CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – At Monday night’s Charlottesville City Council meeting, councilors focused on updates to the city’s climate action plan and the ongoing impact of community outreach programs. Councilor Michael Payne shared positive takeaways from the city’s climate efforts, citing annual investments of $1 million. “Those investments are leading to concrete actions,” Payne said, pointing to solar panel installations and weatherization programs designed to lower emissions and reduce energy costs for residents. 

Council also heard a report on the ANCHOR response team, which focuses on non-police responses to mental health crises. “They’ve responded to a number of calls, they’ve had a lot of success, the vast majority of their calls have been for people in mental health crises,” Payne explained. While the team has proven successful, Payne noted its limited reach, with only six staff members and no 24/7 coverage. He emphasized that continued investment would be needed to expand its availability. 

In the public comment portion of the meeting, community members voiced anxiety over recent federal decisions affecting healthcare and food assistance programs. “I think people are scared…Medicaid covers over 300,000 Virginians,” Payne said, adding that local governments are limited in what they can do to fill funding gaps left by federal cuts. Council acknowledged these concerns and reiterated their commitment to supporting affected residents where possible. 

Listen to the full conversation here: