Richardson shares data points on Albemarle services with Supervisors

The Albemarle Board of Supervisors is in the midst of deliberating a proposed budget for FY2027 that could include an increase in the personal property tax rate. There are several town hall meetings remaining before the April 15 public hearing.

On March 18, Albemarle County Executive Jeffrey Richardson shared several statistics with the Board of Supervisors to explain what local government does, including the Department of Social Services. (view the presentation)

“Our DSS serves as the front door to some of the community’s most pressing needs, from benefits enrollment to food assistance to adult protection to child welfare services as well,” Richardson said. “Our human services navigators always play a key role in this work. They guide residents through complex systems, helping to ensure they access the right services at the right time.”

In 2025, 17,210 people visited the department’s lobby at the county’s office building at 1600 5th Street Extended and staff fielded 41,881 calls.

Richardson said the Department of Community Development handled 41,551 building permit inspections, an increase of 3,000 over the previous year.

“The increase reflects continued growth and development activity across Albemarle County,” Richardson said. “And each inspection is a critical safeguard ensuring that the construction meets safety codes that protect residents, workers and future occupants.”

Participation was also up in Albemarle’s recreation programs with 10,218, about 3,000 more than in 2024.

Fire and Rescue installed 199 car seats, a service Richardson wants more people to know about.

“Many families don’t realize that you can bring a car seat to any one of our ACFR fire stations and have it inspected and properly installed by a firefighter who is also a certified car seat technician,” Richardson said.

The Albemarle County Police Department released its annual report this month and Richardson highlighted safety initiatives intended to reduce speeding. That includes 32 studies and 73 targeted initiatives.

“Across all ACPD personnel, 10,270 traffic stops were conducted last year and it reflects a department-wide commitment to road safety,” Richardson said. “That’s one of the most common complaints that we get is speeding and reckless driving.”

For more on the budget, take a look at the Budget – Albemarle section of this website.

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