Newsletter editor notes recent lack of posts, provides update
A spark intended to light a new fire
Since May 8, 2022, I’ve published 184 of these quick summaries of what’s happening in local government in Virginia’s Fifth District. You’ve probably also noticed that I’ve not posted one for over a month.
After Election Day, I made a conscious decision to hit pause on this newsletter for a while so I can get caught up on some big issues happening in Albemarle and Charlottesville. Most of my income comes from people who are paying me to write about local government there. The City of Charlottesville just adopted a new zoning code and Albemarle continues to review the Comprehensive Plan. I made it my business to document all of the work sessions, and it took a lot of time.
Please know I have not abandoned this experiment, though, but I have had to be realistic about what I can accomplish on my own. I put out a call for interns, received some applications, but at this point I lack the time to do much except try to get the next edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement out the door.
However, for the next ten days I’m going to continue the experiment by at least sending out versions that have links to other articles. I’m going to attempt to do this again in 2024, but it’s clear that one person can’t cover the entire Fifth District. But I’m still going to try!
Fun fact: I’ve tried to write this multiple times in the past six weeks since hitting pause. As the holiday begins, so begins a new evaluation period to determine the future.
Today is just a link to articles, but I’ll be steadily trying to get back in the rhythm. I have loved doing this work and hope to continue into the future!
Reading material:
Mecklenburg County administrator to retire in early 2024, Mecklenburg Sun, October 11, 2023
As Southside solar farm development continues, some localities eye limits, Matt Busse, Cardinal News, October 17, 2023
Danville sees boost in tax revenues, partly due to casino payments, increase in lodging, John Crane, Danville Register & Bee (paywall), October 24, 2023
Appomattox County 2023 election results update, Charles Conrad, Appomattox Times-Virginian, November 8, 2023
With all election numbers in, a look at how Amherst County voted, Justin Faulconer, Amherst New Era-Progress, November 13, 2023
Amherst County Service Authority pays penalty for chemical discharge incident, Justin Faulconer, Amherst New Era-Progress, November 17, 2023
Amherst officials: enforcement on ban on skill games to begin Dec. 15, Justin Faulconer, Amherst New Era-Progress, November 18, 2023
City staff to ask for $3 million from budget surplus to go to amphitheater, Lynchburg News & Advance (paywall), November 25, 2023
Orange County could be sued for alleged FOIA violations, Jason Armesto, Charlottesville Daily Progress (paywall), November 25, 2023
Mecklenburg County School Board nixes South Hill request for utility easement, Mecklenburg Sun, December 19, 2023
Scottsville plant added to landmarks register, CBS19 News, December 19, 2023
Danville city manager names new police chief, Chatham Star-Tribune, December 19, 2023
Supervisors given three scenarios for Larkin property, discussion to continue, Rodney Robinson, Lynchburg News & Advance, December 20, 2023
New road feature to be built in Louisa County in the new year, Marysa Tuttle, WRIC, December 20, 2023
Mulchi to carry GOP banner in 9th District Senate race, Chuck Vipperman, Chatham Star-Tribune, December 20, 2023
Amherst schools secure grants to enhance study safety, Lynchburg News & Advance (paywall), December 20, 2023
Cumberland County Supervisors look ahead during budget talks, Rachel Austin, Farmville Herald, December 20, 2023
Framatome to invest $49.4 million in City of Lynchburg facility, The Altavista Journal, December 20, 2023
Electrical Distributor to Expand into Virginia, Governor Youngkin’s office, press release, December 21, 2023
Energy-Related Projects Bring $86M In Investment To Virginia, Business Facilities, December 21, 2023
New ordinance on short-term rentals about to go into effect, CBS19, December 21, 2023