Joint Commission on Health Care Adopts Policy Recommendations
The Joint Commission on Health Care met on December 7 to consider policy options presented by staff as a result of the three studies directed by the Commission this year. The Commission also approved a plan for staff studies in the upcoming year; planned study topics include local health department structure and financing, ways to […]
Libraries encouraged to participate in program to distribute free at-home COVID-19 testing kits
A new program launched by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) in November allows participating libraries to provide COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test kits at no cost. Tests can then be completed at home with digital results in 15 minutes. The program is designed to increase access to COVID-19 testing, especially among rural, remote, under-resourced […]
Federal policy provides aid to localities to administer building and floodplain ordinances upon major disaster declaration
Pursuant to the Federal Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has implemented a policy to provide local governments resources needed to effectively administer and enforce state and locally adopted building codes and floodplain management ordinances for a period of no longer than 180 days after the date of the […]
Commission on School Construction and Modernizations Endorses VACo Legislative Priority and Other Recommendations to Improve K-12 Infrastructure
On December 1, the Commission on School Construction and Modernization met to review additional information from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) on K-12 infrastructure and formally recommended more than half a dozen policy prescriptions to the full General Assembly. Included in the policy recommendations is an expansion statewide of the special taxing authority first […]
Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Reviews FY 2023-2024 Employer Contribution Rates for Political Subdivision Plans, Chief Investment Officer Ron Schmitz to Retire
On November 16, the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Board of Trustees met to review an actuarial report for political subdivisions. The actuarial valuation provides a basic source document for information regarding actuarially determined contributions (employer rates) as well as the funded status of pension and other post-employment benefit (OPEB) plans. This valuation is then used […]
Visit Lee County and the Great Stone Face Rock
Folklore says that the face was carved by Cherokee Indians honoring their chief at the time. The name of the Chief is unknown. Others believe that the face has evolved over time by wind and rain. Nevertheless it’s a great photo opportunity for a visitor looking for something different! Stone Face Rock is located just […]
Workgroup Report Recommends Additional State Support for Local CSA Programs
A report has been released with recommendations for improving the state’s support of local Children’s Services Act program administration. This report has its roots in last year’s study of the Children’s Services Act by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, which generated a series of recommendations, including a recommendation that the General Assembly direct […]
Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council recommends legislative draft bills for 2022 session
On November 10 the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council (FOIA Council) held its last meeting of 2021 and voted to recommend three legislative drafts. A revised version of HB 2000 (Roem), which was introduced in the 2021 legislative session, was endorsed by the FOIA Council. This bill would allow every citizen of the Commonwealth, and […]
JLARC Presents Transportation Infrastructure and Funding Report
As part of their November 8 meeting, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) presented an oversight report, Transportation Infrastructure and Funding in the Commonwealth, which included recommendations to improve systems and funding structures. The report was conducted at the request of Delegate Terry Austin. VACo supports continued study and action to address the […]
Local Lobbyist Registration legislation endorsed by Conflicts and Ethics Advisory Council
At its meeting on November 23, 2021, the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council endorsed revised draft legislation requiring local lobbyist registration with the clerk of a local Board of Supervisors or City or Town Council. This draft revives a concept that was introduced in the 2020 legislative session SB 383 (McPike) offered […]
Virginia Pauses on Adopting Federal Covid-19 Vaccination and Testing Mandate Pending Legal Challenges
The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) notified stakeholders that the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board removed from its December 3 agenda consideration of adopting the new federal standard for COVID-19 vaccination and testing (OSHA 2nd COVID-19 ETS). The reason for delaying action is because a 6th Circuit Court of Appeals decision on […]
How Virginia Counties Can Bring Renewed Purpose to Historic Civic Centers
By Andrew Moore and Gary Walker History runs deep in each of Virginia’s 95 counties. For centuries, county courthouse greens and municipal centers served as vibrant civic spaces where citizens come together. Current needs have forced many Virginia counties to reconsider these spaces. We firmly believe that county leaders should transform historic buildings or incorporate […]
VACo’s Jeremy Bennett named to Virginia Business Magazine’s “100 People to Meet in 2022.”
Congratulations Jeremy! A well-deserved recognition!
87th Annual Conference Recap
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN SOON Thank you for participating in the 87th Annual Conference. Below is a link to the recap webpage that includes session videos, recordings, and presentations. VACo 87th Annual Conference Recap Webpage Also, please take a moment to share your thoughts on your experience at the Annual Conference. VACo […]
Visit Charlotte County and the Charlotte State Forest
CHARLOTTE COUNTY—Governor Ralph Northam recently announced the dedication of the Charlotte State Forest, opening the first publicly-accessible state land in Charlotte County. The 5,004 acre state forest is Virginia’s 26th state forest in the Commonwealth. The Virginia Department of Forestry will sustainably manage the forest under Sustainable Forestry Initiative and American Tree Farm Standards, conserving […]