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) combined capital and operating budget totals $642,196,101. The Total Budget includes the General Fund, School Division Fund, and the Capital Fund as well as special revenue funds, the debt service fund, and other special funds. The Total Budget is balanced on the current Real Estate tax rate of 85.4 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Development of the FY 26 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) Operating and Capital Budget is currently underway. Albemarle County residents are encouraged to weigh in by emailing the Board directly at bos@albemarle.org, or at one of the Public Hearings listed below.

Visit albemarle.org/finance to learn more about the budget process, including complete schedule, FAQs, and links to the County’s Operating and Capital Budget and Albemarle County Public Schools budget webpages.

FY 26 Budget Public Hearings
Wednesday, February 26 | 12 pm
County Executive’s Recommended Budget Presentation

Wednesday, April 23 | 6 pm
Board’s Proposed Budget

Wednesday, April 30 | 6 pm
Calendar Year 2025 tax rate