Author: Gage Harter

Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force Includes State and Local Coordination

Earlier this month, before the first confirmed case in Virginia, the Governor’s COVID-19 Unified Command Task Force mobilized to address how the Commonwealth would monitor, prevent and contain the disease. This chart shows the leadership structure and the delineated objectives of the taskforce. VACo participated in a kick-off meeting of the task force on March […]

Counties Respond to COVID-19: Supporting the Local Business Community

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the global economy, and its effects are being felt in every community in Virginia.  Counties are working in partnership with their local economic development agencies, Chambers of Commerce, and other members of their communities to assist local businesses in mitigating the economic impacts of the virus.  Many localities are providing […]

Update on federal legislation responding to COVID-19 pandemic

Congress has enacted three COVID-19 relief measures in quick succession this month.  VACo is continuing to work with our partners at the National Association of Counties and the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia to clarify certain provisions of the bills and will provide additional information to members as we receive it.  Below is an initial […]

Virginia Department of Education Issues Guidance for Student Placements Reimbursed by the Children’s Service Act and Other Education Programs related to COVID-19

On March 23, Governor Ralph Northam ordered the closure of all K-12 schools in Virginia in response to the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus. While this poses many challenges for local school divisions, students, and their families, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued guidance and support documents on a variety of topics. […]

Follow Governor Northam’s COVID-19 Press Briefings Live

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2 pm, Governor Ralph Northam conducts press briefings viewable live on Facebook or at the Virginia Public Media (VPM) website. Briefings typically last 30 minutes and include the latest information on the Commonwealth’s efforts to track and respond to the pandemic.  VACo will continue to watch each briefing and […]

Passed bills are now before the Governor – now what?

The 2020 legislation session saw 2,830 bills and resolutions introduced.  Of these, 1,291 passed both the House of Delegates and Senate and are currently on the Governor’s desk awaiting action. So, what now? Pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, when presented with a bill, the Governor has three options. First, the […]

Real ID Deadline Extended to 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways that state and local governments are being asked to combat the spread of this virus, the Department of Homeland Security has announced that they are extending the REAL ID enforcement deadline. The REAL ID Act is a federal law that creates a heightened, more stringent process for […]

Office of Children’s Services Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Policy Regarding Interaction of CSA with Federal Foster Care Funding Streams

The Office of Children’s Services is requesting comments on a proposed State Executive Council (SEC) policy that would require local Community Policy and Management Teams (CPMTs) to develop a policy outlining how the local CSA program will interact and align with the provisions of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA).  FFPSA was enacted in […]

Chesterfield Fire and EMS to Receive Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award

Pictured from left: Firefighter and Paramedic Wayland Hudgins, Lieutenant Daniel Stamp and Firefighter and Paramedic Colin McCann. The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and medical technology company Masimo announced Chesterfield County Fire and Emergency Medical Services (CFEMS) will receive the Excellence in Fire-Service Based EMS award for its Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program.  The MIH […]

Business NOT as Usual…Resources That Can Help

Amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic countless communities across the globe have been impacted. We know our counties (cities, public agencies) are working tirelessly to address their community needs but are hindered by their availability to procure the necessary products and services. All businesses have been impacted by capacity, productivity, supply chain output and more. As […]

Local Government Operations Guidance from the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia

From: Dean Lynch & Phyllis Errico To: VACo Board of Directors Re: Guidance from the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia Many of you have contacted us seeking advice on how to continue operations in light of the current emergency environment. Each local entity must consult with their legal advisor but attached is some guidance including a […]

Visit Alleghany County and the LOVEwork at Humpback Covered Bridge

LOVEwork at Humpback Bridge. The “L” was created with historic bricks from the area. The “O” is a gear from one of the old paper machines at MWV, representing the history of manufacturing in the area. The “V” is the natural feature created by a tree in the creek bank. The “E” was created with […]

The Value of VACo’s Supervisors’ Certification Program

By Bob Babyok | Supervisor | Louisa County Supervisors’ Certification Graduate | Class of 2019 My definition of Professional Certification. A person accredited by a professional organization after demonstrating the knowledge, qualifications and skills for competent performance exhibited by completion of that organization’s qualified program of study.    As a recent graduate, I can attest […]

The Census is Here. Is Your Community Ready?

A message from VACo Partner – Voices for Virginia’s Children. Contact Lauren Snellings for more information. The 2020 Census is just around the corner. The self-response website goes live on March 12, and invitations to participate will start arriving at households across the country. It is important that each person in your community is counted […]