Introducing a New Associate Member – FORVIS
Reintroducing an Associate Member – All Points Broadband
Report on HJ 542 – Virginia Transit Equity and Modernization Study
House Joint Resolution 542, passed during the 2021 General Assembly session, required the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) to complete a needs assessment study. Furthermore, this study would focus on the modernization of transit and how to best serve the underserved and underrepresented communities in Virginia moving forward. The overarching goal of the […]
Joint Commission on Health Care Considering Changes to Auxiliary Grant Program; October 21 Deadline for Public Comments
The Joint Commission on Health Care received a staff briefing on its study of the affordability of assisted living facilities (ALFs) at its October 5 meeting. The presentation, which includes a series of policy options, is available at this link. The study was required to examine the accessibility and affordability of ALFs in Virginia, to […]
Applications from counties for allocations from the Forest Sustainability Fund due on November 15
In 2022 the Virginia General Assembly established the Forest Sustainability Fund administered by the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). The new Fund, supported by VACo, allows localities with forest use-value assessment to apply for an allocation from the Fund to help to offset lower, or foregone tax revenue. Allocations from the Fund may only be […]
Visit Scott County and the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail
One of the nation’s most historic routes, the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail was blazed by the legendary frontiersman in 1775 from the Long Island of the Holston at what is now Kingsport TN, through the Cumberland Gap of Virginia into Kentucky
VACo 2022 Annual Conference Agenda Release
Proposed Reapportionment and Bylaw Amendment
The VACo Bylaws provide for reapportionment every ten years beginning in 1991. The VACo President named a reapportionment committee in 2021 and the committee began the process when the census data was available. The committee presented its recommendations to the VACo Board of Directors at its meeting on June 4, 2022. The Board of Directors […]
Visit Campbell County and the Campbell County Courthouse
Location: 800 Village Highway / Rails End Lane Built: 1848 – 1851 Style: Greek Revival Architect: John Wills and Commissioners Contractor: Lindsay Shoemaker (Shumaker) Description: The building faces southeast and is a two story red colored brick structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of Rustburg to the northeast of the […]
Reintroducing an Associate Member – Republic Services
Introducing a New Associate Member – Performa Group
Virginia Commission on Youth Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Changes to Juvenile Detention System
The Virginia Commission on Youth received a presentation on September 21 on the results of a study of the efficiency and effectiveness of the state’s juvenile detention centers. This study was prompted by the declining numbers of youth housed in juvenile detention centers and explored potential consolidation or repurposing of unused capacity in these facilities. […]
Important Broadband and VATI Updates
BEAD and DEA Programs Governor Youngkin has designated the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) as lead on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, as well as the Digital Equity Act (DEA) programs under the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA). DHCD has submitted an application for planning funds under the DEA […]
Opioid abatement authority update
Virginia counties are beginning to receive distributions from settlements in litigation resulting from the opioid crisis. Tony McDowell, Executive Director of the Opioid Abatement Authority, met with VACo staff earlier this month to provide an update on the Authority’s plan for distributing the state’s portion of the settlement dollars. Below is an overview provided by […]
Money Committees Receive Reports on August Revenues and Use of Federal Relief Funds
The House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees met on September 13 and September 14, respectively, to receive briefings on state revenues as well as other updates. Secretary of Finance Stephen E. Cummings provided positive news to committee members, although he cautioned that economic signals are difficult to interpret, with continued high levels of […]
Virginia Retirement System Board of Trustees Meets, Hears Economic Forecast and Comparison to Similar Retirement Systems
As part of their September 22nd meeting, the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Board of Trustees received the report of the Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Ronald Schmitz which included a performance summary of the various asset classes managed by VRS as well as an overview of economic indicators, among other business. The good news is that […]