Virginia Administrative Code
Title 1 - ADMINISTRATION
Agency 50 - COMMISSION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
AGENCY SUMMARY
The Commission on Local Government (CLG) assists with the implementation of Virginia laws governing the establishment, transition, and consolidation of units of local government; municipal annexation; the immunization of county areas from annexation; and the adjustment of local governmental boundaries. Code of Virginia, Title 15.2, Chapters 29, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 39, 40, and 41.
In the performance of these duties, the CLG investigates boundary change and transition issues involving local governments and renders reports on its findings to the courts and the affected local governing bodies. The CLG's role in such issues may include the provision of mediation assistance to local governing bodies. Code of Virginia, Title 15.2, Chapter 34. The CLG is also charged with rendering advisory reports to local governments concerning proposed voluntary economic growth-sharing agreements that do not involve boundary change or transition issues. Code of Virginia, Title 15.2, Chapter 13, Article 1.
In instances where a town agrees to relinquish in perpetuity its authority to become a city, the CLG may issue orders establishing the future annexation rights of such town. Code of Virginia, Title 15.2, Chapter 32, Article 2.
In addition to these quasi-judicial responsibilities, the CLG also has numerous statutory duties that affect localities generally. For example, the CLG is required to prepare an annual catalog of state and federal mandates imposed on local governments in Virginia. It is also required to develop a schedule, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Administration and the Governor, by which the executive agencies of the Commonwealth critically assess the mandates on local governments that they administer. Code of Virginia, Title 15.2, Chapter 29. During the legislative session, the CLG analyzes selected bills to determine whether they would impose net additional expenditures or net reductions of revenues on localities and submits a fiscal impact statement for each bill to the Clerk of the House of Delegates. Code of Virginia, Title 30, Chapter 1.
The CLG may promulgate regulations for the administration of its affairs, including hearing procedures. Local governments are required to notify the CLG of various contemplated actions and of the progress of negotiations. Code of Virginia, Title 15.2, Chapter 29.
The CLG serves under the Secretary of Commerce and Trade as a part of the Department of Housing and Community Development. Regulations are available at the CLG's office at 600 East Main Street, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23219. Internet address: http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/clg
Rev. 8/2012
