VML represents the interests of local governments to a variety of groups: the General Assembly and its myriad committees and subcommittees, the governor and the administration, and a host of boards and commissions. Because local governments in Virginia can exercise only those powers specifically granted by the legislature, they must routinely petition the General Assembly for new powers. In addition, VML monitors issues before the U.S. Congress and federal agencies.
2012 VML Legislative Program and policy statements adopted
VML’s six policy committees have adopted the 2012 policy statements. The statements were voted on at the annual business meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 4, during the VML Annual Conference in Henrico County. View the VML Legislative Program and individual policy statements below.
2011 VML Legislative Report
The 2011 VML Legislative Report includes summaries of bills and resolutions enacted in the 2011 General Assembly session, a summary of the budget, and an analysis of the session (taken from the March 2011 issue of Virginia Town & City). 2011 VML Legislative Report (PDF)
Governor urged to end across-the-board cuts
VML and VACo are urging Gov. Bob McDonnell to submit a budget amendment later this year that would end the practice of cities and counties providing $60 million annually in “local aid” to the state. In a letter sent by VML and VACo July 13, McDonnell was asked to eliminate the reductions in the biennial budget to be submitted in December to the joint money committees. VML and VACo also have asked localities to adopt resolutions supporting the elimination of the reduction program. Letter to the governor | Draft resolution
VML Legislative Committee hears outlook for state support of local governments
VML's Legislative Committee heard a presentation by VML Director of Fiscal Policy Neal Menkes and consultant Jim Regimbal at its June 2 meeting that explores the status of state and local revenues. The presentation identified obstacles to increases in state funding for programs delivered through local governments and a "triple whammy" local budgets will face in the future. Can Localities Count on State Support? (PDF)
VML pushes for mandates reform
VML and VACo staff met recently with Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, Secretary of Finance Ric Brown and other members of the McDonnell Administration to talk about the effect of state mandates on local governments. Gov. Bob McDonnell, according to Bolling, is contemplating pushing a number of government reforms in the 2012 General Assembly. Read the VML response and supporting documents sent to the lieutenant governor following the meeting.
VML detailed analysis of House and Senate budget amendments adopted Feb. 10
VML summarizes interim report of Governor’s Commission
on Government Reform and Restructuring
VML’s legislative staff has summarized the interim report of the Governor’s Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring that was submitted on Oct. 15. View the summary of the report that describes the recommendations of most interest to local governments or view the full report at http://bit.ly/aIxZzT.
VML papers reflect local government input to Governor’s Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring
VML and its local government partners prepared an abundance of material for consideration by the Governor’s Government Reform and Restructuring Commission this summer and fall. Unfortunately, the interim report of the commission released Oct. 15 reflects little of this substantial input. Here are four of the discussion papers that were submitted to the commission for its consideration.
Transfer of Development Rights model available
VML has worked with the Virginia Association of Counties, planning groups, environmental groups and the development industry to come up with a Transfer of Development Rights model program. Transfer of Development Rights model program (PDF).
Model cable TV franchise ordinance
The 2006 General Assembly enacted a new law regulating cable TV franchising. The law rewrote the rules for granting a franchise to cable TV companies and to new entrants in this market – telephone companies. Under the new law, franchising is obtained at the local level. As a result, local governments should adopt an ordinance to regulate cable TV franchising. VML and VACo have produced a model ordinance for your use. Please call Mark Flynn, director of legal services, with any questions: 804/523-8525. Background memo | Model ordinance
VML offers sample policy to comply with FTC 'red flag' identity theft rules
VML has produced a sample policy for local governments to use to comply with the Federal Trade Commission's rules requiring steps to defend against identity theft. Read full story in Oct. 17 Update and Oct. 31 Update. Sample red flag policy | FTC explanation
