JLARC Examines Data Center and Manufacturing Incentives
As part of its June 17 meeting, JLARC submitted a report on the impact and effectiveness of certain state economic development incentives. The report focused on 11 incentives designed to promote data center and manufacturing (especially semiconductor production) growth and well as reducing pollution and promoting green jobs. JLARC made seven recommendations to improve the […]
State General Fund Revenues Continue Growth in May, Likely to Meet FY 2019 Forecast
State General Fund revenues continued to follow a positive trajectory in May and appear to be on target to meet the FY 2019 forecast. Governor Northam announced last week that May collections were up 22.5 percent relative to last May, and have grown 7.9 percent on a fiscal year-to-date basis. In his briefing for the […]
Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Meeting and News Bulletin
On June 7, VACo staff attended the VRS Board of Trustees’ final meeting of FY 2019. On the agenda, the Board heard reports from Chief Investment Officer Ronald Schmitz, who detailed how recent uncertainty around global economic output impacted May’s equity markets. Turbulence and systemic risk metrics are up, but not as high as they […]
Financial Facts
GASB issued an implementation guide that is designed to assist state and local government financial personnel, Implementation Guide Update -2019. Included in the guide are: Derivative instruments Disaster-related, expenditure driven grants Irrevocable split-interest agreements Post-employment benefits Tax abatement disclosures Transfers of capital assets within a financial reporting entity It also includes amendments to previously issued […]
Region 6 Counties Discuss Workforce Development, Transportation, and More in Warren County
Warren County hosted representatives from Region 6 at the Virginia Inland Port on June 10 for a robust conversation on issues of shared concern. In welcoming attendees, Warren County Chairman Daniel Murray highlighted the importance of the Virginia Inland Port to the region in alleviating traffic congestion and expediting the flow of goods throughout the […]
VACo County Pulse: Communication and Community – A View from Stafford County on Best Budgeting Practices for K-12 Education
The Constitution of Virginia guarantees the right to a high-quality education for all school age children in the Commonwealth. The cost of this guarantee is shared between the federal, state, and local governments; however, localities pay for the majority. Even though K-12 education funding is often the number one budget item for counties in terms […]
VACo County Pulse Podcast | Commonwealth Conversations – Senator Emmett Hanger
Welcome to the County Pulse | Commonwealth Conversations. In this episode – VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch talks with Senate Finance Co-Chairman Emmett Hanger about key policy issues of interest to local governments, including transportation, broadband, and strengthening the state-local partnership. Listen to the Podcast
Governor’s Advisory Commission on Opioids and Addiction Discusses Prevention, Intervention, Future Efforts
Secretary of Health and Human Resources Daniel Carey opened the May 17 meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Opioids and Addiction on a hopeful note, although members agreed that much work remains to be done to prevent, identify, and treat substance use disorder in Virginia. Secretary Carey presented preliminary data from the Office of […]
Visit Wythe County and The Mansion at Fort Chiswell
For over a decade The Mansion at Fort Chiswell has been lovingly restored by proprietor Chris Disibbio. Now this private residence, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and as a Virginia State Historic Landmark, is ready to be shared with you. From the gracious bedrooms to the wood-burning kitchen fireplace to the […]
Powhatan County hosts the Regions 3 & 5 Meeting
On a lovely spring day, VACo held its third Regional Meeting of the year in historic Powhatan County. On May 21, folks throughout VACo Regions 3 & 5 came together at the beautiful Independence Golf Club and were treated to gorgeous views and excellent conversation. Representatives from Powhatan, New Kent, Albemarle, Fluvanna, and Hanover spent […]
Preparing for the 2020 Census: Making Sure Young Children are Counted
Kids count in Virginia, and it’s important that they be counted in the 2020 Census, too. Communities care deeply about their youngest members, but in the last Census, very young children were the age group most likely to be missed. In preparation for the 2020 Census, efforts are underway to improve this situation, and there […]
VACo County Pulse Podcast | An Ounce of Prevention – Making a Case for Proactive Land Use Planning
Welcome to the County Pulse. In this episode – Attorney Sharon Pandak of Greehan Taves & Pandak and CEO Darren Coffey of the Berkley Group join VACo’s Joe Lerch to discuss the benefit of having a proactive land use plan. Counties routinely budget dollars for legal expenses but rarely for long-range planning expenses. Listen to […]
Visit Nelson County and Woodson’s Mill
Woodson’s Mill is located just across the Piney River from Lowesville, Virginia. The building is a historic landmark, but Woodson’s Mill is still a busy place. We produce all-natural grits, flours and meals in small batches, by hand, from the best local ingredients available. Our grains are stone-ground slowly to preserve the oils, moisture content, […]
Children’s Cabinet Meets to Review Past Year and Outline Future Priorities
On May 14, the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet met for its first full meeting of the year. The Cabinet is chaired by First Lady Pamela Northam and is tasked with improving the quality and access of early childhood education resources across the Commonwealth. Discussion at the meeting focused on a recap of the 2019 General Assembly […]
State General Fund Revenues Up in April, Expected to Meet Annual Forecast
Governor Ralph Northam announced this week that the fourth quarter of state revenue collections is off to a strong start, with General Fund (GF) revenues demonstrating growth in the state’s major revenue sources in April. Total GF revenues grew 27.4 percent in April, and on a fiscal year-to-date basis, revenues have grown 6.2 percent, edging […]
Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission Adopts Work Plan for 2019
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) held its first meeting for 2019 on May 13 and adopted a plan for the studies and reports its staff will complete this year. In addition to JLARC’s ongoing oversight of the Virginia Retirement System, the Virginia529 college savings plan, and the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, JLARC […]