2017 has brought many changes for people across the nation and the Commonwealth. Such change is being seen in the City of Lynchburg, as the City is beginning to implement a new stormwater management program that helps keep the surrounding watersheds and ecosystems in Lynchburg clean, as well as save the City money overall.

Mary Bunting was appointed to the VRA Board by Governor McAuliffe in September 2016. Bunting serves as the City Manager of the City of Hampton, and brings her understanding of the needs of the Hampton Roads area to bear on her work with VRA, including her participation in the Audit and Budget Committees for VRA. A Hampton native, Bunting has worked for the city since 1989. Her work on civic budget management has garnered many national awards, including the 2012 ICMA Strategic Leadership & Governance Program Excellence Award, and recognition by President Obama in 2012 as a Local Innovation leader as part of the White House's Champion of Change Program.

On May 2nd, 40 local government elected officials and staff from Southside Virginia gathered for a workshop focused upon public finance opportunities. The event, organized by VRA, was located at the New College Institute in Martinsville.

On February 7th, the Chairman of the VRA Board of Directors, Bill O'Brien, passed away at the age of 73. Mr. O'Brien had a distinguished career in public service. He was known for his kind, thoughtful, and diligent demeanor and his commitment to the Commonwealth.