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, […]
Sheila S. Noll
York County Chairman Q1. You’ve made a major contribution to your community, serving more than 20 years on the York County Board of Supervisors. What are some of your lessons learned from your time in public service? Sheila Noll: It is so very important to be inclusive. Every citizen has a right to be heard. […]
Visit Pittsylvania County and the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex
The Olde Dominion Agriculture Complex is owned and operated by the Olde Dominion Agricultural Foundation, a Virginia 501-C3 non-profit organization. The Foundation was formed in 2008 by a group of local farmers and visionaries. The Board of Directors has grown with members representing the counties of Bedford, Campbell, Franklin, Halifax, Henry, and Pittsylvania. The Foundation […]
See you soon at the County Officials’ Summit
VACo Education and Steering Committee Meetings Thursday, August 16 VACo Board of Directors Meeting Friday, August 17 Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center | 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway | Fredericksburg, VA 22401 | AGENDA VACo’s County Officials’ Summit is now less than one week away! We hope you’re making plans to join us at this […]
Payments In-Lieu of Taxes Class Action Lawsuit
In June 2017, Kane County, Utah, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims seeking to recover underpayments to the county as well as underpayments of all other Payments In-Lieu of Taxes (PILT) recipients nationwide for 2015-2017. In December, the court ruled in Kane County’s favor for FY2015 and FY2016 underpayments and issued […]
U.S. House Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing on Impact of Wayfair Decision
On July 24, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing to examine possible effects of the recent Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., et al. and discuss what actions, if any, Congress should take in response to the ruling. The Court’s 5-4 ruling overturning the 1992 Quill Corp. v. North Dakota decision […]
Virginia’s Adopt-a-Highway program is celebrating 30 Years in 2018!
Virginia’s Adopt-a-Highway program is celebrating 30 Years in 2018! A partnership established between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Keep Virginia Beautiful, the program encourages new participants to join the thousands of groups that have helped keep Virginia’s roadways litter-free since it was first established in 1988. The Adopt-a-Highway program provides a FREE opportunity for […]
Commissioner of Elections Webinar on Mis-Assigned Voters
Commissioner of Elections Chris Piper presented information on the issue of potentially mis-assigned voters in a July 30 webinar hosted by VACo. Commissioner Piper discussed efforts at the Department of Elections to identify voters who may have been mis-assigned, as well as the potential complications that may result from situations where a house straddles a […]
VACo Region 3 meeting focuses on school safety, transportation and access to the internet
Close to 30 county officials met at the Hanover County Emergency Communications Office on the afternoon August 8. Laura Fornash, Sr. VP, State Government Relations with McGuireWoods Consulting and Former Virginia Secretary of Education, provided a one-page list of resources for counties addressing school safety. She also described the work of the Chesterfield County School […]
VACo visits Pittsylvania County for the Region 10 Meeting
VACo held its fifth 2018 Regional Meeting on July 24 in the center of VACo’s Region 10 – beautiful Pittsylvania County. On a sunny Tuesday afternoon, more than 30 county supervisors and administrators from counties across the region gathered at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex to discuss challenges and opportunities while learning from one another. […]
2018 Presidential Initiative: Spotlight on Physical Activity – Healthy Virginia Counties in Action
In my last column, we looked at the benefits of physical activity and how Virginia stacks up relative to other states. Virginians exercise at rates slightly above the national average, but as a state, we have plenty of room for improvement. Fortunately, as with the issues of food insecurity and obesity, Virginia’s counties have stepped […]