DHCD to Host April 23 Webinar on Applying for COVID-19 CDBG Funds
In response to the recently approved one-time national appropriation of $5 billion Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is hosting a webinar for localities on eligible activities and how to apply. The webinar is scheduled for April 23 from 10 am to 11 am. Click […]
A message from the Virginia Resources Authority
VRA understands that the COVID-19 crisis will result in fiscal distress for many Virginia localities. VRA is committed to working with localities to provide relief under certain non-payment compliance provisions that may be of assistance to borrowers. Additionally, in certain cases, VRA may be able to assist with loan restructurings (as part of a subsequent […]
Comments on Draft Guidelines for Virginia Broadband Funding Due May 18
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is accepting comments and recommendation on the draft Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) Program Guidelines and Criteria for FY 2021 grant applications. VATI grants are available to local governments (includes towns, cities, counties, economic and industrial development authorities, broadband or wireless authorities, planning district commissions, etc.) to extend […]
VACo is Still Here
Photos are from events held last year to early February this year. Dear VACo Family, We live in strange times. It feels as if every time I turn on the TV, get on my computer or pick up a newspaper, I’m greeted with constant reminders at how different things are every day. But despite all the […]
Premier Partner Spotlight – The Berkley Group
VACo asked its Premier Partners to share a recent experience with a County that demonstrates the value of their work. Below is a story from The Berkley Group CEO Drew Williams. Thank you The Berkley Group for your work with Virginia Counties. When Sussex County was faced with the challenge of changing leadership and department […]
Virtually Visit Fairfax County and Take a Tour of Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon will continue its mission to educate people around the world through its robust digital presence. The historic site will provide digital tours of the mansion through mountvernon.org/virtualtour. The Washington Library has also prepared digital resources for students and their parents will be working with its network of teachers nationwide to support their educational efforts. […]
April 1 is Census Day!
Invitations to participate in the 2020 Census have been sent and Virginians are strongly encouraged to respond online. Participation may also be done via telephone. (Paper forms will be sent to households that do not respond to the first invitation.) Responding on the Census website is user-friendly and takes only a few minutes. Below are […]
News from our Associate Members – Granite
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 […]
Governor Ralph Northam and Cabinet Secretaries Hold Conference Call with Local Leaders Issue Executive Orders in Response to COVID-19
On March 23, Governor Ralph Northam, Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran, Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne, and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Daniel Carey participated in a conference call with members of the VACo Board of Directors and representatives from the Virginia Municipal League to discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 virus to […]
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 […]