Overview
VIG provides assistance with strategic planning, board/council-manager relationships, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and other training for local government elected officials, staff, and organizations. Contact us to learn more about our consulting services.
OVERVIEW OF OUR SERVICES
The Virginia Institute of Government and our external partners have extensive experience working with local government organizations to build capacity and develop leaders. We offer a range of consultation services, including:
- facilitating board/council and leadership team retreats
- developing and implementing strategic plans
- conducting diversity, equity, and inclusion forums and training
We also offer a wide range of professional development and training activities for elected officials and employees at all levels of your organization.
Recent Consultation Work
- Facilitated Board of Supervisors Strategic Planning Retreat | Patrick County
- Facilitated Economic Development Community Stakeholder Input Session | Town of Colonial Beach
Please contact Charles Hartgrove for more information.

FEATURED consultation project
Strategic Planning Assistance for Richmond City Council
The Virginia Institute of Government (VIG) facilitated a two-day retreat for Richmond City Council to assist them in their strategic planning process and in identifying priorities. The VIG facilitation team interviewed individual council members; conducted an analysis of the organization’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities; compiled input from the two-day retreat; and then developed recommendations on how the council could most effectively implement their key priorities and efficiently move legislation through their committees.
As a result of the partnership between VIG and the Richmond City Council, the council now has a clear road map and processes in place to achieve the important work of the council and more effectively serve their constituency.

ELLEN ROBERTSON
Richmond City Council
“We made significant progress; we are going to be a stronger organization as a result of this retreat."

REVA TRAMMELL
Richmond City Council
“This is the best retreat I have been to. My colleagues came together and I think this is going to help us come together even more.”

CHARLES HARTGROVE
Director VIG, Weldon Cooper Center
“We helped Richmond City Council navigate through a process that will help them communicate and work more effectively.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CONSULTing SERVICES
If you would like to learn more about how we can help your organization build its capacity, please contact Charles Hartgrove, ICMA-CM at charles.hartgrove@virginia.edu or (434)-297-4035.