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

Broadband Together: Resources now available

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, VML, VACo and the Broadband Association of Virginia hosted a  conference titled “Broadband Together”. Topics included connectivity, affordability, equity, telehealth and even how broadband affects the cost of real estate! It was a great networking opportunity for local government officials and broadband providers to meet and discuss how to work together to solve these issues in the Commonwealth.

As a conclusion to the event, the Broadband Advisory Council met and heard from Virginia Tech as they introduced the new broadband mapping tool: Commonwealth Connection. This interactive maps allows localities to determine where there is connectivity and where it is lacking. VML members are encouraged to  share this resource with your councils and citizens.

Dr. Tamarah Holmes from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) announced that the guidelines for the Virginia Telecommunication Initiatives (VATI) will be published next week, so please be on the lookout as there is a lot of money in this grant program.

DHCD also spoke about the new Line Extension Assistance Program (LECAP) which is for the subset of Virginians for whom broadband connections are not attainable because their home exceeds an internet service provider’s standard connection drop length from a roadway or easement containing telecommunications infrastructure. The cost incurred by home owners to extend broadband infrastructure to these locations, referred to as “special construction costs,” range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the distance and cost to connect the location. A map on the LECAP website (see above link) outlines the maximum income household thresholds by zip code to eligibility for assistance.

Thanks to everyone who attended Broadband Together and thanks to the Broadband Advisory Council for supporting this successful event!

 

 

This edition of eNews is sponsored by:

 

The Virginia Resources Authority provides innovative, cost-effective and sustainable financial solutions to build vibrant and healthy Virginia communities. Since it was created by the General Assembly in 1984, VRA has funded more than 2,000 critical projects across the Commonwealth exceeding $10 billion of investment in Virginia’s communities. Read more >

In this issue:

Featured Events

General Assembly

Opportunities & Events

 

Featured Events

Day passes now available for Broadband Together conference – May 18-19

On Wednesday and Thursday next week, dozens of experts in a variety of disciplines related to the expansion of broadband in the Commonwealth will come together at the Hilton Short Pump just outside Richmond. Local government officials and staff won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn from these panelists as well as network with representatives from localities who also care about broadband access in their communities.

Senator Jennifer Boysko, Chair of the Broadband Advisory Council and moderator for a conference panel on Smart Life / Smart Cities, says “I am excited about this important event, bringing together ISPs and local governments as we work together to bring universal broadband coverage to all of Virginia. An event no one should miss!”

Topics to be discussed include:

  • Telehealth
  • Broadband Legislative Recap
  • Reaching the Unserved
  • Broadband in Economic and Commercial Development
  • How Broadband Affects Home Ownership
  • Workforce Issues
  • …and much, much more!

The Broadband Advisory Council will meet Thursday following lunch at the same location.

Attendees can choose to purchase registration for both days of the event or may choose to attend for one day.

Registration and a full agenda are available here >.

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org

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Webinar: 2022 Interim Legislative update for VML members – May 16

What bills of interest to local governments came out of the 2022 regular session of the General Assembly?

Where do we stand with continued budget deliberations and other bills that were referred to Special Session I?

VML policy staff will address these and other issues during this preliminary General Assembly wrap-up webinar on May 16 from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. We won’t have answers for everything – like when the budget will be completed – but we will give you summaries of bills that passed, or ones of note that failed, during the regular 2022 session.

Free registration available here >.

VML Contact: Janet Areson, jareson@vml.org

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General Assembly

Budget: Welcome to Richmond’s 14th-inning stretch

Today is Friday, May 13th, 2022. The Virginia General Assembly has just completed its second full month of legislative overtime. Pursuant to the rules adopted by the General Assembly, the 2022 Regular Session began on January 12th and ended on March 12th.

In baseball, now would be the time for a 14th-inning stretch.

Never heard of a 14th-inning stretch? They don’t happen often, but they are just like the one in the seventh inning where everyone stands up, stretches their legs, and maybe gets a snack or a beverage – because the game should be ending soon.

So, with the General Assembly deep into overtime, we wait and use whatever combination of stretching, snacks, and beverages work to relieve the tension. But if you’re still feeling a little tense, that’s understandable because the outcome of this “game” is something upon which every local government and school division depends: The state budget!

Action next week?

Outside of the regular legislative session, the members of the General Assembly’s “money” committees – the House Appropriations Committee (HAC) and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee (SFAC) – typically hold five or six interim meetings over the course of the year for the Secretary of Finance to publicly present updates on the Commonwealth’s revenues.

Both money committees are scheduled to meet next week, presumably to receive the updated revenues from the Secretary of Finance. However, the House recently announced that it had canceled the scheduled Appropriations Committee meeting for next week (its eighth canceled meeting this year!). The Senate Finance Committee meeting remains on the public calendar as of this writing, but an agenda for the meeting has not yet been made public.

Interestingly, the Secretary of Finance has not presented publicly on the Commonwealth’s revenues to the House Appropriations Committee since January 24th. He has not been before the Senate Finance Committee since February 22nd.

None of this is particularly reassuring.

Local governments need certainty

Legislative overtime in Richmond makes it incredibly difficult to finalize local budgets. Remember, the budget outlines the revenues of the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions for the next two fiscal years. Prolonged uncertainty over what funding local governments should expect from the state in the coming fiscal year (now just seven weeks away!) could hamper Virginia’s ability to recover from the pandemic.

VML urges our members to consider sending messages to your legislators to remind them that localities and school divisions should not be put in a position of flying blind. This is especially true since the General Assembly is still considering legislation that could reduce locally raised revenues. This legislation includes the big-ticket legislation related to grocery tax revenues, HB90 and SB451.

Of course, Virginians need their elected state leaders to proceed cautiously, but we do need them to proceed. Enough with the stretching, it’s time to play ball!

VML Contact: Carter Hutchinson, chutchinson@vml.org

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Skill games live a little longer

A Greensville Circuit Court judge has continued to November 2nd the lawsuit challenging the Virginia’s ban on skill games.

Please see one of the many articles here: Skill Game Delay

VML Contact: Michelle Gowdy, mgowdy@vml.org

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Opportunities & Events

New episode of VML Voice podcast now available

Do you suffer from glossophobia – the fear of public speaking? Well, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that as much as 75 percent of all people are fearful of speaking in front of groups. If you’re a public official or local government staff, the occasions where you need to speak in public can be frequent and unavoidable. That’s why the VML Voice is doing a two-part series on “Strategies for Successful Public Speaking.”

In this first episode we talk with public speaking instructor Myeisha Grady from VML Community Business Member the American Public University System.

Subscribe to the VML Voice on Apple, Google or Android devices or listen to the latest episode online here >.

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org

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“Internet for All” initiative programs and webinars announced

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released several Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) a few days ahead of schedule for three major elements of the broadband and digital equity grant elements of the bipartisan infrastructure law:

  • Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) – initial state round of funding
  • Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure – direct competitive funding open to cities
  • State Digital Equity – initial round of state capacity-building and planning funds

You can find links to all the programs here >.

NTIA plans to host a series of informational webinars. Registration for the webinars is available here >.

Contact: For more information, please visit InternetForAll.gov

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NLC Constituency Group events coming this summer

Three National League of Cities Constituency Group events happening this summer have been announced that may be of interest to VML members. Information for each is below and is also available on the HELO Annual Leadership Retreat: Digital Toolkit.

NLC Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO)

For the first time since 2019, the National League of Cities Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO) constituency group will host their Annual Leadership Retreat in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from June 5-8, 2022. This event is the perfect space to connect with Latino elected officials and municipal staff, during four days of skill-building, networking, and discussion on priorities facing the Latino and Hispanic communities. Register today to reserve your seat at this impactful event. Early Bird Rate Ends May 21st.

NLC National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO)

After two years of virtual gatherings, the National League of Cities National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) will host their Summer Conference, July 21-23 in Nashville, TN. Join colleagues from across the country for impactful conversations, leadership development opportunities, mobile tours, and a chance to connect with local leaders like yourself. During the conference, you can expect to: engage in discussions on HBCUs, housing, gun violence, and more; meet peers passionate about communities of color; and explore issues unique to your role as an African American local elected official

NLC Women in Municipal Government (WIMG)

Join the National League of Cities Women in Municipal Government (WIMG) constituency group for their Summer Conference, August 10-12, 2022, in Sacramento, CA, to connect with fellow women local leaders and build on your skills to bring back to your community. After two years of connecting virtually, WIMG will come together in Sacramento, California, to learn about local policy issues, discuss federal advocacy concerns, and build a stronger network. Established in 1974, the WIMG constituency group was formed to serve as a forum for communication and networking among women local elected officials and their colleagues within the National League of Cities (NLC). During the conference you will: enhance your network with local female leaders from across the country; learn about timely issues in special seminars that help to expand your skill sets; and find solutions to challenging problems in your hometown.

NLC Contact: Bryan Griffith, griffithb@nlc.org

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EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Summit: Virtual event happening May 25

The 2022 EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Summit will take place May 25, 2022. This is a free virtual summit. The 2022 summit is for local governments, community partners and tribal governments with programming specifically for the Mid-Atlantic region.

The summit will cover a wide range of topics under the EPA’s jurisdiction including grant opportunities, the recently passed federal infrastructure law, as well as environmental justice, climate change, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and resiliency efforts.

This conference will provide local governments with the opportunity to learn more about EPA initiatives, programs, grant funds, and to hear directly from EPA staff about the future of these programs.

Summit Agenda is available here >.

Registration is available here >.

EPA Contact: EPA-Mid-Atlantic-Summit@epa.gov

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VML now accepting entries for 2022 Innovation Awards

It’s time again to celebrate local government achievements!

It’s time again for our local government members to spotlight programs and individuals that have made a big difference by creating innovative solutions to address emerging needs.

Award-winning projects typically demonstrate innovative ways of delivering services, addressing community needs, or significantly improving an existing service.

One winning project from the category winners will be selected for the top prize – the coveted President’s Award!

All entries must be received via e-mail by 5:00 p.m., Monday, Aug. 15, 2022. The awards will be presented at VML’s Annual Conference in Richmond in October.

More details and a link to the official entry form are available here >.

VML Contact: Manuel Timbreza, mtimbreza@vml.org

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Get published in VML’s magazine! Tell us about your favorite outdoor recreation location in Virginia

For our 2022 “Virginia You Love” magazine issue this summer we want our readers to tell us their perfect place to have fun outside. It could be a favorite hiking trail or the stadium bleachers of the hometown ball team. Perhaps you can be found in a mountain lake with family or at the dog park with your furry friend. Maybe you like the challenges of long fairways and fast greens or the peace and quiet of a bench under a shady tree. Vita courses, ropes courses, pump tracks, brewery decks…Wherever, whatever, we want to hear about it!

Have your place featured in our magazine!

If you tell us about your favorite place for outdoor fun, we will put it on the list of possible places to feature in the July/August issue of Virginia Town & City. You can nominate any place you like…just so long as it’s outdoors and in Virginia.

It’s super easy to participate

Learn more and complete the short online survey here >.

VML Contact: Manuel Timbreza, mtimbreza@vml.org

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This edition of eNews is sponsored by:

 As the market leader in making government data discoverable, usable, and actionable, Tyler Technologies empowers public servants to create safer, smarter, and more vibrant communities that operate efficiently and connect transparently with internal and public stakeholders. Read more >

In this issue:

General Assembly

Opportunities & Events

 

General Assembly

Reconvened session? Yes. Budget action? No.

Duly elected members of the Loudoun school board will not see their terms artificially truncated by a year and sales of cannabis products shaped like animals, etc. that may attract children will continue without prohibition (for now) following action by the General Assembly during its reconvened session on April 27.

The General Assembly addressed a full plate of proposed gubernatorial amendments and vetoes affecting bills passed during the regular session which ended in early March. Typically, the reconvened session would include action on gubernatorial amendments proposed to the budget, but this year both the caboose and the new biennial budget remain in a House-Senate conference committee. We do not know when the compromise budget bills will come before the General Assembly for action.

Along with the budget bills, several bills that were sent to a special session that began in early April were not subject to gubernatorial amendments/vetoes and therefore were not taken up either.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin saw all his 26 proposed vetoes of bills upheld by the General Assembly, but not all his 100 or so proposed bill amendments prevailed. Further, SB591 (Hanger), a bill addressing the sale of certain cannabis products that Youngkin extensively amended, was killed by the Senate when members voted to re-refer the bill to a committee that was not going to meet during the course of the reconvened session.

Also of interest yesterday was the House Democratic Caucus vote to remove Minority Leader Eileen Filler-Corn from that position. A vote on who will succeed her in that role will be taken at a future meeting of the Caucus.

VML Contact: Janet Areson, jareson@vml.org

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Action on bills of interest to localities during the reconvened session

Use the links below to review VML staff summaries of actions taken by the General Assembly on bills of interest to local governments.

Health and Human Resources

The Senate rejected the Governor’s amendments:

SB192 (Mason) – Qualifications of local health directors. The bill expands the pool of potential candidates to serve as a local health director. Current law allows only physicians licensed to practice in Virginia; this bill broadens the pool to include individuals with a master’s or doctoral degree in public health and at least three years of full-time experience in a related job and any person deemed qualified by the state health commissioner. The failed amendment would have eliminated the language about the masters/doctoral degree and experience while allowing the commissioner to appoint anyone he/she deemed qualified to serve.

Status: The bill goes back to the Governor, who can sign it without his amendments or veto it. If the Governor vetoes the bill, the veto will stand, and the bill will not become law. If the Governor does not act on the bill within thirty days after the adjournment of the reconvened session, the bill will become law without his signature.

The House failed to override the Governor’s vetoes:

HB1197 (Hope) – Study of placement of Department of Juvenile Justice. The bill would have required the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources and Public Safety/Homeland Security to study the idea of moving the Department of Juvenile Justice from the Public Safety secretariat to the Health and Human Resources secretariat.

Status: The veto was sustained so the study will not happen.

HB1270 (Sickles) – Workgroup study of SNAP applications for inmates prior to release for custody. The bill would have directed a workgroup convened by the Department of Social Services to analyze and develop a proposal to request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow individuals in the custody of state or local correctional facility to apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits prior to release from custody.

Status: The veto was sustained so the study will not happen.

VML Contact: Janet Areson, jareson@vml.org

 

Marijuana

The Senate killed the bill with Governor’s proposed amendments:

SB591 (Hanger) – Marijuana product regulations and definition. This bill proposed prohibiting the sale of marijuana products in the shape of humans, animals, vehicles, or fruit and broadening the definition of marijuana to include products with tetrahydracannabinol (THC) concentrations above a certain level which would include products with THC derived from hemp as well as cannabis plants. The Governor offered amendments to SB591 that would have established a new criminal offense for possessing more than 2 ounces of marijuana publicly, redefined marijuana to ban delta-8 THC products, required CBD products only be sold to persons 21 or older and would have directed the Attorney General’s office to enforce some of these provisions while also directing the Cannabis Control Authority to hire law enforcement officers and study regulations in other states necessary for the operation of an adult use recreational market. The amendments and SB591 both failed with the bill being re-referred to back to a committee which will not meet again preventing the passage of the Governor’s amendments and the underlying bill.

Status: During the floor debate in the Senate there was bipartisan interest in continuing to work on this proposal either during the special session the Governor has already convened or during budget negotiations. Comments from Sen. Howell, the lead Senate budget negotiator, tossed cold water on the prospect of addressing marijuana related issues during the already arduous budget negotiation process. While SB591 and the Governor’s amendments failed news that the Governor and the General Assembly are continuing to debate the future of marijuana in constructive terms is perhaps the most noteworthy event this year on this issue.

VML Contact: Mitchell Smiley, msmiley@vml.org

 

Education

The Senate accepted the Governor’s amendment:

HB873 (Greenhalgh) – School resource officer employment. This bill would require a school resource officer to be employed in every public elementary and secondary school. If the school does not employ a school resource officer, then a local law-enforcement officer must receive school safety training and serve as that division’s law-enforcement liaison. Governor Youngkin proposed an amendment to this legislation which clarifies that a law-enforcement liaison will be in a public elementary or high school if a school resource officer is not already employed.

Status: The Governor’s amendment was accepted and will go into effect with the legislation on July 1, 2022.

VML Contact: Josette Bulova, jbulova@vml.org

The Senate rejected the Governor’s amendment:

HB1138 (Reid) – Staggered school board elections for Loudoun County. The bill as approved by the General Assembly outlined the process by which the Loudoun County Electoral Board would create staggered terms for its elected school board beginning in 2023.  It was a proposal supported by the local government and school board. The gubernatorial amendment would have instead shortened the terms of four board members by a year and require a special election in Nov. 2022 to potentially replace those members for the remainder of the term to which they had been duly elected to serve. The House accepted the amendment on party lines; the Senate rejected the amendment. The proposed amendments were the subject of lengthy debate in both chambers regarding the precedent it would create in overturning terms of office of duly elected school board members – and potentially other elected officials – and the constitutionality of such a proposal.

Status: The bill goes back to the Governor, who can sign it without his amendments or veto it. If the Governor vetoes the bill, the veto will stand, and the bill will not become law. If the Governor does not act on the bill within thirty days after the adjournment of the reconvened session, the bill will become law without his signature.

VML Contact: Janet Areson, jareson@vml.org

 

Finance

The Governor’s amendment was adopted:

HB746(Bell) – Volunteer fire department training fund. Delegate Bell’s bill establishes the Volunteer Fire Department Training Fund, with the funds to be dedicated to assisting or reimbursing volunteer fire departments or volunteer fire companies with the costs of training and certifying volunteer firefighters. The House of Delegates included $25,000 in each year from the general fund for their proposed FY2023-2024 budget (Item 419 #1h).

The bill also directs the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to establish a workgroup to “study the accessibility and availability of training programs with a specific focus on providing training programs to volunteer fire departments, volunteer fire companies, and volunteer firefighters in a cost-efficient and effective manner.”

Status: Governor Youngkin’s amendment was adopted by the General Assembly and the legislation will go into effect on July 1, 2022. Given Secretary Mosier’s background in local law enforcement, VML is encouraged that he will establish a workgroup pursuant to HB746 that includes local government voices at the table.

HB911(Orrock) – Local option to provide credit against taxes & fees to volunteers. Delegate Orrock’s bill permits any county, city, or town to provide a credit against local taxes and/or fees imposed by that locality to individuals who provide approved volunteer services in the locality. The bill specifies that the credit shall not be applied against any property taxes or payments in lieu of property taxes.

Critically, the bill gives localities the discretion to determine which taxes or fees are permissible uses of the credit and which services the locality wants to make eligible for such credit.

Status: Governor Youngkin’s amendment was adopted by the General Assembly and the legislation will go into effect on July 1, 2022.

VML Contact: Carter Hutchinson, chutchinson@vml.org

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Opportunities & Events

Broadband Together Conference – May 18-19 in Richmond

Local government leaders and staff are encouraged to attend this two-day conference highlighting important opportunities, developments and trends happening with broadband in Virginia. Attendees will hear from state and national legislators, industry experts, and educators on the topics that matter most to local governments, including how the expansion and adoption of broadband in the Commonwealth will affect:

  • Workforce Issues
  • Economic Development
  • Reaching the Unserved
  • Home Ownership and Valuation
  • Smart City and Smart Home Creation
  • …and much more!

A full agenda and event registration/hotel information are available here >.

This event will be held at the Hilton Short Pump and is hosted by the Virginia Municipal League, the Virginia Association of Counites, and the Broadband Association of Virginia.

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org

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Webinar: “Handling Contentious Issues and Potential Disruptions at Council/Board Meetings”

The Virginia Municipal League is pleased to be a co-sponsor of George Mason University’s Regional Elected Leaders Initiative upcoming spring 2022 governance webinars.

These webinars are designed for elected leaders currently serving in public office and local government staff.

The topic of both webinars is “Effectively Managing Council/Board Meetings: Handling Contentious Issues and Potential Disruptions.”

Facilitated by the Hon. Jay Fisette.

Register for free now!

Webinar #1 – NOVA Focused Panel: Friday, May 6: 12–1:15

  • Babur Lateef, Chair, Prince William School Board
  • Phyllis Randall, Chair, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
  • Roger Wiley Esq., Legal Counsel, Virginia Municipal League

Webinar #2 – Virginia-Wide Panel: Friday, May 20: 12–1:15

  • D. Michael Barber, Mayor, Town of Christiansburg
  • James Coleman, Chair, Lynchburg City School Board
  • Katie Cristol, Chair, Arlington County Board
  • Walter Erwin, Esq., Retired Attorney for the City of Lynchburg

Key questions addressed in both webinars…

  • How have political polarization and citizen activism appeared in Council/Board rooms?
  • What strategies have others used to effectively manage their meetings?
  • Is Roberts Rules of Order an obstacle to managing disruptions or a useful tool?
  • What are the powers of the presiding officer?
  • What are your options in setting the rules for public comment?
  • Are there Codes of Conduct or agreements that help member-to-member dynamics stay civil?
  • What role do professional staff play when meetings are contentious?

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org

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Commonwealth Transportation Board regional meetings coming in May

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) is conducting public meetings through May 12 2022 on the FY2023-FY2028 Six Year Improvement Program (SYIP) which will be adopted in June. A good overview of the draft FY23-28 SYIP from the most recent CTB meeting can be found here >.

Meeting materials including overviews of the Commonwealth’s state of good repair program, the statewide bridge repair formula, a list of projects greater than $25 million, and other materials regarding plans for transportation projects included in the Six Year Improvement Program that are the subject of the 2022 meeting including how to comment online can be found here >.

Meetings will be held in person at the following locations:

Monday, May 2
4:00 pm
Staunton District
Blue Ridge Community College
Plecker Center
1 College Lane
Weyers Cave, Virginia 24486

Tuesday, May 3
4:00 pm
Lynchburg District
Virginian Hotel
712 Church Street
Lynchburg, Virginia 24504

Wednesday, May 4
5:30 pm
Northern Virginia District
Northern Virginia District Office
Potomac Conference Room
4975 Alliance Drive Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Monday, May 9
4:00 pm
Hampton Roads District
Hampton Roads District Auditorium
7511 Burbage Drive
Suffolk, Virginia 23435

Wednesday, May 11
4:00 pm
Bristol District
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
One Partnership Circle
Abingdon, Virginia 24210

Thursday, May 12
4:00 pm
Salem District
Holiday Inn Valley View
3315 Ordway Drive NW
Roanoke, Virginia 24017

More information about the meetings and resources is available here >.

VML Contact: Mitchell Smiley, msmiley@vml.org

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National Civic Review spring edition now available

Communities succeed when they leverage the power of civic engagement and take collaborative approaches to local challenges such as the lack of affordable housing. This issue of the National Civic Review borrows some old ideas—organizing local civic leagues and publishing local monthly newsletters—and explores some newer ones— community-oriented real estate development and the use of public housing agencies to promote literacy.

To access this edition, go to the table of contents where you will be prompted to enter your unique access code: VML22.

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org

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VML now accepting entries for 2022 Innovation Awards

It’s time again to celebrate local government achievements!

It’s time again for our local government members to spotlight programs and individuals that have made a big difference by creating innovative solutions to address emerging needs.

Award-winning projects typically demonstrate innovative ways of delivering services, addressing community needs, or significantly improving an existing service.

One winning project from the category winners will be selected for the top prize – the coveted President’s Award!

All entries must be received via e-mail by 5:00 p.m., Monday, Aug. 15, 2022. The awards will be presented at VML’s Annual Conference in Richmond in October.

More details and a link to the official entry form are available here >.

VML Contact: Manuel Timbreza, mtimbreza@vml.org

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Get published in VML’s magazine! Tell us about your favorite outdoor recreation location in Virginia

For our 2022 “Virginia You Love” magazine issue this summer we want our readers to tell us their perfect place to have fun outside. It could be a favorite hiking trail or the stadium bleachers of the hometown ball team. Perhaps you can be found in a mountain lake with family or at the dog park with your furry friend. Maybe you like the challenges of long fairways and fast greens or the peace and quiet of a bench under a shady tree. Vita courses, ropes courses, pump tracks, brewery decks…Wherever, whatever, we want to hear about it!

Have your place featured in our magazine!

If you tell us about your favorite place for outdoor fun, we will put it on the list of possible places to feature in the July/August issue of Virginia Town & City. You can nominate any place you like…just so long as it’s outdoors and in Virginia.

It’s super easy to participate

Learn more and complete the short online survey here >.

VML Contact: Manuel Timbreza, mtimbreza@vml.org

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  • eNews: Special Edition May 20, 2022 Broadband Together: Resources now available On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, VML, VACo and the Broadband Association of Virginia hosted a  conference titled “Broadband Together”. Topics included connectivity, affordability,…
  • eNews May 13, 2022   This edition of eNews is sponsored by:   The Virginia Resources Authority provides innovative, cost-effective and sustainable financial solutions to build vibrant and healthy Virginia communities. Since it was created by…
  • eNews April 29, 2022   This edition of eNews is sponsored by:  As the market leader in making government data discoverable, usable, and actionable, Tyler Technologies empowers public servants to create safer, smarter, and more vibrant…
  • eNews April 15, 2022   This edition of eNews is sponsored by: Our customers are our number one priority, and we are proud to deliver clean, safe, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services. Read more…
  • eNews April 8, 2022   This edition of eNews is sponsored by:   We provide the most comprehensive array of coverages for local governments to make sure you are taken care of, no matter the need.…
  • eNews March 25, 2022   This edition of eNews is sponsored by:   With expertise and a passion for Playgrounds, Parks and Sports Infrastructure, our team provides consulting, design, installation, construction and maintenance services to a…
  • eNews: Special Edition March 15, 2022   This edition of eNews is sponsored by:   Founded in 1998, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC is a full-service public affairs firm offering federal, state, and local government relations, infrastructure and economic development,…
  • eNews March 11, 2022   This edition of eNews is sponsored by: DePorter, Dominick & Associates are leaders in quality outdoor lighting for infrastructure. Serving multiple markets for over 10 years, DD&A has the experience, product…
  • eNews March 8, 2022   This edition of eNews is sponsored by: The Virginia Institute of Government (VIG), a unit of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, was established in 1994, by the Virginia General…
  • eNews March 4, 2022   This edition of eNews is sponsored by: The Carter School Political Leadership Academy equips participants with meaningful conflict analysis and resolution ideas, skills, and experience to pursue more effective and peaceful…
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