Digital Counties Survey 2016 – Winners Announced
by Janet Grenslitt | July 20, 2016 | Article from govtech.com The Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) have announced the 2016 Digital Counties Survey winners. The survey, conducted by CDG in partnership with NACo, identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that save tax dollars […]
2016 Annual Conference Update
There are less than two weeks until the VACo Annual Conference Registration Forms will be sent via email and available on our website. We are bringing back the tiered registration fee. Register early to save the most for your county! Are several of your Board members and county staff planning to attend the conference? If […]
2016 Holidays at The Executive Mansion
The Executive Mansion recently announced that the 2016 Holiday Tree theme is “Home for the Holidays.” VACo is honored to once again be asked by the Mansion to assist in collecting local artisan-made, handcrafted ornaments from Virginia’s localities!
Governing Institute Announces Women in Government Leadership Class of 2017
King George County Supervisor Ruby Brabo among 25 new participants selected for the yearlong program designed to promote and support elected women leaders from across the nation WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 2, 2016 – The United States is one of the worst-performing developed countries in the world when it comes to the number of women […]
July 19 County Connections
Read the July 19 County Connections
VACo asks Governor and Legislators to keep funding for salary increases
On July 8, Governor Terry McAuliffe announced preliminary figures for the state’s FY 2016 General Fund collections. Unfortunately, while these revenues grew 1.7 percent over the previous year, growth lagged the official forecast of 3.2 percent, representing a 1.5 percent projected shortfall. Although the final report will not be available until the General Assembly “money […]
Proffers among legislative issues discussed at Region 3 Meeting
Changes made by the 2016 General Assembly to Virginia’s law on proffers dominated the discussions at VACo Region 3 Meeting on July 14 in Henrico County. Henrico County Attorney Joe Rapisarda provided meeting attendees with a detailed critique of the problematic provisions that are part of the “proffer” legislation – SB 549 (Obenshain/Saslaw).
Utility scale solar power on the rise in rural Virginia
Southampton County mulls over approval of 1,200 acres of solar panels Since August of 2015, there have been 19 applications submitted for the construction and operation of large, ground-mounted, solar panel arrays. Project areas range from 77 to 1,200 acres with electric power generation capacity of 6 to 100 megawatts (MW). These power production plants […]
Visit Virginia to Honor those who Served in WWI and WWII
The Virginia World War I and World War II Commemoration Commission was created by the General Assembly to plan, develop and carry out programs and activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I and the 75th anniversary of World War II.
Applications now open for Virginia WWI and WWII Tourism Marketing Program
The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) and the World War I and World War II Commemoration Commission (the Commission) recently announced that applications are now available for the Virginia World War I and World War II Tourism Marketing Program grants. These grants, administered by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, will assist Virginia communities and related WWI and […]
LOCALITIES AND REGIONAL ENTITIES ARE ASKED TO SUBMIT TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS TO BE EVALUATED UNDER VIRGINIA’S SMART SCALE PROGRAM
Smart Scale is Virginia’s prioritization process to fund the right projects based on a data-driven and objective system Localities and regional entities such as metropolitan planning organizations can submit project applications under the Smart Scale Program (formerly House Bill 2) from August 1 to September 30 this year. This marks the second round of applications […]
July 8 County Connections
Read the July 8 County Connections
Dean Lynch takes the helm at VACo
Dean Lynch became VACo’s sixth Executive Director when he succeeded Jim Campbell on July 1. Campbell had served as VACo Executive Director for the past 26 years. Lynch previously served as VACo Deputy Executive Director since 2010. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to lead our association, and I’m determined to keep improving service to our […]
Register for the 2016 VACo County Officials’ Summit
As county elected officials, administrators and staff, you are challenged daily to understand and act on a multitude of issues and topics. VACo Education recognizes your position and has created a forum dedicated to providing you knowledge from experts and collaboration with colleagues in your unique and important position. Please join us for the County […]
VACo travels to NOVA for Region 8 Meeting
Transportation was the topic of the night at the Region 8 Meeting on June 22. The event was held at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building. “Traffic congestion represents the most serious challenge to counties in Northern Virginia,” said Loudoun County Chair Phyllis Randall, who moderated the conversation.
Financial Facts
After years of steady inflows, the rate for retirement contributions by public pension employees has increased and is expected to continue rising. U.S. states enacted pension plan reforms that mainly reduced benefits for new hires and increased employee contribution rates for new hires and current employees in order to combat increasing employer pension costs.