Thomas Moss, Jr. established the Commission on the Condition and Future of Virginia's Cities. The Commission was asked to conduct a comprehensive examination of the condition and needs of Virginia's forty cities and to develop and recommend alternative solutions to their growing problems. The Commission is comprised of twenty three members and chaired by Speaker Moss. According to Virginia law they are independent governmental entities, similar to cities and counties in other states. As such, they must provide all of the services required of local government and raise the funds to support the provision of these services.
Boundary adjustments become a win-lose situation.
The legislature's solution has been a long-term moratorium on annexation. Lack of available space has also crippled some cities' efforts to attract new business and thus expand economic development. The result is a multi-faceted problem. Some are thriving, but many are among the most fiscally stressed localities in the commonwealth. The diverse landscape has made finding workable solutions extremely difficult.