April 12, 2023: New plans for Fontaine Avenue interchange critiqued for not meeting long-term needs; Council adopts $230.4M budget for FY24

A perhaps unreliable source of fake holidays tells me that today, April 12, is Hamster Day. It has been over forty years since my last two hamsters escaped from their cage and fled to freedom. I don’t really want to know for sure the fate of Blondie and Dagwood, two creatures whose time with me was brief and memorable. But this is Charlottesville Community Engagement, and our time is also brief and I hope you remember a few things that I’ve put together this time. On today’s program:* Charlottesville City Council adopts a $230.4 million budget for FY24* The federal measurement for inflation increases by a tenth of a percentage point* Albemarle Supervisors learn about a series of transportation projects, including a shelving of a plan at Fontaine Road and U.S. 29 / 250* The cost to complete the Berkmar Drive extension has risen enough to create a shortfall  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe