Virginia Counties Recognized for Model Programs
RICHMOND (August 29, 2024)—The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) is pleased to announce the 45 recipients of the 2024 Achievement Awards, which recognize excellence in local government programs. VACo received 145 submissions. Winning entries focused on addressing issues of housing, recreation, and communications, as well as finding solutions to other challenges that counties face daily. […]
Federal Regulatory Changes Could Impact Prescription Drug Box Program and Impose Significant Unfunded Mandates
Based on federal regulatory changes associated with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, 21 U.S.C. § 351 et seq. (DSCSA), and the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act, 21 U.S.C. § 823, hospitals have indicated that they will no longer provide and exchange drug kits with Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers as of November […]
County Officials’ Summit Rises to Occasion with Healthy Discussions
VACo was proud to host local, state, and federal leaders at this year’s County Officials’ Summit on August 15. It’s always a good day when leaders from all parts of the Commonwealth come together in support of their communities. VACo President Ann Mallek had the honor of welcoming nearly 200 officials from dozens of localities. […]
VACo County Pulse – Energy Landscape of Virginia | Data Centers
Season 4 | 2024 Energy Landscape of Virginia | Data Centers | August 14 | Episode 3Listen to the Podcast Part 3. Listen in as Joe Lerch interviews Loudoun County Vice Chair and VACo Board Member Juli Briskman. We learn how the industry has transformed their community, what steps they’ve taken in terms of planning […]
Visit Northumberland County and the Northumberland County Historic Courthouse
Location: 72 Monument Place / Judicial PlaceBuilt: 1850 – 1851 / 1900 – 1901Style: Queen Anne and Colonial RevivalArchitect: John Donohoo / Bartholomew SmithContractor: John Donohoo / B F Smith Fireproofing Company Description: The building faces east and is a two story white colored brick and concrete structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds […]
3 Principles to Revitalize Historic County Buildings
Southampton County CourthousePhotos Credit: Charles Buffington Other Southampton County Courthouse Photos | 1 | 2 | 3 By Andrew Moore Each of Virginia’s 95 counties boasts at least one property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although this fact isn’t too surprising, given the Commonwealth’s extensive history, it’s still notable. Many of the […]
Governor Youngkin Addresses Money Committees and Joint Subcommittee on Tax Policy Gets to Work
Governor Youngkin addressed a joint meeting of the “money committees” on August 14, reporting continued strength in state revenues and highlighting investments in education, behavioral health, business site development, and natural resources. He signaled continued interest in tax relief, lauding Virginia’s recent selection as CNBC’s top state for business, but noting that “we have work […]
Stormwater Local Assistance Fund – FY 2025 Solicitation
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Annual Solicitation of Applications for financial assistance through the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF) opened on August 1, 2024, and will close on October 1, 2024. Completed SLAF applications must be submitted via the MyDEQ Portal. Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. In addition to the online […]
Notice of Upcoming JLARC Broadband Survey of Counties
The staff of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) have been directed by state legislators to review efforts to expand access to affordable and reliable broadband throughout the Commonwealth. A critical component of JLARC’s study is hearing directly from stakeholders, including counties, about their experience with broadband deployment projects in Virginia and their […]
VACo Region 3 Takes Off with Robust Discussion
On July 25, VACo staff had the pleasure of traveling to the Hanover County Airport for the fifth regional meeting of the year. All counties in VACo Region 3 were in attendance with Hanover County hosting the event. The meeting began with a welcome from the Chair of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, Susan […]
VACo County Pulse – Episode 1 | Energy Landscape of Virginia | Part 1
Season 4 | 2024 Episode 1 | Energy Landscape of Virginia | Part 1 Listen to the Podcast Part 1. Host Joe Lerch visits Loudoun County to explore the world of Data Centers.
Visit Northampton County and the Northampton County Historic Courthouse
Old County Courthouse – EastvilleLocation: 16404 Courthouse Road / Courthouse SquareBuilt: 1731 – 1732Style: FederalArchitect: John MarshallContractor: John Marshall Description: The building faces south and is a one story red colored brick and wood structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of Eastville. The arched entrance is on the south side. […]
Congratulations! York County celebrates 14 graduates of the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy
York County was proud to celebrate 14 staff members who graduated from NACo’s High Performance Leadership Academy. The program equips frontline county government professionals with practical leadership skills. The ceremony took place on July 26, and VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch was honored to speak at the event. Lynch is also a graduate. The NACo […]
Drought Disaster Designation Updates
Due to the recent droughts conditions across the commonwealth, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Matthew Lohr convened a group of stakeholders for a brief presentation alongside Dr. Ronald M. Howell, Jr., Virginia State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), on the USDA Disaster Drought Designation process. On the call, staff at […]
Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Network Grant Application Open Now
The grant application cycle for the third round of Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Network grants will opened July 29, 2024 with an application deadline of October 21, 2024. The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways Office is offering this competitive grant opportunity to strengthen communities’ ability to enhance public education of and access to the Chesapeake […]
Virginia Delegation Advocates for County Needs at NACo Annual Conference
Virginia counties made a strong showing at NACo’s 2024 Annual Conference in Hillsborough County, Florida, with Virginia county leaders successfully advocating for policy changes in NACo’s legislative platform, serving in leadership roles within the Association, participating in policy committee meetings and other conference sessions, and helping to shape NACo’s future by voting on a slate […]