On February 5, VACo brought together officials from across the Commonwealth for Local Government Day — a statewide advocacy and engagement event that united leaders in Richmond to advance local priorities during the 2026 General Assembly session. Governor Abigail Spanberger spoke at the evening reception.
Purpose & Participation
The event served as a central opportunity for county supervisors, administrators, and staff to connect with state legislators and VACo colleagues, discuss legislative policy concerns, and advocate on behalf of communities and county governance interests. The day’s activities reinforced VACo’s core mission of supporting counties in educating policymakers, protecting local authority, and promoting sound public policy.
Agenda Highlights
- Morning Session: VACo Board of Directors convened, followed by registration and lunch.
- Noon Briefings: Participants heard updates on key legislative issues shaping county operations and budgets during the 2026 session.
- Afternoon Advocacy: County leaders moved to the General Assembly to meet directly with Delegates and Senators about their legislative priorities.
- Evening Reception: A VACo legislative reception provided additional time for networking with legislators and reinforcing local positions.
Outcomes & Focus Areas
Attendees emphasized issues such as local decision-making authority, funding for core county services, and state budget implications impacting land use, infrastructure, and service delivery. The day’s interactions helped elevate county voices and strengthen relationships with policymakers at the State Capitol — a critical step in shaping policies that affect counties across Virginia.