Charlottesville Mayor Reflects on First Term, Outlines Plans for Second

Wade was reelected to the City Council in November and reappointed as mayor by fellow council members last month.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade, who was reelected to a second two-year term in January, sat down with The Cavalier Daily to discuss his accomplishments from his first term and his goals for the next two years. Wade's leadership vision has centered around listening to the community, as concerns shift regularly and vary broadly. Key issues include the University of Virginia's growth and impact on housing affordability, addressing homelessness, and improving the city's public transportation.

Why it matters

As the mayor of Charlottesville, Wade plays a crucial role in addressing the city's pressing issues and shaping its future. His reflections on his first term and plans for the second provide insight into the challenges and priorities facing the community, particularly in relation to the University of Virginia's influence and the need for affordable housing and improved public transit.

The details

During his first term, Wade noted that local residents are particularly concerned about the University of Virginia's growth and its impact on housing prices and affordability. While the University's financial resources allow it to continue expanding without the city's permission, Wade said he hopes to work with the institution to address issues like homelessness. The city recently approved the purchase of a property that will be converted into a shelter with a clinic and mental health resources. On transportation, Wade and the City Council are proposing to add 10 more transit drivers to decrease wait times to 15 minutes at the most-used bus stops. The city has also passed a zoning ordinance to increase housing density and de-emphasize parking lots and roads in favor of more accessibility for bicycles and buses.

  • Wade was reelected to the City Council by voters in November 2025.
  • Wade was reappointed as mayor by fellow City Council members in January 2026.
  • The City Council approved the purchase of a 3.8-acre property for a new shelter in October 2025.
  • The city's zoning ordinance, which focuses on increasing housing density and prioritizing alternative transportation, was passed in 2023 and resolved a lawsuit in October 2025.

The players

Juandiego Wade

The mayor of Charlottesville, who was reelected to a second two-year term in January 2026.

University of Virginia

The local university, whose growth and expansion have had a significant impact on housing affordability in Charlottesville.

Jim Beardsley

The president of the University of Virginia, with whom Wade hopes to work on addressing issues like homelessness.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Charlottesville is so small, when people have issues, like for the snow and things, they contact me … I don't say, 'well, don't contact me. This is not my job.' I facilitate that, let them know I received it and how to take care of [their issue].”

— Juandiego Wade, Mayor of Charlottesville (The Cavalier Daily)

“[The shelter project] is a place where we hope that the University of Virginia, with their immense resources, can say, 'you know what, we have a $15 billion endowment. We'll give you $10 million to fix that up, as a contribution, as a goodwill.'”

— Juandiego Wade, Mayor of Charlottesville (The Cavalier Daily)

“That new zoning ordinance [is] probably the most progressive in the United States. The problem with the cost of housing here is supply and demand. We just don't have enough, and so if we increase the supply, prices will come down … We believe we're on our way [to] doing that.”

— Juandiego Wade, Mayor of Charlottesville (The Cavalier Daily)

What’s next

The City Council is currently developing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and Wade hopes to prioritize working with stakeholders, including the school board, to make decisions about budget changes.

The takeaway

As Charlottesville's mayor, Juandiego Wade is focused on addressing the city's pressing issues, including the impact of the University of Virginia's growth on housing affordability, homelessness, and public transportation. His plans for his second term demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and finding collaborative solutions to the challenges facing the city.