Albemarle County AC44 Comprehensive Plan

The AC44 Comprehensive Plan update is a guiding document for growth, development and investment for Albemarle County for the years 2024-2044. It provides recommendations for how, where and if the County should grow, supporting the local economy, protecting and enhancing natural resources and conservation, providing accessible housing and transportation options, and much more. The Comprehensive Plan was last updated in 2015; the vision outlined in AC44 will be adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 2024.

Our Vision for Albemarle

PEC envisions an Albemarle County with the majority of its rural lands permanently protected, with intact natural and cultural landscapes, healthy waters, and working farms and forests. The County’s urban areas are vibrant, mixed-use, and walkable, with everyday access to open space, parkland, and recreational opportunities. Equity and climate action are north stars in planning and zoning decisions, and everyone has a chance to help determine the County’s future.

PEC will be monitoring and sharing our perspective on the Comprehensive Plan update process as it moves forward. We encourage you to subscribe to our email alerts so you don’t miss anything!

Want to join the climate conversation?

To learn more about AC44, visit engage.albemarle.org, where you can also sign up to receive email updates. Also be sure to check out the County’s commitments to equity and climate action, which we hope will be fully integrated into this Comprehensive Plan update.

For information about the climate action work of the City of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia, visit:

AC44 Phase 3 Begins in Full Force

AC44 Phase 3 Begins in Full Force

The following text was sent out via email on Nov. 15, 2024. Sign up for PEC email alerts → Dear Supporters, The Albemarle Comprehensive Planning process is once again underway, this time with a robust agenda …
Fall Updates From Albemarle and Charlottesville

Fall Updates From Albemarle and Charlottesville

This text was taken from an email alert sent out on Sept. 26, 2024. Sign up for email alerts → Dear Supporter, There are so many ways one can engage with the environment in the …
On The Ground Updates - September 2024

On The Ground Updates – September 2024

A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock …
Make Conservation an AC44 Priority

Make Conservation an AC44 Priority

PEC is advocating that, as part of the AC44 Comprehensive Plan update, Albemarle County should strengthen its land conservation programs …
Albemarle Comprehensive Plan Stopped Engagement for Four Months

Albemarle Comprehensive Plan Stopped Engagement for Four Months

After months without public communication, County staff say AC44 will undergo a “refinement,” but have given little clarity on what it means …
What's Going On with AC44?

What’s Going On with AC44?

After nearly four months of noncommunication to the public, County staff have announced that the Albemarle Comprehensive Plan, nearly three years into the update process, will undergo a “refinement” …
AC44 Moves into Action Steps Phase

AC44 Moves into Action Steps Phase

Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan Update continues with Phase 3: Action Steps, this summer …
Spring Updates From Albemarle and Charlottesville

Spring Updates From Albemarle and Charlottesville

PEC has been working to support conservation programs, engage with AC44 in Phase 3 and make the most of Bike Month this spring …
ACE Landowner Stories

ACE Landowner Stories

Landowners share how the Acquisition of Conservation Easements (ACE) program impacted them …
farmland and barns with mountains in background

Strengthening Albemarle County’s Land Conservation Programs: AC44 Comprehensive Plan

As part of the AC44 Comprehensive Plan update, the County has the opportunity to increase support for and strengthen its land conservation programs, including reinstating its purchase of development rights (PDR) program …