VACo Board of Directors adopts resolution supporting the applications of Northern Virginia Counties for the location of Amazon HQ2
Join us for a seminar on social security benefits
VACo, in partnership with Nationwide Retirement Solutions, is offering an educational seminar regarding Social Security benefits for county employees in Brunswick County on Tuesday, September 11 from 10 – noon. Our speaker will be Carlo Cordasco, Vice President of the Nationwide Retirement Institute. Mr. Cordasco will speak about all aspects of Social Security benefits. The […]
Regions 7 and 8 Meet in Stafford County
Stafford County hosted representatives from Regions 7 and 8 on August 30 at the Gari Melchers Home and Studio for a lively discussion of issues of concern. Attendees who arrived early had the opportunity to tour the galleries and learn about the career and work of artist Gari Melchers, whose home and studio are preserved […]
Governor Northam Addresses Money Committees
By Jim Regimbal, Jr. | Fiscal Analytics In his address to the “money committees” on August 17, Governor Ralph Northam announced a $555.5 million General Fund (GF) revenue surplus for FY 2018. Other than the constitutionally-required 10 percent of surplus to be deposited to the Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF), the remaining surplus funds will […]
Joseph Guthrie
Pulaski County Supervisor Q1. You are a lifelong resident of Pulaski County and run a farm that has been in your family since 1795. What is it like to serve on the governing body for a place where you have such deep roots? Joe Guthrie: Yes, my roots run deep in Pulaski County. I’m the […]
Visit Prince William County and the Manassas National Battlefield Park
Much of the landscape within Manassas National Battlefield Park still retains its wartime character. Henry Hill, focus of heavy fighting at First Manassas in July 1861, is still cleared, though now neat and lush after decades of farming. A new farmhouse marks the site of the old. The unfinished railroad, scene of much of the […]
2018 VACo Annual Conference
November 11-13, 2018 The Omni Homestead Bath County, Virginia Interested in VACo Education? Attending VACo’s Annual Conference is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing localities today. VACo members discover innovative ways to solve problems and meet opportunities, simply through conversation with other local leaders. Counties across Virginia […]
Pierce Group Benefits
Upcoming broadband conferences focus on increasing internet access
Two separate summits scheduled for this fall will be bringing public and private partners together to seek solutions on providing high speed internet access to unserved areas. On September 25-26 the Botetourt Broadband Commission (BBC) will be hosting the Rural Broadband Technology Solutions Summit at the Greenfield Education & Training Center. The objective of the […]
2018 Presidential Initiative: Healthy Virginia Counties in Action – Spotlight on Mental Health Part 2
In my last column, we looked at the critically important topic of mental and behavioral health and major efforts at the state level to improve Virginia’s public behavioral health system. Counties across Virginia recognize the importance of mental health care in building strong, vibrant communities and have worked hard to provide needed services and promote […]
Government Relations/Legislative Liaison
The Virginia Association of Counties seeks a dynamic individual with experience in government relations. Knowledge and experience in local, state and federal government public policy process including legislative, executive and regulatory desired. Strong analytical, oral advocacy and writing skills and a willingness to cover various aspects of government relations required. Problem‑solving skills to define problems, […]
Financial Facts
State and local government issuers would use a single method to report conduit debt obligations and related obligations under a proposal the GASB published recently. GASB is proposing revisions after reviewing the existing rules under Interpretation No. 2, Disclosure of Conduit Debt Obligations. Conduit debt obligations are debt instruments issued by a state or local […]
Virginia counties are encouraged to create local programs that spur capital investments in commercial buildings for energy improvements
The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) is encouraging local governments to create public-private partnerships that allow building owners to finance 100 percent of the upfront cost of energy and water efficiency upgrades and renewable energy systems with very low out-of-pocket expenses. Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or C-PACE, is voluntary for building […]
Virginia Counties Recognized for Model Programs
The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) is pleased to announce the 25 recipients of the 2018 Achievement Awards, which recognize excellence in local government programs. VACo received a record 106 submissions. Winning entries focused on addressing high-priority issues that challenge counties today. Winning Achievement Award Submissions | Winning Program Descriptions “This is the 16th year […]
1207 to the 95 Blog – School Safety in Virginia: Part I. Where are we, and where are we going?
Over the last several years, Virginians, along with the rest of the nation, have expressed a renewed interest in school safety. Understanding the importance of safe learning environments to all community members, VACo will address this issue with a 1207 to the 95 series that will examine key components of the school safety discussion. As […]
2018 Presidential Initiative: Healthy Virginia Counties – Spotlight on Mental Health
“A sound mind in a sound body” is an ancient expression of the major elements of a good life, often cited as an argument for physical activity as a component of a well-rounded education. For the last several months, we have been examining basic elements of physical health: good nutrition and physical activity. This month, […]