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[[image:citylogo.jpg|right|120px]]
[[image:citylogo.jpg|right|120px]]
[[Charlottesville]] is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia with an estimated population of 49,071. <ref>{{cite web|title=Virginia Population Estimates|url=http://demographics.coopercenter.org/virginia-population-estimates/|author=|work=Website|publisher=Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service|location=|publishdate=January 30, 2017|accessdate=April 4, 2017}}</ref>
[[Charlottesville]] is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia with an estimated population of 49,477 as of [[July 1]], 2020. <ref>{{cite web|title=Virginia Population Estimates|url=http://demographics.coopercenter.org/virginia-population-estimates/|author=|work=Website|publisher=Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service|location=|publishdate=January 30, 2020|accessdate=May 30, 2021}}</ref>


The city is home to the [[University of Virginia]] which provides another 9,000 part-time residents. Incorporated in 1762,<ref>Barrick, Ric. City's 250th Anniversary of Incorporation. Rep. Charlottesville, 2010. Web. 19 May 2010. <http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/docs/20100517-CC-History-Celebration-staff-report.pdf>.</ref> Charlottesville is located on 10.4 square miles of land and is completely surrounded by [[Albemarle County]]. Charlottesville is also the County seat, though it is an independent city with a separate government.  
The city is also the county seat of [[Albemarle County]], though it is an independent jurisdiction with a separate government. The area is home to the [[University of Virginia]] which drives economic and population growth throughout the region.  


The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the two jurisdictions as one of 363 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the nation. Its 2005 population of 188,016 ranked 212th in the nation.<ref name="bea">{{cite web|url=http://www.bea.gov/regional/bearfacts/action.cfm?yearin=2005&areatype=MSA&fips=16820|title=Bearfacts, Charlottesville, VA|publisher=Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce|accessdate=24 Jan 2010}}</ref> The MSA also includes [[Albemarle County|Albemarle]], [[Fluvanna County|Fluvanna]], [[Greene County|Greene]] and [[Nelson County|Nelson]] Counties.  
The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the two jurisdictions as one of 363 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the nation. Its 2005 population of 188,016 ranked 212th in the nation. {{fact}} The MSA also includes [[Albemarle County|Albemarle]], [[Fluvanna County|Fluvanna]], [[Greene County|Greene]] and [[Nelson County|Nelson]] Counties.  
 
{{Wikipedia link|Charlottesville,_Virginia|whylink=wellcovered|linktext=Charlottesville, Virginia}}


==History==
==History==
Charlottesville was chartered in 1762 to serve as the new county seat of Albemarle County along the [[Three Notch'd Road]] from Richmond to the Shenandoah Valley.<ref>Barrick, Ric. City's 250th Anniversary of Incorporation. Rep. Charlottesville, 2010. Web. 19 May 2010. <http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/docs/20100517-CC-History-Celebration-staff-report.pdf>.</ref> The town got its name from [[Queen Charlotte]], the wife of King George III.<ref>Rainville, Lynn. "LoCoHistory » Blog Archive » The Earl and the Queen." LoCoHistory. 3 Feb. 2007. Web. 21 July 2010. <http://www.locohistory.org/blog/albemarle/2007/02/03/the-earl-and-the-queen/>.</ref> Charlottesville incorporated as a town on January 19, 1801,<ref>{{cite web|title=This Day in Charlottesville History|url=http://www.charlottesville.org/Index.aspx?page=3193|author=|work=|publisher=City of Charlottesville|location=|publishdate=|accessdate=March 14, 2012}}</ref> and incorporated as a City in 1888. Since 1871, all incorporated cities in Virginia have classified as independent cities. Charlottesville became city of second class in 1902. Charlottesville became a city of the first-class ''ipso facto'', as of the date of the proclamation to that effect by the Governor, which was August 1, 1916. 
Charlottesville was chartered in [[1762]] to serve as the new county seat of Albemarle County along the [[Three Notch'd Road]] from Richmond to the Shenandoah Valley. The town was named for Queen Charlotte Sophia of Mecklenberg-Strelitz, the of wife British King George III. <ref name="nomination">{{cite web|title=Charlottesville and Albemarle County Courthouse District|url=https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/VLR_to_transfer/PDFNoms/104-0072_CharlottesvilleAndAlbemarleCountyCourthouse_HD_1980-1995_Amendment_Final_Nomination.pdf|author=Kate Kuranda and Karen Lang-Kummer|work=Nomination Form|publisher=|location=|publishdate=|accessdate=May 30, 2021}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=The Earl and the Queen|url=http://www.locohistory.org/blog/albemarle/2007/02/03/the-earl-and-the-queen/|author=Lynn Rainville|work=Website|publisher=|location=|publishdate=February 3, 2007|accessdate=May 30, 2021}}</ref>
===Settlement and early growth===
The initial division of land in the 1760's was "into twenty-eight squares with half-acre lots per square." Four streets were plotted to travel east and west. Five were laid north to south. In the first sale in September 1763, seven people bought fourteen of the lots. Another ten were sold in [[1764]]. The remaining 23 lots were sold in 1765 and divided into fifteen parcels that were used initially for agricultural purposes. <ref name="nomination" />
 
The 50 acres of the original village were laid out under a gridded town pattern.  A two acre public square to the north of the grid was set aside for a courthouse and would become [[Court Square]]. <ref name="1995iath">{{cite web|title=Charlottesville Urban Design and Affordable Housing|url=http://www2.iath.virginia.edu/schwartz/cville/cville.history.html|author=Kenneth A. Schwarz|work=|publisher=Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities|location=|publishdate=|accessdate=May 30, 2012}}</ref>  
 
Early development was limited because of the distance from a navigable river. The presence of several hills meant that different neighborhood developed independently of each other. [[Thomas Jefferson]] purposely distanced his 'Academical Village (the [[University of Virginia]]) away from the town center. Commercial activity to serve the university took place on what would become known as the [[The Corner|Corner]].
 
The town grew slowly. in 1779, British prisoner [[Thomas Anburey]] described Charlottesville as "this famous place we had heard so much of consisted only of a court house, one tavern and about a dozen houses." Only one structure from this period exists today and is now used as the [[Inn at Court Square]]. <ref name="nomination" />
 
===Town era (1801-1888)===
 
Charlottesville incorporated as a town on [[January 19]], [[1801]]. <ref>{{cite web|title=This Day in Charlottesville History|url=http://www.charlottesville.org/Index.aspx?page=3193|author=|work=|publisher=City of Charlottesville|location=|publishdate=|accessdate=March 14, 2012}}</ref> {{deadlink}} The General Assembly authorized a government of five trustees "who were to maintain streets, settle boundary disputes, authorize a market, quiet public nuisances, appoint a town clerk, and collect taxes to no more than $200." <ref name="nomination" />
 
By 1810, the town had grown to 45 houses, a courthouse, a jail, and an academy.
 
There was an annexations in [[1818]] that included the courthouse area and was known as ''Anderson's Addition''. <ref name="nomination" /> Construction of the [[University of Virginia]] beginning in 1819 provided jobs and spurred commercial activity within the area.
 
By [[1824]], there were about six hundred inhabitants. Throughout the mid 19th century, Scottsville remained the commercial center of the area, but the arrival of first rail line by the Louisa Railroad Company in [[1850]] connected Charlottesville to the rest of the country via east-west rail. The Orange and Alexandria line followed soon after and connected the town to Lynchburg by 1860. This led to a population boom. In 1855, the ''Statistical Gazzeteer'' described Charlottesville as "a flourishing town." Gas service arrived in 1857 and the telegraph arrived in [[1860]]. <ref name="nomination" />
 
[[image:1828-court-square-map.JPG|left|250px|thumb|A map of Charlottesville's Court Square from 1828]]
 
{{clear}}
 
The form of government changed again in [[1851]] to a mayoral form of government with four aldermen who could adopt local ordinances. They were also authorized to raise up to $1,000 in local taxes. There was a further annexation of 0.271 square miles in [[1860]] and another 0.340 acres in [[1873]]. <ref name="nomination" />
 
In 1880, the number of alderman was increased to twelve, and the city was divided into three municipal wards.
 
===City era (1888-present===
 
Charlottesville incorporated as a city in [[1888]]. At the time, the city covered 781 acres and had a population of 1,676. <ref name="nomination" />
 
Since [[1871]], all incorporated cities in Virginia have classified as independent cities. Charlottesville became city of second class in 1902. {{fact}}


Governor Henry Stuart issued a proclamation on [[August 1]], 1916 declaring that Charlottesville had become a first-class in excess of 10,000 people. <ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=Now A City of First Class|url=http://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/uva-lib:2108166/view#openLayer/uva-lib:2108167/5221.5/3190/3/1/0|author=Staff Reports|pageno=1|printdate=August 2, 1916|publishdate=August 2, 1916|accessdate=August 2, 2016 from University of Virginia Library}}</ref>
Governor Henry Stuart issued a proclamation on [[August 1]], 1916 declaring that Charlottesville had become a first-class in excess of 10,000 people. <ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=Now A City of First Class|url=http://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/uva-lib:2108166/view#openLayer/uva-lib:2108167/5221.5/3190/3/1/0|author=Staff Reports|pageno=1|printdate=August 2, 1916|publishdate=August 2, 1916|accessdate=August 2, 2016 from University of Virginia Library}}</ref>
   
   
===Early Development Patterns===
===Late 19th century development===


The 50 acres of the originial village were laid out under a gridded town pattern. A two acre public square to the north of the grid was set aside for a courthouse and would become [[Court Square]]<ref name="1995iath">{{cite web|title=Charlottesville Urban Design and Affordable Housing|url=http://www2.iath.virginia.edu/schwartz/cville/cville.history.html|author=Kenneth A. Schwarz|work=|publisher=Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities|location=|publishdate=|accessdate=November 29, 2012}}</ref> Early development was limited because of the distance from a navigable river. The presence of several hills meant that different neighborhood developed independently of each other. [[Thomas Jefferson]] purposely distanced his 'Academical Village (the [[University of Virginia]]) away from the town center. Commercial activity to serve the university took place on what would become known as the [[The Corner|Corner]].
By the late 19th century, the city was rapidly expanding. Much of this growth was absorbed by the development of the 551-acre [[Belle Mont Estate]] into what would become the [[Belmont-Carlton]] neighborhood. <ref name="buck">{{cite web|title=Belmont - A History of a Neighborhood|url=http://www.cvillepedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/File:19800501-buck-history-of-belmont.pdf|author=James H. Buck Jr.|work=Paper for James Kinard's Local History course|publisher=|location=|publishdate=May 1980|accessdate=July 28, 2014}}</ref>  


By the late 19th century, the city was rapidly expanding. Much of this growth was absorbed by the development of the 551-acre [[Belle Mont Estate]] into what would become the [[Belmont-Carlton]] neighborhood. <ref name="buck">{{cite web|title=Belmont - A History of a Neighborhood|url=http://www.cvillepedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/File:19800501-buck-history-of-belmont.pdf|author=James H. Buck Jr.|work=Paper for James Kinard's Local History course|publisher=|location=|publishdate=May 1980|accessdate=July 28, 2014}}</ref> Workers were attracted to industrial sites such as [[Frank Ix & Sons]]. However, the rise of streetcars and then affordable automobiles as the 20th century progressed allowed for workers to have more choices about where they lived. <ref name="sia-plan">{{cite web|title=City of Charlottesville Strategic Investment Area Plan|url=http://www.cvillepedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/File:FInal_SIA_Report_-_13_December_2013-reduced.pdf|author=Cunningham Quill|work=|publisher=Cunningham Quill|location=|publishdate=December 13, 2013|accessdate=July 28, 2014}}</ref>
Workers were attracted to industrial sites such as [[Frank Ix & Sons]]. However, the rise of streetcars and then affordable automobiles as the 20th century progressed allowed for workers to have more choices about where they lived. <ref name="sia-plan">{{cite web|title=City of Charlottesville Strategic Investment Area Plan|url=http://www.cvillepedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/File:FInal_SIA_Report_-_13_December_2013-reduced.pdf|author=Cunningham Quill|work=|publisher=Cunningham Quill|location=|publishdate=December 13, 2013|accessdate=July 28, 2014}}</ref>


====Early 20th Century transportation and road layout====
The [[Charlottesville and University Street Railway]] was authorized by the General Assembly in March [[1887]] and began operations on [[June 11]], [[1887]]. This fueled real estate development throughout the city along the routes. Developers included the [[Charlottesville West End Land Company]], the [[Development Company of Charlottesville]], the [[Belmont Land Company]], and the [[Jefferson Park Hotel and Land Improvement Company]]. <ref name="nomination" />


Virginia devolved road-maintenance to localities in 1929, including Charlottesville. <ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=|url=http://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/uva-lib:2638440/view#openLayer/uva-lib:2638443/4238/3712/3/1/0|author=Staff Reports|pageno=3|printdate=February 6, 1929|publishdate=February 6, 1929|accessdate=February 6, 2017 from University of Virginia Library}}</ref>
===Early 20th Century transportation and road layout===


In 1933, a plan to widen the 4th Street underpass underneath the railway was discussed by city and railway officials. On [[August 9]], [[1933]], City Manager [[Seth Burnley]] decided to defer work to widen the [[Chesapeake and Ohio Railway]] railroad underpass on 4th Street to 22 feet wide. After a morning conference with railroad officials, the $21,000 expense was deemed to be too much. <ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=4th Street Pass Job Deferred|url=https://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/uva-lib:2644404/view#openLayer/uva-lib:2644405/2661/3869.5/3/1/0|author=|pageno=|printdate=August 11, 1933|publishdate=August 11, 1933|accessdate=May 5, 2019}}</ref> That same summer, city officials and business leaders lobbied Richmond to route traffic at [[Free Bridge]] toward downtown rather than along a highway bypass. <ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=Shirley Will Hear Group About Road|url=https://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/uva-lib:2644404/view#openLayer/uva-lib:2644405/1518.5/3782.5/4/1/0|author=|pageno=1|printdate=August 11, 1933|publishdate=August 11, 1933|accessdate=May 5, 2019}}</ref>
Virginia devolved road-maintenance to localities in [[1929]], including Charlottesville. <ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=|url=http://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/uva-lib:2638440/view#openLayer/uva-lib:2638443/4238/3712/3/1/0|author=Staff Reports|pageno=3|printdate=February 6, 1929|publishdate=February 6, 1929|accessdate=February 6, 2017 from University of Virginia Library}}</ref>
 
By 1930, the population of Charlottesville had grown to 15,245. <ref>{{cite web|title=Population of Virginia - 1930|url=http://www.virginiaplaces.org/population/pop1930numbers.html|author=|work=Website|publisher=Charles Grymes|location=|publishdate=|accessdate=May 30, 2021}}</ref>
 
In [[1933]], a plan to widen the 4th Street underpass underneath the railway was discussed by city and railway officials. On [[August 9]], [[1933]], City Manager [[Seth Burnley]] decided to defer work to widen the [[Chesapeake and Ohio Railway]] railroad underpass on 4th Street to 22 feet wide. After a morning conference with railroad officials, the $21,000 expense was deemed to be too much. <ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=4th Street Pass Job Deferred|url=https://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/uva-lib:2644404/view#openLayer/uva-lib:2644405/2661/3869.5/3/1/0|author=|pageno=|printdate=August 11, 1933|publishdate=August 11, 1933|accessdate=May 5, 2019}}</ref> That same summer, city officials and business leaders lobbied Richmond to route traffic at [[Free Bridge]] toward downtown rather than along a highway bypass. <ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=Shirley Will Hear Group About Road|url=https://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/uva-lib:2644404/view#openLayer/uva-lib:2644405/1518.5/3782.5/4/1/0|author=|pageno=1|printdate=August 11, 1933|publishdate=August 11, 1933|accessdate=May 5, 2019}}</ref>


== Government ==
== Government ==
Charlottesville's city government is run by a [[City Manager]] who is supervised by a five member [[City Council]]. One of the councilors is selected as mayor for a two-year term. The current mayor is [[Nikuyah Walker]]. The current vice-mayor is [[Heather Hill]]. Councilors are elected every other November to four-year terms.  
Charlottesville's city government is run by a [[City Manager]] who is supervised by a five member [[City Council]]. One of the councilors is selected as mayor for a two-year term. The current mayor is [[Lloyd Snook]]. The current vice-mayor is [[Juandiego Wade]]. Councilors are elected every other November to four-year terms.
 
[[Michael C. Rogers]] is the current city manager. <ref>{{cite-infocville|title=Council picks former D.C. Administrator to run the city|url=https://infocville.com/2022/01/18/council-picks-former-d-c-administrator-to-run-the-city/|author=Sean Tubbs|work=News Article|publisher=|location=|publishdate=January 18, 2022|accessdate=March 8, 2022}}</ref> [[Ashley Marshall]] is the Deputy City Manager for Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. [[Sam Sanders]] is the Deputy City Manager for Operations.  


This city manager form of government dates back to September 1, 1922. Three councilors were elected that year followed by two more in 1923. <ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=McCue Bill Would Alter Election of Councilmen|url=|author=Don Devore|pageno=|printdate=January 23, 1960|publishdate=January 23, 1960|accessdate=February 20, 2016}}</ref> Prior to that, Charlottesville had a strong-mayor form of government with a bicameral legislature consisting of a Board of Alderman and a Common Council that began in 1916. <ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=Two-Chambered City Council; Composed of Four Alderman, Eight Councilmen|url=http://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/uva-lib:2108215/view#openLayer/uva-lib:2108216/4159.5/834.5/3/1/0|author=Staff Reports|pageno=|printdate=August 11, 1916|publishdate=August 11, 1916|accessdate=August 11, 2016 from University of Virginia Library}}</ref>
This city manager form of government dates back to [[September 1]], [[1922]]. Three councilors were elected that year followed by two more in [[1923]]. <ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=McCue Bill Would Alter Election of Councilmen|url=|author=Don Devore|pageno=|printdate=January 23, 1960|publishdate=January 23, 1960|accessdate=February 20, 2016}}</ref> Prior to that, Charlottesville had a strong-mayor form of government with a bicameral legislature consisting of a Board of Alderman and a Common Council that began in 1916. <ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=Two-Chambered City Council; Composed of Four Alderman, Eight Councilmen|url=http://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/uva-lib:2108215/view#openLayer/uva-lib:2108216/4159.5/834.5/3/1/0|author=Staff Reports|pageno=|printdate=August 11, 1916|publishdate=August 11, 1916|accessdate=August 11, 2016 from University of Virginia Library}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=Burrows Proposes New Bill for Vote on Annexation|author=|pageno=|printdate=February , 1960|publishdate=January 5, 1960|accessdate=February 22, 2016}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite-progress-lindsay|title=Burrows Proposes New Bill for Vote on Annexation|author=|pageno=|printdate=February , 1960|publishdate=January 5, 1960|accessdate=February 22, 2016}}</ref>


Cities are required by the Virginia Constitution to have elected governing bodies, called “councils” composed of not fewer than three nor more than eleven members. (Virginia Constitution, Article VII, §§4 and 5; Code of Virginia, §§15.2-102, 15.2-1400). Every city in Virginia has its own charter enacted by General Assembly, setting out its specific organization and powers. The [https://law.lis.virginia.gov/charters/charlottesville/ current Charter of the City of Charlottesville] was adopted in 1946 and has received piecemeal revisions and amendments many times through the years.  
Cities are required by the Virginia Constitution to have elected governing bodies, called “councils” composed of not fewer than three nor more than eleven members. <ref>{{cite web|title=Article VII. Local Government - Section 1. Powers|url=https://law.lis.virginia.gov/constitution/article7/section5/|author=|work=Constitution of Virginia|publisher=Virginia's Legislative Information System|location=|publishdate=|accessdate=September 9, 2021}}</ref> Every city in Virginia has its own charter enacted by General Assembly, setting out its specific organization and powers. The [https://law.lis.virginia.gov/charters/charlottesville/ current Charter of the City of Charlottesville] was adopted in 1946 and has received piecemeal revisions and amendments many times through the years. {{fact}}


Originating in 1908 in Staunton, Virginia, the Council-Manager plan has become the most common form of government in cities with populations over 10,000, mainly in the Southeast and Pacific coast areas. [https://www.nlc.org/forms-of-municipal-government]. The plan is modeled after the American corporation, with its shareholders (voters), board of directors (City Council) and Chief Executive Officer (City Manager). The Council-Manager plan provides for an elective council that appoints and removes the manager.  The council is the policy-determining agency of the city. It passes ordinances, votes appropriations, and determines whether bonds shall be issued.  After the council has made the policies, the manager executes them. The duties of the council are legislative; those of the manager are administrative.  
Originating in [[1908]] in Staunton, Virginia, the Council-Manager plan has become the most common form of government in cities with populations over 10,000, mainly in the Southeast and Pacific coast areas. [https://www.nlc.org/forms-of-municipal-government]. The plan is modeled after the American corporation, with its shareholders (voters), board of directors (City Council) and Chief Executive Officer (City Manager). The Council-Manager plan provides for an elective council that appoints and removes the manager.  The council is the policy-determining agency of the city. It passes ordinances, votes appropriations, and determines whether bonds shall be issued.  After the council has made the policies, the manager executes them. The duties of the council are legislative; those of the manager are administrative.  


===Efficiency studies===
===Efficiency studies===
In 2016, the city has paid the Novak Consulting Group $101,250 to conduct an efficiency study for its government structure. This comes nine years after the [[Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service]] published an earlier study. The Novak work continues. {{fact}} <ref>{{cite-progress|title=City Council approves resolution for organizational efficiency study|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/city-council-approves-resolution-for-organizational-efficiency-study/article_af2a0e99-676e-56a1-a950-7d747219336a.html|author=Chris Suarez|pageno=|printdate=January 19, 2016|publishdate=January 19, 2016|accessdate=December 27, 2016}}</ref> The study was requested by City Councilor [[Kathy Galvin]]. The study is intended to shape budget discussions for fiscal year 2018.  
In 2016, the city has paid the Novak Consulting Group $101,250 to conduct an efficiency study for its government structure. This comes nine years after the [[Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service]] published an earlier study. The Novak work continues. {{fact}} <ref>{{cite-progress|title=City Council approves resolution for organizational efficiency study|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/city-council-approves-resolution-for-organizational-efficiency-study/article_af2a0e99-676e-56a1-a950-7d747219336a.html|author=Chris Suarez|pageno=|printdate=January 19, 2016|publishdate=January 19, 2016|accessdate=December 27, 2016}}</ref> The study was requested by City Councilor [[Kathy Galvin]]. The study is intended to shape budget discussions for fiscal year 2018.  
In 2020, Charlottesville awarded a $103,000 contract to the firm Gershman Brickner Bratton to study the city's recycling program.
The city's program operates at an annual defect covered by the general fund. <ref>{{cite-progress|title=Charlottesville awards $103K contract to study recycling program|url=https://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/charlottesville-awards-k-contract-to-study-recycling-program/article_17ed7cd2-91b0-51d9-acea-df2fa4429dc5.html|author=Staff reports|pageno=A3|printdate=February 9, 2020|publishdate=February 9, 2020|accessdate=February 10, 2020}}</ref>


====Previous reports====
====Previous reports====


*[http://www.cvillepedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/Weldon_Cooper_Center_for_Public_Service 2009 Weldon Cooper efficiency study]
*[http://www.cvillepedia.org/mediawiki/index.php/Weldon_Cooper_Center_for_Public_Service 2009 Weldon Cooper efficiency study]


{{Main|City Council}}
{{Main|City Council}}
Line 79: Line 123:


===Staff===
===Staff===
Mike Murphy is serving as the interim city manager through Aug. 1, 2019. The new city manager will oversee  980 full-time equivalents spread across several departments. <ref>{{Cite-progress|url=https://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/city/councilors-public-hear-from-city-manager-finalists/article_872641f6-4085-11e9-800c-f385bc7ed889.html|title=Councilors, public hear from city manager finalists|author=Nolan Stout|publishdate=|accessdate=}}</ref>  
[[Chip Boyles]] becamse City Manager in February 2021.  
 
*[[Lisa Robertson]], appointed City Attorney on [[May 3]], [[2021]] <ref>{{cite-progress|title=City Council takes step toward removal of Confederate statues|url=https://dailyprogress.com/news/city-council-names-lisa-robertson-city-attorney-discusses-future-of-confederate-statues/article_3ac3ad52-ad17-11eb-97ba-cb4a36989b64.html|author=Virginia Bixby|pageno=|printdate=May 4, 2021|publishdate=May 4, 2021|accessdate=May 18, 2021}}</ref>
{{fact}}
 
Other staff include:
 
*[[Leslie Beauregard]], Assistant City Manager
*[[Mike Murphy]], Assistant City Manager/Interim City Manager
*[[John C. Blair, II|John Blair]], City Attorney
*[[Alexander Ikefuna]], Director of Neighborhood Development Services
*[[Alexander Ikefuna]], Director of Neighborhood Development Services
*[[Brian Daly]], Director of Parks and Recreation
*[[Todd Brown]], Director of Parks and Recreation
*[[Paul Oberdorfer]] Director of Public Works
*[[David Brown]] Director of Public Works <ref>{{cite-progress|title=Charlottesville hires Texas official as public works director|url=https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/charlottesville-hires-texas-official-as-public-works-director/article_2a76d376-3334-5298-b3bd-e1964bcf9a7b.html|author=Staff reports|pageno=|printdate=August 31, 2020|publishdate=September 12, 2020|accessdate=November 18, 2020}}</ref>
*[[Brian Wheeler]], Director of Communications
*[[Brian Wheeler]], Director of Communications
*[[Chris Cullinan]], Director of Finance
*[[Chris Cullinan]], Director of Finance
*[[Chris Engel]], Director of Economic Development
*[[Chris Engel]], Director of Economic Development
*[[RaShall M. Brackney|RaShall Brackney]], Chief of Police
*[[RaShall M. Brackney|RaShall Brackney]], Chief of Police
*[[Andrew Baxter]], Fire Chief
*Emily Pelliccia, Interim Fire Chief. (Hezedean Smith starts Dec. 1, 2020<ref>{{Cite-progress|url=https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/charlottesville-hires-new-fire-chief/article_d365da76-0c9a-11eb-a568-df1a6e5c25f5.html|title=Charlottesville hires new fire chief|author=Nolan Stout|publishdate=Oct. 13, 2020|accessdate=Oct. 16, 2020}}</ref>)
*[[Galloway Beck]], Director of Human Resources
*Vacant, Director of Human Resources
 


===Government association memberships===
===Government association memberships===
Line 105: Line 143:
== Neighborhoods ==
== Neighborhoods ==
{{Main|List of Charlottesville Neighborhoods}}
{{Main|List of Charlottesville Neighborhoods}}
Charlottesville is home to several neighborhoods, both formally defined by the planning department, and informally defined within the community.  
Charlottesville is home to several neighborhoods, both formally defined by the planning department, and informally defined within the community.  


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The Department of Public Works buys water from the [[Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority|RWSA]] and the Utility Billing Office charges residents directly.  
The Department of Public Works buys water from the [[Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority|RWSA]] and the Utility Billing Office charges residents directly.  


From 2010 to February 2013, the city built 4.8 miles of new sidewalk.<ref>{{cite email|subject= quantification of sidewalks|from=Angela Tucker|sourceorg=City of Charlottesville, Neighborhood Development Services|to=Sean Tubbs|repositoryorg=Charlottesville Tomorrow|senddate=February 14, 2013}}</ref>
From 2010 to February 2013, the city built 4.8 miles of new sidewalk.<ref>{{cite email|subject= quantification of sidewalks|from=Angela Tucker|sourceorg=City of Charlottesville, Neighborhood Development Services|to=Sean Tubbs|repositoryorg=Charlottesville Tomorrow|senddate=February 14, 2013}}</ref> {{deadlink}}
 
The city maintains a [http://cityaddress.charlottesville.org/citystreets.aspx list of public streets].


== Legal Agreements ==
== Legal Agreements ==
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== Awards ==
== Awards ==
{{Main|List of superlative awards}}
{{Main|List of superlative awards}}
Charlottesville is repeatedly listed among "best places to live" rankings in many publications.  
 
As the 21st century began, Charlottesville found itself regularly listed among "best places to live" rankings in many publications.  


Authors Bert Sperling and Peter Sander selected Charlottesville as the best place to live in the United States for the year 2004 in their book ''Cities Ranked and Rated''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Getting Oriented: Charlottesville Facts|url=http://www.law.virginia.edu/html/insider/oriented_facts.htm|author=|work=|publisher=University of Virginia School of Law|location=|publishdate=|accessdate=9 July 2013}}</ref> The Arbor Day Foundation named Charlottesville a Tree City USA in 2007.<ref>{{cite-progress|title=City to enlist aid of 'tree advocates'|url=http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2010/oct/27/city-enlist-aid-tree-advocates-ar-591649/|author=Rachana Dixit|pageno=|printdate=October 28, 2010|publishdate=October 27, 2010|accessdate=October 28, 2010|cturl=}}</ref>
Authors Bert Sperling and Peter Sander selected Charlottesville as the best place to live in the United States for the year 2004 in their book ''Cities Ranked and Rated''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Getting Oriented: Charlottesville Facts|url=http://www.law.virginia.edu/html/insider/oriented_facts.htm|author=|work=|publisher=University of Virginia School of Law|location=|publishdate=|accessdate=9 July 2013}}</ref> The Arbor Day Foundation named Charlottesville a Tree City USA in 2007.<ref>{{cite-progress|title=City to enlist aid of 'tree advocates'|url=http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2010/oct/27/city-enlist-aid-tree-advocates-ar-591649/|author=Rachana Dixit|pageno=|printdate=October 28, 2010|publishdate=October 27, 2010|accessdate=October 28, 2010|cturl=}}</ref>
===Tourist attractions===
Tourism is a significant part of the [[Charlottesville]] economy, with about two million tourists visiting the area every year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Better Quality of Life: Thriving Tourism|url=http://www.charlottesville.org/index.aspx?page=153|author=|work=|publisher=City of Charlottesville|location=|publishdate=|accessdate=9 July 2013}}</ref>
Major attractions include:
*The [[University of Virginia]]
*[[Monticello]]
*The [[Downtown Mall]]


==References==
==References==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
 
*[http://www.charlottesville.gov City of Charlottesville official government website]
*[http://www.charlottesville.org City of Charlottesville official government website]
*[http://www.coopercenter.org/sites/default/files/publications/StatChat_Charlottesville2010_07.21.2011.pdf Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service: Charlottesville City: Census 2011]
*[http://www.coopercenter.org/sites/default/files/publications/StatChat_Charlottesville2010_07.21.2011.pdf Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service: Charlottesville City: Census 2011]
{{Wikipedia link|Charlottesville,_Virginia|whylink=wellcovered}}


[[Category:Charlottesville|*]]
[[Category:Charlottesville|*]]
[[Category:1762 establishments]]
[[Category:1762 establishments]]
[[Category: TJPDC Jurisdictions]]
[[Category: TJPDC Jurisdictions]]
[[Category: 2010 CACF grant recipient]]
<references />

Revision as of 09:33, 8 March 2022

Citylogo.jpg

Charlottesville is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia with an estimated population of 49,477 as of July 1, 2020. [1]

The city is also the county seat of Albemarle County, though it is an independent jurisdiction with a separate government. The area is home to the University of Virginia which drives economic and population growth throughout the region.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the two jurisdictions as one of 363 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the nation. Its 2005 population of 188,016 ranked 212th in the nation. [citation needed] The MSA also includes Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene and Nelson Counties.

History

Charlottesville was chartered in 1762 to serve as the new county seat of Albemarle County along the Three Notch'd Road from Richmond to the Shenandoah Valley. The town was named for Queen Charlotte Sophia of Mecklenberg-Strelitz, the of wife British King George III. [2] [3]

Settlement and early growth

The initial division of land in the 1760's was "into twenty-eight squares with half-acre lots per square." Four streets were plotted to travel east and west. Five were laid north to south. In the first sale in September 1763, seven people bought fourteen of the lots. Another ten were sold in 1764. The remaining 23 lots were sold in 1765 and divided into fifteen parcels that were used initially for agricultural purposes. [2]

The 50 acres of the original village were laid out under a gridded town pattern. A two acre public square to the north of the grid was set aside for a courthouse and would become Court Square. [4]

Early development was limited because of the distance from a navigable river. The presence of several hills meant that different neighborhood developed independently of each other. Thomas Jefferson purposely distanced his 'Academical Village (the University of Virginia) away from the town center. Commercial activity to serve the university took place on what would become known as the Corner.

The town grew slowly. in 1779, British prisoner Thomas Anburey described Charlottesville as "this famous place we had heard so much of consisted only of a court house, one tavern and about a dozen houses." Only one structure from this period exists today and is now used as the Inn at Court Square. [2]

Town era (1801-1888)

Charlottesville incorporated as a town on January 19, 1801. [5][dead link] The General Assembly authorized a government of five trustees "who were to maintain streets, settle boundary disputes, authorize a market, quiet public nuisances, appoint a town clerk, and collect taxes to no more than $200." [2]

By 1810, the town had grown to 45 houses, a courthouse, a jail, and an academy.

There was an annexations in 1818 that included the courthouse area and was known as Anderson's Addition. [2] Construction of the University of Virginia beginning in 1819 provided jobs and spurred commercial activity within the area.

By 1824, there were about six hundred inhabitants. Throughout the mid 19th century, Scottsville remained the commercial center of the area, but the arrival of first rail line by the Louisa Railroad Company in 1850 connected Charlottesville to the rest of the country via east-west rail. The Orange and Alexandria line followed soon after and connected the town to Lynchburg by 1860. This led to a population boom. In 1855, the Statistical Gazzeteer described Charlottesville as "a flourishing town." Gas service arrived in 1857 and the telegraph arrived in 1860. [2]

A map of Charlottesville's Court Square from 1828

The form of government changed again in 1851 to a mayoral form of government with four aldermen who could adopt local ordinances. They were also authorized to raise up to $1,000 in local taxes. There was a further annexation of 0.271 square miles in 1860 and another 0.340 acres in 1873. [2]

In 1880, the number of alderman was increased to twelve, and the city was divided into three municipal wards.

City era (1888-present

Charlottesville incorporated as a city in 1888. At the time, the city covered 781 acres and had a population of 1,676. [2]

Since 1871, all incorporated cities in Virginia have classified as independent cities. Charlottesville became city of second class in 1902. [citation needed]

Governor Henry Stuart issued a proclamation on August 1, 1916 declaring that Charlottesville had become a first-class in excess of 10,000 people. [6]

Late 19th century development

By the late 19th century, the city was rapidly expanding. Much of this growth was absorbed by the development of the 551-acre Belle Mont Estate into what would become the Belmont-Carlton neighborhood. [7]

Workers were attracted to industrial sites such as Frank Ix & Sons. However, the rise of streetcars and then affordable automobiles as the 20th century progressed allowed for workers to have more choices about where they lived. [8]

The Charlottesville and University Street Railway was authorized by the General Assembly in March 1887 and began operations on June 11, 1887. This fueled real estate development throughout the city along the routes. Developers included the Charlottesville West End Land Company, the Development Company of Charlottesville, the Belmont Land Company, and the Jefferson Park Hotel and Land Improvement Company. [2]

Early 20th Century transportation and road layout

Virginia devolved road-maintenance to localities in 1929, including Charlottesville. [9]

By 1930, the population of Charlottesville had grown to 15,245. [10]

In 1933, a plan to widen the 4th Street underpass underneath the railway was discussed by city and railway officials. On August 9, 1933, City Manager Seth Burnley decided to defer work to widen the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway railroad underpass on 4th Street to 22 feet wide. After a morning conference with railroad officials, the $21,000 expense was deemed to be too much. [11] That same summer, city officials and business leaders lobbied Richmond to route traffic at Free Bridge toward downtown rather than along a highway bypass. [12]

Government

Charlottesville's city government is run by a City Manager who is supervised by a five member City Council. One of the councilors is selected as mayor for a two-year term. The current mayor is Lloyd Snook. The current vice-mayor is Juandiego Wade. Councilors are elected every other November to four-year terms.

Michael C. Rogers is the current city manager. [13] Ashley Marshall is the Deputy City Manager for Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Sam Sanders is the Deputy City Manager for Operations.

This city manager form of government dates back to September 1, 1922. Three councilors were elected that year followed by two more in 1923. [14] Prior to that, Charlottesville had a strong-mayor form of government with a bicameral legislature consisting of a Board of Alderman and a Common Council that began in 1916. [15] [16]

Cities are required by the Virginia Constitution to have elected governing bodies, called “councils” composed of not fewer than three nor more than eleven members. [17] Every city in Virginia has its own charter enacted by General Assembly, setting out its specific organization and powers. The current Charter of the City of Charlottesville was adopted in 1946 and has received piecemeal revisions and amendments many times through the years. [citation needed]

Originating in 1908 in Staunton, Virginia, the Council-Manager plan has become the most common form of government in cities with populations over 10,000, mainly in the Southeast and Pacific coast areas. [2]. The plan is modeled after the American corporation, with its shareholders (voters), board of directors (City Council) and Chief Executive Officer (City Manager). The Council-Manager plan provides for an elective council that appoints and removes the manager. The council is the policy-determining agency of the city. It passes ordinances, votes appropriations, and determines whether bonds shall be issued. After the council has made the policies, the manager executes them. The duties of the council are legislative; those of the manager are administrative.

Efficiency studies

In 2016, the city has paid the Novak Consulting Group $101,250 to conduct an efficiency study for its government structure. This comes nine years after the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service published an earlier study. The Novak work continues. [citation needed] [18] The study was requested by City Councilor Kathy Galvin. The study is intended to shape budget discussions for fiscal year 2018.

In 2020, Charlottesville awarded a $103,000 contract to the firm Gershman Brickner Bratton to study the city's recycling program.

The city's program operates at an annual defect covered by the general fund. [19]

Previous reports

Main article: City Council

Departments


Logo-small25.jpg This list is a stub. You can help cvillepedia by expanding it.


Board and Commissions

Joint government organizations

Staff

Chip Boyles becamse City Manager in February 2021.


Government association memberships


Logo-small25.jpg This list is a stub. You can help cvillepedia by expanding it.

Charlottesville's government is a member of Virginia First Cities.

Neighborhoods

Main article: List of Charlottesville Neighborhoods

Charlottesville is home to several neighborhoods, both formally defined by the planning department, and informally defined within the community.

Infrastructure

The Department of Public Works buys water from the RWSA and the Utility Billing Office charges residents directly.

From 2010 to February 2013, the city built 4.8 miles of new sidewalk.[23][dead link]

Legal Agreements


Logo-small25.jpg This list is a stub. You can help cvillepedia by expanding it.

Charlottesville's government is bound by legal agreements with other area governments and some notable private enterprises:

Awards

Main article: List of superlative awards

As the 21st century began, Charlottesville found itself regularly listed among "best places to live" rankings in many publications.

Authors Bert Sperling and Peter Sander selected Charlottesville as the best place to live in the United States for the year 2004 in their book Cities Ranked and Rated.[24] The Arbor Day Foundation named Charlottesville a Tree City USA in 2007.[25]

References

  1. Web. Virginia Population Estimates, Website, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, January 30, 2020, retrieved May 30, 2021.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Web. Charlottesville and Albemarle County Courthouse District, Kate Kuranda and Karen Lang-Kummer, Nomination Form, retrieved May 30, 2021.
  3. Web. The Earl and the Queen, Lynn Rainville, Website, February 3, 2007, retrieved May 30, 2021.
  4. Web. Charlottesville Urban Design and Affordable Housing, Kenneth A. Schwarz, Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities, retrieved May 30, 2012.
  5. Web. This Day in Charlottesville History, City of Charlottesville, retrieved March 14, 2012.
  6. Web. Now A City of First Class, Staff Reports, Daily Progress Digitized Microfilm, Lindsay family, August 2, 1916, retrieved August 2, 2016 from University of Virginia Library. Print. August 2, 1916 page 1.
  7. Web. Belmont - A History of a Neighborhood, James H. Buck Jr., Paper for James Kinard's Local History course, May 1980, retrieved July 28, 2014.
  8. Web. City of Charlottesville Strategic Investment Area Plan, Cunningham Quill, Cunningham Quill, December 13, 2013, retrieved July 28, 2014.
  9. Web. [1], Staff Reports, Daily Progress Digitized Microfilm, Lindsay family, February 6, 1929, retrieved February 6, 2017 from University of Virginia Library. Print. February 6, 1929 page 3.
  10. Web. Population of Virginia - 1930, Website, Charles Grymes, retrieved May 30, 2021.
  11. Web. 4th Street Pass Job Deferred, Daily Progress Digitized Microfilm, Lindsay family, August 11, 1933, retrieved May 5, 2019.
  12. Web. Shirley Will Hear Group About Road, Daily Progress Digitized Microfilm, Lindsay family, August 11, 1933, retrieved May 5, 2019. Print. August 11, 1933 page 1.
  13. Web. Council picks former D.C. Administrator to run the city, Sean Tubbs, News Article, Town Crier Productions, January 18, 2022, retrieved March 8, 2022.
  14. Print: McCue Bill Would Alter Election of Councilmen, Don Devore, Daily Progress, Lindsay family January 23, 1960, Page .
  15. Web. Two-Chambered City Council; Composed of Four Alderman, Eight Councilmen, Staff Reports, Daily Progress Digitized Microfilm, Lindsay family, August 11, 1916, retrieved August 11, 2016 from University of Virginia Library.
  16. Print: Burrows Proposes New Bill for Vote on Annexation, , Daily Progress, Lindsay family February , 1960, Page .
  17. Web. Article VII. Local Government - Section 1. Powers, Constitution of Virginia, Virginia's Legislative Information System, retrieved September 9, 2021.
  18. Web. City Council approves resolution for organizational efficiency study, Chris Suarez, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, January 19, 2016, retrieved December 27, 2016.
  19. Web. Charlottesville awards $103K contract to study recycling program, Staff reports, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, February 9, 2020, retrieved February 10, 2020. Print. February 9, 2020 page A3.
  20. Web. City Council takes step toward removal of Confederate statues, Virginia Bixby, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, May 4, 2021, retrieved May 18, 2021.
  21. Web. Charlottesville hires Texas official as public works director, Staff reports, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, September 12, 2020, retrieved November 18, 2020.
  22. Web. Charlottesville hires new fire chief, Nolan Stout, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, Oct. 13, 2020, retrieved Oct. 16, 2020.
  23. E-mail. Angela Tucker, City of Charlottesville, Neighborhood Development Services. "quantification of sidewalks." Message to Sean Tubbs, Charlottesville Tomorrow. February 14, 2013.
  24. Web. Getting Oriented: Charlottesville Facts, University of Virginia School of Law, retrieved 9 July 2013.
  25. Web. City to enlist aid of 'tree advocates', Rachana Dixit, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, October 27, 2010, retrieved October 28, 2010.


External links