Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Jen Fleisher, a longtime Belmont resident and public health program officer at the Blue Ridge Health District, has officially declared her candidacy for Charlottesville City Council. With over two decades of experience in the community, Fleisher cited her public health background and commitment to improving transportation infrastructure as key motivations for running. “My work every day is about keeping the residents of this district healthy,” she said on Morning News, pointing to her involvement with refugee families, school-aged children, and older adults. 

Transportation stands at the center of Fleisher’s platform, which she says intersects with broader concerns like access to healthcare, education, and economic mobility. “I really believe that if you can focus on transportation… then you can make a big impact broadly on the community at large and the environment,” she explained, emphasizing the need for safer sidewalks, expanded bike lanes, and reliable public transit. Fleisher’s work on the Regional Transit Partnership has allowed her to regularly collaborate with city leaders like Vice Mayor Brian Pinkston, offering health-focused insights on mobility issues. 

Fleisher also expressed enthusiasm about being part of the city’s first ranked choice voting election, scheduled for June 17. “It really gives voters more choice,” she said, noting her goal to appeal to a wide range of residents, even those who may not share all her top priorities. She encouraged voters to connect with her through her campaign website, https://www.jenfleisher.com/, as she begins door-to-door outreach in neighborhoods across the city. 

Listen to the full conversation here: