Virginia
Across the U.S., state preemption laws and judicial doctrines like Virginia’s Dillon’s Rule block local governments from addressing community needs, undermining democracy and disproportionately harming marginalized groups. Granting Home Rule would restore power to local communities, allowing them to pass policies that reflect their residents’ values and create fairer, more responsive local governance.
The Problem
In Virginia, abusive preemption is made worse by a judicial doctrine known as Dillon’s Rule, which limits what local governments can do unless the state gives explicit permission. While not a law, Dillon’s Rule shapes how courts and lawmakers treat local authority — and has long been used to keep power in Richmond, not in the hands of the people. The rule has racist origins, dating back to the post-Reconstruction era, when it was used to strip power from Black-led communities.Â
The Solution - Why Local Democracy Matters
When decisions about housing, schools, jobs, and safety are made by people far from the communities affected, outcomes suffer — and trust in government erodes. In a time of rising authoritarianism, reclaiming local power isn’t just about policy — it’s about justice, dignity, and the future of democracy itself.
Home Rule is how we fix this. With Home Rule, city and county governments in Virginia could pass laws that reflect their residents’ needs and values, without waiting for permission from the state government.
Home Rule gives local communities a voice in the issues that shape their daily lives: housing, wages, working conditions, schools, transportation, safety, and more. It's how we build thriving, responsive, and accountable local governments.