Adopted by the 1996 Session of the General Assembly, Senate Joint Resolution No. 128 (Appendix A) established a joint subcommittee to study the use of incentives for joint activities by localities, specifically examining how progress in meeting the goals of regional cooperation may be measured and determining what joint activities qualify for full or partial credit under the Regional Competitiveness Act.

The following General Assembly members were appointed to the joint subcommittee: Senators Newman from Lynchburg, Earley from Chesapeake, and Whipple from Arlington, together with Delegates Hull from Fairfax County, Watkins from Chesterfield, Behm from Hampton, and Watts from Annandale. Senator Newman and Delegate Hull served as chairman and vice chairman, respectively.

Seven citizen members, all with considerable knowledge, experience, and expertise in local government and regional matters, also served on the subcommittee. These individuals were: The Honorable A. Linwood Holton, the Honorable Paul D. Fraim, the Honorable William E. Ward, William W. Berry, Vaden Lee Cobb, Benjamin J. Davenport, and Gregory H. Wingfield.