Let's Talk About Housing: "C'ville Plans Together"

Join HOME of VA staff attorney Moriah Wilkins for the next conversation in our series exploring the past and future prospects for fair housing.

For several years, community members in Charlottesville worked to update and improve the city’s zoning codes. These rules define what gets built, where construction can happen, and how it will affect residents.

Every locality revises its zoning laws from time to time. But the effort in Charlottesville was different. It took shape under the banner, “C’ville Plans Together,” a project that engaged community members who reflected much of the diversity of Charlottesville. And the promising results have people talking.

The Urban Institute noted it as one of a handful of projects nationally aiming to “help communities offer a wider range of housing options.”  The online publication Greater Greater Washington celebrated the focus on “density over displacement.”  Advocates at Legal Aid Justice Center hailed it as an “important win,” while Realtors called it “the start of a new, more inclusive way to plan the city.”

One year after the plan took effect, we will ask: What lessons did Charlottesville learn from C’ville Plans Together?  And how’s it going?

Our panel includes three individuals who took part in the zoning effort:

• Sunshine Mathon, Executive Director of the Piedmont Housing Alliance
• Carmelita Wood, President of Fifeville Neighborhood Association
• James Freas, Deputy City Manager of Charlottesville

Registration link coming in January!

HOME of VA strives to host inclusive events. This program is wheelchair accessible. If you need additional or other accommodations to ensure your full participation, we will do our best to provide them. You may note accommodation needs in the registration form or email us here. At least two weeks’ notice is preferred.

Presented in partnership with The Haven.