Local Governments Working Together Since 1905

Local Official Resource Series

Practical help for local government leaders

The Virginia Municipal League publishes a series of research booklets to assist local government officials in serving the needs of their communities. Some of the topics addressed in the Local Officials' Resource Series include:

Many guides of this series are now available for download. If you are a VML member and would like to receive a printed copy of one of these publications, or if you would like to suggest topics for future publications, contact VML at P.O. Box 12164, Richmond, VA 23241; 804/649-8471, e-mail@vml.org

HireSmart Cvr2006 Revised Edition: Hire Smart: A Guide for Local Government Leaders

Provides a straightforward approach with suggestions to improve elected officials' ability to "hire smart," especially when it comes to managers and administrators. Six steps to hiring smart are reviewed, beginning with the important first step of developing a profile of the ideal candidate. Recruiting and advertising, screening, interviewing, reference checking and managing negotiations and employment agreements also are covered. Written by David K. Donaldson, Deputy City Manager, City of Wilsonville, OR. Download guide (PDF).

Procure CvrThe Virginia Public Procurement Act

This guide includes an overview of the Virginia Public Procurement Act and its application to local governments, a set of documents developed in Virginia localities that may be of use in the procurement process, an overview of ethics in public purchasing and the interconnection between the state procurement act and the state conflict of interests act, and a brief overview of authority regarding public-private partnerships for projects. By Roger C. Wiley and William H. Hefty, Hefty & Wiley, Richmond, Virginia. Download guide (PDF - 1.9MB).

FOIACOIA cvr10-11 Revised Edition: Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Virginia Conflict of Interests Act and the Virginia Public Records Act

Conceived as a guide to help local government officials become familiar with their obligations under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Virginia Conflict of Interests Act and the Virginia Public Records Act. Since the acts set out the guiding principles for conducting public meetings, the more that local officials are familiar with it, the more efficiently meetings will be run. Written by VML Director of Legal Services Mark Flynn. Download guide (PDF - 1.4MB)

Wastewater Reg CoverUnderstanding Wastewater Regulation in Virginia

Virginia local governments play a crucial role in preserving water quality in Virginia. This publication, written by the Government Affairs Committee of the Virginia Water Environment Association, was prepared to assist local government officials in learning more about wastewater regulations. These regulations, which often dictate the need for the construction of local projects and influence the user fees paid by consumers, are important for local officials to understand. Download guide (PDF).

PPT CoverPersonal Property Tax Relief Guide & Model Ordinance

Suggested framework to guide local government officials in implementing required changes to the Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA). Printed copies of the publication have been mailed to league members. Additional copies are available to league members; e-mail your request to e-mail@vml.org. Download guide (PDF - 1MB).

Using Computers in Smaller Localities

Even with limited amounts of money, small local governments can assemble significant computing resources that will improve productivity and customer service. A guide for small localities to use in setting up a local area network or simply in getting the most for their money. Written by Clay Wirt president of Wirt International Networking "WIN" and Rick Curry, president of Municipal Integrated Solutions & Consulting Inc.

The Annual Statement of Economic Interests of the Virginia Conflict of Interests Act: A Written Record to Enhance Public Trust

Supplements a 1996 VML publication on the annual Statement of Economic Interests that many local officials are required to file. Presents an overview and details of this annual financial disclosure form. Includes tips for filling out the form and answers to some frequently asked questions. Several of the questions and answers are geared to opinions of the Attorney General. Also includes brief reviews of the annual financial disclosure forms that are filled out by officials other than members of a local governing body. Written by Clay Wirt.

Title 15.2 Code of Virginia Counties, Cities & Towns Recodification of Title 15.1

An overview of the recodification of old Title 15.1 of the state code governing the operation of counties, cities and towns. The booklet provides an overview of the recodification process and the primary changes reflected in the new Title 15.2, which took effect Dec. 1, 1997. The appendix includes a chronological listing of the sections of old Title 15.1 and the citations to the comparable sections under Title 15.2

An Overview of Local Government Debt

This guide is a broad overview about the issuance of debt by units of local government. It is designed to help elected officials think through the debt issuance process. It is not all-inclusive, nor intended to cover specifics about particular areas of debt, nor legal and governmental requirements. Once members of local governing bodies have examined the "big picture," they should consider consulting experts in the field early in the borrowing process. Written John C. Stevenson Jr., Development Officer of the Virginia Resources Authority.

Model Personnel Policy Manual for Virginia Towns & Cities

Offers a model personnel policy manual, grievance procedure and notice documents for use by municipalities. Assembled from examples across Virginia from suggestions by experts in human resources, the manual complies with all federal and state laws pertaining to human resource management. It provides a comprehensive set of regulations for the workplace that can be tailored to a locality's practice and history. Compiled by VML Director of Legal Services Mark Flynn.

Improving Primary Health Care in Your Community

Designed to help improve local primary health care systems and achieve the goal of 100 percent access to care. Having affordable primary health care services available within a community offers residents a "medical home" where they can feel secure in receiving consistent care. The booklet discusses: barriers to health care, health disparities, why local governments should be concerned about primary care and what can be done to improve primary care locally. Written by the Virginia Primary Care Association.

Reversions: From cities to towns

An analysis using case studies of the process by which cities can revert to town status. NOTE: This 1996 document is out of print, but if you contact us we could send a photocopy or download guide here (PDF 2 MB).

Virginia Date Book: Information and Formation of Cities, Towns and Counties

A listing of all state-authorized local governments in Virginia – counties, cities and towns -- and their dates of incorporation. These governments are also listed in chronological order of their legal "birth." An important source for historians, geographers, political scientists and public administrators. Compiled by Gerald D. Davenport, Davenport Geographic Information Service.

Building Stronger Communities Through Early Childhood Success

Modern research shows that the care and nurturing of children in their very early years can either set them on a positive course in life or heighten their risk of negative outcomes. If cities, towns and counties in Virginia are to thrive economically and socially, more must be done to ensure early childhood success. This booklet is designed as a resource guide to help local governments achieve this critical goal. It offers background information, ideas for action, and places to go for more assistance. Written by Square One, a project of the Hampton Roads Partnership, and the National League of Cities ' Institute for Youth, Education and Families.

^ Top

What's new | Marketplace | VML Insurance Programs | About the League | Calendar | Sustaining membership
Legislative activities | Publications | Conferences | Affiliate organizations | Links

©2010 Virginia Municipal League. Comments and questions about this page or the data provided may be addressed to Manuel Timbreza.
Special thanks to the Virginia Institute of Government for hosting this site.