IN MEMORIAM: James D. Campbell | VACo Executive Director (1990-2016)

James D. Campbell VACo Executive Director (1990-2016) It was Dean Lynch who made the announcement last week at the VACo County Officials’ Summit. Nearly 200 local and state leaders were in a Hotel Roanoke conference room when Dean asked for a moment of silence for Jim Campbell, who had passed away earlier that morning. It […]

Visit Buchanan County and the Buchanan County Courthouse

Location: 1012 Walnut Street / Main Street Built: 1905 – 1906 Style: Renaissance Revival Architect: Frank Pierce Milburn of Washington, DC Contractor: Frank Pierce Milburn & Company Description The building faces west and is a three story stone gray colored course sandstone structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of Tazewell. […]

OSIG releases performance audit of 2022 I-95 Snow Incident

The Office of the State Inspector General (OSIG) recently released a performance audit of the 2022 I-95 Snow Incident of January 3-4 in August 2022. This report comes on the heels of the Virginia Interagency Report conducted by CNA and another OSIG report auditing snow removal by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The first […]

Governor Youngkin Addresses Money Committees

Governor Youngkin brought good news to the General Assembly’s “money committees” on August 19, reporting on the state’s significant FY 2022 surplus and robust reserves, and lauding the investments in K-12, law enforcement, and economic development in the state budget that was finalized in June. He also pointed to areas of concern for the Administration, […]

Happy 20th Anniversary VACo Achievement Awards!

Great to see so many friends in this video. The VACo Achievement Awards truly does bring us together in pursuit of improving our communities. Thank you to everyone who has supported the VACo Achievement Awards during the past 20 years. WATCH THE VIDEO

Juvenile Detention Study Advisory Committee Meets in Roanoke County

The Commission on Youth’s advisory committee for its study of the effectiveness and efficiency of Virginia’s juvenile detention centers held its second meeting on July 26 in Roanoke County.  This study was prompted by the declining numbers of youth housed in juvenile detention centers and is exploring potential consolidation or repurposing of unused capacity in […]

Visit Brunswick County and the Brunswick County Courthouse

Location: 216 North Main Street / Hicks Street Built: 1997 – 1999 Style: Modern Architect: Browne, Eichman, Dalgliesh, Gilpin and Paxton PC ( Dalgliesh, Eichaman, Oglie & Farris ) Contractor: Knightsbridge Construction Company Description: The building faces west and is a two story red colored brick and concrete structure. The building is located on landscaped […]

Franklin County Supervisor Leland Mitchell Passes Away

Franklin County, Virginia – Leland Mitchell, Franklin County Board of Supervisors member and Chairman of the Franklin County Broadband Authority, passed away on July 30. Mr. Mitchell was the longest-serving member of the current Board of Supervisors where this past January he began his fifth term. Mr. Mitchell was first elected to the Board of Supervisors […]

Behavioral Health Commission Discusses Implementation of STEP-VA

The Behavioral Health Commission dedicated its July 26 meeting to exploring the implementation of STEP-VA, receiving briefings from the state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) as well as from two Community Services Boards (CSBs), representing urban and rural perspectives. STEP-VA is a phased initiative that requires nine services to be offered by […]

Alternative Custody Workgroup Begins to Consider Recommendations

The workgroup studying options to increase the use of alternative custody arrangements for individuals who are subject to an emergency custody order (ECO) or a temporary detention order (TDO) held its third meeting on August 9. This workgroup was established by legislation passed during the 2022 General Assembly session in response to the continuing stresses […]

VACo announces the 2022 Achievement Awards winners

Virginia Counties Recognized for Model Programs RICHMOND (August 5, 2022)—The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) is pleased to announce the 29 recipients of the 2022 Achievement Awards, which recognize excellence in local government programs. VACo received 100 submissions. Winning entries focused on addressing issues of the pandemic, connecting citizens, and other challenges that counties face […]

Visit Botetourt County and the Botetourt County Courthouse

Location: 1 West Main Street / Roanoke Street Built: 1972 – 1974 Style: Modern Colonial Architect: Hinnant, Addison and Hinnant of Lexington Contractor: Montgomery Construction Company Description: The building faces south and is a two story red colored brick and concrete structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of Fincastle. The […]