Welcome to the 2017 annual report. I appreciate this opportunity to reflect with you on the past year, one filled with both accomplishments and challenges in Albemarle. Our Board of Supervisors, community groups, residents, businesses and staff have all worked to create a unique community in which to live, thrive and play. Together, their contributed talents and expertise have achieved the significant milestones you will find throughout this report. Working together and united by our shared vision and mission for Albemarle County, we have achieved significant progress in the strategic directions that outline our priorities for the future.
Our School Division and community partners dedicated to providing learning and training opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds validate our reputation as a County that values and supports education in its many varied forms. The continued efforts of our public safety, human services, facilities and environmental services, and parks and recreation staff keep Albemarle a safe, healthy and desirable place to live, and together enhance our quality of life.
A strong focus on rural protection and preservation is reflected in initiatives like our Acquisition of Conservation Easements (ACE) program that helps honor our rural heritage and maintain our community’s character. Our urban places are also receiving significant attention as we work on infrastructure and amenities that help make these neighborhoods attractive and vibrant community centers.
One constant for Albemarle County local government is our emphasis on working as one organization committed to excellence. Even as we celebrate the achievements of 2017, we retain our strong focus on innovation, transformation, and efficient use of County resources. We continue to scrutinize and adjust work processes, examine programs and services, and use creative partnerships to achieve the community’s priorities as identified in the FY 17 – 19 Strategic Plan. As a result, Albemarle County government remains a vital and productive organization capable of meeting critical needs, delivering core services, and adapting to changing circumstances.
Because of the solid foundation established by our strategic focus and the positive direction we are experiencing in our local economy, I feel optimistic about our opportunity to make progress in building the County’s future over the coming year. I strongly encourage you to engage in our upcoming budget process, when community priorities will play a critical role in determining how available resources will support services – please see the budget calendar on page 20. I hope to see you actively involved this spring!
Thank you for joining with your local government in a strong partnership that has created many outstanding success stories for our community.