FY 2021 Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) Program Guidelines and Criteria Finalized and other Broadband Updates
On June 8, the Commonwealth Connect Coalition distributed copies of the FY 2021 Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) Program Guidelines and Criteria detailing the process by which $19 million in state general funds will be awarded to eligible applicants seeking to expand broadband access in communities throughout the Commonwealth. VATI grants are available to local governments […]
Commission on Youth Begins Work for 2020
The Virginia Commission on Youth adopted its work plan for 2020 at its June 17 meeting, agreeing to examine the delivery of education in juvenile detention centers and the development of an additional legal arrangement to avert placement of children in foster care. The Commission will also be revising and updating its biennial publication, the […]
Virginia Employment Commission Resources for Unemployed Virginians and the Impact to County Governments
Since March 15, 822,300 unemployment claims have been filed in Virginia as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 and other economic factors. As the nation struggles to recover from unemployment rates not seen since the Great Depression, the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) provided VACo with additional information and resources that counties are encouraged to […]
Commonwealth Transportation Board Meeting Reviews Impact of COVID-19 on Traffic Volume and Revenues
On June 17, the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) held a workshop and regular meeting that discussed numerous issues, including COVID-19 traffic trends. This information is useful in correlation with declines in transportation revenue sources and measuring regional impacts of COVID-19 on traffic volumes. The agenda and a video recording of the meetings can be found […]
State General Fund Revenues Fall in May; Decline Tracking Within Expectations
Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne struck a note of guarded optimism in briefing the House Appropriations Committee June 15 on May General Fund (GF) revenue collections, predicting that once June collections are tallied, state revenue losses will be well within the estimated $1 billion reduction predicted earlier this spring. State revenues have been shielded to […]
Virginia Tech – Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management
The Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management provides the next generation of local government managers and leaders with the tools to advance their careers and to provide exceptional leadership within the communities where they work. The central goal of the program is to offer graduate-level training in local government management that both prepares pre-career students for capable […]
Chesterfield’s Deputy County Administrator for Human Services Announces Retirement
After 25 years with Chesterfield County, Deputy County Administrator for Human Services Sarah C. Snead announced her plans to retire, effective October 1. Snead, whose career in human services spans nearly five decades, has served as deputy county administrator since July 2010. “It’s been a remarkable journey,” Snead said. “I have been incredibly fortunate to […]
VAPDC Announces the Slate of Officers & Directors for 2020-2021
Elections to be held on Thursday, July 16, 2020, following the Summer Series event: Travel, Tourism and Leisure – Seeking to be Stronger! 2020-2021 Board Nominations Officers for 2020-2021 President: Allen Kimball “Kim” Callis, Southside Planning District Commission First Vice President: Donald Hart, Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission Second Vice President: Martha Shickle, Plan RVA (Richmond […]
2020 VAPDC Summer Series
Like most other organizations, VAPDC is adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic and has cancelled its annual Summer Conference for 2020. And like most other organizations, we do not want to lose touch with you! Conferences provide an opportunity to present timely educational and informational content, while providing a forum for connecting with one another to […]
Virginia and National Associations of Counties Partner to Strengthen Public Sector Cybersecurity
With new cyber threats emerging every day, the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) has partnered with the National Association of Counties (NACo) to strengthen local governments’ cybersecurity efforts. The NACo Cybersecurity Collaborative will provide Virginia’s counties with access to top tier technology security professionals, information, intelligence, best practices and other resources to prepare for, prevent and mitigate cybersecurity threats. […]
VACo Releases 2020 Legislative Summary
The Legislative Summary details the actions of the 2020 General Assembly and information on legislation of interest to counties. This edition contains links to bills through the General Assembly’s Legislative Information System. Also included in the document are studies and statistics of importance to counties. Read VACo’s 2020 Legislative Summary VACo Contact: Legislative Team
Visit Northampton County and the LOVE sign in Cape Charles
The LOVEwork in Cape Charles truly reflects the history and community by incorporating materials that represent what Cape Charles is all about. The “L” is made of sea glass and seashells to represent the bayside community. The O is a tractor tire to represent agriculture. The V is made of kayaks to represent outdoor adventure […]
VACo Utility-Scale Solar Webinar
On May 21, VACo provided a legislative briefing for members (via webinar) on recently adopted Virginia legislation related to utility-scale solar. Several bills passed during the 2020 General Assembly Session that become law July 1 will change the landscape on how large-scale solar installations are taxed and permitted by Virginia’s counties. The purpose of legislative […]
Early Childcare Resources, Information, and Updates
On May 27, Jenna Conway, Chief School Readiness Officer at the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), presented a webinar on the state of early childhood education. In addition to recapping changes enacted during the 2020 General Assembly session that will ultimately consolidate oversight and administration of early childhood programs with VDOE as well as providing […]
Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Information on Health Insurance Credit Legislation (HB 1513)
On May 22, Virginia Retirement System (VRS) staff provided VACo and other relevant associations with a webinar detailing provisions of HB 1513 (McQuinn), which was recently enacted by the 2020 General Assembly and requires school divisions to provide a health insurance credit (HIC) of $1.50 per year of service to non-teacher employees of local school […]
Broadband Funding Opportunities and Updates
On May 20, the Commonwealth Connect Coalition recently held its monthly meeting to discuss broadband opportunities and concerns throughout Virginia. Topics of discussion included the use of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding by localities for broadband purposes. At the time of the meeting, the Governor’s team acknowledged that several CARES Act […]