HD37 - The Establishment of a State Intergovernmental Relations Commission
Executive Summary: The General Assembly and Virginia's Governors have long recognized the importance of intergovernmental relations in the Commonwealth and have sought means to improve those relations. As a result of these efforts, there are a number of activities and agencies which are concerned with intergovernmental issues. Because of the very nature of governmental issues and the changing environment in which governments operate, intergovernmental relations will always be an important concern. In addition, the evolving nature of federalism has resulted in states and local governments assuming additional responsibilities for services. As a result, it has become even more essential that state and local governments work together. More than half the states in the country have created advisory agencies or councils on intergovernmental relations (ACIRs) as one method of improving the relations between state and local governments. These ACIRs vary greatly in size and activities, but they have as a common purpose the provision of an institutional forum for state and local officials to discuss mutual concerns. Survey results from Virginia local officials and interviews with state administrative and legislative officials documented a need and support for the establishment of an intergovernmental relations organization in Virginia. Such a body could serve as an information clearinghouse, a forum for discussion, a research agency, a provider of some forms of technical assistance, and an advocate for intergovernmental interests. From the survey responses and interviews were gleaned five principles that should be followed in establishing such a body: (i) it should provide a forum for discussion, (ii) its membership should reflect broad representation and balance among local government, the legislature, and the executive branch, (iii) there should be legislative and executive support, (iv) there must be institutional credibility, and (v) the creation of a new institution should be avoided. With these principles as guidelines, alternative courses of action were developed and evaluated. These options ranged from intensifying current efforts to improve intergovernmental relations to creating a new advisory council on intergovernmental relations with its own staff. After due consideration of all the options, it was determined that an approach which utilized an existing representative body and an existing staff organization, while at the same time increasing their representation and role, would be the most effective means of enhancing intergovernmental relations in the Commonwealth . Accordingly, the Secretary of Administration recommends that: 1. The Local Government Advisory Council be restructured so as to provide representation for all the primary parties in intergovernmental relations -- local governments, the legislature, and the executive branch -- and that the Council have a rotating chairmanship and a regular meeting schedule; and 2. That the staff component of the Commission on Local Government continue to support the Council, as well as the Commission, and be renamed the Office of State and Local Affairs. |
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