New ordinance establishes a dedicated, transparent, and fiscally responsible source of funding for the construction and preservation of affordable housing across Richmond. 

Tonight, the Richmond City Council voted unanimously to approve  ORD. 2026-045 , the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Ordinance, a redesigned policy designed to address the city’s escalating housing affordability crisis. The unanimous vote underscores the shared commitment of the Mayor, Council, and community partners to ensure that every Richmond resident has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. The ordinance establishes a dedicated, transparent, and fiscally responsible source of funding for the construction and preservation of affordable housing across Richmond. 

The ordinance was introduced at the February 9, 2026 City Council Formal Meeting by Councilmember Ellen F. Robertson (Richmond Gateway 6th District) and Mayor Danny Avula. Both leaders emphasized the urgent need for action as housing costs continue to rise and long-time residents face displacement.  

“The approval of this Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund Ordinance establishes a clear, reliable framework and a fiscally responsible plan for dedicating predictable resources for the construction and preservation of affordable housing across Richmond,” said Councilmember Ellen F. Robertson, Richmond Gateway 6th District.  “It also significantly strengthens accountability and transparency to ensure those dollars move consistently and are used as intended.” 

“Tonight’s vote represents months of hard, collaborative work between the administration and council and marks a major victory for Richmond residents. Thank you to Councilmember Robertson for her longstanding leadership and advocacy, and to every Council member who engaged thoughtfully and voted in favor of this ordinance. Every resident should have the opportunity to live in a safe, stable, and affordable home. This is a huge win for our city,”  said Mayor Danny Avula.   

The new ordinance replaces the previous, difficult-to-administer Affordable Housing Trust Fund funding formulas with a clear, consistent approach. 

Key Features of the New Ordinance: 

• A simple, consistent funding formula: 2.5% of annual real estate tax revenues dedicated to the AHTF.
• Known funding amounts at budget introduction — no projections or guesswork.
• Robust transparency and accountability through new reporting requirements.
• A four-year reauthorization requirement, ensuring City Council regularly evaluates and affirms the appropriateness of the AHTF structure and investment amount.
• A phased implementation approach to support a responsible, fiscally sound rollout. 

"I am deeply appreciative of my City Council colleagues, Council and Administration Staffs, Mayor Avula, and housing advocates and community partners whose collaborative efforts were critical to the successful development of the Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund Ordinance which will expedite the building of housing that will address the escalating housing needs of our growing city,”  said President Cynthia I. Newbille.    

Councilmember Stephanie Lynch said, “I’m proud to have worked alongside Mayor Avula and Council colleagues on this legislation to create a stable, accountable investment in affordable housing. Together, we’re taking a meaningful step to ensure that Richmond’s growth remains inclusive and that living in our city stays within reach for all.” 

Learn more about the Affordable Housing Trust Fund with a full explainer.

Richmond, VA — Mayor Danny Avula today released this statement on the House Appropriations and Senate Finance committee reports:

"The newly released budgets from the House and Senate’s Finance and Appropriations Committees are very promising for the City of Richmond. I’m deeply grateful to our state delegation and the leadership of the General Assembly for standing with our city and working hard to deliver real results for our residents. From public safety to education to significant critical investments in Richmond’s combined sewer overflow, these proposals represent priorities for working families and, on behalf of the city, I will continue to advocate for our communities over the weeks ahead.

Halfway through the legislative session, this is important progress. There is more work ahead, and we will not rest in our efforts to meet the needs of our capital city. We look forward to building on this foundation in partnership with our colleagues in the General Assembly and Governor Spanberger’s administration as the state’s new biennium budget is finalized."

Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond has activated an Extreme Weather Warming Center following the National Weather Service’s issuance of a Winter Weather Advisory. Warming Centers provide a safe, warm location for residents in need. The City of Richmond will continue to monitor weather conditions and, if necessary, adjust sheltering plans accordingly. 

Daytime Extreme Weather Warming Center  

• Location: Richmond Public Library, Main Branch
• Address: 101 E. Franklin Street
• Hours: Sunday, Feb. 22, 1 – 5 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 23, regular operating hours 

Overnight Extreme Weather Warming

• Location: Linwood Robinson Center
• Address: 700 N. 26th Street
• Hours: 5 p.m. – 9 a.m. 

Transportation will be available directly from the daytime Warming Center at the Richmond Public Library Main Branch to the overnight shelter at Linwood Robinson Center. 

Commits to Continued Diligence in Identifying and Addressing Shortfalls  

Richmond, VA  — During a presentation to the Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee yesterday afternoon, Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II  delivered a comprehensive update on the City’s financial and budgetary processes over the past year, underscoring the strong commitment to transparency and collaborative governance that has been a hallmark of Mayor Danny Avula’s Administration since taking office last year.  

The presentation detailed key milestones achieved in fiscal management, long-range planning, and budget execution and illustrated the City’s continued focus on responsible stewardship of public resources.  

“Financial transparency, best in class service delivery, and collaboration with Council and our community remain central to how we operate,” said Donald . “This update provides a thorough look at the measurable progress we’ve made together, and next steps in ensuring that the government’s fiscal health supports the long-term stability and growth of Richmond.”  

CAO began by highlighting the breadth and depth of challenges faced by the new Administration in getting the Finance and Budget functions back on track, including limited internal controls, inconsistent reporting, unexpected costs, a high volume of audit findings, leadership and staffing constraints, and systems challenges, to name a few.  

Early efforts to course correct have focused on the fundamentals, including a restoration of operational stability and confidence. These efforts have begun to take shape over the past several months, in the form of:  

• New Staff to Meet the Mission Need: With the hiring of a new DCAO for Finance and Administration , a new Director of Finance , and a new Director of Revenue , the City has strengthened executive leadership to ensure top tier service delivery and oversight of these critical portfolios. 
• Accurate Real Estate Tax Billing: In December 2025, the Department of Finance issued more than 70,000 accurate real estate tax bills overcoming significant existing operational challenges and revising standard operating procedures to ensure timely, accurate, and responsible billing.
• Enhancements to RVAPay Portal: In January 2026, the City launched significant enhancements to the RVA Business / RVA Pay Portal for the 2026 tax year, improving transparency, compliance, and ease of use for taxpayers. 
• Successful Implementation of City Council Ordinance: In January 2026, the City implemented the new business, professional and occupational license (BPOL) taxes threshold approved by City Council under Ordinance No. 2024-187 , doubling the exemption level from $250,000 to $500,000. City staff seamlessly implemented the change , as requested by Council, allowing Richmond small businesses with with gross receipts between $5,000 and $500,000 to pay a $30 flat license fee, reducing their financial burden and allowing them to focus on what matters most. 

Additionally, Mr. Donald drew attention to complex legislative and fiscal matters addressed by the administration over the past year, including the Grimm settlement, GAP Grant enabling legislation, proposed tax rollback rates, janitorial and security legislation, and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, to name a few. 

Importantly, the City has accomplished this while maintaining a strong credit profile, retaining its Aa1 issuer and Aa1 general obligation unlimited tax (GOULT) ratings from Moody’s. 

“We are committed to getting this right,” said DCAO for Finance and Administration Tanikia Jackson . “And that means turning over every stone to, in the words of Mayor Avula, ‘Look for it, Find it, and Fix it.’ I’m excited by the work we’ve done on behalf of Richmonders and look forward to reporting back on additional actions taken in the coming months.” 

Posted February 17, 2026