Virginia Municipal League

Building Better Communities Through Sound Government

BETTER COMMUNITIES THROUGH SOUND GOVERNMENT

VML eNews, the newsletter of the Virginia Municipal League, is published every other week except during sessions of the General Assembly. During legislative sessions it is published weekly. The newsletter includes up-to-date information on activities at the state capitol, including the General Assembly, and in the U.S. Congress and within the VML family of local governments.

Editor: Rob Bullington  |  Associate Editor: Manuel Timbreza

eNews

In this issue

VML News

Environment

Marijuana

Agencies

Events & Opportunities

VML News

VML 2021 Annual Conference a success!

From October 3rd through 5th, more than 500 local government leaders, organization representatives, and subject matter experts from a variety of disciplines gathered at the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg for the VML Annual Conference…and it was great! Aside from simply enjoying being together to trade stories and share advice, VML members benefitted from dozens of sessions covering a range of topics relevant to local governments.

VML was also pleased to welcome several new and returning Community Business Member (CBM) organizations to this years’ conference including Diamond sponsors Dominion Energy and Virginia Housing as well as Gold sponsors MITRE Corporation, Timmons Group, Blue Line Solutions, and MissionSquare Retirement. Learn more about all our CBM organizations here >.

The last in-person Annual Conference was held in the City of Roanoke in 2019 and the next conference is scheduled to be held in October 2022 in the City of Richmond. 2021, however, was a time for towns to shine as the Towns of Loudoun County put on a fantastic Host Night at the Marshall House in Leesburg and were active throughout the event hosting sessions, highlighting their localities at their tables, and enthusiastically welcoming their fellow VML members.

Day 1 of the conference began with a tribute video to outgoing President Willie Greene (mayor, City of Galax) put together by members of the City of Galax Volunteer Fire Department.

Watch the Willie Greene tribute video here >.

Also, during the opening session, President Greene presented the 2021 Innovation Awards to the winners and announced the Town of Vienna would take home the coveted President’s Award for their entry in the Local Champion category. Read the full press release here >.

Watch the Innovation Awards highlight video here >.

At the Annual Business Meeting on Day 2 of the conference, VML members adopted the 2022 Legislative Program and elected Jon Stehle (councilmember, City of Fairfax) as their new President, Jill Carson (vice-mayor, Town of Pennington Gap) as their Vice President and filled other board positions (read full press release here).

During the Closing Session on Day 3, National League of Cities’ CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony took the opportunity to provide encouragement to VML members after nearly two years of strain on local governments and the people who make them work. Senator Mark Warner provided comments via video and newly installed President Jon Stehle capped the event by discussing how he would make “connections” his theme for the coming year.

Thank you to our host town Leesburg, all the Towns of Loudoun County, Visit Loudoun, and everyone who attended the 2021 Annual Conference for helping us make it a year to remember!

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org

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2022 VML Legislative Program now available

The 2022 Legislative Program was approved by the membership at the Annual Business Meeting held in Leesburg on October 4, 2021. The program is available on VML’s website here >.

Thanks to the policy and legislative committee members for their work in putting this together.

VML Contact: Janet Areson, jareson@vml.org

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Environment

Site Suitability Regulatory Advisory Panel concludes…for now

The Department of Environmental convened a Regulatory Advisory Panel to compile the constellation of perspectives on what makes a site suitable for a facility or entity seeking a permit from the air pollution and control board. We anticipate that rulemaking will follow the conclusion of this panel and draft language will be released at a future date.

It is possible that local authority regarding land use decisions could be impacted by this rulemaking process. Accordingly, VML staff have engaged in this process to make our concerns known and to work to protect local authority to make land use decisions. Although the Regulatory Advisory Panel may be reconvened for further work, at present it looks to have concluded its business.

It is uncertain when draft language will be available or when the regulatory process might start but this is likely to happen in the coming months.

More detailed information can be found at the DEQ Site Suitability for Air Permits website.

VML Contact: Mitchell Smiley, msmiley@vml.org

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Proposal for new tipping fees on municipal solid waste expected

A proposal to assess a statewide tipping fee of $3 per ton of solid waste at Virginia’s municipal and private landfills is being revived this fall in advance of the 2022 regular session of the General Assembly. The revenue raised by these tipping fees would be directed to Virginia State Parks and is intended to provide a dedicated revenue source for state parks and reduce the amount of solid waste imported into Virginia.

VML has several concerns about the proposed fee, including:

  • It would be assessed on every solid waste facility and affect every Virginian regardless of jurisdiction as these fees are passed along to consumers.
  • It would burden municipalities that own and maintain their own solid waste facilities and would present a threat to local revenues for those localities.
  • This type of proposal could impose a significant burden on existing operations and endanger local solid waste facilities and operations.

This fee proposal is particularly odd given that the Commonwealth of Virginia’s revenues are running well ahead of the revenue forecast for the current fiscal year and hundreds of millions in American Rescue Plan funds remain to be appropriated by the General Assembly. There are plenty of revenues that could be put towards Virginia State Parks that would not impact localities.

Localities should be aware that this proposal is likely to be introduced as legislation in the 2022 regular General Assembly Session. To prepare to oppose the fee, we encourage those localities that own and operate solid waste facilities to work to determine what type of impact an additional fee of $3 per ton would have on individual facilities. Then, contact your legislators and let them know how this will impact your locality and your residents who will ultimately have to pay this fee as a result of increased solid waste costs.

VML will continue to update members on this issue as we learn more.

VML Contact: Mitchell Smiley, msmiley@vml.org

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Marijuana

Cannabis Control Authority and Oversight Committee updates

The Cannabis Control Authority has started the process of standing up this new regulatory agency. Currently the members are focused on logistical concerns such as hiring staff and acquiring office space. Thought not off to an exciting start, it is a welcome sign nevertheless and we look forward to continuing to update members on this new agency and working with the agency board and staff on issues of local concern.

In related news, the General Assembly’s Cannabis Oversight Commission met this week and discussed issues of legislative concern including caps on regulatory licensing, regulation of hemp processors, license categories, and the start date for legal adult-use sales of marijuana. Members also heard a presentation on resentencing those previously convicted of marijuana offenses. There was clear interest in how the date of legal sales could be moved up, but no clear consensus on the appropriate avenue to do so. There was also discussion about moving the regulation of hemp processors under the purview of the newly created Cannabis Control authority for improved simplicity and efficiency and discussion as to whether more license categories need to be considered in statute or future regulations.

As stated above, there is a clear desire among commission members to begin legal recreational sales earlier than January 1, 2024, possibly working with medical dispensaries. It is unclear whether allowing medical dispensaries to sell recreational marijuana would allow the social equity goals and policies in the law passed by the 2021 General Assembly to be fulfilled or not and this remains one of the key points of contention in the conversation about whether (and how) to speed up the timeline for recreational sales. This conversation will likely evolve in advance of the 2022 session, and we will continue to keep members informed of new developments.

VML Contact: Mitchell Smiley, msmiley@vml.org

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Agencies

VRS to seek legislation to streamline hybrid plan administration

Staff with the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) announced at the Oct. 14 VRS board meeting that the agency would seek legislation in the 2022 General Assembly session to streamline administration of the hybrid plan for employers. If successful, the implementation date for administrative changes would go into effect by July 1, 2024, to allow time for the rate-setting process, as well as programming, communications, and outreach processes.

According to VRS there are 108,798 political subdivision employees in the hybrid plan.

The changes are being sought because of learned experience with the hybrid plan and the unintended consequences for employers with how VRS collects the contributions. Staff said they had been working with stakeholders on ways to reduce the administrative burdens on employers.

The proposed changes would potentially allow VRS members new flexibility to change their voluntary contributions more often. Changes are currently limited to a quarterly basis.

VML Contact: Janet Areson, jareson@vml.org

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Events & Opportunities

ARPA Tourism Recovery Program webinars happening this month

The Virginia Tourism Corporation is pleased to provide a free series of educational and training webinars for submitting plans for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Tourism Recovery Program.

Registration is required for all attendees to participate. Please register for the region which your locality identifies.

Coastal Virginia (includes Eastern Shore, Hampton Roads, and Chesapeake Bay)

Northern Virginia 

Virginia Mountains & Shenandoah Valley 

Southwest Virginia (includes Blue Ridge Highlands and Heart of Appalachia)

Central Virginia 

Southern Virginia

Virginia ARPA Marketing Programs (optional webinar)

After all the regional webinars are complete, the VTC Brand Team will walk through the resources available for your ARPA-funded marketing efforts including refreshed WanderLove Creative, vetted Paid Media Programs, and helpful Media Planning Guidelines.

Registration is not required.

VTC Contact: President Rita McClenny, president@virginia.org

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Invitation to submit proposals: Heirs Property Funders Forum seeking pilot initiatives for funding

On December 2, 2021, in Atlanta, GA, the Funders’ Forum will seek to bring together potential funders with dozens of nonprofit and other organizations from 22 states (including Virginia) and the District of Columbia. The intended outcome of this forum is to establish a capital, human, and organizational support basis for heirs’ property resolution and prevention pilot initiatives in the following areas: education and awareness; pro-bono legal services; academic research; local government innovation; and developer/contractor driven affordable housing initiatives.

Potential funders, including philanthropic and other grant and resource providers, law firms, financial institutions, and builder and realtor trade groups, will have the opportunity to hear from nonprofits and other organizations as they pitch scaled pilot solutions to this group in an in-person and virtual environment.

What is “Heirs’ Property”?

Heirs’ property occurs when a property owner dies intestate or with a will that leaves property to multiple beneficiaries, resulting in a fractured or entangled title. Left unresolved, this becomes a barrier to the ability to sell, collateralize, improve, or otherwise transfer the property. Because heirs’ property is disproportionately found in racial and ethnic minority, low-wealth, rural, and distressed urban communities, it is a critical barrier to minority homeownership and the creation of generational wealth and racial equity.

How to submit your proposal

Organizations and local governments in Virginia with proposals for projects are encouraged to participate.

Deadline for submitting proposals: October 31, 2021

To receive an online form, contact:

Shana Jones
University of Georgia
Faculty, Carl Vinson Institute of Government
shanaj@uga.edu
706.542.3641

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Virginia Tourism to hold its final virtual Orientation for the year on October 26-28

Join Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) staff and tourism colleagues from around the Commonwealth for a three-day virtual orientation to learn about VTC’s marketing programs and how you can increase your visitation and business.

Participants will interact with VTC staff and hear about opportunities in digital marketing (Virginia.org), public relations, domestic sales, international marketing, welcome center promotions, grants, partnership marketing, cooperative advertising and much more.

  • Dates: 26-28, 2021
  • Time:9:00 AM – Noon each day
  • Cost: There is no cost to attend this event.

VTC Orientation is for tourism marketers, DMOs, managers/owners of Virginia tourism properties and those who want to increase their visitation and business. Learn more here >.

VTC Contact: Special Projects Manager Judy Watkins, JWatkins@virginia.org

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American Public University System offering 2021 Fall Webinar Series: “Navigating the Changing Workplace”

Join VML Community Business Member organization American Public University System for a free webinar series. From the pandemic to emerging technology, many factors are driving change in the workplace. Speakers will discuss the catalysts behind the changes as well as opportunities to mitigate unproductive obstacles.

Upcoming webinars:

  • 10/19 @ 2 PM ET – “Pillars of Emotional Intelligence in a Changing Workplace”
  • 10/26 @ 7 PM ET – “10 Factors to Consider When Selecting a Degree Program”

More information and links to register available here >.

APUS Contact: Buster Nicholson, anicholson@apus.edu

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Grants training in Portsmouth being held in-person December 1-2

The Portsmouth Police Department/Training Unit and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grants workshop in Portsmouth, December 1-2, 2021.

Beginning and experienced grant writers from city, county and state agencies as well as healthcare organizations, nonprofits, K-12, colleges and universities are encouraged to attend.

More information including learning objectives, class location, graduate testimonials and online registration is available here.

All health and safety guidelines will be followed. Class enrollment is limited to ensure proper distancing.

Online training is also available, please visit the Grant Writing USA calendar of events for details.

Discounted rate for VML members

Tuition for Virginia Municipal League members and their staff is $425 and includes everything: two days of instruction, workbook, and access to our Alumni Forum that’s packed full of tools, discussions and more than 200 sample grant proposals. Please use the discount code “ASSN” at the time of registration.

Discounts for Grant Writing USA alumni and groups are also available.  Please call for details. Payment is not required at the time of registration.

Grant Writing USA Contact: Janet Darling, 888.290.6237 or janet@grantwritingusa.com

 

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In this issue:

Annual Conference

VML News

ARPA

Environment

Elections

Opportunities

Annual Conference

Schedule and conference app are ready for you!

To learn more about what’s being offered at the 2021 VML Annual Conference and get oriented to the venue, the final iteration of the 2021 “Conference at a Glance” program is now available.

View/Download the “Conference-at-a-Glance” here >.

Want more details? Be sure to download our new conference app to learn more about speakers, sessions, bios, notifications, and everything you need to get the most out of the 2021 Annual Conference.

Instructions to get the 2021 VML Annual Conference app here >.

See you in Leesburg!

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org

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Welcome new and returning Community Business Members!

VML is pleased to have the below organizations as Community Business Members. Most of these groups will have representatives at the conference. We look forward to the opportunity to bring these worthy organizations and local government leaders together!

 

Diamond Level

 

Gold Member

 

Silver Member

 

Bronze Member

Interested in becoming a Community Business Member? Contact Rob at the below email address.

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org

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Last call for golfers!

There are still a few slots available for the post-conference golf event happening Tuesday, Oct. 5th at 1:00 PM. We’ve secured a special discounted rate for the beautiful course at Lansdowne. A boxed lunch is included and there will be gifts to take home. Registration closes Saturday at noon or when all the spots are full, so please sign up now before time and space run out!

Register for golf here >.

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org

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VML News

Legislative committee completes work; proposed legislative program posted

The VML Legislative Committee met for its final regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Sept. 30, via Zoom.

During this meeting the Committee set legislative priorities for the proposed 2022 program and voted to adopt the proposed program to bring before the VML membership at its Annual Business Meeting on Monday, Oct. 4, in Leesburg during the Annual Conference.

The proposed legislative program is available here>.

Copies will be available at the Annual Business Meeting as well.

VML Contact: Janet Areson, jareson@vml.org

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ARPA

State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund reporting timeline updated

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury provided the following update:

States, territories, counties, and cities, and Tribal governments will report project and expenditure data next on January 31, 2022 (instead of Oct 31, 2021). The first reporting deadline for NEUs will be April 30, 2022 (instead of Oct 31, 2021). States have received an attached draft letter that they can use to notify NEUs regarding the updated deadline. Treasury will provide recipients with user guides prior to the reporting deadlines.

All emails including the notification to NEUs are available here >.

Treasury Contact: Namrata Mujumdar, Namrata.Mujumdar2@treasury.gov

VML Contact: Jessica Dodson, jdodson@vml.org

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Environment

Site Suitability Air Pollution Control Board regulations under consideration

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has convened with VML participating in a Regulatory Advisory Panel (RAP) on site suitability. The purpose of this RAP is to propose amendments to provisions of the Board of Air Pollution Control Board’s regulations on site suitability requirements. Broadly, this RAP is tasked with considering what makes a site suitable or not suitable when the Air Pollution Control Board is considering a permit application.

This RAP and possible amendments are being developed due to a 4th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in the case of Friends of Buckingham; Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Inc. v. State Air Pollution Control Board, et al. which found that the Board failed to consider the suitability of the location of a proposed compressor station for the now defunct Atlantic Coast Pipeline project (among other failures in the regulatory process identified in the ruling). This ruling specifically notes that the DEQ’s permit analysis and the approvals from the Air Pollution Control Board failed to consider the impact of the permitted facility on the local population including potential injury to this population and the community’s character.  The RAP has been convened to determine how regulations should interpret Virginia Code §10.-1307 (E) 3 which is “the suitability of the activity to the area in which it is located.”

The RAP has met once and local governments have a seat at the table along with advocates from environmental groups including the Sierra Club, the Southern Environmental Law Center, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, as well as several private businesses including Newport News Shipbuilding, Waste Management. This group is developing consensus recommendations with discussions guided by facilitators from VCU. So far, the group has identified a need for clarification around the interpretation of site suitability. The RAP is expected to meet 2-3 more times prior to the development of draft regulations and likely at least one more time after the regulations are developed prior to going through the regulatory rulemaking process.

Members should expect to participate in the rulemaking process for regulations that are developed as a result of the Site Suitability RAP. VML will continue to participate in the RAP process and will keep members apprised of developments as they occur.

VML Contact: Mitchell Smiley, msmiley@vml.org

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Elections

Redistricting 2021: The saga continues as the deadline looms

With public hearings on a draft map (or maps, as the case may very well be) set to begin Monday, the Virginia Redistricting Commission has yet to make final determinations on proposed voting districts for state offices. While the Commission agreed last weekend to combine the two maps offered by Democratic and Republican firms, the group has yet to reach a consensus on how it should look, nor has the group even begun to approach agreement regarding new House maps.

Issues that continue to prove thorny for the Commission include how to adequately ensure underrepresented populations have a fair opportunity to elect candidates of their choice; how to ensure that new districts do not split localities; and the extent to which maps ought to protect incumbencies.

Further complicating matters, the constitutional amendment approved by Virginia voters requires that a single draft map be presented during the public comment period. Legal interpretations differ between staff from the Division of Legislative Services and consulting attorneys hired to represent Republican and Democratic Party interests.

Resources to review current and recent proposed drafts are available on the Virginia Redistricting Commission website, from the Virginia Public Access Project, and from the OneVirginia2021 Foundation. Each region will have its own meeting between Monday, October 4th and Thursday, October 7th. Please check the Commission’s calendar to see when your region’s virtual meeting will take place and to sign up to comment.

The Commission is constitutionally required to present its draft House and Senate map by Sunday, October 10th.

VML Contact: Jessica Dodson, jdodson@vml.org

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Opportunities

The MITRE Corporation hosting interactive, online “Teens Love STEM” event Oct. 16

VML Community Business Member and 2021 Annual Conference Gold Sponsor, The MITRE Corporation is among the sponsors of a FREE virtual conference intended to inform teens and parents about STEM careers, collegiate majors, and professional organizations.

Professionals representing MITRE, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the Eastern Area of The Links, Incorporated, and other organizations will be in attendance hosting interactive, informative, and exciting workshops for students and parents.

  • Date: Saturday, October 16, 2021
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EDT
  • Registration: Register here >.

Separate programming will be offered for parents and students so please register accordingly.

MITRE Contact: Uma Marques, umarques@mitre.org

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In this issue:

VML News

ARPA

Transportation

Broadband

Health & Human Services

Events & Opportunities

VML News

Winners of the 2021 Innovation Awards in Local Government announced

The Virginia Municipal League (VML) is pleased to announce the winners of its annual awards for excellence in local government. The statewide competition recognizes innovative problem-solving, excellence in management, citizen participation, and improved services to citizens.

VML received nearly 70 entries, from which judges selected one winner in each of eight categories. The winners of the 2021 VML Innovation Awards are:

  • COMMUNITY HEALTH: City of Galax
  • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Town of Hillsboro
  • ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: Town of Purcellville
  • PUBLIC SAFETY: City of Chesapeake
  • WORKING WITH YOUTH: City of Roanoke
  • COMMUNICATIONS: Town of Wytheville
  • RISK MANAGEMENT: City of Williamsburg
  • LOCAL CHAMPION: Town of Vienna – Town Manager Mercury T. Payton

Of this year’s Innovation Awards, VML Executive Director Michelle Gowdy says: “We were overwhelmed by the incredible response from our member localities and very impressed by the attention to detail and care displayed in each submission. It’s been an incredibly challenging time for local governments and these entries are just one more example of how Virginia’s localities are meeting and overcoming those challenges. Thanks to everyone who submitted and congratulations to all the winners!”

Read the full press release here >.

One of the category winners will be chosen by VML President and City of Galax Mayor Willie Greene to receive the President’s Award. The winner of the President’s Award will be announced at VML’s 2021 Annual Conference on October 3rd at the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg.

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org

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2021 Annual Conference “Conference at a Glance” program now available

It’s almost time for VML’s big show of the year! VML staff are working hard to get everything ready for a fantastic event in Leesburg featuring the Towns of Loudoun County at the Lansdowne Resort. The conference will begin on Sunday, October 3rd and conclude Tuesday, October 5th.

To learn more about what’s being offered at the 2021 VML Annual Conference and get oriented to the venue, the 2021 “Conference at a Glance” program is now available.

View/Download the program here >.

Hope to see you Leesburg!

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org

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Download the 2021 VML Annual Conference app

We’ve got a new app (powered by Eventsential) for the 2021 annual conference. Items are being added to the app every day as we get ready for the conference. If you will be attending the conference, there’s no time like the present to get set up on the app.

Instructions to get the 2021 VML Annual Conference app here >.

Having trouble? Got questions? Don’t worry, we can help! Feel free to reach out to us ahead of the event or (even better) stop by our help desk at the conference with your device and we’ll get you set up.

VML Contact: Manuel Timbreza, mtimbreza@vml.org

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VML proposed 2022 policy statements now available

VML’s six policy committees met during late July to review and propose changes to their policy statements. The proposed 2022 policy statements, can be found on the webpage for each of the committees:

These proposed statements will be taken up for discussion and approval during the VML annual business meeting at the VML Annual Conference in Leesburg.

VML Contact: Janet Areson, jareson@vml.org

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ARPA

ARPA funds for water projects: new documents now available

Earlier this week, the National League of Cities published two new documents on the use of ARPA funds on water projects.

It’s important to note, that while these resources contain a wealth of helpful information, the information is not legal advice. It will be subject to change based on updates from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and any recipients should confirm applicability to their specific situation.

VML Contact: Michelle Gowdy, mgowdy@vml.org

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Treasury Report: $700 Billion of $1 Trillion in American Rescue Plan relief disbursed in first six months

On Thursday, the Treasury Department released a new report: American Rescue Plan: Treasury’s Progress and Impact After Six Months. As summarized below, since the law was signed by President Biden, the Treasury Department has disbursed approximately $700 billion of the $1 trillion in programs administered by Treasury.

From the U.S. Treasury press release: “In total, the Treasury Department is responsible for managing over $1 trillion in American Rescue Plan programs and tax credits and has already distributed approximately $700 billion. The Treasury Department’s implementation of the American Rescue Plan is part of a comprehensive strategy to support the entire economy during the pandemic by providing assistance directly to American families, assisting businesses impacted by the economic downturn, and delivering critical funds to state and local governments. Taken together, this approach has delivered real benefits for the economy and local communities across the country – and will continue to do so as the recovery progresses.”

Read the full press release here >.

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Transportation

Commonwealth Transportation Board meets to discuss revenues

The Commonwealth Transportation Board met this month and discussed several items of note including how transportation revenue surpluses might be used should estimates prove reliable. Members also received an update on transportation revenues from Deputy Secretary Donohue.

According to Donohue, transportation revenues are down $1.8 billion through FY2027 from estimates pre-pandemic in March 2020. As a result of this decline in revenues the CTB was granted authority to take action to manage cash flow to minimize impacts on projects that in 2020 were already programmed and fully funded under the Six Year Improvement Program and phase in the implementation of the 2020 Governor’s Omnibus Transportation legislation.

The CTB cancelled anticipated funding increases in the 2019 Six Year Improvement Program; reduced and phased in new spending from the 2020 Governor’s Omnibus legislation; and, of particular importance to localities, implemented a cash management strategy with Revenue Sharing program balances. The cash management strategy implemented for the Revenue Sharing program resulted in the delay of allocations from year 1 to year 5 of the Six-Year Improvement Program. Other impacts included delaying or reprogramming $600 million from round 4 of SMART Scale, $576 million from State of Good Repair, $185 million from transit, ports, and aviation, $123 million from anticipated omnibus spending, and $73 million from the Interstate Operations and Enhancement Program.

The programmatic reductions outlined above were deemed necessary to manage the unanticipated shortfall in transportation funding in the wake of the pandemic recession. However, revenues have picked up in FY21 and appear to be on track to meet, and possibly exceed, revenue estimates.

FY21 revenue collections outpaced estimates by $365 million and Transportation is also supposed to receive 2/3 of any undesignated General Fund surplus (estimated to be $115 million for FY21), however these funds must be appropriated by the General Assembly first (and that is never certain!). What is certain is we will not have another revenue estimate until the December revenue report which will inform the Governor’s final budget and guide House and Senate money committees as they develop the next budget.

Nevertheless, CTB members had a robust discussion about how potential surplus revenues might be directed and there was clear support for considering directing additional funding toward Revenue Sharing projects and SMART scale projects. It was also clear that Board Members would like any revenues that may materialize be used in a timely manner on projects that are likely to be completed on time.

Materials from the meeting are available here:

The bottom line: After 19 months there are indications that we might be seeing light at the end of what has been a very dark transportation funding tunnel. We expect to have a more certain picture in December.

VML Contact: Mitchell Smiley, msmiley@vml.org

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Broadband

Commonwealth Connect Coalition meets; discusses VATI applications

The Commonwealth Connect Coalition met on Thursday to discuss the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) applications that were submitted during this last round of broadband funding due earlier this week. In total 57 applications were received representing 84 localities with an amount of $943,300,424 in requested funding.

The next step is a process in which challenges to the applications can be conducted.

The presentation from the meeting has the deadlines and processes to follow: FY22 VATI Commonwealth Connect September Presentation.

December 1-2 is the Broadband Together Conference hosted by VML, VACo and VCTA – please mark your calendar. It will be held in Richmond.

VML Contact: Michelle Gowdy, mgowdy@vml.org

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Health & Human Services

VDH communications hub offers antidotes for COVID-19 misinformation

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has developed a VDH Communications Hub to help combat COVID-19 misinformation. This hub includes:

  • Myth-buster materials
  • Toolkits
  • Social media shareables
  • Fact sheets
  • FAQs
  • One-pager information items
  • Public Service Announcements
  • Posters
  • Webinars
  • Templates

VDH developed these materials to target a variety of different audiences, including parents, health-care providers, law enforcement, young adults, marginalized communities, and rural communities.

VDH asks that any feedback or ideas for the communications hub be directed to Maria Reppas, director of communications, at maria.reppas@vdh.virginia.gov.

VML Contact: Janet Areson, jareson@vml.org

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Public comment open for CSA policy revisions

Public comment is open until Friday, Nov. 12, at 5:00 PM, for proposed changes to two policies under the Children’s Services Act (CSA):

Comments will be accepted via the following methods:

  • Using the “Policy Public Comments Form” on the CSA website: virginia.gov
  • Email to office@csa.virginia.gov (please use Public Comment in the subject line along with the name of the policy)
  • S. mail or alternate courier service to: Office of Children’s Services, 1604 Santa Rosa Rd., Suite 137, Richmond, VA 23229.  ATTN:  Public Comment.

VML Contact: Janet Areson, jareson@vml.org

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Events & Opportunities

Department of Criminal Justice Services grants for localities announced

The Department of Criminal Justice Services has announced several funding opportunities that VML’s member localities should be aware of.

  1. Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) grant program. Approximately $4,000,000 is available to assist with preventing, preparing for, and responding to the novel coronavirus. Each applicant can request up to $50,000 to pursue a variety of projects that address these goals. Additional details can be found here >.
  2. Law Enforcement Training and Equipment – Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG). Applicants can request up to $25,000 to fund a variety of projects. This grand is funded by the federal Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG) program. Additional details can be found here >.
  3. Public Safety Based Programs – Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG). This grant includes community policing and youth engagement programs, officer safety and wellness, overtime, and diversion programs. Applicants can request up to $100,000 for this program. Additional details can be found here >.

CESF Grants Contact: Chris Boucher at christopher.boucher@dcjs.virginia.gov or 804-584-0510

Byrne/JAG Solicitations Contact: Nicole Phelps at nicole.phelps@dcjs.virginia.gov or 804-786-1577

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NLC committee and council leadership applications due

The deadline to submit NLC committee and council leadership applications is Tuesday, September 21st. Membership applications for committees and councils will open from Tuesday, October 5th through Wednesday, November 29.

The application is available on NLC’s website (with additional information), and at the MyNLC Member Portal (only active, paid in full NLC members will see the Leadership Application tab on their MyNLC profile.)

The “2022 NLC Officer and Board of Directors Candidate Information” document is available for prospective Board of Director candidates and provides significant information on the duties and expectations of the role.

If you have questions about the application or appointment process for Committees, please contact Zach Gossett in the Federal Advocacy Department at gossett@nlc.org.

Questions about the application or appointment process for Councils should be directed to Katrina Washington in the Membership Department at (202) 626-3151 or Washington@nlc.org.

Questions about the application process for the NLC Officers and Board of Directors should be directed to Carla Smith in the Executive Office at (202) 626-3179 or Smith@nlc.org.

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Excellence in Virginia Government awards nominations open

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University is pleased to announce the 15th annual Excellence in Virginia Government Awards (EVGA) on April 14, 2022, at Noon. EVGA celebrates people and organizations in the public and private sectors who have made significant contributions to the practice of government and the well-being of our communities and citizens.

“These awards recognize outstanding work at all levels of government in Virginia and honor dedicated public service, innovative approaches and commitment to excellence,” said Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D., dean of the Wilder School.

Nominations for the 2022 Awards are now open and will be accepted through November 1, 2021.  Nominations are being accepted in seven categories:  Community Enhancement, Grace E. Harris Leadership Award, Hill-Robinson Expansion of Freedom, Innovation in Government, Lifetime Achievement, Public-Private Partnerships, and Unsung Hero.

To learn more details about the Excellence in Virginia Government Awards, including criteria and past winners, go to wilder.vcu.edu/

You can submit your nomination:

  • Electronically via this link: EVGA 2022 Nomination
  • Email to EVGA@vcu.edu (word document preferred)
  • Mail to EVGA Awards, c/o Paula Otto, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, VCU Box 842028, Richmond, VA 23284-2028.

Contact: Paula Otto, piotto@vcu.edu or (804) 363-9399

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LED Streetlight Tariff Conversion webinar for APCo public authority customers

Many localities are curious if the new voluntary LED streetlight conversion tariff will be financially advantageous for them. Thanks in part to a grant secured by DMME, The Appalachian Power Company (APCo) is pleased to be able to bring some expert technical guidance. Please plan to attend this informational webinar on October 14, at 10:00 AM to learn:

  • The structure of the new LED streetlight tariff
  • Key findings from an LED conversion financial analysis recently performed for Blacksburg
  • Time-limited opportunities for free technical assistance available for any APCO service territory localities

Who should attend? Energy Managers, Finance Directors, Public Works Directors, and or Town/City/County Administrators – or any other local government representative with responsibility for utility accounts and energy management.

Registration is available here >.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Contact: Acting Chair of the VML/VACO APCO Steering Committee Carol Davis, cdavis@blacksburg.gov or (540) 443-1617

 

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  • eNews October 15, 2021 In this issue VML News VML 2021 Annual Conference a success! 2022 VML Legislative Program now available Environment Site Suitability Regulatory Advisory Panel concludes…for now Proposal for new tipping fees on municipal solid waste expected Marijuana Cannabis Control Authority and Oversight Committee updates Agencies VRS to seek legislation to streamline hybrid plan administration Events &…
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