AGENDA DATE: 9/17/2025
TITLE:
Title
Proposed 2026 Legislative Program
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Review and approve the County’s 2026 state legislative program
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Herrick, Kilroy, Douglas
PRESENTER (S): Emily Kilroy, Andy Herrick, and David Blount (Deputy Director / Legislative Director, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission)
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Each year, the Board of Supervisors considers and approves a set of legislative priorities to pursue in the upcoming General Assembly session. The Board then discusses these priorities with the County's General Assembly delegation and submits the priorities to the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC), the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), and the Virginia Municipal League (VML).
At its July 16 meeting, the Board reviewed the 2025 General Assembly session and discussed legislative priorities for 2026. During this meeting, staff proposed that the Legislative Positions and Policy Statements document be substantially revised around higher-level legislative principles, as the document in its current form includes a large number of specific items that can be challenging to maintain as a tool during the General Assembly session.
At its August 20 meeting, the Board reviewed the proposed 2026 legislative program, including both priorities and principles, along with an optional (and scaled-back) legislative positions statement. The Board indicated a preference for retaining both documents and re-emphasized the importance of adequate state transportation funding. The Board indicated general agreement with the scaled-back legislative positions statement.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: During the work session, the Board will review the proposed legislative program (Attachment A), which includes both legislative priorities and legislative principles. Based on Board feedback, the proposed legislative principles now include support for improved state transportation funding. The Board will also review the proposed legislative positions (Attachment B).
BUDGET IMPACT: There are no specific, identifiable budget impacts associated.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that following review, the Board adopt the proposed 2026 Legislative Program (Attachment A) and Legislative Positions (Attachment B) with any desired amendments.
ATTACHMENTS:
A – Proposed 2026 Legislative Program
B – Proposed 2026 Legislative Positions