RICHMOND (May 15, 2026)—The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) is pleased to announce the 40 recipients of the 2026 Achievement Awards, which recognize excellence in local government programs. VACo received 103 submissions. Winning entries focused
RICHMOND (May 15, 2026)—The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) is pleased to announce the 40 recipients of the 2026 Achievement Awards, which recognize excellence in local government programs. VACo received 103 submissions. Winning entries focused
Bill directs local BZA’s to Overturn Land Use Decisions Based on State Imposed Criteria. HB 804 (Helmer) requires local Boards of Zoning Appeals to overturn
HB 816 (Helmer) requires all local zoning ordinances allow for the by-right development and construction of multifamily residential uses on at least 75 percent of
Multiple bills have been introduced during the General Assembly session aimed at raising revenues for transit and other public transportation purposes. VACo expected bills that
HB 334 (Rasoul), legislation that once again seeks to grant additional revenue raising authority if approved by local referendum for school capital needs, has been
HB 129 (Cornett) would allow an owner or lessee of land who sees a deer in the act of causing damage to fruit trees, crops,
SB 297 (Peake) would repeal the authority of local law enforcement agencies to operate photo speed monitoring devices (speed cameras) throughout the Commonwealth while SB
Governor Abigail Spanberger, who took the oath of office and was inaugurated as Virginia’s 75th Governor on Saturday, addressed a joint session of the General
SB 228 (Surovell) proposes changes to Code, including limiting the sovereign immunity of local governments. The bill states that when a locality provides liability insurance
SB 367 (Carroll Foy), SB 388 (McPike) and HB 1279 (Cole) override local decision-making authority by allowing development of housing on land owned by property
The 2026 General Assembly convened on January 14 and began hearing legislation shortly after completing the traditional first-day organizational business. Newly elected legislators took their
VACo supports two priority bills, HB 334 (Rasoul) / SB 66 (McPike), which is legislation that once again seeks to grant additional revenue raising authority
The 2026 General Assembly session convenes today as legislators deliberate on many issues of critical importance to local government, including the state budget, taxes, education
VACo welcomes media inquiries. We have experts who know the issues well and can give stories perspective and color. Our experts are well-respected in the Commonwealth and have experience working with the media.
If you need more assistance or have a media inquiry, contact Communications Director Gage Harter at gharter@vaco.org.
Sign up for periodic news updates and event invitations.
Advocating, educating and empowering Virginia counties since 1934.
Copyright © 2022 Virginia Association of Counties. All rights reserved. Policies and Accessibility.