Every year, VACo staff travels across the Commonwealth to visit the various VACo regions and collaborates with counties within these regions to hold our Regional Meetings. Regional Meetings are held annually to give local elected officials, county administrators and staff, and legislators an opportunity to discuss challenges and offer solutions. Discussions are always vibrant and productive. Regional Meetings help steer VACo in the development of its legislative program.
The following is a breakdown of county priorities and key themes raised throughout the Commonwealth broken down into geographical regions:
Northern Virginia (VACo Region 8)
Prince William County hosted the Region 8 meeting. Legislative priorities among the counties in VACo region 8 include:
- Establishing sustainable and dedicated funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
- Advocating for the General Assembly to incentivize and encourage local land use decisions regarding affordable housing development while counties retain local land use authority.
- Continuing support for local land use authority as it pertains to data centers, utility scale solar, affordable housing, etc. development as well.
- Monitoring the impacts of the federal reconciliation bill and other spending cuts at the federal level and how these may impact the northern Virginia workforce or put a burden on counties to administer or fund federal programs.
Shenandoah Valley (VACo Regions 6 and 9)
Shenandoah County hosted Regions 6 and 9 in September. Legislative priorities among the counties in VACo Regions 6 and 9 include:
- Retaining local land use authority as this area of the Commonwealth faces pressures from various industries and uses.
- Increasing the level of state support given to fire and EMS services as training and equipment mandates are a burden on localities; coupled with declining rates of volunteerism seen throughout the regions.
- Supporting the 1% local option for school capital and additional rural road funding as well as water, sewer and broadband infrastructure funding.
Southwest Virginia (VACo Regions 11, 12 and 13)
Bland County hosted Regions 11 and 12 and Dickenson County hosted Region 13. Legislative priorities among the counties in VACo regions 11, 12 and 13 include:
- Retaining local land use authority.
- More support for a wide array of public safety services such as Fire, EMS, mental health and Temporary Detention Orders.
- Help with economic development projects, including energy infrastructure, housing, transportation and other infrastructure support.
- Education and K-12 support, including support for the 1% local option for school construction.
Central Virginia (VACo Regions 3, 5 and 7)
Henrico County hosted Regions 3 and 5 and King George County hosted Region 7. Legislative priorities among the counties in VACo Regions 3,5 and 7 include:
- Continuing the practice of land use decisions being made at the local level
- Support for affordable housing and recovery residence oversight
- Transportation and infrastructure funding including water and sewer infrastructure
- Supporting the optional 1% local sales and use tax for school capital.
- Additional support for fire, EMS and mental health services.
Southside Virginia (VACo Regions 4 and 10)
Brunswick County hosted Region 4 and Pittsylvania County hosted Region 10. Legislative priorities among the counties in VACo Regions 4 and 10 include:
- Supporting the optional 1% local sales and use tax for school capital as well as requesting further education support and funding.
- Supporting the preservation of local land use authority over the siting of large-scale solar projects, housing, etc.
- Additional transportation and infrastructure funding.
- Addressing the challenges involved in providing fire and emergency medical services in an era of declining volunteerism and rising costs for equipment.
- Help with economic development opportunities, including broadband connectivity and further support from the state for this purpose.
Tidewater (VACo Regions 1 and 2)
Sussex County hosted Region 1 and Gloucester County hosted Region 2. Legislative priorities among the counties in VACo region 1 and 2 include:
- Support for local land use decisions being made locally, especially as it pertains to utility scale solar development.
- Education funding is a priority for both regions, as is support for the 1% optional sales tax for school construction.
- Support for rural economic development initiatives
- Opposition to unfunded mandates and close monitoring of how the federal reconciliation bill may impact benefit programs.
Issues and common legislative priorities listed above serve as a summary of all the meetings that took place this summer and into early fall 2025. For a more in-depth breakdown of each Regional Meeting, please click here. Regional Meetings serve a vital purpose and VACo would like to thank all county leaders, staff, legislators and sponsors who contributed to these wonderful events. See you on the road in 2026!
VACo Contact: James Hutzler