House Transportation Committee greenlights legislation empowering localities
On January 14, following a meeting of the House Transportation Systems Subcommittee, the House Transportation Committee unanimously reported HB 1903 (Carr) by a vote of 19-0. This bill authorizes local governing bodies to adopt ordinances to reduce the speed limit to less than 25 miles per hour, but not less than 15 miles per hour, […]
First round of outdoor refreshment bills is on (in) the House
Identical bills – HB 1738 (Wampler), HB 2051 (Bourne), and HB 2266 (Ayala) – would allow any county, city, or town to create up to three “outdoor refreshment areas” to permit the consumption of alcohol sold by restaurants, bars and establishments located within such area. Each designated area is limited to one-half square mile, which […]
VACo supports tree replacement and conservation legislation
VACo supports important new tree replacement and conservation legislation introduced by Delegate Nancy Guy. HB 2042 (Guy) provides effective new tools for localities wishing to do more to conserve or replace trees during development processes. More specifically, HB 2042, takes a two-pronged approach to this issue. First, the legislation alters § 15.2-961 of the Code […]
Helpful public notice bill introduced in the House
Helpful legislation streamlining public notice procedures for localities has been introduced by Delegate Margaret Ransone. HB 2114 (Ransone) provides that in any instance in which a locality has submitted a timely notice of public hearing to a newspaper published or having general circulation in the locality and the newspaper fails to publish the notice, such […]
Virginia General Assembly Convenes Tomorrow
As was the case during the 2020 Special Session, it is expected that the House of Delegates will be meeting in virtual sessions, while the Senate will be meeting at the Science Museum of Virginia. The schedule for the session is uncertain as of the time of publication of this edition of Capitol Contact. Although […]
VACo President Jeff McKay, County Representatives Speak to Joint Subcommittee on Local Government Fiscal Stress
The Joint Subcommittee on Local Government Fiscal Stress, which draws its membership from the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, met on January 11 to discuss the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on localities, how localities have used federal relief funds to meet local needs, and how the state might assist localities […]
2021 GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONVENES JANUARY 13 – Look for Capitol Contact on Tuesdays and Thursdays
The 2021 General Assembly session will begin next week as legislators will deliberate on many issues of critical importance to local government, including the state budget, broadband, education funding, economic development, public safety, taxes and other policy matters. VACo will continually provide updates during the session through Capitol Contact. VACo Members – To ensure that […]
Governor’s Budget Proposes Formula Update for Local Health Departments
The Governor’s introduced budget includes a proposed update to the Cooperative Health Budget, the state-local partnership that funds local health departments. Under the proposal, the local shares would be recalculated, resulting in increased state contributions (and lower local matches) in 59 localities and decreased state contributions (and increased local matches) in 54 localities. Twenty localities […]
Federal Relief Package Approved; Coronavirus Relief Fund Deadline Extended
Congress passed a fifth COVID-19 relief package on December 21, and the President signed the legislation into law on December 27. While the legislation does not include additional direct assistance to local governments, it does extend the deadline for expending the Coronavirus Relief Funds previously provided to states and localities until December 31, 2021. Secretary […]
Visit Accomack County and the Captain Timothy Hill House
Captain Timothy Hill House is the story of an unexpected journey, and proof that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Who would have expected that a rare piece of American architectural history was hiding beneath the dilapidated structure sitting on Main Street on Chincoteague Island, Virginia? The house was uncovered to find a […]
3D-Concrete Printed Home Coming to Greater Richmond
Virginia Housing has awarded three affordable housing developments $500,000 each through its new Innovative Demonstrations Program. The program requires those in the homebuilding industry to think creatively and incorporate cost-saving construction methods into their developments. Whether that means using sustainable materials or innovative building techniques, the goal is to reduce construction costs and increase affordable […]
VACo and VML Host Briefing on “Marcus Alert” Implementation
VACo and VML hosted staff from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) on December 21 for a briefing on the status of implementation of the “Marcus Alert” legislation that was enacted during the 2020 fall special session. We appreciate the participation of Chief Deputy […]
1st Step on the Pathway to Recovery®
1st 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 […]
Information from Governor’s office regarding planned COVID-19 vaccine phases
The Governor’s office has released the following information regarding the planned phases of COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Virginia’s Phase 1a: Vaccinate Healthcare Personnel and Residents of Long Term Care Facilities Virginia’s Phase 1b: Vaccinate Frontline Essential Workers, Persons Aged 75 years and Older, and People Living in Correctional Facilities, Homeless Shelters and Migrant Labor Camps Virginia’s […]
Governor Northam Releases Budget Proposal for 2021 General Assembly
Governor Northam presented his proposed revisions to the 2020-2022 biennium budget to the House Appropriations, House Finance, and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees on Wednesday, December 16. These proposals revisit the changes made to the biennium budget during the recently-concluded special session, which reflected a revenue reforecast developed in August. The Governor’s December budget incorporates […]
Visit Franklin County and the Cahas Knob Overlook
Franklin County’s highest peak is Cahas Mountain at 3,571 feet. Whichever way you pronounce it (kay-HOSS, kuh-HAZE, kuh-HAY, etc.), it’s one of the iconic mountains of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, and we’re pleased to boost your knowledge of this prominent feature of our area. Cahas Mountain History Like most mountains in Virginia, there are historical accounts […]