Image of Charlie_Ban-Crop.jpg

Charlie Ban

County News Digital Editor & Senior Writer

About Charlie Ban

Charlie is the County News digital editor and senior writer. He previously covered Hanover, Goochland and Louisa counties in Virginia for the Herald-Progress; Westmoreland, Fairfax, Henrico and Chesterfield counties in Virginia for the Times-Dispatch; and Allegheny, Butler, Westmoreland and Armstrong counties in Pennsylvania for the Valley News Dispatch. He has a B.A. from the University of Richmond, 2004.

Latest Articles from Charlie

Hemphill County, Texas Judge Lisa Johnson (left) and Cochran County, Texas Judge Pat Henry listen to a discussion about philanthropic organizations managing community benefit agreements. Photo by Charlie Ban
County News

Foundations navigate community benefit agreements

Philanthropic organizations offer a specialized approach to managing proceeds from community benefit agreements struck between counties and energy companies.

Carson County, Texas Judge Dan Looten (center) talks to Hodgeman County, Kan. Commissioner Mike Schraeder about wind power during a visit to the Panhandle Wind Project Development in Carson County. To the right, El Paso County, Texas Senior Policy Analyst Ramon Bracamontes take a photo of a nearby wind turbine. Photo by Charlie Ban
County News

Texas symposium spurs energy talks

The road to domestic energy independence will be paved and maintained by counties, and more than 100 county leaders came to the Texas panhandle to learn how to make the most of the opportunity.

Former Lincoln County, Nev. Commissioner Varlin Higbee, a board member of the Lincoln County Regional Development Authority, details the nuances of the National Environmental Policy Act. Photo by Charlie Ban
County News

Public lands offer potential for boosting energy generation

Oil and gas leases on public lands have opened the door for renewables like solar and wind to double dip on energy productions, sweetening the deal for counties.

Flanked by West Region Representative Bill Novotny and First Vice President Alisha Bell, former NACo President James Gore takes in the spotlight at the 2026 Annual Conference. Photo by Denny Henry
County News

Salute to county leaders: James Gore

At home in Sonoma County, Calif. and as NACo president, James Gore pushed for modernized local and federal responses to natural disasters.

Many public sector and middle class workers have been priced out of Teton County, Wyo. and second-home owners have not filled spots in civic and volunteer groups.
County News

Housing shortages limit community building in rural counties

When counties' housing markets price out workers, they lose a population that participates in civic live, volunteerism and community building.

Contact

NACo is here to help. Please complete the form to send a message.