Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Greer Achenbach, executive director of Friends of Cville Downtown, joined Cville Right Now Live to share exciting updates about the nonprofit’s work to enhance and energize the Downtown Mall. “We want to see a thriving downtown economy… it is really wanting to make downtown the best it can possibly be for everybody,” said Achenbach. The organization’s efforts focus on economic development, beautification, community engagement, and efficiency through close partnerships with city government and business owners.

With spring in full swing, Friends of Cville is rolling out its annual Downtown in Bloom initiatives. Activities include a flower box competition, student art displays, the popular Downtown Express train, and a new “Gnomes in Cville” scavenger hunt for children. “There’s 20 gnomes lost in Cville. If you get the book and you, you stamp it when you find each gnome and you can turn them back in for a prize. You have all of May,” Achenbach explained.

Looking ahead, the group is spearheading plans for the Downtown Mall’s 50th anniversary in 2026, which will coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary. Achenbach teased a full year of programming that will highlight the mall’s history and future. “There will be everything from, kind of parties and events featuring foods that were popular in 1976 to art exhibits… and community conversations about where we’re going,” she said. Volunteers are welcome to get involved through the organization’s website.

Listen to the full conversation here: