Capitol Contact ALERT: VACo Opposes Bill Mandating Targets for Utility-Scale Solar in Comprehensive Plans
SB 1190 (Deeds), as amended in committee, mandates that every locality, no later than July 1, 2029, shall incorporate into its comprehensive plan targets for energy production and energy efficiency based on regional energy plans that planning district commissions are now required to adopt. The regional energy plans must be adopted by January 1, 2027, […]
VACo Still Opposes Amended Solar Siting Bill
On January 24, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee reported a substitute for SB 1190 (Deeds) by a vote of 9 to 6 and then referred it to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee for further consideration. VACo opposes the amended SB 1190. VACo Members – Contact members of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee […]
Elections Bills of Interest
A variety of bills on election administration are under consideration this session. Although sweeping changes to election administration are unlikely to be enacted this year, several items of note are under consideration. Election timing: SJ 253 (Surovell) would establish a joint subcommittee of legislators and citizen members to study the consolidation and scheduling of general […]
VACo Opposes Bill that Preempts Local Authority to Appoint School Boards
On January 23, VACo testified in opposition to SB 1404 (Pekarsky), which requires election as the method of selecting the members of each school board in the Commonwealth and makes several changes to eliminate provisions relating to appointed school boards. Current law requires such members to be appointed but permits their election under certain circumstances. […]
RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH COMMENTARY: Virginia Must Close the Gap in State Funding for Schools
By Fairfax County Chairman Jeffrey McKay and Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw As local elected officials in Fairfax County, we have a front-row seat to the challenges to our public created by Virginia’s chronic underinvestment in K-12 public education. A 2023 study by the General Assembly’s own experts — the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) — revealed […]
County Government Day Brings Leaders Together in Advocacy
More than 200 county elected officials and staff from all over the Commonwealth convened in Richmond on January 23 to advocate on behalf of their communities. With VACo President Ruth Larson presiding – attendees received a welcome from City of Richmond Mayor Dr. Danny Avula; a session on protecting local authority with Loudoun County Vice […]
Taylor Harvie’s Service Celebrated at Retirement Gathering
On Wednesday, December 18, current and retired Administrators from Southside gathered to celebrate the career of longtime Amelia County Administrator Taylor Harvie. Mr. Harvie served as Amelia County Administrator from February 1, 2012 until his retirement on August 2, 2024. He also served as a member of the Amelia County Board of Supervisors from 1992 […]
VACo Mourns the Passing of William M. McCarty, Sr.
He had a voice that could soothe you. And a handshake that could crush you. He had a devotion to his faith that could lift you. And a stature that could protect you. William M. McCarty, Sr. will be remembered by VACo in a variety of ways because he was a man of many wonderful […]
Fairfax County Announces Passing of Former Mount Vernon District Supervisor and VACo President
It is with deep sadness that Fairfax County announces the passing of former Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, who died peacefully on Sunday morning, January 19. Hyland was a beloved community member who served for more than three decades as a dedicated advocate and visionary leader. He was well known for his puns, sharp […]
Visit Pulaski County and the Pulaski County Historic Courthouse
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Pulice/2010 Location: 52 West Main Street / Washington Avenue Built: 1895 – 1896 Style: Richardsonian Romanesque Architect: W Chamberlin & Company of Knoxville, Tennessee Contractor: Miller & Warden of Pulaski Description: The building faces south and is a two story stone structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center […]
ACTION ITEM: Oppose Bills Mandating Collective Bargaining and Other Employment Terms for Transportation Services
SB 919 (Salim) / HB 2619 (Helmer) have passed their respective committees and could be heard this week. Both bills are unfunded mandates that infringe on local authority. ACTION REQUIRED – Contact the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee and the House Labor and Commerce Committee to oppose. The bills would require the governing body of any county that […]
ACTION ITEM: Oppose Speed Camera Bills that Preempt Local Authority
There are two problematic transportation bills advancing through the General Assembly – both would preempt local authority in the application of speed cameras and divert funding from localities to the state. SB 1209 (Obenshain), as substituted, states that all civil penalties collected for the purposes of recording vehicle speed violations shall be paid to the […]
Capitol Contact ALERT! Contact Your Legislators to Oppose Speed Camera Bills that Preempt Local Authority
There are two problematic transportation bills advancing through the General Assembly – both would preempt local authority in the application of speed cameras and divert funding from localities to the state. ACTION REQUIRED – Please contact your legislators today to oppose SB 1209 and HB 2041. SB 1209 (Obenshain), as substituted, states that all civil […]
VACo Supports School Construction Financing Bill
On January 15, VACo testified in support of SB 1307 (McPike), legislation that once again seeks to grant additional revenue raising authority if approved by local referendum for school capital needs. Funding for school construction and renovation is one of the biggest concerns and responsibilities of local governments in the Commonwealth and has been almost […]
FOIA, COIA, Public Notice Bills Update
Freedom of Information bills HB 2152 (Carr) provides that any legal counsel for a public body who is also designated as the public body’s FOIA officer shall complete a training session or online course offered or approved by the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council. Current law provides that FOIA officers must be trained on a […]
Speed Camera Bill That Would Redirect Funds from Locality to State
HB 2401 (Seibold) would authorize the governing body of any county, city, or town to provide, by ordinance, for the placement and operation of a speed safety camera by the law-enforcement agency of such locality for the purposes of recording vehicle speed violations on any highway in such locality as long as: The highways speed limit is 45 […]