The 2020 Annual Conference was held virtually October 7-8, 2020.
Resources:
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Conference-at-a-Glance schedule: View / Download here>
- Presentations & Documents:
- Session Recordings:
What to expect | A Norfolk state of mind | About the VML annual conference
What to expect
Although we will miss seeing everyone in person, VML is pulling out all the stops to make this year’s event the best it (virtually) can be! To accomplish this, VML is working with an experienced virtual event production company using the EventMobi platform. Attendees joining by smartphone, tablet or computer can look forward to a seamless, enjoyable, and productive event. Sponsors and exhibitors can expect opportunities to engage attendees to demonstrate the value of their services.
The 2-day event will cover the afternoon of October 7th and the morning of October 8th. Topics to be addressed during the conference include (but are not limited to):
- VML’s annual business meeting
- Financial good governance for localities
- Equity and diversity
- Emergency and crisis management
- New transportation legislation
- The Virginia Clean Energy Act
- Housing
- Risk Management
- FOIA / COIA
- Some positive predictions from forward looking futurists
- Local Champion awards
- ….and more!
The full agenda with speakers, dates and times will be posted to this page when available.
A Norfolk state of mind!
While we can’t be all together in Norfolk (or anywhere) this year, that doesn’t mean we won’t have Norfolk on our minds as we plan and produce this year’s annual conference. Be on the lookout for Norfolk themes popping up all over the place (like this year’s nautical flag logo for starters).
Of course, we look forward to getting back to Norfolk at the Waterside Marriott in the fall of 2023!
Until then, here are some videos to remind us why Norfolk is such a great place to be:
- “When This Is Over” – get inspired by Norfolk city staff, officials and residents talking about how they are handling the pandemic and what they look forward to most after it’s all over.
- “Change Course” – a little something to whet your appetite for 2023 and the amazing event spaces Norfolk has to offer.
About the VML annual conference
Each fall hundreds of local government officials, speakers and exhibitors attend the VML Annual Conference. The conference includes:
- General sessions featuring political leaders and local government experts.
- Workshops covering a wide variety of important issues affecting local governments.
- The VML Annual Business meeting, which focuses on the adoption of the annual VML Policy Statements, Legislative Program, and the election of officers and executive committee members for the upcoming year.
- The presentation of awards recognizing excellence in local government programs.
- The opportunity to virtually network with others interested in local government issues.
Presentations & Documents
Use the links below to view/download available presentations and documents. More will be added as they become available:
Session: Innovative Factory Built Housing Initiatives
Speakers: Jeff Sadler – Housing & Revitalization Coordinator, Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation and F. DeWitt House, Jr. – Senior Program Officer, Harvest Foundation
Presentation: Five Points Project
Session: Practicing Civility to Promote Trust in Local Government
Speaker: Thomas Bullock – Director of Education and Training, VRSA
Presentation: Promoting Civility in Local Government
Session: State Budget Update
Speakers: Jim Regimbal – Principal, Fiscal Analytics and Neal Menkes- Consultant, VML
Presentation: Budget Challenges – Now And In January
Session: VCEA
Speaker: L. Preston Bryant Jr. – SVP, Infrastructure and Economic Development, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC
Presentation: Virginia Clean Economy Act
Session: DHCD Programs: COVID and Beyond
Speaker: Kristen Dahlman – Senior Policy Analyst, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Presentation: DHCD Programs: COVID and Beyond
Session: Dominion Energy Services for Localities
Speakers: Katharine Bond – Vice President of Public Policy, State and Local Affairs, James Beazley – Regional Policy Director, and Adam Thompson – Business Development Manager
Presentation: Dominion Energy Services for Localities
Session: VML/VaCo Finance
Speaker: Beau Blevins – Director of Business Development, VML/VaCo Finance
Presentation: Programs and Services Overview
Videos
Registered attendees can request a link to recordings of the below sessions by emailing Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org.
The following are currently available (with more being added, so check back):
Community Development
Rebecca Rowe, Associate Director Community Revitalization Office, DHCD with Kelvin Perry, Project Manager for the Office of Economic Development with the City of Danville; Mark Bloomfield, Town Council for the Town Wytheville; and Charity Furness Executive Director, Experience Old Town Warrenton.
Police Reform
Maggie DeBoard, Chief of Police, Town of Herndon & President of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police with Dana Schrad, Executive Director, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police
Race and Social Equity: A Nervous Area of Government
Dr. Susan T. Gooden, Dean and Professor, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU
VML Executive Director’s Report
Michelle Gowdy, Executive Director, Virginia Municipal League
2020 Local Champion Award Winners
Highlight reel compiled from winning entries
Transportation in Virginia
David Marsden, Senator, Commonwealth of Virginia
