Richmond, VA — Mayor Danny Avula shared the following statements following City Council's Informal Meeting and City Council Meeting. 

Informal Meeting: A Framework for Fiscal Health Presentation   

"As I've shared before, we are entering a more constrained fiscal environment, and keeping our commitments to increased school construction funding and tax relief will require thoughtful planning, difficult decisions, and continued collaboration with City Council. We need to take on some short-term measures today to protect Richmond’s long-term financial health. That means carefully managing spending, identifying efficiencies, and making strategic adjustments while protecting core services and continuing to invest in the priorities that matter most to our residents. I’m confident that by working together and making responsible decisions now, we can navigate these challenges and continue building a thriving Richmond.” 

ORD. 2026-297   

"We share Council’s commitment to supporting RRS retirees from the impacts of inflation. That is why we recommended that Council continue the ordinance’s consideration and fully evaluate the proposal’s goals, fiscal implications, and potential impacts, and do the thoughtful planning it deserves. Council chose to move forward without that analysis, potentially committing the City to an additional $5.2 million in annual contributions and up to $20 million in total liability. Decisions with significant, long-term financial impacts deserve thoughtful discussion and a clear understanding of the trade-offs involved. We owe that level of diligence to our retirees, our taxpayers, and all Richmond residents."

ORD. 2026-302 

“This is good stuff! I’m pleased this measure was approved, and grateful to Councilmember Lynch and our partners on City Council for their collaboration. This will strengthen one of our affordable housing tools to keep more Richmonders in their homes. This is exactly the kind of work we promised to do, and I’m glad we will soon deliver on it.”

ORD. 2026-298  

“This is wonderful news! I'm grateful to Councilmember Robertson, Manchester residents, advocates, and all of the partners for their dedication to this effort. This project is a great example of what’s possible when the public and private sectors work toward a shared goal: creating new opportunities for walking and biking, improving connectivity, and building the kind of livability we want to see in Manchester. I cannot wait to see Richmonders enjoying this urban trail for years to come!"