Neighborhood Development Services presents FY26 work plan, proposes staged development-code amendments

Neighborhood Development Services Director Kelly Brown told the Charlottesville Planning Commission on the evening of the city session that NDS will absorb housing program staff from the city’s Office of Community Solutions and will focus its fiscal 2026 work plan on implementing the 2023 development code and several targeted policy projects.

“NDS as an organization is dedicated to creating a sustainable and vibrant community,” Brown said. She presented a multi-pronged plan that includes staffing, development-review process improvements, environmental regulation review and neighborhood-level visioning work.

Why it matters: The moves aim to speed review of new housing allowed under the updated development code while addressing community concerns about stormwater, design guidelines and short-term rental compliance. Brown said the change will concentrate housing policy and program staff inside NDS to better align housing implementation with land-use review and the comprehensive plan.

Key elements of the work plan - Staffing and reorganization: Brown said housing program staff currently in the Office of Community Solutions will transfer to NDS; grant administration staff from OCS will be relocated to other parts…