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.
The "Backslash Backlash:" Counties pivot in the data center buildout
Data center development across the country has put a new focus on county policies, how they regulate land use and more for local residents and how they could shape the path for economic growth built around artificial intelligence and information technology.
Salute to county leaders: Tammy Pearson
Beaver County, Utah Commissioner Tammy Pearson wanted to show congressional staffers the scope of the interaction between federal and county governments and see up-close what life is like in a public lands county.
Mentoring makes for a smooth transition in county government
Elected county officials nearly the end of their terms can help their successors start off strong and avoid the loss of institutional knowledge.
County government veterans eye statewide, higher office
Dozens of current and former county officials are running for governor, lieutenant governor and Congress in 2026.
Foundations navigate community benefit agreements
Philanthropic organizations offer a specialized approach to managing proceeds from community benefit agreements struck between counties and energy companies.
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.