Enterprise Permitting & Licensing (EP&L)   
In 2025, the Community Development Department (CDD) advanced major initiatives to enhance customer service, modernize operations, and support long-term planning in Albemarle County. A key milestone was the launch of the Enterprise Permitting & Licensing (EP&L) System and its Civic Access Portal. This streamlined digital platform allows residents and businesses to apply for permits, track progress, and communicate directly with staff in a more reliable, transparent, and user-friendly way.

By consolidating permitting services into one system, EP&L simplifies processes, reduces processing times, and improves communication at every stage. Customers benefit from clearer visibility into their applications and more consistent updates.

Internally, the system increases efficiency and accuracy. Modernized workflows reduce manual tasks, strengthen accountability, and enable staff to focus on responsive, high-quality service. EP&L reflects Albemarle County’s strategic investment in innovation and continuous improvement, creating a stronger foundation for dependable service delivery and sustainable community growth.

Life Sciences & Manufacturing Growth
In 2025, Albemarle County reached two major Economic Development milestones, reinforcing its leadership in biotechnology and advanced manufacturing. AstraZeneca announced a $4.5
billion investment to build a state-of-the-art facility at the Rivanna Futures site, expected to create 600 high-quality jobs and expand production of medicines, including cancer treatments. The County partnered with the Commonwealth of Virginia, supported by a Virginia Business Ready Sites Program grant, to position the site for development opportunities.

Albemarle also celebrated a major economic milestone as Afton Scientific broke ground on a new $200 million facility projected to create more than 200 jobs and increase injectable medicine production. Together, these investments advance the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan through the attraction of key target industries, creation of high-quality jobs, and strengthening of Central Virginia’s role in biotechnology and life sciences innovation.

AC44 and Economic Plans Adopted
Albemarle County marked 2025 as a pivotal year in shaping its future with the adoption of two major plans that will shape the community for years to come: AC44, the County’s updated
Comprehensive Plan, and the Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP). Together, these plans establish a coordinated framework to guide growth, investment, and opportunity.

After four years of community engagement, the Board of Supervisors adopted AC44, effective January 1, 2026. The plan guides policy through 2044 and reaffirms the Growth Management Policy by directing development to designated Development Areas while preserving the Rural Area. It improved clarity of land use categories and the Future Land Use Map, and introduces Activity and Employment Centers to support walkable, mixed-use development.

Adopted in August 2025, the five-year EDSP focuses on diversifying the economy and advancing priority sectors, including biotechnology, national intelligence, and agribusiness, aligning economic strategies with land use, infrastructure, and environmental goals.

Biscuit Run Stream Restoration
Albemarle County made significant progress on the Biscuit Run Stream Restoration project—an important environmental initiative designed to improve water quality, enhance habitat diversity, reduce downstream flooding, and better manage stormwater runoff. In 2025, the project was more than halfway completed, marking a major milestone in restoring the health and resilience of the Biscuit Run corridor.

In-stream work includes installing intermittent logjam structures that mimic natural beaver dams. These features slow water flow, reconnect the stream to its floodplain, create wetlands, reduce erosion, and improve wildlife habitat and plant diversity. Beavers and spotted turtles have been observed coming back to the area. By accelerating natural processes, the project delivers meaningful ecological improvements within a few years.

Major construction is complete, and heavy equipment has been removed. Final planting, downstream enhancements, and invasive species treatment will continue into spring, reinforcing the County’s commitment to watershed protection and environmental stewardship.

Albemarle County Employee Care Clinics

Albemarle County opened two Employee Care Clinics in 2025 to expand access to high-quality, affordable healthcare for employees, retirees, and eligible dependents. Operated by CareATC, the clinics provide comprehensive medical, occupational health, mental health, and wellness services aimed at improving well-being, and managing rising healthcare costs.

Located off Route 29 North and in Pantops, the clinics serve benefits-eligible staff, their eligible dependents, and retirees from Albemarle County Local Government, Albemarle County Public Schools, and partner agencies, including the Albemarle County Service Authority and Blue Ridge Juvenile Detention Center. Licensed providers offer primary and urgent care, pediatric services, chronic disease management, vaccinations, lab testing, physical therapy, wellness coaching, mental health care, and virtual visits.

This initiative represents a meaningful investment in the health and resilience of the County’s workforce. By increasing access to preventive care and coordinated treatment, Albemarle County is fostering a healthier workforce better equipped to serve the community.

Continuity of Operations (COOP)

In 2024, 17 departmental liaisons completed Phase One by identifying critical functions, documenting vital systems, strengthening succession plans, assessing risks, and developing mitigation strategies. In 2025, Albemarle County advanced from planning to implementation of its Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) to ensure essential services remain available during emergencies. A key milestone was a tabletop exercise that included representatives from all departments.

The tabletop exercise tested the work of Phase One through facilitated discussions and scenario-based problem-solving to evaluate protocols, clarify roles, and identify gaps, with an emphasis on safeguarding essential systems, data, and communications. The tabletop exercise marked the beginning of Phase Two implementation, which includes quarterly training, department- specific drills, a countywide exercise, and testing of emergency communications and alternative service delivery methods. Together, these efforts reinforce a Countywide commitment to preparedness and continuous improvement.

Police Department Earns State Accreditation
The Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) reached a major milestone in 2025 by earning accreditation from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC). This
recognition reflects a year-long, voluntary effort to modernize department policies, overhaul the Evidence and Property Unit, and meet 193 professional standards focused on accountability, operations, training, and high-quality public safety services.

VLEPSC assessors conducted an on-site review in October 2025, evaluating compliance across administration, personnel practices, and community policing. Accreditation was formally presented in December to Chief Sean Reeves, who credited department-wide dedication and reaffirmed ACPD’s commitment to professionalism and transparency.

First accredited in 2000, ACPD will undergo its next review in 2029. This achievement underscores the department’s continued focus on accountability, public trust, and policing services, ensuring the department continues to serve the Albemarle County community safely and professionally.

Courts Complex: Phase One Complete
Albemarle County celebrated a major milestone in the Courts Renovation & Expansion Project
with the completion of Phase One of the new General District Courthouse at Court Square in 2025. The achievement was marked with a General District Courts Celebration and Site Tour, highlighting the County’s commitment to modern, accessible, and safe judicial facilities.

This $68 million project renovated the historic Levy Opera House and added a fully accessible new courthouse, providing a secure and efficient court experience. Phase One reflects collaboration among Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and judicial partners, including judges, clerks, sheriff’s deputies, architects, and planners.

Phase Two, focusing on the historic Circuit Court, is scheduled for completion in 2027. The project demonstrates the County’s investment to public infrastructure that serves the community’s needs and fosters strong partnerships.