VACo County Pulse – Energy Landscape of Virginia Series with Joe Lerch | Utility-Scale Solar
Season 4 | 2024 Energy Landscape of Virginia Series with Joe Lerch Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 2 | Utility-Scale Solar | Part 1 Listen to the Podcast Part 1. Utility-Scale Solar – Legislative Outlook with Dean Lynch In the first of a 2-part episode, Joe Lerch sits down with VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch to discuss […]
Public Body Procurement Workgroup Considers Draft Recommendations to Information Technology Access Act (ITAA) Bill
The Public Body Procurement Workgroup met on Wednesday, September 4 to finalize recommendations to HB 1355 (Tran). The workgroup’s recommendations significantly reduce the potential impact to local governments compared to the bill in its original form. VACo testified to concerns over the bill at a previous meeting of the workgroup and appreciates the work of […]
Visit Nottoway County and the Nottoway County Historic Courthouse
PHOTO SOURCE: Virginia Department of Historic Resources Location: 328 West Courthouse Road / Old Nottoway RoadBuilt: 1839 – 1843Style: Greek Revival / Roman RevivalArchitect: Branch H ElllingtonContractor: Branch H Elllington Description: The building faces east and is a one story red colored brick structure. The building is located on spacious grounds in the center of […]
Dinwiddie County Supervisor Dan Lee’s Heart and Liver Transplant Journey
It’s been this way for years at VACo events. Members of the Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors walking together, eating together, and supporting each other. But at last year’s VACo Annual Conference, there was one member noticeably absent – Supervisor Dan Lee. Dan was at VCU Medical Center waiting for a heart and a liver […]
Workgroup Discusses Alternatives to State Hospitalization
A workgroup convened to evaluate and recommend alternative options for individuals with neurocognitive disorders and neurodevelopmental disabilities who may otherwise be admitted to state psychiatric hospitals continued its discussions last week. Legislation considered by the 2024 General Assembly directed the establishment of this workgroup; these companion bills (HB 888 (Watts) and SB 176 (Favola)) stemmed […]
VACo Writes Letter to DEA, FDA, and Virginia Congressional Delegation on Federal Regulatory Changes to Prescription Drug Box Program
VACo recently sent a letter to Administrator Anne Milgram of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Commissioner Robert M. Califf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation expressing concerns over federal regulatory changes association with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, 21 U.S.C. § 351 et seq. […]
VRS Reports Return of 9.9% and Hits Record High for the Fund
According to the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), the Fund reported a 9.9% return, net of fees, on its investment portfolio for fiscal year 2024, ending the year with a market value of approximately $113.9 billion, a record high. “VRS executes its investment strategy and decisions keeping the best interests of VRS members, retirees and beneficiaries […]
VACo Submits Comments on OSHA’s Proposed New Emergency Response Standard for Fire Brigades – Formal Hearing Set for November
VACo recently submitted comments to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding its proposed rule to modernize protections for emergency response workers, who often face substantial occupational hazards. While VACo understands the need to update the standards, we are concerned that the proposed changes, in their current form, could have a substantial impact and […]
Virginia Counties Recognized for Model Programs
RICHMOND (August 29, 2024)—The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) is pleased to announce the 45 recipients of the 2024 Achievement Awards, which recognize excellence in local government programs. VACo received 145 submissions. Winning entries focused on addressing issues of housing, recreation, and communications, as well as finding solutions to other challenges that counties face daily. […]
Federal Regulatory Changes Could Impact Prescription Drug Box Program and Impose Significant Unfunded Mandates
Based on federal regulatory changes associated with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, 21 U.S.C. § 351 et seq. (DSCSA), and the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act, 21 U.S.C. § 823, hospitals have indicated that they will no longer provide and exchange drug kits with Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers as of November […]
County Officials’ Summit Rises to Occasion with Healthy Discussions
VACo was proud to host local, state, and federal leaders at this year’s County Officials’ Summit on August 15. It’s always a good day when leaders from all parts of the Commonwealth come together in support of their communities. VACo President Ann Mallek had the honor of welcoming nearly 200 officials from dozens of localities. […]
VACo County Pulse – Energy Landscape of Virginia | Data Centers
Season 4 | 2024 Energy Landscape of Virginia | Data Centers | August 14 | Episode 3Listen to the Podcast Part 3. Listen in as Joe Lerch interviews Loudoun County Vice Chair and VACo Board Member Juli Briskman. We learn how the industry has transformed their community, what steps they’ve taken in terms of planning […]
Visit Northumberland County and the Northumberland County Historic Courthouse
Location: 72 Monument Place / Judicial PlaceBuilt: 1850 – 1851 / 1900 – 1901Style: Queen Anne and Colonial RevivalArchitect: John Donohoo / Bartholomew SmithContractor: John Donohoo / B F Smith Fireproofing Company Description: The building faces east and is a two story white colored brick and concrete structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds […]
3 Principles to Revitalize Historic County Buildings
Southampton County CourthousePhotos Credit: Charles Buffington Other Southampton County Courthouse Photos | 1 | 2 | 3 By Andrew Moore Each of Virginia’s 95 counties boasts at least one property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although this fact isn’t too surprising, given the Commonwealth’s extensive history, it’s still notable. Many of the […]
Governor Youngkin Addresses Money Committees and Joint Subcommittee on Tax Policy Gets to Work
Governor Youngkin addressed a joint meeting of the “money committees” on August 14, reporting continued strength in state revenues and highlighting investments in education, behavioral health, business site development, and natural resources. He signaled continued interest in tax relief, lauding Virginia’s recent selection as CNBC’s top state for business, but noting that “we have work […]
Stormwater Local Assistance Fund – FY 2025 Solicitation
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Annual Solicitation of Applications for financial assistance through the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF) opened on August 1, 2024, and will close on October 1, 2024. Completed SLAF applications must be submitted via the MyDEQ Portal. Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. In addition to the online […]