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Charlottesville votes to apply to Biophilic Cities network to strengthen nature‑centred planning
Summary
Council approved a resolution of intent to apply to the Biophilic Cities network, citing alignment with the comprehensive plan, urban forest master plan and regional interest; staff said joining is a two‑year membership that facilitates knowledge sharing, not binding regulation.
Charlottesville — The City Council unanimously approved a resolution of intent on April 21 to apply to the Biophilic Cities network, a global collaboration founded at the University of Virginia that promotes integrating nature into urban planning and design.
Crystal Rittervald, director of the Office of Sustainability, described how biophilic principles intersect with existing city plans—the comprehensive plan, the climate action plan, the urban forest master plan and recent parks and trails work—and listed potential benefits including improved public health, biodiversity and placemaking opportunities. Professor Mona Al Caf (UVA) and JD Brown (Biophilic Cities program manager) spoke in favor of a regional approach involving Albemarle County and UVA and said indicators would be set by the city to measure progress.
Councilors asked whether membership imposes regulatory requirements or could conflict with land‑use decisions; staff and program representatives said membership is primarily a network and learning platform (the city sets its own indicators), not a binding certification with prescriptive rules. Council approved the application and staff will complete the submission and coordinate with regional partners as appropriate.
