VACo County Pulse Podcast

Energy Landscape of Virginia | Episode 5 | Reclaiming the Landscape of Southwest Virginia for Energy | Part 1 Oct 31, 2024

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:

Energy Landscape of Virginia | DEQ Solar Permit-By-Rule Regulations – HB 206 Oct 11, 2024

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

Data Centers and Utility-Scale Solar – Mecklenburg County | Part 2 Sep 20, 2024

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.

Data Centers and Utility-Scale Solar - Mecklenburg County | Part 1 Sep 20, 2024

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.

Energy Landscape of Virginia | Utility-Scale Solar | Part 2 Sep 04, 2024

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

Energy Landscape of Virginia | Utility-Scale Solar | Part 1 Sep 04, 2024

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.

Energy Landscape of Virginia | Data Centers | Part 3 Aug 14, 2024

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.

Energy Landscape of Virginia | Data Centers | Part 2 Aug 14, 2024

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.

Energy Landscape of Virginia | Data Centers | Part 1 Jul 26, 2024

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.

General Assembly Legislative Briefs | Episode 2 | Delegate Terry Kilgore Jan 24, 2020

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.

General Assembly Legislative Briefs | Episode 1 Jan 10, 2020

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.

A First Look at the Introduced Budget Dec 30, 2019

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/.

Funding the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup and an Update on Utility-Scale Solar Dec 12, 2019

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

Connecting the Commonwealth – Expanding Broadband Access in Virginia Dec 11, 2019

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/

The Future of Work Oct 15, 2019

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.

K-12 Public Education | Small and Rural Schools Sep 25, 2019

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’s Veterans – Innovative Partnerships to Serve Those Who Served Us Aug 22, 2019

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

Another Option Jul 23, 2019

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.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Life in Rural Virginia Jun 25, 2019

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.

A Conversation about Economic Trends with Jim Regimbal Jun 19, 2019

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.

Commonwealth Conversations - Senator Emmett Hanger Jun 04, 2019

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.

Communication and Community – A View from Stafford County on Best Budgeting Practices for K-12 Education May 30, 2019

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.

An Ounce of Prevention - Making a Case for Proactive Land Use Planning May 13, 2019

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.

Loudoun County Preps for the 2020 Census Apr 10, 2019

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.

Preparing for the 2020 Census Mar 29, 2019

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.

2019 General Assembly Edition 5 Feb 22, 2019

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.

2019 General Assembly Edition 4 Feb 19, 2019

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.

2019 General Assembly Edition 3 Feb 12, 2019

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.

2019 General Assembly Edition 2 Feb 08, 2019

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.

2019 General Assembly Edition 1 Jan 17, 2019

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.

Transition to “Next Generation” NG9-1-1 with VITA’s Steve Marzolf Nov 20, 2018

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

Top Issues in Behavioral Health with Dr. Hughes Melton Oct 23, 2018

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 Sep 18, 2018

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.

Medicaid Expansion and What it Means for County Governments Sep 04, 2018

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.

Combating the Opioid Crisis in Virginia's Counties Jun 20, 2018

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.

Connecting Rural Virginia to the Internet Jun 11, 2018

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

The Virginia State Budget Impasse May 24, 2018

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