In an alternate universe, the print edition and the podcast edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement would not have been separated. It is also possible that this is the alternative universe and we’ll all just have to get used to it.

Either way, the next print edition is listed as being the 800th installment whereas this latest compilation of audio stories is classified in the Town Crier Productions taxonomy as CCE-799A. Both are expected to be published on January 26, 2025 but this is the one that features audio trickery in the hopes of providing entertainment value.

In this edition:

* Public hearing held for Charlottesville’s draft Capital Improvement Program (learn more)

* Charlottesville City Council gets progress report on school construction (learn more)

* Finishing touches underway on Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Master Plan (learn more)

* Council waives rules to expedite vote on Human Rights Ordinance (learn more)

* Andrew Herrick is appointed as Albemarle County Attorney (learn more) (need to produce)

* Three Constitutional amendments pass Virginia Senate including the right to reproductive freedom (learn more)

First shout-out: Celebrating the community’s other information organizations!

In today’s first shout-out in the form of a house ad, I want to make sure everyone knows that every edition of the regular newsletter (not the podcast ones) ends with a section called Reading Material. Charlottesville Community Engagement is just one offering in a landscape that includes the Charlottesville Daily Progress, C-Ville Weekly, Charlottesville Tomorrow, and Cville Right Now, I curate links from these sources because I believe a truly informed community needs multiple perspectives.

There’s also the Cavalier Daily, Vinegar Hill Magazine, the Fluvanna Review, the Crozet Gazette, NBC29, CBS19, and other sources. But if you look every day, you’ll find links to articles in national publications, all linked to give you more perspectives on some of the issues of our times.

Second shout-out:

What you are reading or listening to at Charlottesville Community Engagement is part of a business-venture that’s based on a pretty simple idea. I will spend my time researching and reporting and will provide ways for people who want to pay for the material to be produced!

bI’ve been a journalist for a long while now, and this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Charlottesville Podcasting Network. While that website doesn’t have new content, it’s part of how I demonstrate my dedication to this community. In 2025 I’m seeking ways to solidify the business, and here are some ways you can support the work.

* Sign up for a paid subscription through Substack. There is not much premium content because my primary aim is to get information out to as many people as possible.

* Contribute through Patreon. A major goal this year is to replace this with a way to make a tax-deductible donation, but that’s not set up yet. If I had more time, I’d make more audio programs through Patreon.

* Send in a check made out to Town Crier Productions at PO Box 1754, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902. This will be used as a replacement for Substack.

* Ask me about advertising opportunities! Later this month, advertising will begin to appear on Information Charlottesville and I’m hoping it can have the same style as the shout-outs. Introductory pricing will be low!

* Tell friends about the work!

* Volunteer to design some logos because I’m very bad at graphics!

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast for January 27, 2025: Catching up with Charlottesville budget prep, a look at the city's parks and rec plan, and three Constitutional amendments pass the Senate

Powered by Wave AI