Actions advance Thriving Neighborhoods, Families, Inclusive Communities, Economy, and a City That Tells Its Stories  

Mayor Danny Avula recognized and applauded Council for actions during its July 27th meeting to advance a Thriving Richmond. 

Thriving Neighborhoods 

Mayor Danny Avula and Councilmember Andrew Breton co-patroned an ordinance to establish an Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Committee. The committee is the first step under recently enacted Virginia legislation that allows localities to create an Affordable Dwelling Unit Program. The legislation, (HB867/SB74), sponsored in the House of Delegates by Delegate Rae Cousins, requires localities to establish an advisory committee to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of any incentives under the newly passed law that are a part of the affordable dwelling unit / inclusionary zoning program.  

The Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Committee (not to be confused with Accessory Dwelling Units) is part of the City’s commitment to create an inclusionary zoning program that expands access to affordable housing. Inclusionary zoning is a housing strategy that encourages or requires new residential growth to include a portion of homes that are affordable to low- and moderate-income households. Advancing inclusionary zoning was one of the City of Richmond’s top five legislative priorities during the 2026 General Assembly session.  

“As we look to update the City’s 50-year old zoning code through Code Refresh later this year, we are excited about the opportunity to explicitly layer in affordable housing through inclusionary zoning as early as next July, together with our current affordable housing programs like the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Performance Grants,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “As Richmond grows, we must be intentional to make sure that nurses, first responders, service workers, and longtime residents can continue to afford to live here. We stand ready to get the Advisory Board underway and look forward to engaging residents and all the stakeholders named in the legislation.” 

“The city is in anaffordability crisis, and it’s vital that we use every tool the Commonwealth allows to improve housing affordability in Richmond. I’m grateful to the General Assembly for granting us additional authorities to improve affordability, and I’m grateful to Mayor Avula for partnering with me on creating this commission,” said Richmond City Councilmember Andrew Breton, 1st District. 

Under state law, the Advisory Committee will gather input from a broad range of stakeholders, including residents, real estate representatives, historic preservation professionals, redevelopment and housing professionals and advocates, planners, finance professionals, and representatives of low- and moderate-income households.

The ordinance establishes a commission that includes representatives from nonprofit affordable housing providers, a multifamily affordable housing builder or developers, a market-rate residential or mixed-use real estate developer, a land use attorney with experience in zoning and development approvals, a representative from a local affordable housing advocacy organization, an individual with expertise in affordable housing finance, lending, underwriting, tax credit financing, or housing subsidy programs, a representative from City of Richmond Department of Housing and Community Development, and a representative from City of Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review.

Due to state law requirements, any local inclusionary zoning policies adopted by localities with this new authority cannot go into effect until July 1, 2027.  

Thriving Families 

Council also approved Mayor Avula’s  ORD. 2026-172. This ordinance formalizes the commitments made in the Mayor's proposed FY27 budget and Council's adopted budget — over $3 million to fight displacement and protect housing stability for Richmonders, particularly those facing crisis.

The Eviction Diversion Program, Family Crisis Fund, Right to Counsel, and Freeze Program are critical, complementary tools that support individuals and families at different stages of housing need—before an eviction, before a tax bill becomes unaffordable, and before a family loses its footing or faces a greater crisis. These proven strategies will help hundreds more Richmonders navigate financial hardship, remain stably housed, and avoid displacement.

“The Eviction Diversion Program has proven to be a beacon of hope for families in the City of Richmond facing housing instability. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community where no one is left unhoused,” said Cierra Frye, Director of Homeownership Services, Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation . 

Additionally, Richmond City Council unanimously approved RES. 2026-R028 to allow Richmond voters to decide whether to authorize a local sales tax dedicated exclusively to modernizing and constructing Richmond Public Schools facilities, advancing the Administration's commitment to Thriving Families, where every child succeeds. 

If approved by Richmond voters in November, the local sales tax dedicated to school construction and renovation would generate an estimated $47 million every year to accelerate building schools for Richmond Public Schools.

The proposal, made possible by legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly and signed by the Governor, could support up to $850 million in school capital projects through 2034. Currently, Virginia exempts groceries, essential personal hygiene products, and prescription medicines from the additional local sales tax.

Mayor Danny Avula last week expressed his support for a 1% sales tax which, if passed by voters in November, he would pair with a one-percentage point reduction in the meals tax and a one-cent reduction in the real estate tax. Full details of that plan are available here . 

Thriving and Inclusive Communities

Mayor Avula thanked Councilmember Jones for introducing Item #34. This resolution directs the Administration to develop a City Trust Policy that establishes administrative regulations governing when City employees may disclose immigration of citizenship information, and how City resources may be used in connection with civil federal immigration enforcement.

“Our immigrant communities are a huge part of what makes Richmond a vibrant city, and I want them to have assurances that they are safe and valued in this City. A trust policy will publicly codify the City’s commitment to protecting every single resident in Richmond. I am grateful to Councilmember Nicole Jones for her dedication to the goals of a Trust Policy and for taking this important and necessary step to support our immigrant neighbors seriously,” said Mayor Danny Avula.  

Thriving Economy 

Mayor Danny Avula and Richmond City Council jointly proclaimed August as Richmond Black Business Month, recognizing the vital role Black-owned businesses play in the city's economic vitality, innovation, and cultural heritage. The proclamation also reaffirms the City's commitment to expanding opportunities for minority-owned businesses through business development, procurement, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships. 

"I'm grateful to Council President Cynthia Newbille and Councilmember Nicole Jones for partnering on this recognition, and to all of the City’s amazing Black restaurants that are an incredibly vital part of the fabric of Richmond," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Black-owned businesses have shaped Richmond's history and continue to strengthen our neighborhoods and economy every day. I'm proud that we're celebrating their contributions together.” 

A City That Tells Its Stories

Richmond City Council approved ORD. 2026-171, authorizing a grant agreement with the Shockoe Legacy Foundation to support planning and development of the Slavery and Freedom Heritage Site, including the National Slavery Museum and Lumpkin’s Pavilion.  

The investment advances the City’s commitment to preserving and interpreting one of the nation’s most significant sites connected to the history of slavery and freedom. Funding will support the Shockoe Legacy Foundation’s ongoing planning and development efforts to create a destination for education, reflection, and remembrance while honoring Richmond’s full history.  

“With the acceptance of these state funds, the vision of the Shockoe Project as a place where people will come to learn, to reflect, and to connect to our past is one step closer to being realized. I look forward to the day when these stories that have been buried, not only come to light - but become a beacon of hope for the future. For decades, I have worked to properly recognize the site of Lumpkin's Jail, called the Devil's half acre by those who were enslaved and tortured there. After Emancipation, the site became known as God's half acre. I am excited to see what breakthroughs we can make with this investment," said Delegate Delores McQuinn, Virginia House of Delegates.