Virginia Municipal League

Building Better Communities Through Sound Government

BETTER COMMUNITIES THROUGH SOUND GOVERNMENT

eNews September 17, 2021

Friday, September 17, 2021 - 04:53pm

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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Comments and questions about this website or the data provided may be addressed to Manuel Timbreza
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