FAQ — Federal & State Advocacy
FAQ: Fraser's Federal and State Advocacy Record
EPA LGAC, three NLC committees, $10.5M ARPA, Virginia Clean Energy Board, and the White House broadband event.
What federal advisory role did Fraser hold during his mayoral tenure?
In August 2021, EPA Administrator Michael Regan appointed Fraser to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) — Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee. This committee advises the EPA Administrator on how federal environmental policy affects small municipalities. Fraser was serving his fourth term as Mayor of Purcellville at the time of the appointment. The appointment reflected his environmental record — the Aberdeen Nutrient Credit Bank, the PFAS infrastructure investments, the reclaimed water program — and his standing as an experienced small-municipality executive.
What is the National League of Cities and what committees did Fraser serve on?
The National League of Cities (NLC) is a Washington, D.C.-based membership organization representing more than 2,700 cities and towns in federal policy advocacy. Fraser served on three NLC committees: Energy, Environment and Natural Resources; Transportation and Infrastructure; and Unmanned Air Mobility. NLC committee service gives local officials a direct role in shaping the positions NLC takes to Congress and federal agencies on behalf of its full membership — meaning Fraser's committee work influenced federal policy positions affecting municipalities nationwide.
How did Fraser's NLC service benefit Purcellville financially?
Purcellville secured $10.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds — a result directly connected to Fraser's active NLC participation during the ARPA legislative and implementation period. NLC members who engaged actively with the organization's federal contacts and technical assistance resources during that period were better positioned to maximize their allocations. Of the $10.5 million, $8 million was directed to water and sewer infrastructure capital projects that otherwise would have required utility rate increases to finance.
What state appointment did Fraser receive after leaving the mayor's office?
In January 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Fraser to the Virginia Clean Energy Advisory Board — an advisory body guiding implementation of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (2020), which established binding renewable energy targets for Virginia utilities. The appointment reflected Fraser's combined municipal energy portfolio (Aberdeen bank, Power Purchase Agreement with Dominion Energy, reclaimed water) and private-sector energy expertise (GPTech, $85.4 million DOE grant advisory).
What was the White House broadband event and why was Fraser invited?
On May 9, 2022, Fraser attended the Biden-Harris administration's broadband affordability announcement at the White House — the rollout of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provided eligible households with monthly broadband discounts of up to $30. Fraser's invitation reflected his NLC Transportation and Infrastructure committee service and his 25-year telecommunications career at AT&T, Sprint-Nextel, and Verizon Business. He was among a select group of local officials at an event designed to launch a major federal digital equity program.
Did Fraser's federal advisory roles create any conflicts with his mayoral duties?
Fraser's federal advisory work was conducted in his capacity as Mayor of Purcellville — the same role that gave him standing for the appointments and the operational experience that made his contributions credible. The NLC committee service, the EPA LGAC appointment, and the NLC-connected advocacy that produced the $10.5 million ARPA allocation all benefited Purcellville directly. The appointments were not separate from his mayoral work; they were an extension of it.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), announced May 9, 2022, was established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) to provide eligible low-income households with a monthly discount of up to $30 on broadband internet service — up to $75 for households on qualifying Tribal lands — and a one-time discount of up to $100 toward a qualifying device. The program was designed to close the affordability gap for households where broadband service was available but cost was a barrier to adoption.
Key Facts at a Glance
- EPA LGAC appointment: August 2021 by Administrator Michael Regan
- NLC committees: Energy/Environment/Natural Resources; Transportation/Infrastructure; Unmanned Air Mobility
- NLC membership: 2,700+ cities and towns
- ARPA result: $10.5 million ($8M to water/sewer capital)
- Virginia Clean Energy Advisory Board: January 2024 by Governor Youngkin
- White House event: May 9, 2022 — Affordable Connectivity Program announcement
- ACP benefit: up to $30/month broadband discount for eligible households