Actions Advance Mayor Avula’s Vision for a Thriving City Hall  

At tonight’s meeting, Richmond City Council introduced amendments to  ORD. 2026-090  that strengthen the City’s collective bargaining framework. The action reflects the City of Richmond’s continued commitment to fostering productive partnerships with labor organizations that support employees, strengthen City services, and help build a thriving City Hall that delivers results for residents.  

Mayor Danny Avula expressed full support for the introduced amendments to ORD. 2026-090, which seek to clarify and sharpen the legislative intent of Richmond’s original collective bargaining ordinance. These amendments reinforce the City’s commitment to a fair, transparent, and effective negotiations process.  

Since 2022, Richmond has been a statewide leader in public sector collective bargaining, becoming one of the first localities in the Commonwealth to establish bargaining units across its workforce. Through collaboration with employee representatives, collective bargaining has helped strengthen City services and build a more effective partnership with the employees who deliver them. Mayor Avula’s recently approved budget fully funds collective bargaining commitments for sworn police and fire personnel and other union-represented employees. 

“Building a thriving City Hall that meets community needs and delivers results starts with investing in the people who keep Richmond running every day,” said Mayor Danny Avula.  “I’m grateful to our labor partners for bringing their priorities forward, and to Council for advancing these amendments.Public sector collective bargaining has strengthened our workforce and improved our ability to deliver services to residents. It’s an important tool, and I’m proud to stand with Councilmembers in support of these amendments,” said Mayor Danny Avula. 

Mayor Avula also recognized Council’s work on the proposed Real Estate Tax Deferral Program (ORD. 2025-282 ). 

“I want to thank Council for pursuing our shared goal of supporting residents amidst rising costs of living. I especially want to acknowledge the implementation timeline because it is important that the Administration have time to build a thoughtful and realistic plan. We look forward to working with Council during the implementation period to better understand the operational and fiscal requirements involved.”   

Additionally, Council voted to pass ORD. 2026-059.  

“I am fully committed to delivering the highest quality emergency services for all of our residents,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “I am excited and look forward to working with Council on a future ordinance to codify the implementation plan for a co-located model that will do just that.”  

These actions support Mayor Avula's first strategic pillar: building a thriving City Hall that delivers results for residents. By strengthening partnerships with employees and carefully evaluating new affordability initiatives, the Administration and City Council are working together to improve City government and better serve Richmonders. 

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Richmond, VA — Due to an issue with the air conditioning system in City Hall, the building will move to virtual operations today, Monday, June 8, 2026. In-person services at City Hall will be suspended. Some City services will be available virtually and at other City locations. 

At this time, the City Council informal and formal meetings scheduled for this evening (at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively) will proceed as planned.  

Residents are encouraged to visit rva.gov and follow the City of Richmond’s social media channels for updates. 

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La administración municipal operará de manera virtual el 8 de junio de 2026

Richmond, Virginia — El Ayuntamiento (“City Hall”) operará de manera virtual hoy, lunes 8 de junio de 2026, debido a un problema con el sistema de aire acondicionado del edificio. Todos los servicios en persona en el Ayuntamiento estarán suspendidos; sin embargo, algunos servicios municipales estarán disponibles de forma virtual por Internet y en otras instalaciones de la municipalidad.

En este momento, las sesiones informal y formal del Concejo Municipal programadas para esta tarde (a las 4:00 p.m. y 6:00 p.m., respectivamente) se llevarán a cabo según lo previsto.

Recomendamos que visiten nuestra página de Internet,  rva.gov , y sigan los canales de la Ciudad de Richmond en las redes sociales para obtener las actualizaciones más recientes.

Week-long initiative highlighting programs, resources, and partnerships that help Richmonders stay in their homes and communities begins on Monday, June 8    

Mayor Danny Avula, the City of Richmond, Richmond City Councilmember Ellen Robertson, and community partners have announced Richmond’s Anti-Displacement Week, a week-long series of events and educational opportunities beginning Monday, June 8, 2026. Anti-Displacement Week focuses on more ways for Richmonders to stay in their homes and communities as the city continues to grow. 

Anti-Displacement Week will highlight local programs, resources, and partnerships that are designed to prevent displacement, increase housing stability, and ensure that Richmond’s growth benefits longtime residents. Displacement generally refers to the involuntary loss of housing or the need to leave a neighborhood or community. 

“Our goal is simple: more homes for more people and more ways for Richmonders to stay in the communities they love,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Anti-Displacement Week shines a spotlight on the incredible work our community partners are doing every day to help residents remain in safe and stable housing. This week is an opportunity to connect Richmonders with the resources, programs, and people working to keep our neighborhoods strong and inclusive.” 

Richmond City Councilmember Ellen Robertson underscored the importance of anti-displacement efforts. “Anti-Displacement Week is vital for both longtime residents and newcomers. As Richmond grows, we must ensure that everyone has the opportunity to stay rooted, to thrive, and to benefit from the city’s progress. That’s why I raised concerns about displacement early on, and partnered with Housing Opportunities Made Equal of VA on a displacement study and later patroned Resolution 2025-R043 directing the administration to inventory existing anti-displacement programs and services. Understanding the scope of the challenge is essential to developing effective solutions, and I’m proud to support initiatives like Anti-Displacement Week that keep this issue at the forefront of our work,” said Councilmember Robertson.  

Anti-Displacement Week builds upon Councilmember Robertson’s Resolution 2025-R043 and the City’s subsequently released report, An Inventory of Programs and Initiatives that Mitigate the Displacement of Residents, prepared by the Department of Housing and Community Development and released in March 2026. The report catalogs the City’s existing anti-displacement strategies and programs to help residents remain housed and connected to their communities. The Program Inventory is divided into four sections:  

• Housing Stability for All Richmonders
• Utilities and Billing Assistance
• Assistance for Homeowners, and
• Community Development

“The Anti-Displacement Report makes clear that while the City has invested substantial financial and human resources into critical anti-displacement efforts, those programs have not always been coordinated or fully utilized by the residents they are meant to support,” said Merrick Malone, Director, Housing and Community Development. “These findings give us an urgent mandate to streamline and realign our work so we can deploy resources more effectively, strengthen protections for vulnerable households, and deliver on the Administration’s commitment to keeping Richmonders in their homes.” 

Anti-Displacement Week Events

In-Person Tax Relief Support Sessions Hosted by the City's Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) 

The City of Richmond’s Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) is dedicated to supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities so they can live as independently, safely, and fully as possible in the Richmond community. The office provides information and referral assistance and care coordination to community-based services that allow people to age in place, and access to supports for those with disabilities, caregivers, and their families. OADS achieves this by partnering with various organizations to enhance the well-being of Richmond's residents.  

Throughout Anti-Displacement Week, the City’s Office of Aging and Disability Services will provide information and direct assistance to older adults and people with disabilities who may be at heightened risk of displacement. At the following community events, OADS staff will offer onsite support, including tax relief applications and guidance on how to apply. 

Community members are invited to attend these free events. Registration is not required.  

Tuesday, June 9, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.   

AARP Richmond North Chapter Meeting 

Pine Camp Cultural Arts & Community Center, 4901 Old Brook Road  

Wednesday, June 10, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  

Richmond City TRIAD Meeting 

Ebenezer Baptist Church, 216 West Leigh St. 

Thursday, June 11, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.   

The City of Richmond’s Aging and Disability Advisory Board Meeting 

Office of Aging and Disability Services; 7945 Forest Hill Avenue, Building 26 (adjacent to Huguenot High School) 

For more information on these events contact OADS at (804) 646-1082 or [email protected].

Homes for All Our Neighbors Workshops and Community Programs

Anti-Displacement Week also features workshops and trainings to support renters who may be facing housing instability, and share information about what displacement is, who is impacted, and what we can do to prevent it. 

“Eviction and rising rents are pushing Richmonders out of their homes, and tenants are often the last to know what protections they actually have. Know-your-rights trainings change that. When renters understand the law, they can challenge unsafe conditions and defend themselves against eviction,” said Laura Dobbs, Director of Policy at Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia (HOME of VA). “Put simply, it's the difference between losing and keeping a home. In a tight rental market where the advantage is heavily tilted toward landlords, knowledge is one of the most powerful anti-displacement tools tenants have.” 

Members of the public are invited to the following events: 

Wednesday, June 10, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.   

Conozca Sus Derechos: Spanish-Language Tenants’ Rights Workshop (TRW)

For information on location and registration, contact Annika Schunn: [email protected] 

Thursday, June 11, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.   

Community Conversation: Preventing Displacement 

Studio Two Three, 109 W 15th St, Richmond, VA 23224 

Friday, June 12, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.   

Virtual Training: Tenants’ Rights for Organizers and Advocates 

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/stxEkhQiQfOIKSDtBhJEEw   

Visit homesforallourneighbors.org/calendar to learn more and register.

Help for Richmonders: Legal Resources, Eviction Protection, and Utilities Assistance

• Richmonders who are facing eviction can apply for assistance from the City-funded Eviction Diversion program 
• Richmonders who may need legal assistance for a housing matter can apply for assistance from the City-funded Right to Counsel program 
• Richmonders who would like to enter a payment plan for past-due utility balances can find assistance by visiting DPU partnership with PromisePay 

About Richmond Anti-Displacement Week

Richmond Anti-Displacement Week is a collaborative initiative led by the City of Richmond in partnership with community organizations and housing advocates. The week is dedicated to raising awareness, connecting residents to resources, and supporting housing stability for Richmonders. 

Learn more about Anti-Displacement Week on rva.gov  

On June 4, the City of Richmond announced the renewal and adoption of a 15-year lease agreement for Southside Plaza, reinforcing the City’s long-term commitment to delivering accessible, equitable, and high-quality public services through coordinated, community-centered facilities, while saving tax payers over $13,000 per month

Southside Plaza serves as a critical hub for resident services and currently houses the City’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement, the Office of Finance satellite office, the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, the Richmond Public Schools Welcome Center, and the Department of Social Services hub. Looking ahead, Southside Plaza is positioned for expanded collaboration and co-location of services that includes future partners such as the City’s Office of Aging and Disability Services, the Department of Juvenile Services, and the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. These current and future co-located services reflect the City’s commitment to improving access, reducing barriers, and strengthening coordination across essential supports for residents.

This renewal reflects the City’s broader commitment to building a thriving Richmond, one that delivers responsive and effective government services, strengthens neighborhoods and families, advances equity, and ensures public spaces are designed with dignity, accessibility, and inclusion in mind. The continuation of the lease ensures continuity of operations and provides long-term stability for both staff and residents who rely on the facility. It also supports ongoing facility improvements designed to enhance the overall experience for everyone who uses the building. Within the first year of this renewal with Saul Centers, Inc., the City will be able to save $164,343 in rent, which breaks down to approximately $13,695 per month.  

"This lease renewal is an investment in our people centered approach to providing quality City services that are accessible to our people and communities " said Amy Popovich, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Human Services. "Southside Plaza has become a vital community hub where residents can access multiple services in one convenient location. By securing this facility for the next 15 years, we are creating stability for our staff and residents, expanding opportunities for collaboration among service providers, and improving access to critical resources.”

As part of the improvements, the City has completed a first phase of interior upgrades, including new carpet installation. Planned improvements from both the city and the landlord include, but are not limited to new signage, a new front lobby design, replacement of all HVAC units, elevator repairs, and roof and window sealing.