House committee hears local-government priorities, finalizes subcommittees ahead of 2026 session

The House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns opened its first meeting of the 2026 General Assembly session with presentations from local‑government groups and an announcement of subcommittee assignments.

Delegate Dan Helmer, chair of the committee, welcomed members and invited representatives from the Virginia Municipal League, the Virginia Association of Counties and the Virginia chapter of the American Planning Association to present the organizations’ legislative priorities for the year.

"Our priorities this year are maintaining local land use authority, the 1% school construction bill, and ensuring that we have local revenue sources, and we maintain the sources that we have available," Michelle Gowdy, executive director of the Virginia Municipal League, told the committee. Gowdy handed out the league’s priorities and offered to be a point of contact for members during the session.

Joe Larch, director of local government policy for the Virginia Association of Counties, described VACo’s member outreach and said the association developed its priorities "through a very robust process," encouraging members to contact VACo staff with questions about legislation and local concerns.

Eldon James, representing the Virginia chapter of the American Planning Association, outlined the chapter’s role advising on land‑use law and planning across the Commonwealth. "Planning provides the opportunity for Virginians in their communities really to gaze into the future," James said, adding that approaches to housing and growth must differ across regions and that the chapter wants to help localities tackle affordable housing.

Chair Helmer thanked the guests and told members his committee email remains deldhelmer@house.virginia.gov for follow‑up. He then announced the committee’s subcommittee structure and membership so delegates could begin reviewing bills promptly. Subcommittee 1 will be chaired by Delegate Irene Shinn and includes Delegates Deborah Gardner, Fernando Martinez, Dr. Mark Downey, Jessica Anderson, Lindsey Doherty, McLaughlin and Scott Wyatt. Subcommittee 2 will be chaired by Vice Chair Brianna Sewell and includes Delegates Shelley Simons, Laura Jane Cohen, Nicole Cole, Virgil Thornton, Delegate Maguire, Will Moorfield and Keith Hodges. Subcommittee 3 will be chaired by Delegate Alex Askew and includes Delegates Irene Shinn, Deborah Gardner, May Navarre, Shelley Simons, Laura Jane Cohen, Knight and Anne Farrell Taita.

Delegate Keith Hodges urged members, particularly newcomers, to read the planning materials distributed in session and to consult the presenters. "If you have any questions or want an explanation, sit down with Eldon," Hodges said, noting the document is a valuable resource for managing growth and regional differences.

During a brief procedural exchange, Delegate Joe McNamara asked whether the subcommittee makeups (described as "6 to 2") conformed with the chamber’s proportionality rules. Chair Helmer confirmed the composition follows the correct proportionality.

The committee recessed after the announcements. No formal motions or votes were recorded in the transcripted portion of the meeting.

The presenters who spoke at the meeting are available to assist members with technical questions and legislative drafting as bills related to land use, school construction funding and local revenue sources move through the session.