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Dear Friends:

          I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to the Virginia Latino Advisory Board website.

          Virginia is proud to be home to a large and diverse community of Hispanic and Latino Virginians who contribute greatly to the economic, cultural, and civic strength of the Commonwealth.  Latinos today comprise nearly 9% of Virginia’s total population, and they represent one of the fastest-growing demographics in the Commonwealth.  Latino business leaders and entrepreneurs are central to the growth of the new Virginia economy.  Hispanic and Latino Virginians own 4.5% of Virginia businesses, constituting more than 28,700 companies that employ tens of thousands of Virginians. 

          Since 2003, the Virginia Latino Advisory Board has served as a vital body of community leaders who educate and engage Virginians about the Latino community and advise me on the concerns of Hispanic and Latino Virginians so I can best serve my constituents.  I encourage all Virginians to learn more about the Board and the important role the Latino community plays in keeping the Commonwealth healthy and strong. 

Sincerely,

Terence R. McAuliffe

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What is the Virginia Latino Advisory Board?

The Virginia Latino Advisory Commission (VLAC) was created by executive order in October of 2003 by former Governor Mark R. Warner to provide information about the growing Latino community in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Virginia Latino Advisory Commission was created in recognition of one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in Virginia and the nation as a whole. Latinos in Virginia are native-born U.S. citizens from all parts of the country and foreign-born residents from all over the world.

The VLAC was signed into law and made a permanent Board two years later, effective October 15, 2005.

Historically, the VLAB has advised the Governor on a variety of issues; many of these recommendations can be found in the "Board Reports" section under Publications. Additionally, the Board has planned and carried out Town Hall style meetings, international expositions, etc.

Today, the Board serves at the pleasure of Governor Terry McAuliffe and continues to advise the Governor on issues of Latino interest so that his administration can best serve the Latino constituents of Virginia. The VLAB meets four times a year to discuss these issues, make recommendations, and plan events.

Code of Virginia (§ 2.2-2460)

Per the Code, the Latino Advisory Board's membership is comprised of:

  • 21 non-legislative citizen members, at least 15 of whom shall be of Latino descent, who shall be appointed by the Governor and serve at his pleasure. In addition, the Secretaries of the Commonwealth, Commerce and Trade, Education, Health and Human Resources, Public Safety, and Transportation, or their designees shall serve as ex officio members without voting privileges. All members shall be residents of the Commonwealth.

Per the Code, the Latino Advisory Board has the power and duty to:

  • Advise the Governor regarding the development of economic, professional, cultural, educational, and governmental links between the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Latino community in Virginia, and Latin America;
  • Undertake studies, symposiums, research, and factual reports to gather information to formulate and present recommendations to the Governor relative to issues of concern and importance to the Latino community in the Commonwealth; and
  • Advise the Governor as needed regarding any statutory, regulatory, or other issues of importance to the Latino community in the Commonwealth.

The full text can be found here.

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Serve on a State Board or Commission

The Virginia Latino Advisory Board (VLAB) encourages you to apply to serve on a state Board or Commission, and to nominate fellow Virginians.  Service on a board or commission is one of the best ways for Virginians to participate in their government, represent their communities, and make their voices heard. The Governor is committed to helping more Latinos be represented in our state government.

Please click the following link for a list of Boards and Commissions and current vacancies, and to submit an application or nominate someone. https://commonwealth.virginia.gov/va-government/gubernatorial-appointments/

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