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. President Mallek also introduced City of Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who energized the audience with a passionate speech about the impact of local governments on its people. Mayor Stoney touted Richmond’s improvements in public education, housing, and public safety.
Following Mayor Stoney was a Q&A session with House Majority Leader Charniele Herring and Delegate Terry Kilgore. Leader Herring is the first woman and African-American elected as Majority Leader. Delegate Kilgore has served honorably in the House since 1993.
The pair traded answers on caucus top priorities, biggest areas of cooperation between the parties, state budget priorities, and other legislative questions. They also shared their perspectives on pre-emption of local authority.
After a healthy dose of legislative Q&A, the Summit pivoted to more specific issues – artificial intelligence and housing.
Senator Lashrecse Aird talked about artificial intelligence and how it could impact state and local governments. She discussed in more detail her bill, SB 487, which directs the Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS) to conduct an analysis of the use of artificial intelligence by public bodies in the Commonwealth.
Delegate Carrie Coyner shared her viewpoint on housing, and what she’s seen recently proposed in the legislature. In the past, Delegate Coyner has sponsored several housing bills, and her legal practice includes a focus on land use law. Housing has been a source of discussion at many VACo regional meetings.
The third block featured Virginia Political Trailblazers, who continue to forge a path for a better Commonwealth.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares spoke first and stressed the importance of remaining vigilant in the fight against Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid like morphine but up to 100 times stronger. Attorney General Miyares also focused on public safety and the need for Virginia to continue its fight against crime.
Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears talked about her desire to prevent imposing more unfunded mandates on localities. She also emphasized the importance of local and state leaders engaging dialogue and working in partnership.
Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger joined the discussion by speaking about her work representing Virginia in Congress, which includes efforts on substance use disorder prevention and treatment, improvements in agriculture and the postal service, and the fight against opioids like Fentanyl.
VACo thanks all speakers and attendees for making the Summit a success. We also thank and appreciate all the support from our sponsors.
Thank you to our amazing Summit sponsors!
GOLD
- Blue Line Solutions
- NACo
- VAcorp
SILVER
- Indivior
- GovDeals
- Marathon Health
- Pierce Group Benefits
- Republic Services
- Virginia Cooperative Extension