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 episodeDark Sky International | Protecting the night skies for present and future generationsVirginia Chapter of Dark Sky InternationalVirginia State Parks' International Dark Sky ParksHome - Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observing SocietyThe New World Atlas of Artificial Sky Brightness | CIRESRappahannock County ParkRappahannock League for Environmental ProtectionRappahannock County International Dark Sky Park Silver Tier Application Photo 1 | Photo 2

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 episodeVirginia Energy Purchasing Governmental Association (VEPGA) - homepageList of VEPGA Members as of May, 2025  For more information (including password for certain website access for VEPGA members and to attend the April 15th membership meeting), contact VEPGA Secretary and Treasurer Sandra Harrington at sharrington@vml.org and 804.523.8524.

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 episodeVACo Analysis of the House and Senate BudgetsTax Policy – Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Data CentersHouse: Requires data centers to meet certain environmental requirements to qualify for the exemption, beginning July 1, 2027.  (Item 4-14 #2h) Senate: Terminates the sales and use tax exemption, effective January 1, 2027. (Item 4-14 #4s)K-12 – Local Composite Index (LCI) – Senate adds the value of computer equipment and peripherals used in a data center to the calculation of the true value of real estate and public service corporations when calculating the LCI, beginning with the 2028-2030 biennium. (Item 125 #1s)Biennial Data Center Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption Report - January 2, 2026Bills Mandating Statewide Standards for Solar Facilities Headed to the Governor - Virginia Association of CountiesBills to Make Utility-Scale Batteries a By-Right Use Headed to the Governor - Virginia Association of CountiesUVA Utility-scale Solar and BESS Database

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 educationLink to JLARC Report and Supporting Documents can be accessed here.VACo Contact: Jeremy R. Bennett

Championing K-12: Advocacy & Collaboration Between Boards of Supervisors and School BoardsIn 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.

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; andDr. 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.Prince Edward County Supervisor Jerry Townsend (right) and Prince Edward County Administrator Doug StanleyPrince Edward County Elementary School Rendering 1Prince Edward County Elementary School Rendering 2Prince Edward County Elementary School Photo 1Prince Edward County Elementary School Photo 2

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 episodeWood Supply Chain (Forest Resources Association)Virginia Forest Carbon Report (Forest Resources Association)Virginia Forestry Association and Virginia Forestry FoundationCAAFI - Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative | Sustainable Aviation FuelWisconsin Forestry Revitalization Act - $210 million (tax credits and bonds) to supplement $1.5 billion private investment in plant to make jet fuel from wood biomassAgricultural Technology Innovation (ATIP) FoundationATIP - Advancing the Bioeconomy in SW Virginia (webinar slides)We value your feedback. Please share your thoughts on the Energy Landscape of Virginia Podcast here.

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.NOVEC Halifax County Biomass Electric Generating Facility L P Dugger Logging, L.L.C Forest Sustainability Fund for Local Government: Virginia Department of ForestryPhoto 1 and Photo 2

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 episodeReport of the Biomass Advisory Panel – December 30, 2024 (Virginia Department of Forestry)Hardwood Initiative: Virginia Department of ForestryWhite Oak Initiative - Ensuring Regeneration of White OakPictures of Tree Species

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.

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 episode4 The Soil - initiative of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition and Virginia Cooperative Extension to raise awareness of soil as a critical natural resource.Virginia Tech study sheds light on solar farm impacts to property values | Virginia Tech News | Virginia TechImpact of large-scale solar on property values in the United States: Diverse effects and causal mechanismsUtility-Scale Solar in Virginia - Virginia Cooperative Extension Webinars Solar Farms – Managing Soil & Water Impacts – Soil and Landscape Rehabilitation"RE-EVALUATING THE LAND USE IMPACTS OF UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY DEVEL" by Damian Pitt, Aaron R. Berryhill et al.

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 episodePJM Website - HomepageEffective Load Carrying Capability (ELCC) Class Ratings by generation type - 2026/2027 Base Residual AuctionAsim Haque (PJM) Presentation to the Commission on Electric Utility Commission (CEUR) - May 22, 2025 (presentation starts at 1:25:31) Asim Haque Slide PresentationVACo 2025 Department of Energy Webinar - Demand Response Opportunities for CountiesVirginia narrowly avoided power cuts when 60 data centers dropped off the grid at once - DCD Jason Stanek, Executive Director State Government Policy - PJM, jason.stanek@pjm.com

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 episodeMaryland Housing Expansion and Affordability Act of 2024Underdevelopment Despite Upzoning (Presentation to Virginia Housing Commission July 15, 2024 - 1:02:47 - Video Archive) Underdevelopment Despite Upzoning - Richard Schragger, Sarah New -  Virginia Environmental Law Journal, 1 (2024) Maryland HB 1466 (awaiting action by the Governor) - Land Use and Real Property - Accessory Dwelling Units - Requirements and ProhibitionsVirginia HB 2533 (effective July 1, 2025) - comprehensive plan; tiny homes; accessory dwelling unitsDistrict of Columbia - Residential Accessory Apartment Program (RAAP)Virginia Building Code - Accessory Dwelling Units - 2018 USBCCode of Virginia - § 15.2-983. Creation of registry for short-term rental of propertyVirginia -  Report on the Findings and Recommendations of the Residential Infrastructure Fund Work Group (Chapter 509, 2024)Economic Development Workforce Housing Incentive Pilot Program (Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission)Aquifer Recharge - Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) - Hampton Roads Sanitation DistrictAnne Arundel County, Maryland - Managed Aquifer Recharge§ 15.2-2223.3. Comprehensive plan shall incorporate strategies to combat projected sea-level rise and recurrent flooding

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 episodeUVA Weldon Cooper – Solar DatabaseVirginia (DEQ) Environmental Excellence Award – Nevados SolarPJM Regional Transmission Organization (RTO)Maryland Piedmont Reliability ProjectCommonwealth Fusion Systems – Chesterfield County Project

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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:Dominion Energy Nuclear FacilitiesDominion seeking small nuclear reactor proposals • Virginia MercuryAppalachian Power - SMR PlanCommonwealth Fusion Systems to Build World’s First Commercial Fusion Power Plant in Virginia | Commonwealth Fusion SystemsCalifornia ISO – Today’s Outlook for Supply and Renewables

Energy Landscape of Virginia Episode 10 | Harvesting Excess Heat from Data Centers for Energy – District Energy SystemsDistrict 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 episodeDistrict Energy Supported by Excess Heat from Data Centers – NVRC Site Visit Markham, CanadaDistrict Energy and the Potential for Applications in Northern Virginia – NVRC webinar/October 22, 2024NVRC Resilience HubData Center Proximity to Public Facilities (interactive map)District Energy Systems: An Analysis of Virginia Law

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.govOffice: 804.486.2754 / Cell: 804.839.6978 Where to find out more about topics covered in this episodeVirginia Energy – Solar Power Webpage U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) – Electricity Data Virginia Solar Database – University of Virginia | Weldon Cooper Center for Public ServiceUpdated Utility-Scale Solar Land Use Report (2025)Solar and wind power curtailments are rising in California – EIA, October, 2023 online articleAccelerated Renewable Energy Buyers – Dominion Energy Certification Process

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 episodeJLARC "Data Centers in Virginia" ReportHB 1601/SB 1449 – Siting of Data Centers; Site AssessmentHouse Budget Amendment – Extends the sunset date for sales tax exemption for data centers from 2035 to 2050Senate Budget Amendment – Requires data center operators to meet energy efficiency standards to qualify for sales tax exemptionCapitol Contact ALERT: VACo Opposes Bill Mandating Targets for Utility-Scale Solar in Comprehensive Plans (January 29, 2025)Bills to Mandate Counties put State Targets for Utility-Scale Solar in Comprehensive Plans Fail (February 4, 2025)Action Item: Oppose Bill to Mandate Statewide Standards for Solar Facilities (February 13, 2025)

“Data Centers in Virginia” JLARC Report – Interview with Mark GribbinIn 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.RESOURCESJLARC “Data Centers in Virginia” ReportElectric Utilities and Data Center Load Growth – Case Summary for SCC PUR-2024-00144

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 episodeCommission on Electric Utility Regulation Meeting Page (see 11/26/2024 and click “Materials” for drop down menu)Proposed Legislative Outline for Facility Siting and Permitting CEUR November 26, 2024 meeting videoUVA Virginia Solar Database

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 episodeData Center Ridge – Energy DELTA LabMineral Gap Data CenterLonesome Pine Regional Industrial Facilities Authority (RIFA)PhotosFuture Site of Data Center RidgeVirginia City Hybrid Energy CenterMineral Gap Data Center Solar ArrayGrading of Abandoned Mine Land for Industrial Park with Data Center

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:InvestSWVAProject OasisEnergy DELTA Lab

Draft Revisions to DEQ Solar Permit-By-Rule (PBR) Regulations – HB 206This 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.RESOURCESDEQ's HB 206 WebpageVirginia Regulatory Town Hall page – Deadline for Comments: December 6, 2024 Public Hearing Meeting Information - November 19, 2024 at 10 am

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 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.

Utility-Scale Solar – Erosion Control and Stormwater with Mike RolbandIn 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 – Legislative Outlook with Dean LynchIn 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.

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.

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 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.

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 and Lancaster County Supervisor Jason Bellows discuss the start of the 2020 General Assembly Session and issues of interest to Counties.

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

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/

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.

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.

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.pdfFind a Virginia Department of Veterans Services Office Near You: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/dvs/locationsVirginia Veteran and Family Support: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/virginia-veteran-and-family-support-2/resourcesGovernor 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ToolLocalities can use this tool to see where hard-to-survey areas have been in the past.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 Deployment9-1-1 Services BoardEstimated Capital and Operating CostsFairfax County Contract

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.

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 USEMecklenburg 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 & REVENUEComposite 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.

VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch interviews Dr. Jennifer Lee, Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services, about Medicaid expansion and how her agency is working with local departments of social services, Community Services Boards, and jails on its implementation. Details about new coverage are available at www.coverva.org.

County Pulse Host Dean Lynch welcomes VACo's Angela Inglett to talk about this important issue. Inglett is author of the 1207 to the 95 Blog that provides resources, research and information for county officials on a variety of issues.

County Pulse Host Dean Lynch speaks with VACo's Joe Lerch and Khaki LaRiviere about broadband connectivity in rural Virginia.

Host Dean Lynch interviews Katie Boyle on the state budget situation.