eNews – May 8, 2026
Submit Innovation Awards, Budget doldrums, Workgroups begin working...and more!
Friday, May 8, 2026/Categories: eNews
This edition of eNews is sponsored by the Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs whose interdisciplinary approach prepares students for impactful careers in national security and global affairs, urban and environment planning, and public administration...Learn more >
In this issue:
VML News
Budget
Elections
Workgroups
Resources
Opportunities
VML News
2026 Innovation Awards entries now being accepted
The Virginia Municipal League’s Innovation Awards celebrate the programs and individuals that make it possible for our local governments to solve pressing problems, address emerging needs, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Local governments of all sizes are encouraged to compete for coveted Innovation Awards across seven categories. The entries will be judged based on the scope and results of the project in relation to the community’s size, thereby putting all localities on a level playing field.
One of the seven category winners will be selected for the prestigious President’s Award for Innovation. The winner of the President’s Award will be revealed when all the award winners are honored during the Awards Banquet at the VML Annual Conference in Norfolk in October.
Don’t miss this premiere opportunity to spotlight innovative programs that make your town, city or county a great place for people to call home!
Learn more and download the entry form on VML’s website here >.
VML Contact: Manuel Timbreza, mtimbreza@vml.org
VML announces winners of 2026 "If I Were Mayor" state essay contest
The statewide winner and seven regional winners of the VML’s “If I Were Mayor” Essay Contest for 7th and 8th graders were announced on April 28. As in years past, the students were asked to write a short essay in which they identified an issue in their locality, talked to others about possible solutions, and then presented the solution that they believe will best address the issue.
The 2026 winners are:
- Statewide winner: Serene Colden of Lindsay Middle School in the City of Hampton
- Region 1: Kenzley Frye of Northwood Middle School in the Town of Saltville
- Region 2: Hailey Coleman of Martinsville Middle School in the City of Martinsville
- Region 3: Kinley Carter of Lylburn Downing Middle School in the City of Lexington
- Region 4: Elijah Zug of Appomattox Middle School in the Town of Appomattox
- Region 5: Willa Thom of Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School in the City of Falls Church
- Region 7: Alexis Hargrove of Edward W. Wyatt Middle School in the City of Emporia
- Region 8: Finley O'Shell of Isle of Wight Academy in the Town of Windsor
*VML did not receive entries from Region 6 this year.
Read the winning essays here >
Of this year’s winners, VML Executive Director Michelle Gowdy said: “Although they wrote from personal experience and community awareness, this year’s winners were focused on issues like mental health, affordable housing, and access to medical care (just to name a few) that concern Virginians of all ages across the Commonwealth. My heartfelt congratulations to the students who won and thanks to everyone who participated.”
Of statewide winner Serene Colden, VML President and Mayor of the Town of Amherst Dwayne Tuggle noted: “She addresses an issue that affects many localities throughout the country. Serene’s approach to the problem looks at not just how to solve the problem, but how to engage and inform citizens while doing it. Great job, Mayor! Congratulations Selena and to all this year’s winners!”
In addition to a certificate, each regional winner will receive a gift card for $150. The statewide winner will receive a plaque and a gift card for $250. Plans for presentation of the plaques and gift cards are forthcoming.
All winning essays will be featured in the May/June issue of VML’s magazine Virginia Town & City
About VML’s “If I Were Mayor” Essay Contest
The annual “If I were Mayor Contest” invites 7th and 8th graders from throughout Virginia to submit essays describing what they would do if they were mayor of their hometown. The essay contest is a key component of VML’s civic education programming, which seeks to teach school children and adults how local government works and how they can become involved in making their communities better places to live, work and play.
VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org
Budget
Budget doldrums persist as we await the May revenue report
Among the definitions that Merriam-Webster uses to describe “doldrums”, the one that seems to best characterize the reported state of budget negotiations around Capitol Square is “a spell of listlessness or despondency.”
Despite occasional reports of a meeting among lawmakers or their staff with data center representatives, the Senate’s billion-dollar proposal to sunset the Commonwealth’s sales and use tax exemption early for equipment used in data centers remains the key sticking point dividing the House and Senate bottom lines. Whether future tidings bode ill or fair probably depends on where you sit and how much longer the doldrums persist.
Of course, we’ve been here before! So, we know that until final budget decisions are agreed upon, it is nearly impossible for localities to finish their budgets that begin on July 1, 2026, and move on to other pressing fiscal matters. And there are certainly an array of economic issues swirling about that require attention.
Unfortunately, what was already seen as a frustratingly combustible conversation on the 2026-28 biennial budget likely got a bit more volatile earlier this week with the FBI raid of the Portsmouth office and business of the Senate’s lead budget conferee, Senator L. Louise Lucas. As the deadline for completing the Commonwealth’s fiscal plan for the next biennium inches closer, the events of the last few days add yet another layer of uncertainty to the budget process at a time when clarity is not only desired but essential.
Better visibility on the revenue outlook should appear in less than two weeks when Virginia Secretary of Finance Mark Sickles presents the general fund revenue report through May to the members of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. General fund revenues from April and May are critical markers for the state budget. A positive report may allow the state lawmakers responsible for crafting a budget to breathe easier as they aim to finalize their negotiations.
Positive or negative, the revenue report will need to be read carefully to fully understand whether we’re in for smooth sailing or stormy seas. Until then, we persist in the doldrums, or as Samuel Taylor Coleridge observed:
"Day after day, day after day, / We stuck, nor breath nor motion; / As idle as a painted ship / Upon a painted ocean"
VML Contact: Joe Flores, jflores@vml.org
Elections
State Board of Elections meets
The State Board of Elections (BOE) met on Friday, May 1 for its monthly meeting. At this meeting, the Commissioner of Elections provided his monthly report to the board followed by several “Stand by Your Ad” cases. The biggest item on the agenda, certifying the April 21 election for the mid-year redistricting referendum, did not happen as originally scheduled because the Virginia Supreme Court had not yet decided on the legality of the election. That decision, against the election, was issued today after the Board’s meeting.
VML Contact: Josette Bulova, jbulova@vml.org
Workgroups
JLARC outlines 2026 workplan, elects leadership
State agency use of artificial intelligence (AI), assisted living and in-home care, managed care oversight, and Virginia’s agricultural best management practices cost-share program are among the topics to be tackled by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) during 2026. The Commission met on May 4 in Richmond, at which time it elected Senator Mamye Locke (D-Hampton) as chair, and Delegate Betsy Carr (D-Richmond) as vice chair.
The AI report, to be released in October, will include:
- An assessment of how state agencies are using or plan to use AI systems and the challenges in implementing these systems.
- An evaluation of AI systems’ key risks and opportunities and whether state government is well positioned to implement responsible and trustworthy AI systems.
- Consideration of how legislators can identify and address substantial risks AI presents to the public and the key factors affecting the cost and availability of AI systems.
This analysis does not appear to involve local government use of AI.
In addressing assisted living and in-home care, JLARC staff will:
- Examine regional demographics of Virginia’s aging population to help determine demand for assisted living and in-home care services.
- Quantify the supply, capacity, and cost of assisted living and in-home care services and identify factors that constrain supply and affordability.
- Summarize information about quality of facilities and the state’s statutory and regulatory framework for oversight, including frequency and rigor of facility inspections and effectiveness of corrective actions.
The report will be released in November.
JLARC’s study of the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share program (VACS), a state program created in 1984 to mitigate nonpoint source water pollution from agricultural land and administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and Virginia’s 47 soil and water conservation districts, will look at several components of the program, including:
- Whether funding levels and allocations to soil and water conservation districts are reasonable, data-driven, and effectively deployed; the program’s intent and design, the clarity of its purpose, and if it has the necessary elements and requirements to ensure effectiveness.
- If staff provide adequate technical assistance and if the pollution reduction projects are adequately monitored and tracked over time.
- The extent to which VACS projects effectively contribute to reductions in nonpoint source pollution; and whether the program is effectively coordinated with similar state and federal programs.
The report will be released in September.
In addition to specific time-limited studies such as those listed above, JLARC conducts several continuous oversight functions on issues such as state spending and the K-12 standards of quality. It also receives regularly scheduled reports from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and Auditor of Public Accounts.
Information about JLARC’s studies and meeting schedule may be found on its website here >.
VML Contact: Janet Areson, jareson@vml.org
FOIA Council and JCOTS announce commission work plans
Earlier this week, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Advisory Council and the Joint Commission on Science and Technology (JCOTS) met to discuss work plans for the summer. Following a review of legislation that passed, was continued, or referred to the commissions, a proposed work schedule was created at both meetings.
VML will follow the work schedule of these commissions and keep all members informed with any intended actions.
VML Contact: Josette Bulova, jbulova@vml.org
Resources
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Spring issue of National Civic Review now available
The spring issue of the National Civic Review arrives with a fresh look, featuring two new columnists and quarterly updates from the curators of the Civic Tech Field Guide and the Democracy Notes Substack. Articles and essays explore the institutions, practices, and communities holding democracy together in an environment of declining trust, civic disengagement, and technological change. Together, these contributors illuminate what genuine participation looks like today.
Explore the online edition of the Review, made possible through the Virginia Municipal League’s partnership with the National Civic League. Access it here!
National Civic League Contact: Coleman Stallworth, colemans@ncl.org
Opportunities
DWR boating access grants for localities
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is pleased to announce the availability of boating access grants for shovel-ready power boating access projects. Applications are currently being accepted. Virginia localities (counties, cities, and towns) are eligible to receive grants. The purpose of the grants is to assist localities in providing public opportunities for power boat access through new facilities development and/or renovations and improvements to existing public boating access facilities. For more details, go to Grants to Localities
This grant is for shovel ready construction and renovation projects in the following categories:
Small Power Boating Access – 75 percent up to a maximum $50,000 reimbursement
- Sites that provide for trailered boats and at least 5 parking spaces
Medium Power Boating Access – 75 percent up to a maximum $150,000 reimbursement
- Sites that provide for trailered boats with a hardened ramp and at least 10 parking spaces
Large Power Boating Access – 75 percent up to a maximum $300,000 reimbursement
- Sites that provide for trailered boats with a hardened ramp and at least 25 parking spaces
Recreational boating is a popular activity and there are approximately 220,000 registered boats in Virginia resulting in an annual economic impact of more than $4.0 billion. This grant program provides up to 75 percent of the approved project costs to construct or renovate boating access facilities for powerboat access. Applications are due by May 21, 2026. Funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis, and projects must be completed by June 30, 2027.
DWR Contact: John Kirk, john.kirk@dwr.virginia.gov.
Solar & Battery Energy Storage in Virginia: What Localities Need to Know Before July 1
Free Webinar: May 13 | 11:00AM - Noon
REGISTER HERE >
Legislation recently enacted by the General Assembly changes how Virginia localities can regulate battery energy storage systems and certain solar projects. These new laws require solar projects of one megawatt or more to be reviewed through a special use permit process consistent with specific criteria in the locality’s agricultural, commercial, industrial, and institutional zoning districts, unless such solar projects are otherwise allowed by right. The legislation also deems battery energy storage systems as permitted accessory uses on properties where solar projects are approved through a special use permit or similar approval. All localities should evaluate and update their zoning ordinances by July 1.
In this first session of Practical Law for Civic Leaders, Sands Anderson attorneys Chris Mackenzie and Max Hlavin, and guests from Berkley Group and the Virginia Association of Counties will discuss what the new laws require, what remains within local discretion, and what legislative actions make sense regardless of where your community currently stands on solar.
This session will cover:
- A recap of the 2026 legislation relating to solar uses and battery energy storage.
- What the new laws mean for how ordinances and local policies address solar uses and battery energy storage, and how staff, planning commissions, and governing bodies handle solar applications.
- Where existing ordinances or practices may need to change under the new law.
- What remains unsettled and what to watch for as implementation develops.
Sands Anderson Contact: Maxwell C. Hlavin, mhlavin@sandsanderson.com