Notice of Upcoming JLARC Broadband Survey of Counties
The staff of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) have been directed by state legislators to review efforts to expand access to affordable and reliable broadband throughout the Commonwealth. A critical component of JLARC’s study is hearing directly from stakeholders, including counties, about their experience with broadband deployment projects in Virginia and their […]
VACo Region 3 Takes Off with Robust Discussion
On July 25, VACo staff had the pleasure of traveling to the Hanover County Airport for the fifth regional meeting of the year. All counties in VACo Region 3 were in attendance with Hanover County hosting the event. The meeting began with a welcome from the Chair of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, Susan […]
VACo County Pulse – Episode 1 | Energy Landscape of Virginia | Part 1
Season 4 | 2024 Episode 1 | Energy Landscape of Virginia | Part 1 Listen to the Podcast Part 1. Host Joe Lerch visits Loudoun County to explore the world of Data Centers.
Visit Northampton County and the Northampton County Historic Courthouse
Old County Courthouse – EastvilleLocation: 16404 Courthouse Road / Courthouse SquareBuilt: 1731 – 1732Style: FederalArchitect: John MarshallContractor: John Marshall Description: The building faces south and is a one story red colored brick and wood structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of Eastville. The arched entrance is on the south side. […]
Congratulations! York County celebrates 14 graduates of the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy
York County was proud to celebrate 14 staff members who graduated from NACo’s High Performance Leadership Academy. The program equips frontline county government professionals with practical leadership skills. The ceremony took place on July 26, and VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch was honored to speak at the event. Lynch is also a graduate. The NACo […]
Drought Disaster Designation Updates
Due to the recent droughts conditions across the commonwealth, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Matthew Lohr convened a group of stakeholders for a brief presentation alongside Dr. Ronald M. Howell, Jr., Virginia State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), on the USDA Disaster Drought Designation process. On the call, staff at […]
Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Network Grant Application Open Now
The grant application cycle for the third round of Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Network grants will opened July 29, 2024 with an application deadline of October 21, 2024. The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways Office is offering this competitive grant opportunity to strengthen communities’ ability to enhance public education of and access to the Chesapeake […]
Virginia Delegation Advocates for County Needs at NACo Annual Conference
Virginia counties made a strong showing at NACo’s 2024 Annual Conference in Hillsborough County, Florida, with Virginia county leaders successfully advocating for policy changes in NACo’s legislative platform, serving in leadership roles within the Association, participating in policy committee meetings and other conference sessions, and helping to shape NACo’s future by voting on a slate […]
Visit New Kent County and the New Kent County Historic Courthouse
Location: 12007 Courthouse Circle / New Kent HighwayBuilt: 1909 – 1910Style: Greek RevivalArchitect: B F Smith Fireproof Construction CompanyContractor: B F Smith Fireproof Construction Company Description: The building faces north and is a one story red colored brick and concrete structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of New Kent on […]
Premier Partner Spotlight – Blue Line Solutions Testimonials
Thank you Wythe County Chief Deputy Anthony Cline for sharing your experience with Blue Line Solutions! Thank you Sussex County Sheriff Ernest Giles for sharing your experience with Blue Line Solutions! Blue Line Solutions is making a positive impact on communities all over Virginia. In Smyth County – Blue Line Solutions recorded during […]
VACo Submits Comments on OSHA’s Proposed New Emergency Response Standard for Fire Brigades
As previously reported, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing a rule to modernize protections for emergency response workers, who often face occupational hazards. In its current form, the proposed rule changes could impose substantial burdens and unfunded mandates upon local governments and fire organizations. In response to the proposed rule change, VACo has […]
Behavioral Health Commission Meets at Central State Hospital to Discuss System Needs and Improvements
The Behavioral Health Commission met on July 9 at Central State Hospital and received briefings from Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Commissioner Nelson Smith, Central State Hospital CEO Brandi Justice, and Chinh Vu, Director of the Office of Construction Management for Special Projects at the Department of General Services. Dr. Justice discussed the […]
Virginia Chesapeake Bay Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) Members to Host Roundtable Discussions for County Leaders
The Virginia delegation of the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) has planned two roundtable discussions for local government leaders to weigh in on key elements of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s (CBP) work that has the potential to impact local governments. One of the more important topics expected to be covered at these meetings is the potential […]
VDOT Local Programs Workshop 2024
September 17 – 19, 2024 | Roanoke, Virginia The 12th annual Local Programs Workshop will be held at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center on September 17 – 19, 2024. This workshop provides an overview of local programs and training for program management and project development for locally administered projects. This annual event brings together roughly 600 local […]
SCC Taking Public Comment Regarding Towing Fee Regulation
On June 21, 2024, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) entered an Order Establishing Proceeding (Order) and opening a docket (Case No. PUR-2024-00104) concerning Chapter 245 (SB 450 Marsden) of the 2024 Va. Acts of Assembly. Chapter 245 directs the SCC to examine the regulation of certain towing fees charged for the removal of motor vehicles, […]
Scott County Hosts Dynamic Region 13 Meeting
Counties in VACo Region 13 congregated in Scott County on June 11 at the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center to discuss important issues facing localities in the region and assist VACo staff in crafting the Association’s legislative program for the upcoming 2025 legislative session. This was the third of eight regional meetings scheduled for […]