Commission on School Construction and Modernization Holds Inaugural Meeting
On April 1, the Commission on School Construction and Modernization held its first meeting to discuss issues related to K-12 school infrastructure. Funding for school construction and renovation is one of the biggest concerns and responsibilities of local governments in the Commonwealth, and research indicates that the quality of physical learning environments has direct impacts […]
Visit Stafford County and Government Island
Located in the middle of Stafford I-95 exit 140, visit the quarry where the U.S. Government’s most famous buildings were born. Government Island, a historic 18th and 19th century quarry site provided Aquia sandstone for the construction of the U.S. Capitol and the White House and other historic buildings in Washington, D.C. Today this 17-acre […]
Guidehouse and the American Rescue Plan
Webinar Invitation – Generate higher-interest income on every dollar
Free live Webinar on liquidity data| Tuesday, April 13 | 130pm Budgetary pressures have never been greater for local governments. Stretching every dollar and making certain it works efficiently for your county are challenges you know very well. That’s why VACo urges you to attend a free, live 15-minute webinar at 130pm on Tuesday, April […]
Draft Amendments to Bay Act Regulations Include New Requirements to Address Coastal Resilience and the Preservation of Mature Trees – May 3 Deadline to Comment
As required by legislation passed in the 2020 General Assembly amending the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA), the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has drafted changes to state administrative code to be incorporated into local land use regulations. (NOTE: the CBPA requires all “Tidewater Virginia” localities – as defined in state code – to […]
Marcus Alert Implementation Planning Continues
A statewide stakeholder group has been meeting since January to develop an implementation plan for the new Marcus Alert system established in legislation passed during last summer’s special session. The legislation seeks to ensure that individuals experiencing behavioral health crises receive a behavioral health response to the extent possible, and a specialized response from law […]
Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Natural Resources Release Interim Report on Orphan Drainage Outfalls Following VACo Budget Amendments
Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine and Secretary of Natural Resources Matthew Strickler recently released the interim report on orphan drainage outfalls. This is most often an issue when eroding stormwater outfalls associated with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) subdivision streets cause issues for private property owners. Specifically, in certain older subdivisions generic drainage easements (not […]
VACo Launches American Rescue Plan Act Toolkit
The recently-enacted American Rescue Plan Act contains significant resources for Virginia counties. VACo has launched a page on its website to serve as a resource hub for implementation of the new law, including analyses of the legislation and questions submitted to the Department of the Treasury regarding the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, as […]
Cybersecurity Collaborative – Ask the Cybersecurity Expert Webinar
Nationwide Webinar on Approaching & Living in Retirement
DCJS Announces New Hate Crimes Grant Program for Localities
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) has announced a new grant program for FY2022 that seeks to combat hate crimes across the Commonwealth. The Hate Crimes Grant Program will provide a total of $1.5 million to localities that have established a partnership program with institutions and/or nonprofit organizations that have been targets of […]
3rd Step on the Pathway to Recovery®
In a new series of video blogs, our partners at three+one® present their proven methods for turning the tide of economic waves in a changed marketplace since COVID. cashvest® by three+one® offers a comprehensive 6-step plan to navigate these new marketplace realities to provide your county with certainty during uncertain times. cashvest® by three+one® has […]
American Rescue Plan Act Enacted; Legislation Expected to Provide Significant Resources to Virginia Counties
The American Rescue Plan Act received final approval in Congress on March 10 and was signed into law by President Biden on March 11. The $1.9 trillion relief package is wide-ranging, touching on policy areas from vaccination to broadband in its comprehensive approach to COVID-19 response and recovery. VACo appreciates the direct, flexible assistance to […]
VACo Cigarette Tax Toolkit and Second Live Q&A for Tax Stamping Questions
Live Q&A Webinar on Cigarette Tax Stamping | Tuesday, April 13 | 10am | Webex Link Legislation enacted in 2020 authorizes counties to impose a local cigarette tax at a rate not to exceed $0.40 per pack, effective July 1, 2021. In order to assist members who may be considering implementing the new taxing authority, […]
New table for determining taxable value of utility-scale solar will boost county revenues
Effective tax year 2021 the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) is employing a revised depreciation schedule for solar generating equipment that will impact the taxable value under machinery and tool (M&T) of existing (and future) solar generating equipment at the “utility scale” (greater than 25 megawatts). It is important to note that this revised schedule […]
Visit Loudoun County and the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
This 725-acre preserve features many wildlife habitats including wetlands, fields, and forests. Walk along the nature trails, take in the natural beauty of this unique protected environment, and learn about its plants, wildlife, habitats, and history. SOURCE: Visit Loudoun