The Virginia Association of Counties exists to support county officials and to effectively represent, promote and protect the interests of counties to better serve the people of Virginia. VACo is an effective force representing local governments at the state and national levels in legislative and regulatory processes. It’s also a valuable resource network for planning and implementing new ideas and technology.
Services
• Members are eligible to join a VACo Steering Committee to help shape the legislative program for upcoming General Assembly sessions. This is an excellent opportunity to network and voice your concerns on important issues. The VACo president appoints committee members in January.
• The Semimonthly newsletter (County Connections) is mailed and e-mailed on the 1st and 15th of each month. This publication serves as an up-to-date account of news that affects Virginia counties. It also serves as a bulletin board for counties and associate members to display job openings, conference or meeting dates, and to recognize promotions or new employees. If you are not receiving a copy of County Connections, contact VACo staff member Gage Harter (804) 343-2502 or gharter@vaco.org.
• During the General Assembly, VACo’s Legislative Bulletin (Capitol Contact) provides reports on legislative activities affecting county governments two to three times a week. Constant communication is provided throughout the General Assembly noting the status of bills and the affect of the sate budget on counties. If you are not receiving Capitol Contact during the legislative session, contact VACo staff member Gage Harter (804) 343-2502 or gharter@vaco.org.
• VACo issues Legislative Alerts during the General Assembly in emergency situations requiring immediate responses from counties. These are sent electronically. Alerts encourage communication between county officials and General Assembly members on key legislative issues. It is important for members to pay close attention to these alerts and participate by calling legislators when indicated.
• VACo works with designated legislative contacts in each county to enhance the communication network with other county officials and to strengthen relationships with individual legislators.
• At the end of each session, VACo’s Legislative Summary is sent to all counties informing them of all legislation directly or indirectly affecting counties.
• The VACo Directory of Local Officials provides an up-to-date listing of all locally elected officials throughout Virginia. It’s an excellent resource to use for networking and sharing information.
• VACo offers Associate Memberships for area businesses in order to provide networking opportunities with county officials.
• The VACo staff is able to provide various types of legal and technical assistance upon request. VACo’s technical services staff can help your county navigate through the myriad of networking technology solutions, assess short-term and long-term goals and design a personalized solution for your needs.
• The VACo website is a valuable resource for members. The site is updated regularly and contains valuable information including publications, meeting information, press releases, employment opportunities, links to counties and more.
• Through intergovernmental cooperation, VACo Risk Management Programs is to provide its members with the most efficient, cost effective, and innovative programs possible. VACo Risk Management Programs must be responsive to the current and future needs of its members while providing a stable alternative to the traditional insurance marketplace. Call (540) 345-5330 for more information
• The VML/VACo Finance Program assists Virginia local governments in taking advantage of the economies of scale offered through pooled financing arrangements. The program allows local governments to pool their financings with other local borrowers. Call (804) 648-0635 for more information.
• The Certified County Supervisor educational program helps elected officials become more effective civic leaders. Through a series of courses, supervisors learn how to implement a framework for successful leadership. To complete the course, supervisors must complete five core courses and three electives.
Seminars and conferences sponsored or co-sponsored by VACo include:
• Annual Conference (held in November)
• The biannual Supervisors Conference (held in even-numbered years)
• Chairman’s Institute (held in February)
VACo ensures local officials’ participation and representation in policy making.
VACo’s presence within the General Assembly and state agencies ensures that county officials are represented on legislative subcommittees, commissions, technical advisory committees and other entities with policy-making authority. All eight of VACo’s Legislative Steering Committees develop the Legislative Program each year. Each county is asked to participate by submitting a list of proposals to have considered as part of the program.
