VACo’s Beau Blevins speaks to Virginia Tech students
Beau Blevins, VACo Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, was a guest lecturer at Virginia Tech’s Center for Public Administration and Policy this summer. Beau spoke about his duties at VACo, which involve legislative advocacy in the areas of tax and finance, transportation, and healthcare. Beau spoke at length about his lobbying efforts and the critical need […]
Region 2 Meeting Recap
Stormwater and other Environmental Rules Focus of VACo Region 2 Meeting According to Lewie Lawrence, Director of the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission, there is a complex, multi-layered milieu of environmental regulations that impede efforts to promote economic development in rural areas of the state. But rather than fight this complex regulatory framework, Lawrence suggested […]
Virginia’s Economy and Budget Need a Reboot
On August 26, Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that despite an FY 2016 State General Fund Budget that was built on fairly conservative revenue growth of 3.2 percent, revenues grew only 1.7 percent – a decline of $269 million from the official forecast. Other transfers to the General Fund (primarily other sales taxes) also declined an […]
Impressive speaker lineup set for Summit
Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson (left), Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Bill Hazel (center) and Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran headline the keynote speakers at this week’s County Officials’ Summit. Joining them on stage are Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources for the Chesapeake Bay Russ Baxter and King and […]
Legislative conversations abound at Region 7 Meeting
Louisa County hosted a lively regional meeting on August 10 as Region 7 localities gathered to discuss issues of concern. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Nick Donohue spoke about the new “Smart Scale” process for funding transportation projects, which is intended to evaluate projects based on objective criteria. Project submissions for the second round of funding […]
Local Governments Encouraged to Review Virginia’s Plan for Well-Being
Virginia’s Plan for Well-Being, a document developed by the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Center for Health Innovation, outlines 13 goals for the years 2016-2020. Goals are grouped under four aims: healthy, connected communities; a strong start for children; preventive actions; and a system of health care. Specific metrics are associated with each goal.
VACo and VML host Go Green Challenge Forum
On August 8, nearly 40 local government representatives from diverse regions of Virginia attended the “Go Green Challenge Forum.” The event was held in the Rockingham County Fire and Rescue Classroom in Harrisonburg. The purpose of the Forum was to provide information about the Green Government Challenge. Specifically, one of the presentations made by Virginia […]
Visit Craig County and Tingler’s Mill
Tingler’s Mill has a long and varied history. As a present-day decorative fixture of Paint Bank, its presence makes a grand statement about revitalization and historic preservation. In the past, however, it was an important element of everyday life in the town of Paint Bank, Virginia, serving area farmers and residents as a source of […]
Goodwill Generates $785.2 Million in Economic and Fiscal Benefits to Virginia
Richmond, VA – In its annual study commissioned by Virginia Goodwill agencies, the Elliot D. Pollack organization found that the six Goodwill agencies that make up the Virginia Goodwill Network have seen a significant increase in economic impact in the Commonwealth. Together, the six Goodwill agencies had a $785.2 million impact on communities and governments […]
Annual Conference Update: Registration forms, events, tiered registration, meal reservations
It’s time to get registered for VACo’s 82nd Annual Conference! Registration Forms were sent via email and made available on our website on August 15. There are some new programs this year, so make sure to read through the registration form to get all of the details. You will also find a preliminary agenda to […]
August 2 County Connections
Read the August 2 County Connections
Virginia Counties Recognized for Model Programs
RICHMOND (August 1, 2016)—The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) is pleased to announce the 29 recipients of the 2016 Achievement Awards recognizing model local government programs. VACo received 91 submissions. This year a number of the winning entries focused on impacting the community and enhancing the lives of citizens. Winning Achievement Award Submissions | Winning […]
Speakers for County Officials’ Summit announced
The County Officials’ Summit on August 18-19 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event. VACo has confirmed the attendance of three Virginia Secretaries and one Deputy Secretary to speak on legislative issues. Kicking off the County Officials’ Summit on the morning of August 18 is Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson, who will speak about […]
Financial Facts
Long-term returns for U.S. public pensions are expected to drop to the lowest levels ever recorded, meaning deeper pain for states and localities as a $1 trillion funding gap widens. Twenty-year annualized returns for public pensions are poised to decline to 7.47 percent once fiscal 2016 results are released according to an estimate from Wilshire […]
Visit Bath County and Alleghany County and Douthat State Park
Douthat State Park opened June 15, 1936. It was one of the original six state parks of Virginia. The Douthat Land Company, a group of businessmen, donated the first portion of land — 1,920 acres. In 1933, the Virginia General Assembly allotted $50,000 for the purchase of land for state parks, and the remainder of […]
VACo’s 2016 Products and Services Catalog
VACo is proud to showcase our Associate Members and Partners who do amazing work with counties. This comprehensive catalog features more than 100 companies and organizations that can help counties save money, operate more efficiently and provide better service. VACo’s Associate Membership Program is the most efficient and cost-effective way to showcase companies or organizations […]