VACo County Pulse Podcast Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:42:19 -0400 http://www.vaco.org en-us © 2026 VACo County Pulse Podcast yes ced5bba0-405f-55bd-bfc5-0556ae18dd02 Virginia Association of Counties episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) The Pulse of Virginia's Counties Virginia Association of Counties https://storage.buzzsprout.com/lv3m74waspuwi6esdwxoi5m60zvh?.jpg VACo County Pulse Podcast http://www.vaco.org Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 27 | Electric Power in Virginia: The Essentials for Decision Makers Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 27 | Electric Power in Virginia: The Essentials for Decision Makers Episode 27 – Electric Power in Virginia: The Essentials for Decision Makers – Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine

In this episode, we talk with Dave Roop and Haydn Wadley with the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, also known by its acronym VASEM. Dave and Haydn, along with other contributors from VASEM’s Energy Working Group, authored a white paper titled “Electric Power in Virginia: The Essentials for Decision Makers”. The white paper is a distillation of a more in-depth issue paper developed by the same authors and is intended to provide a fundamental understanding of the technical issues and option available for Virginia to meet the challenge of sharply rising energy demand over the next few decades in ways that are affordable and sustainable without compromising the reliability and resilience of its electric grid. With Dave and Haydn’s knowledge and experience we dive into an explanation of how the grid operates, our current and projected demands on the system, and how Virginia might meet these through a deployment of a combination of existing and emerging technologies.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Episode 27 – Electric Power in Virginia: The Essentials for Decision Makers – Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine

In this episode, we talk with Dave Roop and Haydn Wadley with the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, also known by its acronym VASEM. Dave and Haydn, along with other contributors from VASEM’s Energy Working Group, authored a white paper titled “Electric Power in Virginia: The Essentials for Decision Makers”. The white paper is a distillation of a more in-depth issue paper developed by the same authors and is intended to provide a fundamental understanding of the technical issues and option available for Virginia to meet the challenge of sharply rising energy demand over the next few decades in ways that are affordable and sustainable without compromising the reliability and resilience of its electric grid. With Dave and Haydn’s knowledge and experience we dive into an explanation of how the grid operates, our current and projected demands on the system, and how Virginia might meet these through a deployment of a combination of existing and emerging technologies.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-19671584 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:00:00 -0400 3484 2 27 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 26 | Dark Sky Parks and Reducing Light Pollution Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 26 | Dark Sky Parks and Reducing Light Pollution Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 26 | Dark Sky Parks and Reducing Light Pollution 

We visit two dark sky certified parks to learn how these places take advantage of a neglected and diminishing natural resource, to provide recreational and educational opportunities to the public. We also explore how communities can reduce light pollution to preserve the night sky and improve the health of natural and human built environments. The first part is an interview with Austin Peightel, Staunton River State Park manager, and Jayme Hanzak, president of the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society, to hear the story of how Virginia landed its first dark sky park. In the second part we hear from community leaders Becky Burr and Torney Van Acker to learn about Rappahannock County Park, Virginia’s third, and only County, dark-sky designated park.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 26 | Dark Sky Parks and Reducing Light Pollution 

We visit two dark sky certified parks to learn how these places take advantage of a neglected and diminishing natural resource, to provide recreational and educational opportunities to the public. We also explore how communities can reduce light pollution to preserve the night sky and improve the health of natural and human built environments. The first part is an interview with Austin Peightel, Staunton River State Park manager, and Jayme Hanzak, president of the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society, to hear the story of how Virginia landed its first dark sky park. In the second part we hear from community leaders Becky Burr and Torney Van Acker to learn about Rappahannock County Park, Virginia’s third, and only County, dark-sky designated park.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-19223400 Fri, 22 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400 3431 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 25 | VEPGA Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 25 | VEPGA Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 25 | Purchasing electricity for local governments from Dominion Energy 

In a conversation with Stephen Burr, Energy Manager for Arlington County, and John Lord, Energy Management Coordinator for Fairfax County Public Schools, we learn about the special contractual relationship localities have with Dominion Energy to purchase electricity through the Virginia Energy Purchasing Governmental Association (VEPGA). In addition to understanding the benefits accrued to counties by being members of VEPGA, we discuss an expected increase in electricity rates beginning July 1, 2026, that counties will need to prepare for.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 25 | Purchasing electricity for local governments from Dominion Energy 

In a conversation with Stephen Burr, Energy Manager for Arlington County, and John Lord, Energy Management Coordinator for Fairfax County Public Schools, we learn about the special contractual relationship localities have with Dominion Energy to purchase electricity through the Virginia Energy Purchasing Governmental Association (VEPGA). In addition to understanding the benefits accrued to counties by being members of VEPGA, we discuss an expected increase in electricity rates beginning July 1, 2026, that counties will need to prepare for.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-18984092 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400 2991 2 25 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 24 | Energy Related Legislation in the 2026 General Assembly Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 24 | Energy Related Legislation in the 2026 General Assembly Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 24 | Update on Energy Legislation from 2026 Virginia Legislative Session 

In a conversation with VACo Deputy Director Katie Boyle, we learn about the proposal to end Virginia’s sales tax exemption on data center equipment, and how that has led to an impasse on negotiating the next two-year state budget slated to begin July 1st. We learn about this tax incentive for the industry to locate in the Commonwealth and the potential implications to Virginia and its counties for ending the exemption. We also discuss the impacts to counties on legislation regarding the siting of solar installations and battery storage that have passed and will now be considered by the Governor.  

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 24 | Update on Energy Legislation from 2026 Virginia Legislative Session 

In a conversation with VACo Deputy Director Katie Boyle, we learn about the proposal to end Virginia’s sales tax exemption on data center equipment, and how that has led to an impasse on negotiating the next two-year state budget slated to begin July 1st. We learn about this tax incentive for the industry to locate in the Commonwealth and the potential implications to Virginia and its counties for ending the exemption. We also discuss the impacts to counties on legislation regarding the siting of solar installations and battery storage that have passed and will now be considered by the Governor.  

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-18912246 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400 2845 full false Uplifting Our Children Through Education | Episode 5 | JLARC Uplifting Our Children Through Education | Episode 5 | JLARC Virginia’s K-12 Funding Formula: What the JLARC Report Means for Counties — and What Comes Next 

In the latest episode of VACo’s Uplifting Our Children Through Education podcast series, host Jeremy R. Bennett is joined by Justin Brown, Associate Director of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), and Mark Gribbin, Chief Legislative Analyst (JLARC) and project leader for JLARC’s landmark 2023 report on Virginia’s K-12 funding formula.
 
The JLARC study, directed by the General Assembly, found that Virginia’s current Standards of Quality (SOQ) funding formula significantly underestimates the true cost of providing a high-quality public education. While the SOQ formula calculated that school divisions needed roughly $10.7 billion in combined state and local funding in FY21, actual division spending exceeded $17 billion—leaving counties to absorb much of the gap.
 
During the conversation, Brown and Gribbin walk listeners through why JLARC undertook the study, how the formula has evolved over time, and which structural issues—such as outdated staffing assumptions, labor cost adjustments, and the treatment of higher-needs students—continue to place pressure on local government budgets.
 
The episode also explores the report’s near-term and long-term recommendations, progress made by the General Assembly since the report’s release, and what counties should watch for in upcoming legislative sessions. Listeners will gain valuable insight into how the JLARC findings are shaping state policy discussions and why continued county engagement is essential to achieving a more transparent, predictable, and equitable funding system for Virginia’s public schools.
 
Tune in to hear how this landmark report is influencing K-12 education funding debates and what it means for county leaders working to uplift children through education

Link to JLARC Report and Supporting Documents can be accessed here.

VACo Contact: Jeremy R. Bennett

]]> Virginia’s K-12 Funding Formula: What the JLARC Report Means for Counties — and What Comes Next 

In the latest episode of VACo’s Uplifting Our Children Through Education podcast series, host Jeremy R. Bennett is joined by Justin Brown, Associate Director of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), and Mark Gribbin, Chief Legislative Analyst (JLARC) and project leader for JLARC’s landmark 2023 report on Virginia’s K-12 funding formula.
 
The JLARC study, directed by the General Assembly, found that Virginia’s current Standards of Quality (SOQ) funding formula significantly underestimates the true cost of providing a high-quality public education. While the SOQ formula calculated that school divisions needed roughly $10.7 billion in combined state and local funding in FY21, actual division spending exceeded $17 billion—leaving counties to absorb much of the gap.
 
During the conversation, Brown and Gribbin walk listeners through why JLARC undertook the study, how the formula has evolved over time, and which structural issues—such as outdated staffing assumptions, labor cost adjustments, and the treatment of higher-needs students—continue to place pressure on local government budgets.
 
The episode also explores the report’s near-term and long-term recommendations, progress made by the General Assembly since the report’s release, and what counties should watch for in upcoming legislative sessions. Listeners will gain valuable insight into how the JLARC findings are shaping state policy discussions and why continued county engagement is essential to achieving a more transparent, predictable, and equitable funding system for Virginia’s public schools.
 
Tune in to hear how this landmark report is influencing K-12 education funding debates and what it means for county leaders working to uplift children through education

Link to JLARC Report and Supporting Documents can be accessed here.

VACo Contact: Jeremy R. Bennett

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-18399289 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500 3676 1 5 full false Uplifting Our Children Through Education | Episode 4 | Education Advocacy Uplifting Our Children Through Education | Episode 4 | Education Advocacy Championing K-12: Advocacy & Collaboration Between Boards of Supervisors and School Boards

In this episode of Uplifting Our Children Through Education, host Jeremy Bennett sits down with J.T. Kessler, a classroom teacher and longtime advocate for public education, to explore the essential partnerships that shape K-12 outcomes across Virginia. Drawing on his hands-on experience in both North Carolina and Virginia schools, J.T. offers a dual practitioner-advocate perspective on how boards of supervisors, school boards, and the broader school community can work together to advance student success.

Jeremy and J.T. discuss what effective K-12 advocacy looks like at the local and state levels, how communication between local governing bodies can strengthen funding and policy outcomes, and why collaboration remains critical as localities prepare for future General Assembly sessions. The conversation also examines shared priorities such as teacher recruitment and retention, school infrastructure, capital planning, equitable access for rural and low-wealth communities, and navigating Virginia’s education funding and regulatory landscape.

With a focus on practical strategies, lived classroom experience, and opportunities for joint advocacy, this episode highlights the importance of building strong relationships between school leaders, county officials, and community stakeholders to ensure every student has access to quality learning environments.

]]> Championing K-12: Advocacy & Collaboration Between Boards of Supervisors and School Boards

In this episode of Uplifting Our Children Through Education, host Jeremy Bennett sits down with J.T. Kessler, a classroom teacher and longtime advocate for public education, to explore the essential partnerships that shape K-12 outcomes across Virginia. Drawing on his hands-on experience in both North Carolina and Virginia schools, J.T. offers a dual practitioner-advocate perspective on how boards of supervisors, school boards, and the broader school community can work together to advance student success.

Jeremy and J.T. discuss what effective K-12 advocacy looks like at the local and state levels, how communication between local governing bodies can strengthen funding and policy outcomes, and why collaboration remains critical as localities prepare for future General Assembly sessions. The conversation also examines shared priorities such as teacher recruitment and retention, school infrastructure, capital planning, equitable access for rural and low-wealth communities, and navigating Virginia’s education funding and regulatory landscape.

With a focus on practical strategies, lived classroom experience, and opportunities for joint advocacy, this episode highlights the importance of building strong relationships between school leaders, county officials, and community stakeholders to ensure every student has access to quality learning environments.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-18243811 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500 4152 1 4 full false Uplifting Our Children Through Education | Episode 3 | Prince Edward County, School Funding & Infrastructure; Honoring the Past — Building the Future Uplifting Our Children Through Education | Episode 3 | Prince Edward County, School Funding & Infrastructure; Honoring the Past — Building the Future In this episode of the Uplifting Our Children Through Education series, host Jeremy R. Bennett sits down with three local leaders from Prince Edward County to explore the powerful intersection of history, policy and infrastructure in public education.
Joining Jeremy are:

  • Douglas W. Stanley, County Administrator for Prince Edward County;
  • Cainain Townsend, Executive Director of the Robert Russa Moton Museum and member of the Prince Edward County School Board; and
  • Dr. Donald “Chip” Jones, Jr., Superintendent of Prince Edward County Public Schools.

Together they trace the legacy of Barbara Johns and the 1951 Moton School student protest, challenge the realities of aging school infrastructure in a rural locality, and dive into efforts to finance tomorrow’s learning environments — including recent state-legislative initiatives around local referenda, sales-tax options and the future of school-construction funding. Listeners will learn how the community is balancing heritage, equity and capital investment, and what it takes for counties like Prince Edward to uplift children through strategic partnerships and forward-looking planning.

]]> In this episode of the Uplifting Our Children Through Education series, host Jeremy R. Bennett sits down with three local leaders from Prince Edward County to explore the powerful intersection of history, policy and infrastructure in public education.
Joining Jeremy are:

  • Douglas W. Stanley, County Administrator for Prince Edward County;
  • Cainain Townsend, Executive Director of the Robert Russa Moton Museum and member of the Prince Edward County School Board; and
  • Dr. Donald “Chip” Jones, Jr., Superintendent of Prince Edward County Public Schools.

Together they trace the legacy of Barbara Johns and the 1951 Moton School student protest, challenge the realities of aging school infrastructure in a rural locality, and dive into efforts to finance tomorrow’s learning environments — including recent state-legislative initiatives around local referenda, sales-tax options and the future of school-construction funding. Listeners will learn how the community is balancing heritage, equity and capital investment, and what it takes for counties like Prince Edward to uplift children through strategic partnerships and forward-looking planning.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-18131661 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500 2914 1 3 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 23 | Managing Forest Products for Sustainable Energy and Aviation Fuel Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 23 | Managing Forest Products for Sustainable Energy and Aviation Fuel Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 23 | Using Wood Byproducts to Make Sustainable Energy. In a conversation with Terry Lasher, Executive Director for the Virginia Forestry Association, we learn how Virginia’s forest economy contributes to sustainable energy production. We also discuss the potential for utilizing forestry and agriculture waste to manufacture sustainable aviation fuel.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

We value your feedback. Please share your thoughts on the Energy Landscape of Virginia Podcast here. 

]]> Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 23 | Using Wood Byproducts to Make Sustainable Energy. In a conversation with Terry Lasher, Executive Director for the Virginia Forestry Association, we learn how Virginia’s forest economy contributes to sustainable energy production. We also discuss the potential for utilizing forestry and agriculture waste to manufacture sustainable aviation fuel.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

We value your feedback. Please share your thoughts on the Energy Landscape of Virginia Podcast here. 

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-18099426 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 2484 2 23 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 22 | Logging and Biomass Energy Production Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 22 | Logging and Biomass Energy Production Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 22 | Logging and Biomass Energy Production. Joe Lerch visits the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) Halifax County Biomass plant to learn how biomass energy production contributes to the health of Virginia’s forests and the environment. The episode begins with a conversation with plant manager Mike Davis and Palmer Dugger of L.P. Dugger Logging followed up with a tour of the facility.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode.

]]> Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 22 | Logging and Biomass Energy Production. Joe Lerch visits the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) Halifax County Biomass plant to learn how biomass energy production contributes to the health of Virginia’s forests and the environment. The episode begins with a conversation with plant manager Mike Davis and Palmer Dugger of L.P. Dugger Logging followed up with a tour of the facility.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-18056448 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 2729 2 22 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 21 | Managing Virginia’s Forest with Biomass Energy Production Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 21 | Managing Virginia’s Forest with Biomass Energy Production Joe Lerch and James Hutzler visit Rob Farrell, State Forester and Director of the Virginia Department of Forestry, to learn how management of Virginia’s oak and hickory forests can be combined with biomass energy production. We also take a tour of a forested plot to learn in depth how effective trees species management can produce a renewable source of energy.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Joe Lerch and James Hutzler visit Rob Farrell, State Forester and Director of the Virginia Department of Forestry, to learn how management of Virginia’s oak and hickory forests can be combined with biomass energy production. We also take a tour of a forested plot to learn in depth how effective trees species management can produce a renewable source of energy.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-17872582 Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400 4037 2 21 full false Uplifting Our Children Through Education | Episode 2 | Gloucester County and School Construction; When A Community Comes Together Uplifting Our Children Through Education | Episode 2 | Gloucester County and School Construction; When A Community Comes Together In this episode of the Uplifting Our Children Through Education series, Host Jeremy Bennett sits down with County Administrator Carol Steele and Deputy County Administrator Maria Calloway of Gloucester County to discuss the county’s school construction journey—from the local sales-tax referendum to planning, community engagement, and delivering modern learning spaces. Hear how Gloucester aligned vision, funding, and partnerships to support student success and long-term community growth.

]]> In this episode of the Uplifting Our Children Through Education series, Host Jeremy Bennett sits down with County Administrator Carol Steele and Deputy County Administrator Maria Calloway of Gloucester County to discuss the county’s school construction journey—from the local sales-tax referendum to planning, community engagement, and delivering modern learning spaces. Hear how Gloucester aligned vision, funding, and partnerships to support student success and long-term community growth.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-17814486 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400 1300 1 2 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 20 | The Convergence of Farming with Solar: What is Agrivoltaics? Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 20 | The Convergence of Farming with Solar: What is Agrivoltaics? Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 20 | The Convergence of Farming with Solar: What is Agrivoltaics? 

Joe Lerch talks with Rachel Henley, Working Lands and State Advocacy Specialist with the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation to explore how farms and solar installations can coexist and what the term “Agrivoltaics” means within this context.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 20 | The Convergence of Farming with Solar: What is Agrivoltaics? 

Joe Lerch talks with Rachel Henley, Working Lands and State Advocacy Specialist with the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation to explore how farms and solar installations can coexist and what the term “Agrivoltaics” means within this context.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-17717470 Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0400 1842 2 20 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 19 | Balancing Demand and Supply in the Regional Electric Grid– discussion with PJM Interconnection Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 19 | Balancing Demand and Supply in the Regional Electric Grid– discussion with PJM Interconnection Episode 19 – Balancing Demand and Supply in the Regional Electric Grid – Discussion with PJM Interconnection. Joe Lerch talks with Jason Stanek, Executive Director of State Government Policy with PJM Interconnection the Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) for 13 states and the District Columbia in which Virginia’s electric utilities are members. They discuss the role PJM plays in generation and transmission of electricity and how policies and decisions at the state and local level have impacts on reliability and pricing in the bulk energy market.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Episode 19 – Balancing Demand and Supply in the Regional Electric Grid – Discussion with PJM Interconnection. Joe Lerch talks with Jason Stanek, Executive Director of State Government Policy with PJM Interconnection the Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) for 13 states and the District Columbia in which Virginia’s electric utilities are members. They discuss the role PJM plays in generation and transmission of electricity and how policies and decisions at the state and local level have impacts on reliability and pricing in the bulk energy market.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-17354152 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400 2738 1 19 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 18 | Bonus Housing Episode with MACo Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 18 | Bonus Housing Episode with MACo State and Local Housing Policy – Comparison of Maryland and Virginia with MACo Conduit Street Podcast.

Joe Lerch talks with Dominic Butchko, Director of Intergovernmental Relations with the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) to discuss housing policy and legislation with our neighbors to the North. Listeners to episode 17 of our Energy Landscape of Virginia series will recognize this as part 2 of our foray into comparing how the Virginia and Maryland legislatures tackle prominent issues involving county land use, and the role that local governments play in addressing energy and housing needs.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> State and Local Housing Policy – Comparison of Maryland and Virginia with MACo Conduit Street Podcast.

Joe Lerch talks with Dominic Butchko, Director of Intergovernmental Relations with the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) to discuss housing policy and legislation with our neighbors to the North. Listeners to episode 17 of our Energy Landscape of Virginia series will recognize this as part 2 of our foray into comparing how the Virginia and Maryland legislatures tackle prominent issues involving county land use, and the role that local governments play in addressing energy and housing needs.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-17318682 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0400 2010 1 18 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 17 | State Energy Policy – Comparison of Maryland and Virginia with MACo Conduit Street Podcast Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 17 | State Energy Policy – Comparison of Maryland and Virginia with MACo Conduit Street Podcast Joe Lerch talks with Dominic Butchko, Director of Intergovernmental Relations with the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) to compare both the differences and similarities between Maryland and Virginia when it comes to energy and its intersection with county land use and local authority. With a focus on state legislative policy and action, we delve into issues of utility-scale generation, energy storage, transmission, and the growing demand for electricity from the data center industry. 

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Joe Lerch talks with Dominic Butchko, Director of Intergovernmental Relations with the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) to compare both the differences and similarities between Maryland and Virginia when it comes to energy and its intersection with county land use and local authority. With a focus on state legislative policy and action, we delve into issues of utility-scale generation, energy storage, transmission, and the growing demand for electricity from the data center industry. 

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-17287184 Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400 3490 1 17 full false Uplifting Our Children Through Education | Episode 1 Uplifting Our Children Through Education | Episode 1 Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-17174838 Thu, 22 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400 778 1 1 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 16 | Nuclear Power, Small Modular Reactors, and Fusion Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 16 | Nuclear Power, Small Modular Reactors, and Fusion Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 11 | Nuclear Power, Small Modular Reactors, and Fusion 

In 2023 nuclear power produced approximately one-third of all power from Virginia sources while representing only 12 percent of all generation capacity in the Commonwealth. Dominion Energy operates Virginia’s four nuclear units in plants located in Louisa and Surry counties, each with a capacity of more than 900 megawatts in generation. Each unit operates continuously at capacity, only coming off-line temporarily to refuel approximately every 18 months. In this episode, we sat down with Erich Fritz, manager of business development, and Marc Hofmann, manager of nuclear emergency preparedness and licensing with Dominion to learn more about their existing nuclear fleet, their plans for developing small modular reactors, as well as their partnership with Commonwealth Fusion Systems to assist in building Virginia’s first commercially operating nuclear fusion reactor.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode:

]]> Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 11 | Nuclear Power, Small Modular Reactors, and Fusion 

In 2023 nuclear power produced approximately one-third of all power from Virginia sources while representing only 12 percent of all generation capacity in the Commonwealth. Dominion Energy operates Virginia’s four nuclear units in plants located in Louisa and Surry counties, each with a capacity of more than 900 megawatts in generation. Each unit operates continuously at capacity, only coming off-line temporarily to refuel approximately every 18 months. In this episode, we sat down with Erich Fritz, manager of business development, and Marc Hofmann, manager of nuclear emergency preparedness and licensing with Dominion to learn more about their existing nuclear fleet, their plans for developing small modular reactors, as well as their partnership with Commonwealth Fusion Systems to assist in building Virginia’s first commercially operating nuclear fusion reactor.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode:

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-16995061 Thu, 17 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400 2848 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 15 | Harvesting Excess Heat from Data Centers for Energy – District Energy Systems Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 15 | Harvesting Excess Heat from Data Centers for Energy – District Energy Systems Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 10 | Harvesting Excess Heat from Data Centers for Energy – District Energy Systems

District Energy Systems are a proven engineering solution that conveys heat between suppliers and users, between or among buildings. Excess heat generated by the multitude of data centers located Virginia provides an opportunity to supply heat to adjoining uses, thereby reducing overall energy consumption within what is known as a District Energy System. Joe Lerch talks with Executive Director Bob Lazaro  and Senior Regional Planner Dale Medearis with Northern Virginia Regional Commission, about their longstanding work on promoting the use of District Energy Systems as part of an overall energy savings and efficiency strategy for the region. We’ll learn how leaders in the data center industry are making this happen, and what local governments can do to facilitate the use of excess heat from their operations.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 10 | Harvesting Excess Heat from Data Centers for Energy – District Energy Systems

District Energy Systems are a proven engineering solution that conveys heat between suppliers and users, between or among buildings. Excess heat generated by the multitude of data centers located Virginia provides an opportunity to supply heat to adjoining uses, thereby reducing overall energy consumption within what is known as a District Energy System. Joe Lerch talks with Executive Director Bob Lazaro  and Senior Regional Planner Dale Medearis with Northern Virginia Regional Commission, about their longstanding work on promoting the use of District Energy Systems as part of an overall energy savings and efficiency strategy for the region. We’ll learn how leaders in the data center industry are making this happen, and what local governments can do to facilitate the use of excess heat from their operations.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-16899746 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0400 1914 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 14 | Solar by the Numbers – Facts and Figures Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 14 | Solar by the Numbers – Facts and Figures Joe Lerch talks with Aaron Berryhill, Solar Program Manager with Virginia Department of Energy on the latest numbers in Virginia for solar installations. We cover a wide range of sources that inform how much utility-scale, community-scale, and rooftop solar has been installed in the Commonwealth.

For information and assistance contact:

Aaron Berryhill
Solar Program Manager
Virginia Department of Energy
aaron.berryhill@energy.virginia.gov
Office: 804.486.2754 / Cell: 804.839.6978 

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Joe Lerch talks with Aaron Berryhill, Solar Program Manager with Virginia Department of Energy on the latest numbers in Virginia for solar installations. We cover a wide range of sources that inform how much utility-scale, community-scale, and rooftop solar has been installed in the Commonwealth.

For information and assistance contact:

Aaron Berryhill
Solar Program Manager
Virginia Department of Energy
aaron.berryhill@energy.virginia.gov
Office: 804.486.2754 / Cell: 804.839.6978 

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-16817826 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0400 2854 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 13 | Virginia General Assembly Update – Legislation on Data Centers and Utility-Scale Solar Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 13 | Virginia General Assembly Update – Legislation on Data Centers and Utility-Scale Solar Joe Lerch and VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch provide an update on the status of legislation relating to Data Centers and Utility-Scale Solar.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Joe Lerch and VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch provide an update on the status of legislation relating to Data Centers and Utility-Scale Solar.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-16615995 Thu, 13 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500 1399 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 12 | “Data Centers in Virginia” JLARC Report – Interview with Mark Gribbin Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 12 | “Data Centers in Virginia” JLARC Report – Interview with Mark Gribbin “Data Centers in Virginia” JLARC Report – Interview with Mark Gribbin

In this episode we sit down with Mark Gribbin, Chief Legislative Analyst with the  Joint Legislative Audit Review Commission (JLARC). He is the project leader for JLARC’s “Data Centers in Virginia” report, which was released December 9th. We go over a summary of the report’s findings regarding the economic benefits to Virginia, as well as what challenges lay ahead in regard to meeting the escalating energy demand from the continued growth of the industry. We also discuss the report’s legislative recommendations and policy options, some of which include expressly authorizing local governments to address issues related to water usage and noise.

RESOURCES

]]> “Data Centers in Virginia” JLARC Report – Interview with Mark Gribbin

In this episode we sit down with Mark Gribbin, Chief Legislative Analyst with the  Joint Legislative Audit Review Commission (JLARC). He is the project leader for JLARC’s “Data Centers in Virginia” report, which was released December 9th. We go over a summary of the report’s findings regarding the economic benefits to Virginia, as well as what challenges lay ahead in regard to meeting the escalating energy demand from the continued growth of the industry. We also discuss the report’s legislative recommendations and policy options, some of which include expressly authorizing local governments to address issues related to water usage and noise.

RESOURCES

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-16310246 Thu, 19 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0500 3585 4 7 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 11 | Legislative Outlook Update - Proposals to Preempt County Authority on Siting of Solar Facilities Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 11 | Legislative Outlook Update - Proposals to Preempt County Authority on Siting of Solar Facilities Joe Lerch and VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch provide an update on solar industry lobbying efforts to preempt local authority on siting of utility-scale facilities and what VACo and its members will be doing to ensure this does not happen.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Joe Lerch and VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch provide an update on solar industry lobbying efforts to preempt local authority on siting of utility-scale facilities and what VACo and its members will be doing to ensure this does not happen.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-16233733 Fri, 06 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0500 1523 4 6 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 10 | Reclaiming the Landscape of Southwest Virginia for Energy (Continued) Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 10 | Reclaiming the Landscape of Southwest Virginia for Energy (Continued) Part 2. After learning about the opportunities for repurposing abandoned mine land for data centers in our 1st part with Will Clear and Will Payne, we visit with Mike Hatfield and Natalie Chapman from Wise County to expand on this conversation and take a tour of the future site of Data Center Ridge.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

Photos

]]> Part 2. After learning about the opportunities for repurposing abandoned mine land for data centers in our 1st part with Will Clear and Will Payne, we visit with Mike Hatfield and Natalie Chapman from Wise County to expand on this conversation and take a tour of the future site of Data Center Ridge.

Where to find out more about topics covered in this episode

Photos

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-16059380 Wed, 06 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0500 2609 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 9 | Reclaiming the Landscape of Southwest Virginia for Energy Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 9 | Reclaiming the Landscape of Southwest Virginia for Energy Listen in to Part 1 of a two-part episode recorded in Washington County, where we sit down with business partners Will Clear and Will Payne, who are investing in Southwest Virginia with a particular focus on reclaiming abandoned mine land to repurpose for a reboot of the energy economy of the region. 

Where to find out more about the topics covered in this episode:

]]> Listen in to Part 1 of a two-part episode recorded in Washington County, where we sit down with business partners Will Clear and Will Payne, who are investing in Southwest Virginia with a particular focus on reclaiming abandoned mine land to repurpose for a reboot of the energy economy of the region. 

Where to find out more about the topics covered in this episode:

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-16019692 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0400 3533 4 5 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 8 | DEQ Solar Permit-By-Rule Regulations – HB 206 Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 8 | DEQ Solar Permit-By-Rule Regulations – HB 206 Draft Revisions to DEQ Solar Permit-By-Rule (PBR) Regulations – HB 206

This episode reviews regulations that amend the requirements for utility-scale solar installations to receive state permits to operate. Specifically, a 2022 law – commonly referred to as HB 206 - requires that applicants must avoid, minimize or otherwise mitigate certain losses to prime farmland and forests in order to get approval. In a conversation with Jonathan Rak and Susan Tripp with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), we learn the details of the draft regulations, focusing on important aspects that counties will want to know, opportunities to comment on the draft, and next steps in the process before they become effective.

RESOURCES

]]> Draft Revisions to DEQ Solar Permit-By-Rule (PBR) Regulations – HB 206

This episode reviews regulations that amend the requirements for utility-scale solar installations to receive state permits to operate. Specifically, a 2022 law – commonly referred to as HB 206 - requires that applicants must avoid, minimize or otherwise mitigate certain losses to prime farmland and forests in order to get approval. In a conversation with Jonathan Rak and Susan Tripp with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), we learn the details of the draft regulations, focusing on important aspects that counties will want to know, opportunities to comment on the draft, and next steps in the process before they become effective.

RESOURCES

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-15905030 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400 2679 4 4 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 7 | Mecklenburg County (Continued) Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 7 | Mecklenburg County (Continued) Part 2. Alex takes us on a windshield tour of examples of both land uses, and we discuss how Mecklenburg has responded in terms of planning for how these fit within their community.

]]> Part 2. Alex takes us on a windshield tour of examples of both land uses, and we discuss how Mecklenburg has responded in terms of planning for how these fit within their community.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-15782509 Fri, 20 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400 2070 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 6 | Mecklenburg County Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 6 | Mecklenburg County Part 1. This 2-part episode was recorded on location in Mecklenburg County, which is located on the southern border with North Carolina. In Part 1, we sit down with County Administrator Alex Gottschalk to talk about the unique experience of a rural county that has seen significant growth in both data centers and utility-scale solar. 

]]> Part 1. This 2-part episode was recorded on location in Mecklenburg County, which is located on the southern border with North Carolina. In Part 1, we sit down with County Administrator Alex Gottschalk to talk about the unique experience of a rural county that has seen significant growth in both data centers and utility-scale solar. 

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-15782257 Fri, 20 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400 2067 4 3 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 5 | Utility-Scale Solar (Continued) Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 5 | Utility-Scale Solar (Continued) Utility-Scale Solar – Erosion Control and Stormwater with Mike Rolband

In Part 2 of our episode on Utility-Scale Solar, Joe Lerch sits down with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Director Mike Rolband to focus on issues related to erosion control and stormwater management. We learn about widespread and significant impacts due to developers not adhering to minimum requirements to prevent soil loss and runoff pollution. Director Rolband explains what DEQ has been doing to correct the situation through enforcement, education, and incentives. Counties are part of solving this problem and we’ll learn the role they can play in avoiding and mitigating impacts to soils and waterways.

Resources:

Mike Rolband Slides (specifically for the podcast).

Virginia Tech White Pater - Soil-Site Management Protocols & Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Utility Scale Solar Site (USS) Development and Management in Virginia 

]]> Utility-Scale Solar – Erosion Control and Stormwater with Mike Rolband

In Part 2 of our episode on Utility-Scale Solar, Joe Lerch sits down with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Director Mike Rolband to focus on issues related to erosion control and stormwater management. We learn about widespread and significant impacts due to developers not adhering to minimum requirements to prevent soil loss and runoff pollution. Director Rolband explains what DEQ has been doing to correct the situation through enforcement, education, and incentives. Counties are part of solving this problem and we’ll learn the role they can play in avoiding and mitigating impacts to soils and waterways.

Resources:

Mike Rolband Slides (specifically for the podcast).

Virginia Tech White Pater - Soil-Site Management Protocols & Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Utility Scale Solar Site (USS) Development and Management in Virginia 

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-15689695 Wed, 04 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400 2660 4 2 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 4 | Utility-Scale Solar Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 4 | Utility-Scale Solar Utility-Scale Solar – Legislative Outlook with Dean Lynch

In the first of a 2-part episode, Joe Lerch sits down with VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch to discuss the big picture on state energy policy related to solar and recent attempts to preempt local authority on siting of facilities. Central to this discussion is the passage in 2020 of Virginia Clean Economy Act which sets certain targets for deployment of utility-scale solar facilities.

]]> Utility-Scale Solar – Legislative Outlook with Dean Lynch

In the first of a 2-part episode, Joe Lerch sits down with VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch to discuss the big picture on state energy policy related to solar and recent attempts to preempt local authority on siting of facilities. Central to this discussion is the passage in 2020 of Virginia Clean Economy Act which sets certain targets for deployment of utility-scale solar facilities.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-15688752 Wed, 04 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400 1263 4 2 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 3 | Data Centers (Continued) Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 3 | Data Centers (Continued) Listen in as Joe Lerch interviews Loudoun County Vice Chair and VACo Board Member Juli Briskman. We learn how the industry has transformed their community, what steps they’ve taken in terms of planning for its growth and impacts, and what other counties should consider when the industry comes knocking on the door.

]]> Listen in as Joe Lerch interviews Loudoun County Vice Chair and VACo Board Member Juli Briskman. We learn how the industry has transformed their community, what steps they’ve taken in terms of planning for its growth and impacts, and what other counties should consider when the industry comes knocking on the door.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-15577837 Wed, 14 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0400 2339 4 1 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 2 | Data Centers (Continued) Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 2 | Data Centers (Continued) Part 2. Listen in as Joe Lerch takes a tour of the Equinix facility in Loudoun County. Before hitting the floor to see where all the processing and storage takes place, Chris Kimm with Equinix guides us through the various components of the power to run the data center. 

]]> Part 2. Listen in as Joe Lerch takes a tour of the Equinix facility in Loudoun County. Before hitting the floor to see where all the processing and storage takes place, Chris Kimm with Equinix guides us through the various components of the power to run the data center. 

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-15576435 Wed, 14 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0400 1064 4 1 full false Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 1 | Data Centers Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 1 | Data Centers Part 1. Listen in as Joe Lerch interviews Chris Kimm, Senior Vice President of Global Customer Care and Experience at Equinix, an American multi-national corporation that builds and operates data centers. Learn about the data center business, and how they provide a seamless and instantaneous experience for commerce, industry, education, and social interactions. In so doing we touch on a range of topics including energy consumption, water use and how advances in artificial intelligence (AI) programs are driving demand for more computing power.

]]> Part 1. Listen in as Joe Lerch interviews Chris Kimm, Senior Vice President of Global Customer Care and Experience at Equinix, an American multi-national corporation that builds and operates data centers. Learn about the data center business, and how they provide a seamless and instantaneous experience for commerce, industry, education, and social interactions. In so doing we touch on a range of topics including energy consumption, water use and how advances in artificial intelligence (AI) programs are driving demand for more computing power.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-15479788 Fri, 26 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400 2080 4 1 full false General Assembly Legislative Briefs | Episode 2 | Delegate Terry Kilgore General Assembly Legislative Briefs | Episode 2 | Delegate Terry Kilgore VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch welcomed Delegate Terry Kilgore to the County Pulse Podcast to talk about the 2020 General Assembly Session. The two Scott County natives discussed Equal Taxing Fairness, budget amendments, legislation submitted by Delegate Kilgore, opportunities in Southwest Virginia, and much more. 

]]> VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch welcomed Delegate Terry Kilgore to the County Pulse Podcast to talk about the 2020 General Assembly Session. The two Scott County natives discussed Equal Taxing Fairness, budget amendments, legislation submitted by Delegate Kilgore, opportunities in Southwest Virginia, and much more. 

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-2567014 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 09:00:00 -0500 1337 3 2 full false General Assembly Legislative Briefs | Episode 1 General Assembly Legislative Briefs | Episode 1 VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch and Lancaster County Supervisor Jason Bellows discuss the start of the 2020 General Assembly Session and issues of interest to Counties. 

]]> VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch and Lancaster County Supervisor Jason Bellows discuss the start of the 2020 General Assembly Session and issues of interest to Counties. 

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-2454257 Fri, 10 Jan 2020 13:00:00 -0500 584 3 1 full false A First Look at the Introduced Budget A First Look at the Introduced Budget VACo’s Katie Boyle talks with economist Jim Regimbal about key elements of the Governor’s proposed budget, which was presented on December 17.  VACo’s preliminary analysis of the budget is available at https://www.vaco.org/governor-presents-biennium-budget-proposals/.


]]> VACo’s Katie Boyle talks with economist Jim Regimbal about key elements of the Governor’s proposed budget, which was presented on December 17.  VACo’s preliminary analysis of the budget is available at https://www.vaco.org/governor-presents-biennium-budget-proposals/.


]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-2376188 Mon, 30 Dec 2019 12:00:00 -0500 1465 2 19 full false Funding the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup and an Update on Utility-Scale Solar Funding the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup and an Update on Utility-Scale Solar VACo staff Chris McDonald and Joe Lerch discuss recent announcements and developments in the arena of water quality and renewable energy.

]]> VACo staff Chris McDonald and Joe Lerch discuss recent announcements and developments in the arena of water quality and renewable energy.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-2271878 Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:00:00 -0500 1766 1 18 full false Connecting the Commonwealth – Expanding Broadband Access in Virginia Connecting the Commonwealth – Expanding Broadband Access in Virginia Access to affordable broadband is an essential component of modern life. The impacts of connecting individuals and communities to the internet range from increased economic development, improved student outcomes, and a more vibrant and engaged society. Providing adequate financial assistance to counties to build the necessary telecommunications infrastructure to deploy universal affordable access to internet for all, particularly underserved and rural areas is a priority of VACo. 

Evan Feinman, Chief Broadband Advisor for Governor Ralph Northam and Executive Director of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, and Courtney Dozier, Chief Deputy at Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and Deputy Broadband Advisor, join VACo’s Jeremy Bennett to discuss broadband access and expansion through the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) and other means of support.

Resources/News referenced:
Commonwealth Connect Coalition Website: https://www.commonwealthconnect.virginia.gov/

]]> Access to affordable broadband is an essential component of modern life. The impacts of connecting individuals and communities to the internet range from increased economic development, improved student outcomes, and a more vibrant and engaged society. Providing adequate financial assistance to counties to build the necessary telecommunications infrastructure to deploy universal affordable access to internet for all, particularly underserved and rural areas is a priority of VACo. 

Evan Feinman, Chief Broadband Advisor for Governor Ralph Northam and Executive Director of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, and Courtney Dozier, Chief Deputy at Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and Deputy Broadband Advisor, join VACo’s Jeremy Bennett to discuss broadband access and expansion through the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) and other means of support.

Resources/News referenced:
Commonwealth Connect Coalition Website: https://www.commonwealthconnect.virginia.gov/

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-2265728 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:00:00 -0500 2454 full false The Future of Work The Future of Work VACo’s Angela Inglett speaks with Callan Dudley of Southern Landscape Group about the rising generation of workers. Callan shared how Southern Landscape Group is working with its local school system to inspire students with the employment possibilities within their communities. 

]]> VACo’s Angela Inglett speaks with Callan Dudley of Southern Landscape Group about the rising generation of workers. Callan shared how Southern Landscape Group is working with its local school system to inspire students with the employment possibilities within their communities. 

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-1872226 Tue, 15 Oct 2019 11:00:00 -0400 1682 2 16 full false K-12 Public Education | Small and Rural Schools K-12 Public Education | Small and Rural Schools In this episode, Superintendent Keith Perrigan of Bristol City Public Schools and President of the Small and Rural Schools Coalition and Jason Bellows, District 3 Supervisor for Lancaster County, member of the VACo Board of Directors and VACo Region 2 Director join VACo’s Jeremy Bennett to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing K-12 education in small and rural communities.

]]> In this episode, Superintendent Keith Perrigan of Bristol City Public Schools and President of the Small and Rural Schools Coalition and Jason Bellows, District 3 Supervisor for Lancaster County, member of the VACo Board of Directors and VACo Region 2 Director join VACo’s Jeremy Bennett to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing K-12 education in small and rural communities.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-1766185 Wed, 25 Sep 2019 10:00:00 -0400 1272 2 15 full false Virginia’s Veterans – Innovative Partnerships to Serve Those Who Served Us Virginia’s Veterans – Innovative Partnerships to Serve Those Who Served Us According to a to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Virginia’s veteran population exceeded 725,000 individuals distributed across every locality in the Commonwealth. This constitutes approximately 3.6% of the total veteran population in the United States and ranks Virginia as the 8th state with the most veterans residing within it. The skills, leadership, and experience that veterans carry often benefit the institutions and communities in which they work and reside. 

Ensuring that veterans have access to the benefits and services owed to them is important to ensure quality of life for veterans, their families, and their communities. Carlos Hopkins, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and a member of the Governor’s Cabinet, and Ruby Brabo at-large County Supervisor for King George County, Southern Region Director at the National Association Counties and member of the VACo Board of Directors join VACo’s Jeremy Bennett to discuss partnerships, challenges, and opportunities between county and state government addressing the needs of Virginia’s veteran population, collaboration with U.S Military installations in the Commonwealth, and the role of counties in this effort.

This episode is sponsored by VACORP – the premier group self-insurance pool providing comprehensive coverage and risk management services to Virginia public entities.

Resources/News referenced:
Virginia Veterans Resource Guide: http://www.vva617.org/virginiabenefits.pdf

Find a Virginia Department of Veterans Services Office Near You: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/dvs/locations

Virginia Veteran and Family Support: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/virginia-veteran-and-family-support-2/resources

Governor Northam Announces Major Donation from Smithfield Foods to Support Programs for Homeless Veterans: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2019/august/headline-844989-en.html 

]]> According to a to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Virginia’s veteran population exceeded 725,000 individuals distributed across every locality in the Commonwealth. This constitutes approximately 3.6% of the total veteran population in the United States and ranks Virginia as the 8th state with the most veterans residing within it. The skills, leadership, and experience that veterans carry often benefit the institutions and communities in which they work and reside. 

Ensuring that veterans have access to the benefits and services owed to them is important to ensure quality of life for veterans, their families, and their communities. Carlos Hopkins, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and a member of the Governor’s Cabinet, and Ruby Brabo at-large County Supervisor for King George County, Southern Region Director at the National Association Counties and member of the VACo Board of Directors join VACo’s Jeremy Bennett to discuss partnerships, challenges, and opportunities between county and state government addressing the needs of Virginia’s veteran population, collaboration with U.S Military installations in the Commonwealth, and the role of counties in this effort.

This episode is sponsored by VACORP – the premier group self-insurance pool providing comprehensive coverage and risk management services to Virginia public entities.

Resources/News referenced:
Virginia Veterans Resource Guide: http://www.vva617.org/virginiabenefits.pdf

Find a Virginia Department of Veterans Services Office Near You: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/dvs/locations

Virginia Veteran and Family Support: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/virginia-veteran-and-family-support-2/resources

Governor Northam Announces Major Donation from Smithfield Foods to Support Programs for Homeless Veterans: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2019/august/headline-844989-en.html 

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-1588585 Thu, 22 Aug 2019 15:00:00 -0400 1612 2 14 full false Another Option Another Option Frank Bossio (Former Culpeper County Administrator) and Sue Hansohn (Member of the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors) jump on the podcast to chat with Angela Inglett about workforce development and to explain why we should encourage young people to explore options apart from the college track. We talk about new methods of delivering career training and the importance of recognizing the dignity of work in all its forms. 

]]> Frank Bossio (Former Culpeper County Administrator) and Sue Hansohn (Member of the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors) jump on the podcast to chat with Angela Inglett about workforce development and to explain why we should encourage young people to explore options apart from the college track. We talk about new methods of delivering career training and the importance of recognizing the dignity of work in all its forms. 

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-1448020 Tue, 23 Jul 2019 11:00:00 -0400 1905 VACo, Virginia Association of Counties, Angela Inglett, Workforce Development, New Pathways, Frank Bossio, Sue Hansohn, VACo County Pulse 2 13 full false A Breath of Fresh Air: Life in Rural Virginia A Breath of Fresh Air: Life in Rural Virginia In this episode, we meet the recently appointed Chair of the VACo Rural Caucus: Grayson County Administrator Bill Shepley.  Bill talks to host Angela Inglett about his love for Rural Virginia, his vision for the Caucus, and his excitement about the opportunities facing rural communities.


]]> In this episode, we meet the recently appointed Chair of the VACo Rural Caucus: Grayson County Administrator Bill Shepley.  Bill talks to host Angela Inglett about his love for Rural Virginia, his vision for the Caucus, and his excitement about the opportunities facing rural communities.


]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-1328407 Tue, 25 Jun 2019 10:00:00 -0400 1127 2 12 full false A Conversation about Economic Trends with Jim Regimbal A Conversation about Economic Trends with Jim Regimbal Katie Boyle talks with Jim Regimbal of Fiscal Analytics, Ltd., about key components of the budget adopted in 2019 and major economic factors shaping the next biennium budget.

]]> Katie Boyle talks with Jim Regimbal of Fiscal Analytics, Ltd., about key components of the budget adopted in 2019 and major economic factors shaping the next biennium budget.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-1303609 Wed, 19 Jun 2019 10:00:00 -0400 1465 2 11 full false Commonwealth Conversations - Senator Emmett Hanger Commonwealth Conversations - Senator Emmett Hanger VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch talks with Senate Finance Co-Chairman Emmett Hanger about key policy issues of interest to local governments, including transportation, broadband, and strengthening the state-local partnership.  

]]> VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch talks with Senate Finance Co-Chairman Emmett Hanger about key policy issues of interest to local governments, including transportation, broadband, and strengthening the state-local partnership.  

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-1235645 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 09:00:00 -0400 1652 VACo, Virginia Association of Counties, Senator Emmett Hanger, VA General Assembly, Senator Hanger, Legislative News 2 10 full false Communication and Community – A View from Stafford County on Best Budgeting Practices for K-12 Education Communication and Community – A View from Stafford County on Best Budgeting Practices for K-12 Education Meg Bohmke of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors and VACo Executive Committee and Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools Dr. Scott Kizner join VACo’s Jeremy Bennett to discuss the K-12 education budget process and collaboration between school divisions and boards of supervisors. This episode is sponsored by VACORP - the premier group self-insurance pool providing comprehensive coverage and risk management services to Virginia public entities.

]]> Meg Bohmke of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors and VACo Executive Committee and Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools Dr. Scott Kizner join VACo’s Jeremy Bennett to discuss the K-12 education budget process and collaboration between school divisions and boards of supervisors. This episode is sponsored by VACORP - the premier group self-insurance pool providing comprehensive coverage and risk management services to Virginia public entities.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-1213211 Thu, 30 May 2019 11:00:00 -0400 2535 VACo, Virginia Association of Counties, Education Funding, School Budgets, Stafford County 2 9 full false An Ounce of Prevention - Making a Case for Proactive Land Use Planning An Ounce of Prevention - Making a Case for Proactive Land Use Planning Attorney Sharon Pandak of Greehan Taves & Pandak and CEO Darren Coffey of the Berkley Group join VACo's Joe Lerch to discuss the benefit of having a proactive land use plan. Counties routinely budget dollars for legal expenses but rarely for long-range planning expenses.

]]> Attorney Sharon Pandak of Greehan Taves & Pandak and CEO Darren Coffey of the Berkley Group join VACo's Joe Lerch to discuss the benefit of having a proactive land use plan. Counties routinely budget dollars for legal expenses but rarely for long-range planning expenses.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-1129703 Mon, 13 May 2019 13:00:00 -0400 1301 2 8 full false Loudoun County Preps for the 2020 Census Loudoun County Preps for the 2020 Census Host Joe Lerch speaks with Gwen Kennedy, Loudoun County's Legislative Liaison, about what the Northern Virginia locality is doing to prepare for the 2020 Census approaches. This episode is sponsored by Enterprise Fleet Management - the No. 1 leasing solution for County fleets.

Link to ROAM Tool
Localities can use this tool to see where hard-to-survey areas have been in the past.

 

]]> Host Joe Lerch speaks with Gwen Kennedy, Loudoun County's Legislative Liaison, about what the Northern Virginia locality is doing to prepare for the 2020 Census approaches. This episode is sponsored by Enterprise Fleet Management - the No. 1 leasing solution for County fleets.

Link to ROAM Tool
Localities can use this tool to see where hard-to-survey areas have been in the past.

 

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-1033669 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0400 1113 VACo, Virginia Association of Counties, 2020 Census, Census, Virginia, Counties, Localities 2 7 full false Preparing for the 2020 Census Preparing for the 2020 Census Host Katie Boyle talks with Margaret Nimmo Holland, Executive Director of Voices for Virginia’s Children, about the upcoming 2020 Census and efforts to ensure a successful count in Virginia.  This episode is sponsored by Avaya -- a leading provider of next-generation communications solutions for businesses and government entities worldwide.

]]> Host Katie Boyle talks with Margaret Nimmo Holland, Executive Director of Voices for Virginia’s Children, about the upcoming 2020 Census and efforts to ensure a successful count in Virginia.  This episode is sponsored by Avaya -- a leading provider of next-generation communications solutions for businesses and government entities worldwide.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-1016075 Fri, 29 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0400 1092 VACo, Virginia Association of Counties, Census 2020, 2020 Census, local government, county, counties, county government 2 6 full false 2019 General Assembly Edition 5 2019 General Assembly Edition 5 In this episode, VACo Lobbyists Joe Lerch and Katie Boyle talk about the final days of the 2019 General Assembly Session - the conference process, what's next for the state budget, and some bills of interest to counties. 

]]> In this episode, VACo Lobbyists Joe Lerch and Katie Boyle talk about the final days of the 2019 General Assembly Session - the conference process, what's next for the state budget, and some bills of interest to counties. 

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-967765 Fri, 22 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0500 870 County Government, Local Government, Virginia 2019 General Assembly, VACo, Virginia Association of Counties 2 5 full false 2019 General Assembly Edition 4 2019 General Assembly Edition 4 Host Chris McDonald talks with VACo General Counsel Phyllis Errico and VACo Lobbyist Jeremy Bennett about a variety of issues, including agritourism, school modernization, school safety, FOIA, COIA, and much more. 

]]> Host Chris McDonald talks with VACo General Counsel Phyllis Errico and VACo Lobbyist Jeremy Bennett about a variety of issues, including agritourism, school modernization, school safety, FOIA, COIA, and much more. 

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-963286 Tue, 19 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0500 2086 County Government, Local Government, FOIA, COIA, school safety, education, VACo, Virginia Association of Counties 2 4 full false 2019 General Assembly Edition 3 2019 General Assembly Edition 3 VACo Lobbyists Joe Lerch and Chris McDonald talk about a variety of issues, including alcohol reform, I-81 improvements, industrial hemp, casinos, proffers and much more. 

]]> VACo Lobbyists Joe Lerch and Chris McDonald talk about a variety of issues, including alcohol reform, I-81 improvements, industrial hemp, casinos, proffers and much more. 

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-954456 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0500 1336 County Government, Local Government, I-81, transportation, industrial hemp, proffers, casinos, VACo, Virginia Association of Counties 2 3 full false 2019 General Assembly Edition 2 2019 General Assembly Edition 2 VACo Lobbyists Katie Boyle and Jeremy Bennett join Joe Lerch to talk about the state budget and give updates on the 2019 General Assembly Session. 

This special legislative episode of the VACo County Pulse is sponsored by The Berkley Group – a full-service local government consulting firm employing public sector experts. Located throughout Virginia, The Berkley Group provides personal attention and superior service to local governments across the Commonwealth – and beyond! Visit them at www.bgllc.net.

]]> VACo Lobbyists Katie Boyle and Jeremy Bennett join Joe Lerch to talk about the state budget and give updates on the 2019 General Assembly Session. 

This special legislative episode of the VACo County Pulse is sponsored by The Berkley Group – a full-service local government consulting firm employing public sector experts. Located throughout Virginia, The Berkley Group provides personal attention and superior service to local governments across the Commonwealth – and beyond! Visit them at www.bgllc.net.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-949916 Fri, 08 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0500 1117 County Government, Local Government, Virginia State Budget, VACo, Virginia Association of Counties 2 2 full false 2019 General Assembly Edition 1 2019 General Assembly Edition 1 VACo Lobbyists Joe Lerch and Chris McDonald join Executive Director Dean Lynch to talk about the start of the 2019 General Assembly Session. The trio discusses issues such as solar, proffers, procurement, I-81, water quality, agriculture, and much more. 

This special legislative episode is sponsored by Enterprise Fleet Management.

]]> VACo Lobbyists Joe Lerch and Chris McDonald join Executive Director Dean Lynch to talk about the start of the 2019 General Assembly Session. The trio discusses issues such as solar, proffers, procurement, I-81, water quality, agriculture, and much more. 

This special legislative episode is sponsored by Enterprise Fleet Management.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-923835 Thu, 17 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0500 1050 County Government, Local Government, VACo, Virginia Association of Counties, proffers, transportation, solar 2 1 full false Transition to “Next Generation” NG9-1-1 with VITA’s Steve Marzolf Transition to “Next Generation” NG9-1-1 with VITA’s Steve Marzolf Steve Marzolf, VITA’s Integrated Services Program Director, explains the Commonwealth’s plan to assist local governments with the migration of Next Generation NG9-1-1 technology. This podcast includes important information about the timetable and state funding available for each of the 123 Public Safety Answering Points operated at the local level.

NG9-1-1 Deployment

9-1-1 Services Board

Estimated Capital and Operating Costs

Fairfax County Contract

]]> Steve Marzolf, VITA’s Integrated Services Program Director, explains the Commonwealth’s plan to assist local governments with the migration of Next Generation NG9-1-1 technology. This podcast includes important information about the timetable and state funding available for each of the 123 Public Safety Answering Points operated at the local level.

NG9-1-1 Deployment

9-1-1 Services Board

Estimated Capital and Operating Costs

Fairfax County Contract

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-866564 Tue, 20 Nov 2018 13:00:00 -0500 1301 1 7 full false Top Issues in Behavioral Health with Dr. Hughes Melton Top Issues in Behavioral Health with Dr. Hughes Melton Dr. Hughes Melton, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, sat down with VACo's Dean Lynch to discuss major issues in behavioral health, including efforts to address the addiction crisis and the effects of Medicaid expansion.

]]> Dr. Hughes Melton, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, sat down with VACo's Dean Lynch to discuss major issues in behavioral health, including efforts to address the addiction crisis and the effects of Medicaid expansion.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-838581 Tue, 23 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400 1726 1 6 full false Utility-Scale Solar Energy Utility-Scale Solar Energy Utility-scale solar energy (USSE) projects are growing in size and number across the Commonwealth. Unlike a traditional electric generating facility, they are land intensive. One Megawatt (MW) of generation capacity typically requires the siting of solar panels on 8 to 12 acres of land. The result is larger projects - in the 150MW to 500 MW range - now measure in the thousands of acres and even square miles. This episode explores both the land use impacts and local revenue implications of this emerging energy production market on Virginia’s counties. 

RESOURCES – LAND USE

Mecklenburg County Solar Facility Impact Analysis: An Examination Land Use Impacts by the Berkley Group, LLC (https://www.vaco.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MecklenburgCountySolarFacilityImpactsAnalysis.pdf) 

Utility-Scale Solar Facility Development: Assessing Impact on Historic Battlefields and Related Resources – American Battlefield Trust (https://www.battlefields.org/solar)

§ 15.2-2232.H of the Code of Virginia (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/15.2-2232) - Requirement for Utility-Scale Solar Energy projects to conform with local comprehensive plans. 

§ 15.2-2223C.8 of the Code of Virginia (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title15.2/chapter22/section15.2-2223/) - Prescribes that a locality’s comprehensive plan map may include “…The designation of corridors or routes for electric transmission lines of 150 kilovolts or more.” 

RESOURCES – TAX & REVENUE

Composite Index Ruling for Mecklenburg Solar Facility – April 6, 2017 Letter from Virginia Tax Commissioner (http://www.vaco.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/CompositeIndexRulingMecklenburg.pdf) 

SB 902 (https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?181+ful+CHAP0849+pdf) – Bill introduced at VACo’s request – and now law - that caps the mandatory exemption from local property taxes for solar facilities of less than 150 MW and enables localities to provide exemptions for facilities of 150 MW or greater, as a local option. 

§ 58.1-2606.C of the Code of Virginia (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/chapter26/section58.1-2606/) – Prescribes that the personal property tax applied to electric suppliers of 25 MW or more in generating capacity shall not exceed the applicable real estate rate.

]]> Utility-scale solar energy (USSE) projects are growing in size and number across the Commonwealth. Unlike a traditional electric generating facility, they are land intensive. One Megawatt (MW) of generation capacity typically requires the siting of solar panels on 8 to 12 acres of land. The result is larger projects - in the 150MW to 500 MW range - now measure in the thousands of acres and even square miles. This episode explores both the land use impacts and local revenue implications of this emerging energy production market on Virginia’s counties. 

RESOURCES – LAND USE

Mecklenburg County Solar Facility Impact Analysis: An Examination Land Use Impacts by the Berkley Group, LLC (https://www.vaco.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MecklenburgCountySolarFacilityImpactsAnalysis.pdf) 

Utility-Scale Solar Facility Development: Assessing Impact on Historic Battlefields and Related Resources – American Battlefield Trust (https://www.battlefields.org/solar)

§ 15.2-2232.H of the Code of Virginia (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/15.2-2232) - Requirement for Utility-Scale Solar Energy projects to conform with local comprehensive plans. 

§ 15.2-2223C.8 of the Code of Virginia (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title15.2/chapter22/section15.2-2223/) - Prescribes that a locality’s comprehensive plan map may include “…The designation of corridors or routes for electric transmission lines of 150 kilovolts or more.” 

RESOURCES – TAX & REVENUE

Composite Index Ruling for Mecklenburg Solar Facility – April 6, 2017 Letter from Virginia Tax Commissioner (http://www.vaco.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/CompositeIndexRulingMecklenburg.pdf) 

SB 902 (https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?181+ful+CHAP0849+pdf) – Bill introduced at VACo’s request – and now law - that caps the mandatory exemption from local property taxes for solar facilities of less than 150 MW and enables localities to provide exemptions for facilities of 150 MW or greater, as a local option. 

§ 58.1-2606.C of the Code of Virginia (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/chapter26/section58.1-2606/) – Prescribes that the personal property tax applied to electric suppliers of 25 MW or more in generating capacity shall not exceed the applicable real estate rate.

]]> Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-807467 Tue, 18 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400 1625 Solar, County Government, Virginia, Local Government, Land Use 1 5 full false Medicaid Expansion and What it Means for County Governments Medicaid Expansion and What it Means for County Governments Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-793653 Tue, 04 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400 1129 1 4 full false Combating the Opioid Crisis in Virginia's Counties Combating the Opioid Crisis in Virginia's Counties Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-731723 Wed, 20 Jun 2018 00:00:00 -0400 573 Opioids, Angela Inglett, Dean Lynch, County Pulse, 1207 to the 95, VACo, Virginia 1 3 full false Connecting Rural Virginia to the Internet Connecting Rural Virginia to the Internet Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-724794 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 00:00:00 -0400 720 Broadband, County Pulse, Joe Lerch, Khaki LaRiviere, Dean Lynch, Wireless, Virginia, VACo 1 2 full false The Virginia State Budget Impasse The Virginia State Budget Impasse Virginia Association of Counties Buzzsprout-711410 Thu, 24 May 2018 00:00:00 -0400 798 Virginia State Budget, Katie Boyle, Dean Lynch, County Pulse, Virginia, VACo 1 1 full false