Visit Southampton County and the Southampton County Historic Courthouse
Location: 22350 Main Street / Court StreetBuilt: 1834 – 1835Style: Roman RevivalArchitect: Jeremiah Cobb and Clements RochelleContractor: Jeremiah Cobb and Clements Rochelle Description: The building faces east and is a two story red colored brick structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of Courtland. The east front has a large porch […]
Money Committees Receive Positive Report on State Revenues; Potential Federal Cost Shifts Loom
The House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees met on June 16 and 18, respectively; both meetings featured a relatively positive report on FY 2025 state revenues from Secretary of Finance Stephen Cummings, as well as updates on proposals at the federal level that could require the state to assume substantial new costs. Secretary […]
Joint Commission on Health Care Discusses Access to Pharmacies, Transportation Challenges
The Joint Commission on Health Care received preliminary briefings from its staff on June 18 on two studies conducted as part of its 2025 workplan. Staff will present full briefings with policy options later in the year. Public comments on the initial background briefings may by provided by email (jchcpubliccomments@jchc.virginia.gov) or via mail (411 E. […]
House Committee Monitoring Federal Actions Meets in Norfolk
The special committee of members of the House of Delegates established by Speaker Scott to monitor and respond to federal funding and workforce reductions held its fourth meeting on June 20 at Norfolk State University. Issues under discussion included particular challenges facing Hampton Roads, as well as broader concerns about housing programs, K-12, and water […]
Pittsylvania County Hosts Discussion of Key Issues in Region 10
VACo held its fourth Regional Meeting of the year on June 12 in Pittsylvania County. Counties across VACo Region 10, as well as elected state and federal officials from around the region, were invited to participate in the discussion. Before the start of the meeting – members of the regional caucus elected Franklin County Vice […]
VACo County Pulse Podcast – Energy Landscape of Virginia with Joe Lerch | Episode 19
Balancing Demand and Supply in the Regional Electric Grid – Discussion with PJM Interconnection Listen to the Podcast Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 19 | Balancing Demand and Supply in the Regional Electric Grid– discussion with PJM Interconnection. Joe Lerch talks with Jason Stanek, Executive Director of State Government Policy with PJM Interconnection the Regional Transmission […]
VACo County Pulse Podcast – Energy Landscape of Virginia with Joe Lerch | Episode 18
State and Local Housing Policy – Comparison of Maryland and Virginia with MACo Conduit Street Podcast Listen to the Podcast VACo County Pulse | Bonus Housing Episode – Comparison of Maryland and Virginia with MACo Conduit Street Podcast. Joe Lerch talks with Dominic Butchko, Director of Intergovernmental Relations with the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) to discuss housing […]
The Virginia Rural Center Launches “The Rural Virginia Opportunity Dashboard”
WISE, VA — The Virginia Rural Center proudly announces the launch of the Rural Virginia Opportunity Dashboard, an innovative digital platform designed to empower rural communities across the Commonwealth. The dashboard was unveiled today during the Tenth Annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Developed by the Virginia Rural Center, the Opportunity […]
Visit Smyth County and the Smyth County Historic Courthouse
Location: 109 West Main Street / North Church StreetBuilt: 1904 – 1905Style: Neo-ClassicalArchitect: Frank Pierce Milburn of Washington, DCContractor: Stephenson & Getaz of Knoxville, Tennessee Description: The building faces southeast and is a two story gray colored brick, stone and concrete structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of Marion. The […]
IN MEMORIAM – Remembering Former Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins
Catherine M. “Cathy” Hudgins passed away on May 24. Cathy served as VACo President in 2012. She served as the Hunter Mill District supervisor from 2000-2019. The Southgate Community Center is named in her honor, and she will be remembered for her contributions to equity, inclusion and public service. Fairfax County is deeply saddened to […]
Workgroup on Regulation of Recovery Residences Holds First Meeting
A workgroup tasked with making recommendations to enhance oversight of recovery residences held its first meeting on May 29; several local government representatives are participating on behalf of VACo and the Virginia Municipal League. Legislation that passed in the 2025 session required the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to convene the workgroup as the […]
Changes to the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) for FY 2026
Which New Laws Affect VRS? See the 2025 Legislative Summary to view new laws that affect VRS-administered benefits, plans and programs, including: Disability benefits for emergency dispatchers. Virginia Law Officers’ Retirement System membership for conservation officers. Retirement allowance changes for judges effective in 2026. Cost-of-Living Adjustments Take Effect July 1 The following cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) take […]
JLARC Discusses Juvenile Justice Realignment, Local Audits, Workforce Incentives
At the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission’s June 4 meeting, members received presentations from Commission staff on the merits and drawbacks of moving the Department of Juvenile Justice to the Health and Human Resources Secretariat and the economic benefits of certain workforce and industry incentives. Staci A. Henshaw, the Auditor of Public Accounts, reported […]
EPA Announces Intended Changes to PFAS Drinking Water Rule
On May 14, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the agency will keep the current National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) for PFOA and PFOS. As part of this action, EPA also announced its intent to extend the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Level compliance deadline and establish a federal exemption framework. Additionally, […]
VACo County Pulse Podcast – Energy Landscape of Virginia with Joe Lerch | Episode 17
State Energy Policy – Comparison of Maryland and Virginia with MACo Conduit Street Podcast Listen to the Podcast Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 17 | State Energy Policy – Comparison of Maryland and Virginia with MACo Conduit Street Podcast Joe Lerch talks with Dominic Butchko, Director of Intergovernmental Relations with the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), to compare […]
Thank You Henrico County for Hosting the Regions 3 & 5 Meeting
VACo held its third Regional Meeting of the year on May 12 in Henrico County. Counties across VACo regions 3 and 5, as well as elected state and federal officials from around the regions, were invited to participate in the discussion. VACo was pleased to be joined by Delegate David Owen, Delegate Mark Earley and […]