Stoney to establish crisis alert, Citizen Review Board, introduce ordinance to remove Confederate monuments, implement racial equity study

On Tuesday, June 2, Mayor Levar Stoney met with hundreds of protestors outside of City Hall to apologize for the Richmond Police Department’s (RPD) use of tear gas on a peaceful gathering around the Lee Monument the evening before.
 
The mayor, along with Chief of Police Will Smith, apologized to peaceful protestors and remains committed to taking steps to improve the RPD.
 
“Protestors should always be able to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully and without threat of violence,” said Mayor Stoney. “That’s your right, and we violated that yesterday,” he said, referring to the tear-gassing. 
 
Mayor Stoney has spoken to Colette McEachin, the Commonwealth Attorney, who is pursuing an independent investigation into the incident at the Lee Monument. Disciplinary action will be taken by the city against any police officers who violated RPD policy.
 
Many members of the group gathered at City Hall voiced specific concerns to the mayor and police chief over megaphone, feeding the conversation with personal anecdotes and proposals for reform.
 
“I understand my role, as with any good leader, was largely to listen,” said Mayor Stoney after the event. “Apologize from the bottom of my heart, and then just listen to the many young Black men and women who bared their souls to me.”
 
Later in the day, the mayor marched with Richmond protestors from the Virginia State Capitol to the Lee Monument. He was joined by Delegate Lamont Bagby, Chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, and Councilman Mike Jones. 
 
Speaking to the crowd before the march began, Mayor Stoney made a commitment to enacting a crisis alert, also known as the Marcus Alert, exploring the creation of a Citizen Review Board (CRB), and reiterated RPD’s commitment to existing policy banning the use of chokeholds.
 
The Marcus Alert is named after Essex County Public Schools teacher and Virginia Commonwealth University graduate Marcus David Peters, who was killed in 2018 by a Richmond Police officer while experiencing a mental health crisis. The alert would enable the RPD and Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) to work collaboratively on calls for service related to persons experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis, with a focus on de-escalation by law enforcement and crisis intervention by mental health experts.
 
In response to a recommendation by Peters’ family and in support of ongoing community advocacy in the aftermath of his death, the Stoney administration and Richmond Police Department have been in conversation with RBHA on the creation and implementation of this crisis alert system since 2019. Mayor Stoney plans to engage with the family of Peters in the coming weeks to further collaborative dialogue around the details of the Marcus Alert and how it will operate. The Mayor will then introduce an ordinance to Richmond City Council. 
 
The Stoney administration is committed to the establishment of a CRB, which should be an entity independent of the police department’s internal affairs and consist of a diverse group of stakeholders. The mayor and Chief Smith are committed to working with the community on the structure and purpose of a local CRB.
 
Throughout the protest, the monuments of Confederate leaders on Monument Avenue have been thoroughly spray painted and served as rallying spaces for protestors. The city is granted the power to take down Confederate monuments on city land July 1, per recent action by the General Assembly.
 
Come July 1, the Stoney administration will introduce an ordinance, along with Councilman Mike Jones, to remove all Confederate monuments on Monument Avenue.
 
“I appreciate the recommendations of the Monument Avenue Commission – those were the appropriate recommendations at the time. But times have changed, and removing these statues will allow the healing process to begin for so many Black Richmonders and Virginians,” said Mayor Stoney. “Richmond is no longer the Capital of the Confederacy – it is filled with diversity and love for all – and we need to demonstrate that.” 
 
Moreover, earlier this year, the city began working on steps to ensure racial equity is a core component of its policies and practices. The city has proposed a racial equity strategy, which consists of racial equity training for staff, to include departmental equity-focused action plans, and a racial equity study to help provide the necessary roadmap and tools for greater inclusion and equity within city government. The mayor is committed to this work in order to help dismantle racist systems and policies and build more just ones that provide the opportunity for all city residents to succeed and thrive. 
 
“Yesterday, I marched with Richmond, for Richmond,” said Mayor Stoney. “George Floyd’s death may have happened in Minnesota, but the shock waves are bringing very valid pain to the surface in our city. Last night, Richmond told me to channel our city’s pain into reform.”
 
“Before the pandemic, I spent each and every day meeting Richmonders, gaining new perspectives on this city we all call home,” said Mayor Stoney. “The consensus is that some serious healing has to take place. We have so much work to do to build an equitable city and I’m committed to working with my fellow Richmonders to do so. That entails reforms to address racist systems, combating this public health crisis and addressing health inequities, and remaining committed to my administration’s priorities to life people up, including affordable housing, strong public education systems, economic empowerment, and fast and reliable public transportation.”
 
For the nights of May 31 to June 2, the City of Richmond was under an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. That curfew is no longer in effect.

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On Sunday, accompanied by members of Richmond City Council, Mayor Stoney announced that Governor Northam has granted his request to impose a curfew in the City of Richmond in response to two nights of protests throughout the city.
 
The mayor also noted that the governor has indicated the Virginia National Guard is available to the city if required.
 
“The past two nights, we’ve seen what could have been peaceful protests turn violent and destructive,” said Mayor Stoney. “We’re taking these steps to promote lawful and safe demonstration and protect both people and property.”
 
The curfew will take effect May 31, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. and last until 6:00 a.m. The curfew will be in effect nightly until further notice. 
 
When the curfew is in place, people are be instructed not to occupy public space within city limits between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Details will be finalized by the Office of the Governor as the authority imposing the order.

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On Monday, June 1, the City of Richmond government facilities and offices will enter Phase 1 of the city’s operating plan. 
 
The City of Richmond workforce has been operative throughout the State of Emergency, providing essential services to residents and businesses despite the public health crisis. Phase 1 largely entails the phasing in of limited in-person services in key city facilities.
 
The city continues to urge residents to use available e-services. For questions about available city services, view this updated list.
 
First floor public access for walk-in payment services is provided in City Hall. 
Please note that not all departments or agencies in City Hall will be open for walk-in services. For departmental specifics, visit this updated list.
 
The following city facilities will be open to the public by appointment only, access only by security in each location: 
City Hall (with the exception of the Richmond Registrar’s Office and certain other first floor services);
730 East Broad Street;
Animal Care and Control;
Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities administrative building;
DPU plants and external campus;
DPW external campus; and
Richmond Police, Fire, and Emergency Communications headquarters.
Please note that not all departments or agencies in each building will be open to the public. For departmental specifics, visit this updated list.
 
To schedule appointments, residents should reference the city website or this list of city services available at this time.
 
Building security will assist customers on the first floor of facilities to maintain social distancing while receiving city services. The first floor of City Hall has a strict capacity limit. Building security will allow entry to public areas based upon the number of persons seeking services. 
 
As a result of capacity limitations, some customers may be asked to wait outside of city facilities until sufficient space is available. City staff will do everything possible to expedite potential wait times and appreciates the public’s patience at this time. 
 
Face-coverings are required in all local government buildings and when interacting with government employees, as ordered by Governor Northam. 
 
A limited number of face-coverings will be available in city hall for customers who do not have them, as supplies allow. It is strongly recommended that members of the public bring their own face coverings. Scarves, bandanas, handkerchiefs are all acceptable face coverings as long as the garment covers the mouth and nose. 
 
Residents are encouraged to conduct business with the city electronically whenever possible.
 
City facilities and offices will be open to all employees, though capacity will be reduced to allow for adequate social distancing. City operational plans provide for staffing levels to meet anticipated demands for in person services.  
 
As a reminder, the Office of the Richmond General Registrar is open to the public for candidate filing, absentee balloting and voting related matters. Appointments are not required but are encouraged for matters other than in-person absentee voting, as only two people will be allowed in Room 105 at a time. Access to the Office of the General Registrar in Room 105 will be through the Ninth Street entrance only. Access to in-person absentee voting will be through the Broad Street entrance only. 
 
The Department of Social Services will remain closed to the public. Clients should reference this document to learn how to best access services and apply for benefits. 
 
The following is a list of changes from current operating procedure that will go into effect June 1:
 
The Finance Department will take customer payments of tax and utility bills in person by walk-in at City Hall. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of online and contactless payment methods, such as drop boxes. 
 
Richmond Public Library will begin contactless pickup of holds and requests starting June 3. Contactless pickups are available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Patrons may return items to the outdoor book drops starting June 3. 
 
Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ administrative offices will be open by appointment only. Limited tennis courts at Byrd Park, Battery Park and Forest Hill Park and limited pickleball courts at Forest Hill Park and Randolph Community Center will be open for use starting Saturday, May 30. Public restrooms and community centers remain closed. 
 
Please note that all parks remain open for recreational use. Social distancing in parks is required, and face-coverings are recommended in busier spaces where consistent social distancing is challenging. 
 
The Department of Public Utilities facilities and customer service stations will be open to customers, vendors and contractors by appointment only. 
 
The Department of Public Works will practice enhanced cleaning and security measures in City Hall. Enhanced security is intended to limit close personal contact and promote social distancing. For example, only the Ninth Street entrance to City Hall will be open in order to check for and distribute face coverings, and only three employees will be allowed in an elevator at one time. 
 
The Office of the City Treasurer will take visitors by appointment only. Those who wish to receive notary services should make an appointment. 
 
For a list of available city services, click here.

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“The murder of George Floyd pains me deeply. It’s a pain long felt by people who look like me, a pain ingrained in the bones of Black Americans.
 
“My heart breaks for the Floyd family and the Minneapolis community, but this is bigger than one city. This is a burden we all bear.
 
“Yes, we must interrogate and condemn the America that treats Black lives as expendable, whether at the hands of the police or the coronavirus. But it’s not enough to believe this is all about changing hearts and minds.
 
“America was built on the backs of slaves, and our city is still plagued by the inequities that rose from this shameful foundation. Healing this country will require systems-level change to abolish the injustices that continue to oppress and pin down Black Americans until they can’t breathe.
 
“It is the responsibility of us all – no matter our race or station – to question and transform institutions predicated on racism, and to do so with love in our hearts and the names of our lost brothers and sisters on our lips.”
 
Levar M. Stoney, Mayor, City of Richmond

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On Thursday, Mayor Stoney announced that the City of Richmond will cautiously move into Phase 1 of Forward Virginia, the state’s reopening plan. 
 
“When I look at the picture in totality, given the added tools at our disposal, the current trends in our local data and my faith in Richmonders to look out for one another, I believe that Richmond can cautiously move into Phase 1 on Friday, May 29,” said Mayor Stoney at Thursday’s press conference.
 
During the first delay that the City of Richmond requested, the Stoney administration and Richmond City Health District expanded testing efforts, implemented a contact tracing effort, ensured every COVID-19 positive Richmonder will be able to isolate safely and securely with supported isolation, and advocated for a statewide mask requirement.
 
The city initially requested a modified Phase 1 reopening that maintained restrictions on places of worship and personal care and grooming services, as mass gatherings and close personal contact for extended periods of time both significantly increase chance of community spread.
 
Because the governor denied the city’s modified plan for reopening, Richmond will move into Phase 1 of Forward Virginia, the state’s reopening plan, with strong recommendations reflecting the mayor’s proposed modifications. Local guidance and helpful links to state guidance are available here. The state has yet to provide guidance on what Phases 2 and 3 will include.
 
The mayor detailed a number of best practices for residents and business owners to ensure that the city moves into Phase 1 cautiously. The best practices emerged from conversations between the Stoney administration and members of the business community, faith leadership, and health professionals.
 
All residents who are medically able to should wear a face-covering that covers the mouth and nose when in public spaces. The wearing of a face covering does not negate the need for 6-foot social distancing.
Faith communities should continue to meet virtually if possible. If in-person meetings are absolutely necessary, the mayor strongly recommends faith groups meet outside while practicing strict social distancing and enforcing the face-covering requirement. 
Food and drink establishments that choose to offer outdoor service at half capacity are asked to request a name and contact information of patrons who dine in for contact tracing purposes. This practice is voluntary for both patrons and restaurants. However, collecting this small amount of information for each dine-in party will go far in assisting the Richmond City Health District in tracing and containing outbreaks. Guidance on this practice is available here.
 
The mayor made two requests of the state: to continue to assist the city in further expanding testing capacity and in providing adequate face-coverings and hand sanitizer throughout the capital city. 
 
“Quite frankly, we’re going to need more support from the state for our residents and our businesses to reopen safely and sustainably,” the mayor noted in his appeal. “I make these recommendations and requests of the state because, as has been my mantra this entire pandemic. Reopening should be slow and steady.”
 
“When public health is on the line, blindly pushing forward is not an option. Decisions must be thoughtful, and they must be based in our collective knowledge of and love for our city.” 
 
For updated guidance on reopening in Richmond, visit www.rvastrong.org/reopeningguidance.
 
To learn how to help and get help, visit www.rvastrong.org.
 
For updates on the city’s response to COVID-19, visit www.richmondgov.com/covid19.
 
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