RRHA's Action Aligns with Mayor's Vision for Resident-Centered Community Transformation

Richmond, VA - Mayor Danny Avula today commended the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) Board of Commissioners and CEO Stephen Nesmith for approving a joint governance structure that will guide the redevelopment of Gilpin Court and the broader Jackson Ward Community Plan, a major step forward in a shared commitment to community transformation.

"This is an incredibly meaningful step forward for our city," said Mayor Danny Avula. "I'm grateful to the RRHA Board for their thoughtful engagement and for embracing a collaborative path that puts residents first. There is much challenging work ahead as we work through specifics, but I am encouraged by RRHA's public commitment to a collaborative approach. To achieve our shared goals, the City and RRHA must work closely together."

The RRHA Board formally endorsed the Mayor's proposal to establish the Joint Gilpin Transformation Working Group, a collaborative body that will steer the major components of the redevelopment. While RRHA has ultimate authority for the implementation and execution of public housing redevelopment, the joint working group will collectively implement and monitor the major components of Gilpin Redevelopment: the housing development plan, the community development plan, and the people-supporting plan.

Mayor Avula has outlined the City's expectations and support framework in a series of communications. These include a September statement outlining the key elements needed to earn his support, a presentation to the RRHA Board on November 19, and a detailed follow-up letter on November 24. RRHA's resolution reflects alignment with the Mayor's vision, including equal representation, co-leadership, and the formation of focused committees to drive housing development, resident support, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization.

While the City continues to review the full scope of RRHA's response, the direction is clear: Richmond will move forward together on the transformation of Gilpin Court in a manner that prioritizes the needs of residents. This transformation project will be one of the most significant efforts the City undertakes in the years ahead and an integral component of Mayor Avula's commitment to building a Richmond in which all people and places thrive.

Next steps include negotiating a Memorandum of Agreement and a Cooperation Agreement to formalize the governance structure and take steps to unlock critical funding and resources. The City will continue to provide updates as this collaborative effort progresses.