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:

Budget & Economy

VML 2021 Annual Conference

Commissions

Events & Opportunities

Budget & Economy

Governor outlines historic surplus and record reserves; Secretary Flores provides details

Gov. Ralph Northam delivered good news about Virginia’s Fiscal Year 2021 revenue picture to the General Assembly’s budget and finance committees on Aug. 18 in Richmond.

Northam reported that Virginia ended fiscal year 2021 with a historic $2.6 billion surplus, the largest in the Commonwealth’s history. All major general fund revenue sources exceeded their forecasts; FY2021 general fund resources grew 14.2 percent, far ahead of the official forecast of 2.7 percent growth.

Payroll withholding and sales taxes, which together account for 71 percent of state revenues, grew 6.4 percent in FY2021.

Revenue from personal income taxes was up 4.7 percent, sales tax revenue was up 12.4 percent, and recordation fees were up almost 41 percent.

Revenue from ABC profits increased by 29.4 percent. Local governments by law are due a part of those profits, but the General Assembly carved out the local distribution through language in the Appropriations Act during the Great Recession of 2009.

Northam referenced the factors that helped with a strong revenue performance last fiscal year: the deployment of the COVID-19 vaccine, which helped move the state past mitigation measures, the federal recovery funds, and a strong national economy that boosted the stock market.

He harkened back to last August when the expectation was that the pandemic would reduce revenues.  That tone shifted in December when economists saw that Virginia was on an upswing with expectations for $1.2 billion in additional revenue. He added that Virginia more than doubled that figure.

While Virginia’s economy performed well overall, Northam acknowledged that a lot of people are still struggling. He thanked legislators for their efforts during the most recent special session to program $4.3 billion in federal American Rescue Act funds into a variety of programs and infrastructure efforts and highlighted the $700 million for broadband access.

Northam ended his comments with optimism tinged with caution about what surprises COVID may still “throw our way” such as the surge from the Delta variant. He added that his budget development would continue to prioritize long-term investments and supporting people as they recover from the pandemic, but it would also be prudent and cautious because of the unknowns of COVID.

Northam’s full remarks can be read here >.

Following the Governor’s remarks, legislators learned the details behind the FY2021 numbers from Secretary of Finance Joe Flores.

Flores explained that the economic impact of COVID-19 did not mirror prior recessions for the following reasons:

  • It was a deep recession, but shorter than anticipated.
  • High income earners were largely unaffected.
  • Both the Stock Market and housing market surged.

Flores also pointed to the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines and federal stimulus funds as putting Virginia on the path to recovery.

While most national and state income variables performed above expectation and Virginia’s personal income and wages/salaries were above the forecast, Flores noted that employment figures stayed below projections.

A strong national economy and surging stock market contributed to higher non-withholding revenues, which accounted for almost half of the surplus (37.1 percent growth over FY2020 as opposed to forecasted growth of 4.4 percent – reaping $1.2 billion above the estimate). However, Flores noted that non-withholding is a volatile revenue source.

Corporate income tax receipts exceeded expectations as well, coming in $227 million above the estimates.

Flores’s detailed review of the FY2021 general fund revenue and Virginia economy is available here >.

VML Contact: Janet Areson, jareson@vml.org

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Transportation revenues see the light at the end of the tunnel

At the Joint meeting of the House and Senate money committees this Wednesday, Finance Secretary Joe Flores announced that transportation revenues came in higher than anticipated resulting in a revenue surplus of approximately $371.5 million.

The transportation revenues surplus is in part due to robust vehicle sales tax and strong motor fuels revenues. Flores attributed the growth in transportation revenues to several factors including the overall improvement of the state’s economy including increases in vehicle sales prices due to strong consumer demand and Virginians driving more as daily life has begun to return to normal.

The surplus of transportation revenues is good news after a year of mixed signals from transportation revenue sources that resulted in drastic measures by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to manage short-term cash balances to continue funding existing projects.

It will not be until the next several meetings of the CTB that we will find out the impact this transportation revenue surplus might have on transportation programs that are managed by the CTB. While it is certainly a good sign that revenues are rebounding there are many programs that were delayed as transportation revenues were uncertain or declining at the end of FY20 and the beginning of FY21. It is worth keeping in mind that how the CTB decides to manage this revenue surplus or any actions the General Assembly decides to take during the 2022 Session remain to be seen and could have an impact on projects and programs.

While Flores’s announcement of higher than anticipated transportation revenues was certainly welcome news regarding FY21 revenues he did so while cautioning that while revenues for FY22 are also looking better than expected this outlook comes with a significant caveat that the impact the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may yet have curveballs in store for Virginia and the economy of the Commonwealth. We will know more about the state of revenues later this year as Governor Northam prepares the final budget of his term in office.

VML Contact: Mitchell Smiley, msmiley@vml.org

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VML 2021 Annual Conference

A message about health and safety at the 2021 VML Annual Conference

VML is truly looking forward to holding an in-person Annual Conference October 3-5 in Leesburg. To hold a successful event, VML is considering the health and safety of all staff and attendees.  If you would like to attend our conference in person, we strongly encourage you to get the COVID-19 vaccine in the next week. This will ensure that you are fully vaccinated by the time the annual conference begins. VML will continue to monitor the COVID-19 numbers with an eye on a safe event, which may have to include restricting attendees.

VML Contact: Michelle Gowdy, mgowdy@vml.org

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Post-conference golf event registration now open!

It’s not every year that the Virginia Municipal League’s annual conference happens at a location that also boasts a world class golf course. But that’s just what’s going to happen this fall when we gather at the fantastic Lansdowne Resort (and golf course) in Leesburg!

We are pleased to announce a VML golf event to immediately follow the annual conference.

  • Date: Tuesday, October 5.
  • Time: Tee times will be assigned beginning from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM until all available slots are filled.
  • Cost: $110 per person (special discounted VML rate)
  • Amenities: Boxed lunches courtesy McGuireWoods Consulting will be provided prior to the start of the event. Gifts and prizes to be announced soon!
  • Groupings & Tee Times: We will do our best to put people who register together in the same foursome. Individual registrations will be assigned to a foursome. All tee times will be communicated in advance of the conference.

To participate, please use the link below to register, indicate your method of payment and provide any dietary restrictions.

More information and registration available here >.

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullignton@vml.org

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Commissions

Joint Commission on Technology and Science meets

The Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS) met on Tuesday for an extremely honest and useful discussion on ethical hackers led by Chris Roberts, a leading ethical hacker. Ethical hackers is the terms often used to refer to security experts who duplicate strategies and actions of malicious attackers to reveal weaknesses in a system.

The ethical hacking presentation materials are available here >.

JCOTS also received the recommendations of the Virginia Academy of Science on Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding. The Academy’s recommendations included:

  • Establish a structure for more effective collaboration and coordination
  • Address gaps in policy and procedure
  • Create a body to coordinate and support critical data collection and technology transfer across the Commonwealth
  • Provide meaningful economic innovation and incentives to build a resilience economy in Virginia

The Academy’s presentation materials are available here >.

A recording of the meeting, including both presentations, is available on the Virginia House of Delegates Video Streaming resource page.

VML Contact: Michelle Gowdy, mgowdy@vml.org

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Events & Opportunities

Save the date: “Broadband Together” event coming December 1-2

On December 1-2 VML, the Broadband Association of Virginia, and the Virginia Association of Counties will host a “Broadband Together” event for Virginia’s localities. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting event coming soon on the “Broadband Together” site.

VML Contact: Michelle Gowdy, mgowdy@vml.org

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American Rescue Plan: “Opportunities to Fund Water Infrastructure Priorities” webinar coming in September

On Tuesday, September 14 at 10:00 AM ET, the National Association of Counties (NACo) will host a 1.5-hour webinar to provide an overview of the American Rescue Plan, detail how funds can support stormwater and wastewater, share several examples of local government plans for funding, and a follow-up document with jurisdiction and national resources for additional questions. The webinar goals are to address questions, learn of examples, and consider funding projects that address long-standing water infrastructure needs.

Background: The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) established the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds; an allocation of $65.1 billion for local government use to respond to acute pandemic response needs, fill revenue shortfalls and support hard-hit communities. It also allows funds to be used for “necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure.”

Registration has not been announced yet but should be available on NACo’s website soon.

VML Contact: Mitchell Smiley, msmiley@vml.org

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Survey request for cities, counties, and towns under 20,000

Stephanie D. Davis, Ph.D., Collegiate Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management at Virginia Tech, is conducting a research project for the 2021 ICMA Local Government Research Fellowship.  Each year, ICMA selects fellows to conduct projects that inform ICMA’s publications, data, and information and training and professional development activities.

Dr. Davis’ research project titled “Strategic Planning for Small Communities” will identify the challenges small communities face implementing a strategic plan and recommendations for addressing those issues.  The final product will include recommendations and best practices for developing and implementing a strategic plan including strategic planning during times of crisis.

Please click the link below to take the survey.

Access the Strategic Planning for Small Communities Survey here >

Your responses are confidential.  If you would like your community to be considered for a case study as a best practice, please include your contact information in the space provided at the end of the survey. As a reminder, this survey is for communities with populations 20,000 and below.

Thank you for your assistance and support for this project.

Contact: Stephanie D. Davis, sddavis@vt.edu

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VDEM announces deadlines for BRIC and FMA with Focus on Equitable Mitigation grants

FEMA has announced the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for FY 21 BRIC and FMA, which includes $1.16B in funding for these nationally competitive programs. VDEM is currently accepting pre-applications/applications for these funding cycles. Please note that VDEM’s application timeline is different from FEMA’s as VDEM builds in time to provide technical assistance such as benefit cost analysis, as well as a stakeholder driven peer review process mentioned above.

VDEM is also accepting applications through the HMGP for FEMA-DR-VA-4602, which is the February 2021 Ice Storm. HMGP funding through DR-4602 is expected to be approximately $3.7M.

More information is available here >.

VDEM encourages applicants to submit pre-applications as soon as possible so VDEM Grant Administrators can determine eligibility prior to being prompted to submit an application. VDEM can assist in determining the most appropriate grant program to apply for. All project applications, and supporting documentation, must be submitted by November 10, 2021, at 5pm through https://vdem.emgants.com.

Application development webinars

VDEM will provide three webinars on application development for FMA, BRIC, and HMGP 4602.

Friday, August 20, 2021 – 10:00 AM

Monday, August 23, 2021 – 10:00 AM

Friday, August 27 2021 – 2:00 PM

VDEM Contact: For more information on this funding opportunity, please contact vdemgrants@vdem.virginia.gov. To stay current on VDEM grant funding opportunities, please register for Grant Alerts at https://www.vaemergency.gov/grants/.

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VAPDC final summer series event on August 24

The Virginia Association of Planning Commissions (VAPDC) has presented a series of educational and informational programs throughout the Summer. The fourth and final of these online meetings it tilted “Broadband Solutions” and will be held Tuesday, August 24, 2021, 10:00-11:30 AM.

Join VAPDC for the latest news on federal and state broadband funding programs. Just added to the list of speakers is Ajit Pai, Former Federal Communications Commission Chairman. Attendees will also hear from several service providers about how they are making partnerships work to expand broadband access in different parts of Virginia.

Register here >.

Visit VAPDC’s events page for more details >.

VAPDC Contact: Executive Director David Blount, DBlount@tjpdc.org

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ZenCity offers new planning guide for city and county managers

VML member ZenCity has a new content piece that our local government members may find useful.

The City Manager’s Guide to Strategic Planning Made Easier Through Community Feedback, offers best practices to help city and county managers draft and execute a successful plan. Topics covered include:

  • Avoid pitfalls that occur without adequate community input
  • Use community engagement in strategic planning best practices
  • Define strategic priorities based on your community’s needs
  • Get the data you need for council to approve your plan
  • Use resident feedback for performance management
  • Benchmark your initiatives against similar cities & counties

Download a copy of the guide here >.

ZenCity Contact: Assaf Frances, Director of Urban Policy & Partnerships, frances@zencity.io

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House and Senate adopt budget conference report

The General Assembly completed its budget work on Monday when the House and Senate adopted the budget conference report for HB 7001 worked out last Friday afternoon.

The conference report included some of the amendments from the Senate budget, but they were likewise amended.  Some of the Senate amendments did not make it into the final version.

Now that the House and Senate have acted on the conference report, it will go the Governor for review. VML has heard that the Governor intends to sign the bill, at which time it will go into effect.

The following is an update of what happened to select Senate amendments to the bill.

Hazard pay bonuses and series of “one-time” bonuses for sheriff’s offices AND regional jail officers

Conferees agreed to one-time hazard pay bonuses of $3,000 for state-supported sworn officers of sheriff’s departments and regional jails (the original bill was $1,000; the Senate proposed $5,000 with a local match required). The bill also includes language calling for the Governor to convene a workgroup to include staff from the Department of Human Resource Management, the State Compensation Board, Department of Corrections, and the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to address the compensation structure for state correctional officers, deputy sheriffs, and regional jail officers. The workgroup will deliver recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by Oct. 15, 2021.

Gone is the Senate proposal to carry bonuses through each fiscal year of the 2022-2024 biennium.

Re-opening of DMV customer service centers for walk-in traffic

When the pandemic hit, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) transitioned to online only service and later added appointment-only service across the Commonwealth. Senator Peterson put in a budget amendment during the floor session in hopes of re-opening the DMV for in-person, walk-in client services.

The initial amendment language read: “Within 30 days of the effective date of this legislation, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall fully reopen all Customer Service Centers for in-person services and shall provide for the same level of customer services and transaction types as was provided on March 1, 2020. The Department may continue to use the appointment reservation system to schedule priority service but shall not turn away walk-in customers.”

Between the initial amendment and the final conference committee version, DMVs are now required to submit an operating plan for walk-in customers as well as appointments within the next 30 days. Effectively, within 30 days the DMV must implement the operation plan by opening its Customer Service Centers to walk-ins.

The amendment language now reads: “Within 30 days of the effective date of this act, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly providing a detailed operating plan for serving walk-in customers at existing Customer Service Centers in addition to the current appointment reservation system. Within 30 days of submission of the operating plan, the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles shall ensure that all Customer Service Centers are open for in-person walk-in services in accordance with the operating plan.”

Medicaid home & community-based service rates

The conference report extends the 12.5 percent rate increase for Medicaid Home and Community-based services and additional six months to June 30, 2022 (introduced bill was through Dec. 31, 2021).  The conference report allows for the extended increase with certain exceptions such as agency and consumer directed personal care, respite, and companion services in the home and community-based services waivers and the EPSDT program.

Overtime compensation

As you may recall, Delegate Mullin offered HB2063 during the 2021 Special Session I, which the Office of the Attorney General has since confirmed would prevent both public and private employers from offering compensatory time in lieu of overtime. The original budget bill included the following language in an attempt to “fix” the issue:

“That for the purposes of the Virginia Overtime Wage Act §40.1-29.2 the terms “Wages” and 1047 “Pay” shall also mean overtime compensatory time in lieu of wages for overtime pay by public 1048 agencies as provided by the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §207(o). Employees covered under 1049 29 U.S.C. §213(b)(10)(A) shall be exempt from the overtime requirements set out in Code of Virginia 1050 §40.1-29.2.”

Following the just concluded budget conference, and as passed by both houses, the agreed upon language now reads:

“That for purposes of the Virginia Overtime Wage Act §40.1-29.2 the term “Wages” and “Pay” shall also mean overtime compensatory time in lieu of wages for overtime pay by public agencies as provided by the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §207(o), and the term “Employee” shall not include an individual described in 29 U.S.C. §203(e)(4). In addition to the provisions of subsection D of §40.1-29.2 of the Code of Virginia, an employer may assert an exemption to the overtime requirements for employees who meet any of the exemptions set forth in 29 U.S.C. §213(a). Employees covered under 29 U.S.C. §213(b)(10)(A) shall be exempt from the overtime requirements set out in Code of Virginia §40.1-29.2.”

Addition to Conference Report: Gun violence reduction/youth & gang violence intervention.

The conference report added $2.5 million to the Department of Criminal Justice Services to provide one-time grants to groups providing community-based gun violence reduction or youth and gang violence intervention programming through initiatives including (but not limited to) programs modeled on, or similar to the models used by Gang Reduction and Youth Development of Los Angeles and Operation Ceasefire of Boston. The Department will prioritize initiatives in localities experiencing higher than average levels of gun violence and those assessed pursuant to language approved in the Appropriations Act passed in the 2020 regular session (cities of Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke, and Petersburg).

VML Policy Staff:  Michelle Gowdy (mgowdy@vml.org); Jessica Ackerman (jackerman@vml.org); Janet Areson (jareson@vml.org); Josette Bulova (jbulova@vml.org); Mitchell Smiley (msmiley@vml.org)

 

In this issue:

Special Session Update

Upcoming Conferences

National Civic Review

VML News

 

Special Session Updates

Virginia State Senate Budget Amendments

Budget amendment measures moving forward; conference necessary to reconcile differences

This week the General Assembly convened for the first in-person session in the Virginia State Capitol Building since 2019. A primary goal of this special session is to adopt amendments to the State Appropriations Act effectively allocating federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds coming to the state government.  Governor Ralph Northam developed a roadmap for the use of ARPA funds, and a House and Senate bill containing amendments to implement the roadmap were introduced early this week.

While the House of Delegates passed HB 7001 without any amendments, the Senate voted to accept a number of floor amendments to its counterpart bill, SB 7001.  Of interest to local government are the following amendments adopted by the Senate; all of these will be subject to change when the House and Senate conferees take up the bills in the coming days:

Hazard pay bonuses and a series of “one-time” bonuses for sheriff’s offices and regional jail officers

(Hackworth). Authorizes additional state ARPA money to provide a $5,000 one-time hazard pay bonus for sheriff’s offices and regional jail officers in FY 2022.  This is an increase from the $1,000 one-time hazard pay bonus as proposed in the Governor’s bill.  Hackworth’s amendment also stipulates that funding for this enhanced bonus would be provided for the state’s share of locally funded positions, dependent upon local sheriffs’ offices and regional jails (i.e., local governments) satisfying a local match requirement of one-half of the total cost.

A related amendment authorizes the use of ARPA funds to provide a $5,000 bonus in each fiscal year of the 2022-2024 biennium for state-supported and locally funded staff of sheriffs’ departments and regional jails.  Again, for the locally funded position bonuses, a local match of one-half of the total cost of the bonus is required.

Note:  Following the Senate’s adoption of this amendment, Gov. Northam’s office issued a press release on behalf of himself and the chairs of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance & Appropriations Committees (Delegate Luke Torian and Senator Janet Howell, respectively) stating their intention to convene a state workgroup to review and address the compensation structure for state correctional officers, deputy sheriffs, and regional jail officers.  This work group, consisting of staff from the Department of Human Resource Management, State Compensation Board, and the Department of Corrections as well as the General Assembly’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), will deliver recommendations addressing long-term solutions to continuing staffing challenges no later than Oct. 15, 2021.

Re-opening of DMV customer service centers for walk-in traffic

(Peterson).  Requires the re-opening of Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) customer service centers for in-person services within 30 days of effective date of SB 7001.  It would still allow DMV to offer the option of appointments for customers but requires them to be open for walk-in customers in their customer service centers.

Eviction authority of landlords with four or fewer rental units

(Peterson).  Inserts a reference to Code of Virginia § 55.1-1245. F., which provides that for a landlord who owns four or fewer rental dwelling units, if rent is unpaid when due, and the tenant fails to pay rent within 14 days after written notice is served on him notifying the tenant of his nonpayment, and of the landlord’s intention to terminate the rental agreement if the rent is not paid within the 14-day period, the landlord may terminate the rental agreement and proceed to obtain possession of the premises as provided in § 55.1-1251.

Alexandria CSO reference correction

(Barker).  A technical amendment corrects the reference for the public entity to receive Combined Sewage Overflow (CSO) repair money for the City of Alexandria as the Virginia Sanitation Authority.

Medicaid home & community-based service rates

(Hanger).   Extends the 12.5 percent rate increase for Medicaid Home and Community-based Services for six months until the end of fiscal year 2022. Currently, the rate increase is proposed to expire on Dec. 31, 2021, which would result in a reduction in provider rates on that date. The costs of extending the rates are covered by the state savings in Medicaid from the 12-months of enhanced federal match for Medicaid Home and Community-based Services included in ARPA.

Overtime provisions

(Stanley).  Provides for additional employers to assert exemptions to the Virginia Overtime Wage Act for employees who otherwise meet exemption criteria set forth in the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and to set overtime pay for certain employees at a rate consistent with the FLSA.

Absentee ballots reported by precinct

(Sutterlein).  Provides that notwithstanding § 24.2-712, § 24.2-709 of the Code of Virginia, or any other provision of law, absentee ballots processed at a central absentee precinct shall be sorted by the precinct to which the absentee voter is assigned and the resulting vote totals from such ballots be reported separately for each voter precinct.

VML Policy Staff:  Michelle Gowdy (mgowdy@vml.org); Jessica Ackerman (jackerman@vml.org); Janet Areson (jareson@vml.org); Josette Bulova (jbulova@vml.org); Mitchell Smiley (msmiley@vml.org)

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Upcoming Conference

Resilient Virginia conference details now available

The 2021 Resilient Virginia Conference offers the opportunity to learn more about economic and social resiliency initiatives taking place in Virginia’s rural areas. This year’s theme is “From Recovery to Resilience: Moving to Vibrant, Healthy, and Equitable Communities.” The virtual conference runs from August 25-27 with Governor Ralph Northam will providing opening remarks on the first morning

For more information about event sessions and speakers, view/download the flyer here >.

More information and registration are available online here >.

Resilient Virginia Contact: Managing Director Annette Osso, osso@resilientvirginia.org

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National Civic Review

Summer edition of National Civic Review now available

Access code for VML members: VML21

The summer issue of the National Civic Review celebrates cities that are making progress on addressing challenges such as racial equity, health equity and community resilience. Review authors offer insightful ideas on measuring the value of public participation, engaging urban residents through block clubs, promoting public trust with better service delivery and digital communication, and the most effective ways of seeking input from youthful residents. Former Missoula Mayor and Speaker of the Montana House of Representatives Dan Kemmis offers his ideas on what a small “d” democratic renewal movement might look like in the 21st Century.

You can access this edition by going directly to the table of contents and entering your access code: VML21.

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org

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VML News

VML Innovation Awards: Deadline to submit entries is August 16.

Don’t miss this opportunity to spotlight programs and individuals that have made a big difference to your residents by creating innovative solutions to address emerging needs. The deadline to submit entries is 5:00 PM ET on August 16.

More information and a link to the entry form are available on VML’s website here >.

About the 2021 Innovation Awards

Forty-five years ago, the Virginia Municipal League launched its “Achievement Awards” to recognize outstanding work being done by local governments across Virginia. The program went on to become Virginia’s highest honor in local government creativity. In 2017 the name was changed to “Innovation Awards”, but the purpose remains the same: To celebrate all that you do to make your city, town, or county a great place to live!

Appropriately this is the “sapphire anniversary” year for the awards as sapphire is often associated with healing and peace – two things we have good reason to welcome in 2021. The awards will be presented at VML’s Annual Conference in Leesburg in October.

VML Contact: Manuel Timbreza, mtimbreza@vml.org

2021 Annual Conference: Business & Sponsor membership opportunities now available!

This year’s VML annual conference at the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg promises to be among the best in VML’s history. Our members are looking forward to the opportunity to learn together and share stories in-person following an extended time apart. As in year’s past, organizations and businesses are encouraged to join us at this important annual gathering.

However, please be aware that the Annual Conference will not have a traditional exhibit hall. Instead, VML looks forward to welcoming businesses and organizations to our conference as members of our Community Business Member (CBM) program.

For those businesses and organizations that would like to have a presence at our Annual Conference, becoming a VML Community Business Member is a great way to go! We have added conference-specific options to each level of CBM membership. Review the opportunities here >.

VML Contact: Rob Bullington, rbullington@vml.org

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  • eNews ARPA – May 14, 2021   ARPA briefing for VML members from the National League of Cities on May 19 Join Mike Wallace from the National League of Cities on Wednesday, May 19 from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM for a briefing on the American Rescue Plan Act. Mr. Wallace will discuss the allocation of funds to localities and the…
  • eNews ARPA – May 12, 2021   Additional ARPA webinar briefings from White House and U.S. Treasury – May 12 and May 13 On Monday, May 10, the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs hosted two webinar sessions on the American Rescue Plan’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Program. However, due to popular demand, the hosts had to quickly expand audience…
  • eNews: Special Edition May 11, 2021 In this issue: ARPA U.S. Treasury releases FAQs for State and Local Relief Funds Portal for localities that will receive ARPA funds directly now available Cybersecurity Call scheduled today to address recent ransomware attack concerns Capital Projects Fund Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund statement and resources from U.S. Treasury   ARPA U.S. Treasury releases FAQs for…
  • eNews ARPA – May 10, 2021   Just announced: ARPA webinars today – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Today at 1:00 p.m. ET the Treasury Department released the Interim Final Rule and accompanying guidance for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  Treasury concurrently opened a portal to facilitate…
  • eNews May 7, 2021 In this issue: ARPA VML pushing for state-local APRA work group Some local governments may not receive Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund money until after July 1 Economy & Budget State agency to examine property tax exemptions Will the ban on housing evictions continue? Is COVID-19 loosening its grip on the economy? Marijuana Legalization Vacancies…
  • eNews ARPA – April 30, 2021   A deep dive into ARPA’s Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund… …and how to prepare for your disbursement! The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is made up of numerous funds, all of which are allocated to various entities for different purposes. The two largest funds within ARPA are the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF)…
  • eNews ARPA – April 28, 2021   Hello and welcome to the first of what we know will be many ARPA eNews communications! This is the primary method that we will use to keep you informed as we get guidance from the U.S. Treasury, conduct analysis, create and distribute resources to our members, and generally keep you up to date on…
  • eNews April 23, 2021 In this issue: Economy & Budget American Rescue Plan: Updated resources available Pre-award ARP guidance from Treasury Feds suit up for the American Rescue Plan Taking stock of Federal relief efforts: Why is it taking so long to help? State revenues soar above official forecast Transportation 2022 Six Year Improvement Program (SYIP) comment period has…
  • eNews April 9, 2021 In this issue: Marijuana Legalization Local authority and marijuana legalization in Virginia Budget & Economy Ho-hum veto session is not the last word in 2021 state budget development Economy and job growth shift to the next higher gear Health & Human Services Central Virginia Veteran’s Affairs vaccine eligibility update VDH COVID-19 testing update Body camera…
  • eNews March 26, 2021 In this issue: Health & Human Services Marcus Alert: New resources and survey available for localities Finance & Economy Biden administration pushes the pedal to the metal Political fallout from the American Rescue Plan may delay relief for states and localities Economic heavy hitters push for more federal action Transportation VDOT Local Assistance Division Transportation…
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