eNews – October 16, 2026
Housing data needed from localities, Conference presentations coming next week, VML installs new Board of Directors...and more!
Friday, October 16, 2026/Categories: eNews
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In this issue:
Housing data needed for presentation to joint committee meeting
VML is presenting to a joint meeting of the House Counties, Cities and Towns and Senate Local Government committees next Friday, October 23. The focus of the presentation is to provide legislators with an overview of the current state of housing approvals across the Commonwealth.
To ensure this presentation is as accurate and informative as possible, we would appreciate if you could please send us a copy of your recently submitted DHCD local housing survey (see attached). The information provided by your locality will be aggregated and used as part of the narrative of our presentation.
If possible, please also include the following information in your response:
- The number of total approved units that have yet to be built in your locality. More specifically, residential units with at least zoning or subdivision approval.
- To the extent possible, please break down the number of approved units by single-family, townhouse, and multi-family (apartments and condos).
- Additionally, it would be helpful if you’re able to provide an ‘as of’ date or some additional context for the number and how often it’s updated.
Please send your responses, comments, and any questions to Jessica Dennis (jdennis@vml.org) by Monday October 19.
Thank you for your assistance and providing feedback on a tight timeline.
VML Contact: Jessica Dennis, jdennis@vml.org
Virginia Municipal League installs new Board of Directors
The membership of the Virginia Municipal League (VML) recently installed new officers and members to its Board of Directors. The new leadership was elected Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at the league’s annual conference which was held in Norfolk this year.
Kelly Burk, Mayor for the Town of Leesburg became President. Prior to that, Mayor Burk was the President-Elect.
Curtis Bethany, Vice Mayor for the City Newport News, was elected President-Elect. He was previously Vice President.
Robert Wood, Town Manager for the Town of Rocky Mount was elected Vice President. He was previously a District member.
Elected to 3-year terms as District members were Jacob Holmes, Mayor for the City of Bristol, Dany Fleming, Vice Mayor for the City of Harrisonburg, and Shannon Glover, Mayor for the City of Portsmouth.
Elected to 2-year terms as District members were Odie Donald, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Richmond, and Robin Schick, Mayor for the Town of Colonial Beach.
Elected to a 1-year term as a District member was Tanya Hockett, Council Member for the Town of Christiansburg.
Continuing as District Members are Letty Hardi, Mayor for the City of Falls Church, McKinley Cardwell, Council Member for the Town of Appomattox, and Ronald Brooks, Mayor for the Town of Gordonsville.
The Board of Directors is rounded out by Immediate Past President Dwayne Tuggle, Mayor for the Town of Amherst.
VML’s Board of Directors oversees the activities of the league. Representatives of the Board of Directors must be elected or appointed officials of a city, town, or county that is a member of VML.
More information about the VML Board of Directors is available here >.
View/Download a PDF of this press release here >.
VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org
2026 Annual Conference is a wrap! Presentations to be posted next week
A big “Thank you!” to everyone who joined us in Norfolk for the 2026 Mayors Institute and Annual Conference. Nearly 350 local elected officials and staff from across Virginia were in attendance as well as more than 50 representatives from VML partners and member organizations.
We were also pleased to welcome dozens of speakers across a variety of topics and VIPs including: Governor Abigail Spanberger, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, U.S. Delegate Bobby Scott, Virginia State Senator Angelia Williams Graves, Virginia State Delegates Bonita Anthony, Jackie Hope Glass, Dan Helmer, and Phil Hernandez, CEO of Virginia Housing Tammy Neale, DHCD Director Dr. Tamarah Holmes, National Civic League President Doug Linkhart, and National League of Cities President Kevin Kramer.
The available presentations from the general and breakout sessions will be posted to VML’s site early next week. A link to the presentations will be added under “Annual Conference” on the VML Events Page when they are ready to view/download.
VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org
Save the dates: Upcoming VML Events in 2027
Additional information and registration for each event is posted to VML’s Events Listing page.
Elected Officials Conference (with FOIA/COIA training) – The Elected Officials Conference is a valuable training and networking opportunity for newly elected and veteran local officials from across the Commonwealth.
- Dates: January 7-8
- Location: The Place at Innsbrook - Richmond (Short Pump)
Emerging Tech Conference – Hosted by the Commonwealth of Virginia Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) in Partnership with the Virginia Municipal League and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and Foundation, Inc.
- Dates: January 12-14
- Location: Hampton Roads Convention Center - Hampton
Local Government Day – The Virginia Municipal League invites its members to the VML Local Government Day. This is the day when all cities, towns and counties come together and advocate on behalf of our communities.
- Date: February 4
- Location: Richmond Marriott Downtown
Small Towns Conference – The Small Towns Conference provides an overview of topics related to local government management specifically geared towards issues experienced by towns of all sizes.
- Dates: May 19-21
- Location: The Historic Masonic Hall - Clifton Forge
VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org
VML News Board – Recent Posts
Please check the VML News Board (no password required) for the latest notices and opportunities for local governments, including recently added items such as: