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 Dibble, which then led into a discussion surrounding housing. Housing is a top issue among counties in the commonwealth and at the Region 3 meeting; county leaders from Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover County discussed what they’re doing locally to help with the housing crisis and increase housing affordability. Highlights of the discussion were counties touching on the many regional partnerships between local governments and other organizations as well as highlighting other ways to support the workforce like childcare programs.
We were delighted to be joined by so many legislators that represent Region 3 counties at the meeting. Legislators were asked to outline their priorities for the 2025 Session as well as other things they’re interested in or working on. Delegate Mark Earley discussed the many strengths of counties in the Richmond region and acknowledged the strong leadership and problem-solving acumen of county leaders in the area. Delegate Michael Jones touched on his time as a local government official and how local governments really can make a difference toward alleviating the housing crisis, such as building more housing. Staff from the office of U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner attended and spoke to county leaders during the meeting. Both Cole Kawugule, Outreach Representative for Senator Warner, and Taylor Thornhill, Regional Director for Senator Kaine, emphasized the importance of reaching out to the Senators for letters of support for projects and grants and that counties should always be aware of congressionally directed spending available through either Senator’s office. Keith Fisher, Senior Legislative Assistant to State Senator McDougle, was in attendance as well.
County Talk, the part of the regional meeting where counties outline their top legislative priorities for the 2025 Session, was last on the agenda. The host, Hanover County, would begin by mentioning mental health services, especially in schools, being a top concern. Hanover County highlighted how a mental health pilot program in some schools has now been expanded into all schools and believes it to be a model for other counties to build off of. As with most VACo meetings, Hanover County stated that local control is always a pressing issue, especially surrounding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), land use and development within the county. Chesterfield County highlighted their support for the authority to impose an optional 1% sales tax that would go toward school capital within the locality. Other legislative priorities from Chesterfield County include public safety, infrastructure, mental health, housing, economic development and workforce training. Henrico County discussed the unregulated nature of recovery homes and how this is harming citizens within the county and reiterated support for items mentioned by Hanover and Chesterfield Counties.
VACo would like to thank all of those who took the time out of their day to come to the Region 3 meeting. VACo would like to give a special thanks to Delegate Earley, Delegate Jones, Delegate Owen and legislative staff for attending the meeting, as well as VACo’s partners for their support. Lastly, thank you to Hanover County and staff at the Hanover County Airport for hosting the meeting.
VACo Contact: James Hutzler