The cost of housing in the Charlottesville region is one of the biggest topics in the community and one where there is increasing pressure for local governments to provide more resources to mitigate.
That can take many forms and both the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County have recently announced ways that nonprofit developers and other entities can access funds that flow through their control.
Albemarle Housing Investment Fund
When the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors adopted a budget for FY2026, they approved an increase in the real property tax rate. A portion of the new revenue will now go directly into the Affordable Housing Investment Fund, a fund that is periodically augmented by infusions of one-time money.
One of those additional amounts is a $3 million transfer that also came with the FY2026 budget.
Albemarle is now taking applications for projects that would like to use some of the funds for financing.
“Eligible projects can include new construction, rehabilitation, or conversion of properties within Albemarle County’s designated Development Areas that commit to long-term affordability, with at least 20 percent of units reserved as affordable housing,” reads an information release sent out on January 16.
The deadline to apply is January 31 and decisions will be made in the spring.
To learn more and apply, visit the county’s website.
Charlottesville accepting applications for CDBG funds
There are several ways that money flows from the federal government to localities and one of them is the Community Development Block Grant that comes from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Another is HUD’s HOME Investment Partnership.
Charlottesville is taking applications from groups that believe they have a project that would qualify through February 7. Here is a very long sentence with a description.
“Through the CDBG and HOME programs, the City provides valuable financial and other programmatic support to a wide range of local partners that enable them to design and implement programs that foster vibrant and healthy communities through activities related to economic development, commercial and residential revitalization, affordable housing & other important public services and/or job creation,” reads an information release sent out January 5.
Would-be recipients must attend an in-person or virtual information session. There are two more available:
- Wednesday, January 28, 1:30 PM — CitySpace
- Wednesday, January 28, 7:00 – 8:00 PM — Virtual via MS Teams
A city taskforce is charged with reviewing applications and there are currently four vacancies according to the city’s Boards and Commissions website. One is reserved for a resident of 10th and Page, one for a resident of Ridge Street, one appointed at-large, and a member of the City School Board.
The materials for the worksessions are available.
Before you go: Paid subscribers cover the cost of conducting research for this article which was originally published in the January 20, 2026 edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement. You can either subscribe through Substack, make a monthlycontribution through Patreon, or consider becoming a sponsor. The goal of Town Crier Productions is to increase awareness about what is happening at the local, regional, state, and federal government levels. Please share the work with others if you want people to know things.
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