Richmond, VA - With tonight's passage of ORD. 2025-138, ORD. 2025-160, and ORD. 2025-157 the City of Richmond has secured important tools to support its goals for a thriving City Hall, economy, neighborhoods, and families.

"As Mayor, and as someone who has lived and worked in the City for more than twenty years, I believe in Richmond, its future, and its people with my whole heart," said Mayor Danny Avula. "These ordinances are small, yet critical steps to realizing our shared vision of a thriving Richmond, one with where the work here at City Hall translates into real, lasting change for our families, our neighborhoods, and our economy."

Please read below for an overview of each ordinance:

VPM Performance Agreement

With the passing of ORD. 2025-160, City Council has authorized the City to execute a performance agreement between the City of Richmond, Virginia Public Media (VPM), and the City's Economic Development Authority (EDA), allowing for the provision of certain performance grants concerning VPM's headquarters relocation to 13 East Broad Street, in the heart of the City's Arts and Culture district.

The project, which is currently under construction, is expected to generate at least 70 new jobs for the City and over $2.5 million in direct new real estate tax revenue over the first ten years. Additionally, it will act as an invaluable anchor to a burgeoning Arts and Culture district, creating 50 new public parking spaces in the adjoining parking garage, building ground-level retail space, and providing publicly accessible bike storage, among other things.

"Since VPM began construction in 2024, we have already seen a number of new projects coming into the Broad Street corridor," said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Planning and Economic Development Sharon Ebert. "From housing to restaurants and retail announcements, there is so much to be excited about for the future of this arts and culture corridor."

The performance-based agreement is structured as a rebate, whereby VPM will receive a grant equal to the amount of its business personal property taxes, after payment. In order to receive its full benefit, VPM must: 1) pay its personal property taxes in full, on time and 2) submit a performance report which outlines progress made towards its targets of $65 million in capital investment and the creation of 70 new jobs. If these targets are met in full, VPM will receive the full grant. If they are not met, the grant will be proportionally reduced.

Residency Requirements

Mayor Avula has made it a top priority to transform Richmond's local government into a model public-sector organization that stewards resources effectively, meets community needs, and has the trust of residents.

ORD. 2025-128 modifies the City's existing residency requirements for certain officers and employees, thereby affirming the City's commitment to being a high-performing local government that delivers for Richmonders.

The ordinance expands the list of positions for which the incumbent is required to reside primarily in the City. Recognizing that Richmond has a broad pool of talent in the broader region, the ordinance makes provisions for waivers to this rule, at the discretion of the appointing authority (the Mayor and CAO).

"Tonight's residency vote strengthens our ability to build the kind of City Hall Richmonders deserve," said CAO Odie Donald II. "Richmond is full of homegrown talent and part of my job is tapping into that strength while also recruiting people to get the work done well. There is incredible value to living in the community you serve, and I look forward to bringing that value to all Richmonders."

"At its core, this legislation is about building a local government that's not only competent and transparent, but present," said 4th District Councilmember Sarah Abubaker. "Public service leaders should live shoulder-to-shoulder with the communities they serve. As the lead patron, I'm proud that this process modeled how Council and the Administration can navigate complex policy with both principle and pragmatism-through collaboration, compromise, and a shared commitment to serving Richmonders well."

On June 9th, Richmond City Council confirmed Mayor Avula's appointment of Mr. Donald as the City of Richmond's new Chief Administrative Officer, making good on a campaign promise to conduct a nationwide search for a new CAO. Mr. Donald began his service on July 9th and will reside in the City of Richmond.

Retail Sales of Tobacco and Hemp

ORD. 2025-157 sets new standards for the retail sale of tobacco and hemp products in the City, with the explicit purpose of reducing the density of retailers citywide and, more specifically, around schools.

"Studies show that the proximity of tobacco retailers around schools is associated with a greater number of adolescents who smoke," said Mayor Avula. "As a pediatrician, public health doctor, and father, I know how critical it is to have policies that set kids up for healthy, thriving lives. Adolescents who smoke are at a higher risk for long-term addiction and will face known downstream health consequences. This ordinance is an important step towards building a healthier Richmond for our City's youngest generation."

The approved ordinance sets restrictions on the opening of new tobacco and hemp retail establishments, defined as any establishment where at least 10% of the usable floor area is dedicated to these sales. These restrictions include:

• No new retail facilities within 1,000 feet of:

• An existing tobacco and hemp retailer

• Day care, school (public or private), park, public library, or place of worship

• Residential (R) and Residential-Office (RO) Districts

"I've heard from residents and businesses across the city who are concerned about the growing presence of these shops, especially near schools and community gathering spaces," said 2nd District Councilmember Katherine Jordan. "I'm grateful that the General Assembly has given us the ability to influence where new shops can open. While this is an important step, I will also be working with my colleagues to ask for additional tools to regulate those that are grandfathered in."