Special Projects are initiatives selected by the VPC board as key issues or concerns to be addressed. They may involve a special study, such as the Rural Road Design Standards study, or they may involve coordinating support or opposition to a specific policy, development, zoning change, or special exception request. Each special project must have a board sponsor who accepts responsibility for coordination of the effort and fundraising. General operating funds are not used for special projects, rather, any funding required is raised from members and other residents with the most direct concerns. Funds are often needed for consultants, expert witnesses, and/or legal counsel, and expenditures range from $500 to over $100,000 depending on the scope and complexity of the project. In cases where a legal process is involved, special projects can take a year or more to resolve. While sometimes time-consuming and expensive, special projects often set precedents that strengthen the VPC’s position and visibility and allow us to prevail in other matters without having to go to great lengths. The VPC has had many successes that have helped maintain our influence and reinforced our presence as a knowledgeable and engaged force in the county.