Good morning, friends! 

This is a super exciting day in our city.
It is a joy to welcome people from far and wide. I know throughout the course of this weekend, we will have many visitors from the region and from beyond. We also have these crews from Norfolk, from Baltimore, and all the way from the Netherlands. Let's welcome our guests and thank them for coming here for these celebrations. 
 

The James River, in so many ways, is the lifeblood of our city today, but it has been for hundreds and hundreds of years. It has played an incredibly important role in the history of our Commonwealth and the history of our entire country. This whole year, as we acknowledge the 250th anniversary of our country, that means a lot of things here in Richmond. It is part celebration.
It is part wrestling with the complexity of our past. It is part inspiration for how we continue to form a more perfect union for the next 250 years. I have lived here in this great city of Richmond for 26 years, and a huge part of what has fueled my love for this place is the way that Richmond does not shy away from its past.
Our city is steeped in history. I think the greatness of our city, our beauty, our diversity, and the richness of Richmond are a direct result of the honest reckoning that we have done and been doing for decades here.  

SailFest is yet another example of how we grapple with the fullness of that history and ultimately become a stronger city because of it. As we stand here on the banks of the James River, we celebrate the fact that we would not be here had it not been for the arrival of ships like these so many years ago. We also recognize that the history of ships sailing up the James River here to Richmond is really complicated.  

When Captain Christopher Newport sailed here from Jamestown in 1607, he planted a cross on the hill, and with that began years of persecution of the land's original inhabitants, the Powhatan. Centuries before the Europeans arrived on these shores, remember that dugout canoes carried families and food and tools and traded goods between villages and tribes. We must remember that when these ships first sailed up the James more than 400 years ago, this land was not a wilderness waiting to be settled. It was already a vibrant network of relationships, of economic activity, and of community. Just like today, our river connected people. The Powhatan welcomed these new European settlers in their most vulnerable moment and taught them how to survive in this new environment. Ultimately, as greed gave way to war and violence, within a generation, most of the tribes between the York and the James River were decimated. Too many of the land’s first inhabitants in the place that we now call Richmond were lost to history.  

In the years to follow, the James River would carry thousands of enslaved Africans into the city.
Right across the river here, thousands of kidnapped men, women, and children arrived at Ancarrow’s landing, and walked along the riverbank, eventually making their way to Shockoe Bottom, where they were confined, tortured, and sold into a life of slavery. In the 19th century, Richmond became one of the largest slave hubs in the United States. So many enslaved Africans came through Richmond, that even today, it is believed that one in four Black Americans can trace their roots back to our city.  

Throughout all of this time, the river and the ships that traveled along it were also a source of commercial development for Richmond, and of freedom. George Washington oversaw the building of the Kanawha Canal along the James River, which was the first operating canal system in the US. That canal connected Richmond and other Eastern cities to the Western United States, and it expanded travel and commerce from our city and for the nation as a whole. In the years to follow, Black and Irish laborers would endure dangerous conditions to expand that canal and grow our city's economy by helping transport flour and tobacco and coal and people, both free and enslaved, up the treacherous falls of the James and ultimately around the world. 
 

If you look at our City's flag, you will see a faceless boatman, a boatman that represents the unsung heroes -- the boatman of the James -- that transported goods along the river, and were such an important part of our city's early economy. It's believed that, at one point, up to 98% of these boatmen were men of color, and that the river was actually a source of freedom for these men and their families, both figuratively and literally. Not only did the river provide an avenue for enslaved boatmen to travel without the harsh supervision of their masters, but they were also known to help transport slaves to freedom by picking up freedom seekers along their journey, and taking them to ships here in Richmond that would ultimately carry them north.
I think these Black boatmen were the epitome of our country's founding ideals of liberty and justice for all. With great bravery and wisdom, they turned the same river that brought their ancestors into a life of slavery into a pathway to freedom. I'm so proud that they are represented at the center of Richmond's flag, which is a representation of their legacy, but also of our aspiration to live up to it as a city. 
 

Now, while the tall ships that we see today aren't the same vessels that ushered in the difficult parts of Richmond's conflicted past, they do allow us to reflect on that past, and to celebrate the progress that we've made, but also to acknowledge the work that we have yet to do. We have been working to live up to that promise of freedom and equality for 250 years, but we are still working on it. The work to create a truly democratic nation rooted in equality remains unfinished. 

I welcome you all again to SailFest, because this is an incredible once in a generation opportunity to tour these beautiful ships, to learn from live performances and reenactments and exhibits that will allow us to engage with and reflect on our complex history over the last 250 years. This event has come together with the work of many, many hands. I just want to say thank you to Sail Virginia, to the crews of these fantastic ships, the Oosterschelde, the Pride of Baltimore, and the Virginia.  

I want to say a special thank you to Jamie and your team at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. 
We are so grateful for the work that you all do for our city and for the entire state, telling the fullness of Virginia's story. I want to offer a massive thank you to the United States Army. It took so much coordination and effort to get these floating docks out here so that these ships could dock. I want to thank the Army certainly for their involvement in this event, but more importantly to your sacrifice and service to our great nation. Lastly, I want to thank my colleagues here in the city of Richmond, who, along with Sail Virginia and the History Museum, put in so many hours of planning and physical labor, and set up the infrastructure that's needed to bring the tall ships here and to make this event a success.  

I cannot wait for thousands and thousands of Richmonders to get to experience this over the next few days, and then to see how that work will seed the future of Richmond, to make us a stronger and more resilient and more beautiful city over the next 250 years. Thanks so much, everybody. 

RICHMOND, VA — The counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and the City of Richmond are coming together to celebrate the hope, strength, and resilience of individuals in recovery at the 2026 Regional Recovery Day. The free community celebration will take place on Saturday, October 3, from noon to 3 p.m. at Monroe Park, 620 W. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219.  

Launched in September 2024, Regional Recovery Day is designed to coincide with National Recovery Month, combat substance use stigma, and pool local resources under a unified, regional banner. The first two events were held at Henrico Sports and Events Center in Glen Allen and offered free community resources and training, such as REVIVE! overdose prevention and Naloxone distribution, alongside peer support and expert speakers. This year, Regional Recovery Day will feature a diverse network of healthcare providers, clinical networks, and public agencies delivering medical care, behavioral therapy, and mental health resources. 

“As a public health doctor and now, as Mayor, I have seen the deep impact substance use has on our communities,” said City of Richmond Mayor Danny Avula. “I am proud to celebrate recovery this weekend and reaffirm our commitment to standing alongside every individual and family on their path toward healing.” 

Hanover leaders emphasized that addressing substance use disorder requires a united front across municipal boundaries. “Recovery support does not stop at city or county lines; it affects communities across the Commonwealth,” said Hanover County Board of Supervisors Chair Sean M. Davis. “Regional Recovery Day combines our resources so everyone knows help and support exist.”  

Henrico leaders stressed that treating substance use disorder as a health condition is central to breaking down stigma and providing effective care. “If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, please know that recovery is within reach," Henrico Board of Supervisors Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III said. "As millions of people have learned, substance use disorder is treatable – just like other health conditions. Regional Recovery Day is a perfect opportunity to connect with a community of support and embrace the hope that comes with each new day."

Grassroots organizations, peer coaches, and housing assistance programs will offer harm reduction tools, support groups, and re-entry guidance. Local leaders with professional backgrounds in addiction treatment noted how crucial peer support and ongoing community encouragement are to the recovery journey. 

“Through my professional experience as a substance abuse counselor, I’ve seen firsthand how substance use can affect individuals and families, but I’ve also witnessed the strength, resilience, and hope that can come with recovery,” said Dr. Mark S. Miller, chair of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. “Regional Recovery Day is an opportunity to come together, encourage those who are moving forward, and make sure everyone knows they have a place in our community. I’m proud that Chesterfield is working alongside our neighboring localities to build a community where recovery is supported and celebrated.” 

In addition to vital clinical and support resources, local businesses, artisans, and food vendors will be on-site to help celebrate the recovery community and honor the resilience of individuals and families across the region.  

Thriving and inclusive communities

Mayor Avula applauded the passage of RES. 2026-R033, which directs the administration to establish a Trust Policy. A trust policy defines the ways the City of Richmond interacts with the federal government, including clarifying and limiting the ways information is shared between local and federal governments and codifies the City’s existing practice that anyone, regardless of status, is entitled to safety and access to city services.

“I am grateful to Councilmember Nicole Jones’ and many others who have committed to developing the City’s Trust Policy. Many cities around the country have used a Trust Policy to build the level of trust in the way that their government serves immigrant communities. By clearly defining how information is shared and safeguarded, we are reinforcing our commitment to safety and dignity for all of our residents. I look forward to sharing more about the Trust Policy in the coming weeks,” said Mayor Danny Avula.

“This resolution represents meaningful progress in ensuring our immigrant communities feel protected and respected,” said Councilmember Nicole Jones. “The Trust Policy is just the beginning. Mayor Avula and his administration understand that saying we are an inclusive, welcoming city that prioritizes safety isn’t enough. We have to build the infrastructure so that trust can flow freely, nourishing everything we do in the city.”

A thriving and sustainable built environment

Solar ordinances

“I’m disappointed in the outcome of tonight’s actions on the solar ordinances. We had an extraordinary opportunity before us to reduce the City’s long-term energy costs, increase the use of renewable energy, and advance Richmond’s commitment to a more sustainable and resilient built environment through a solar power purchase agreement. We listened to hours of testimony from both experienced subject matter experts and ordinary residents who agreed that our proposal was good for the environment, good for taxpayers, and good for the City of Richmond. It is extremely unfortunate that the majority of Council was not able to find a way to saying yes to this opportunity.

Despite that, it was incredibly inspiring to see so many climate and renewable energy advocates such as the Community Climate Collaborative, Bridging the Gap, the Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, Southside ReLeaf, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light, Climate Changemakers RVA, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, and many others come out and support the City’s RVAgreen 250 goals. The future of Richmond is in amazing hands with these advocates like these.

Actions have consequences, and City Council’s action tonight will make it harder to achieve the City's sustainability goals.” — Mayor Danny Avula

Master Plan Amendments

City Council also approved three Mayor Avula-sponsored amendments to Richmond 300: A Guide for Growth Master Plan (“Master Plan”). Together, the amendments bring major citywide planning efforts under Richmond’s Master Plan. They include:

• ORD. 2026-208: The Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan (CHSP), which establishes goals for identifying, recognizing, and safeguarding the City’s cultural and historic assets.
• ORD. 2026-209: The Richmond Connects Strategic Plan, which creates safer, more equitable multi-modal transportation plans for Richmonders
• ORD. 2026-210: Richmond INSPIRE, the master plan for the City’s parks and recreational spaces, which creates a transparent, community-driven vision for parks and recreational spaces in the City

"These amendments matter because they will become a part of how we evaluate whether policies, city projects, or zoning changes align with the master plan. We have abundant historic and cultural resources in Richmond, and the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan will help us identify the cultural resources that we haven't yet documented or recognized for their significance to our community," said Commissioner Burt Pinnock, City of Richmond Planning Commission.

“Richmond has been delivering on its mission to create safer streets for everyone, particularly vulnerable populations. The ability to have a car-lite or car-free lifestyle is a building block of equitable transportation, which is why you’ll continue to see RDOT prioritize access for people walking, using transit, and riding bikes and scooters,” said Andy Boenau, Director, RDOT. “We’re proud to be delivering projects that reflect a thriving city.”

“Richmond INSPIRE gives our community a shared vision for the future of parks, recreation, and public spaces, one shaped by the voices and aspirations of Richmond residents,” said Chris Frelke, Director of Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “Incorporating INSPIRE into Richmond 300 makes that vision part of how we plan, invest, and build a stronger, more connected Richmond for generations to come."

Thriving Families

Constitutional Amendments

On Council’s passage of RES. 2026-R032, Mayor Avula said, “I am so proud to support this resolution. Richmond is a city for all people, and it is incredibly important that the Constitution of the Commonwealth reflect that. Reproductive freedom, marriage equality, and voting rights for formerly incarcerated Richmonders are essential for dignity and equality.

Richmond voters, like all Virginia residents, will have the opportunity to vote on these three constitutional amendments during the General Election. To learn more, visit https://www.rva.gov/elections/nov-3-election

Program goals are to help residents with delinquent taxes get into payment plans and reduce abandoned and blighted properties

Richmond, VA — Mayor Danny Avula and CAO Odie Donald II today announced that the City of Richmond is relaunching the Real Estate Tax Sale Program as part of its commitment to consistent and responsible tax administration. The Real Estate Tax Sale Program gives the City an important tool to collect delinquent real estate taxes and address abandoned and blighted properties, while supporting residents in resolving delinquent taxes and staying in their homes. 

In Virginia, a tax sale program is a legal process where a locality may take possession of a tax-delinquent property and put that property up for auction in an effort to recover those delinquent property taxes. It is one of the final steps in the delinquent tax collection process and is only used once all other options have been exhausted. 

Properties only become eligible for a real estate tax sale after: 

1. Taxes have remained unpaid for two full calendar years (or one year, if the property is deemed blighted, a public nuisance or derelict) 
2. Multiple notices and outreach efforts have been made, and  
3. The property meets the legal requirements established under Virginia law 

Over the past year, through June 30, 2026, the City reduced delinquent real estate taxes from $27.4 million to $14.2 million through strong collection efforts, a reduction of $13.2 million. 

After FY 2026 taxes came due, the delinquent balance then increased to about $24.2 million as of August 31, 2026. That increase reflects the addition of a new tax year, not lost ground.  

Of the $24.2 million currently delinquent, $5.4 million has passed the two-year statutory threshold and are now eligible for tax sale. Currently, Currently, 85 properties have been identified for potential tax sale, pending a review to confirm whether they meet all of the legal requirements for referral to tax sale. 

The remaining $18.8 million is not yet eligible for tax sale. That amount includes FY 2025 accounts ($5.7 million), which will not reach eligibility until after December 31, 2026, as well as FY 2026 accounts ($13.1 million) which will not reach eligibility until after December 31, 2027. These property owners still have time to enter payment plans, resolve their balances, and avoid the tax sale process.  

The relaunch of the Real Estate Tax Sale Program adds another tool to the City’s collection efforts for properties that meet the legal requirements for tax sale. “We have a responsibility to Richmond taxpayers to consistently enforce our tax laws and to work compassionately with residents who are struggling to pay,” said Mayor Danny Avula . “Our goal is to help property owners get into payment plans, and resolve delinquent taxes, whenever possible, while also addressing abandoned and blighted properties.” 

“The Real Estate Tax Sale Program is part of a broader effort to strengthen consistent, fair, and responsible administration tax collection,” said CAO Odie Donald II . “Building on our continued focus on improved service to residents, we are enhancing support and access points for Richmond property owners. This relaunch represents both a strengthening of processes and an expansion of efforts to make compliance options even more accessible.” 

"The City is committed to working with taxpayers to pay any tax liability if they reach out to us. The Tax Sale program only exists for a small group of properties that go well beyond a workable and reasonable timeframe for compliance,” said Ken Martinez, Director of Revenue Administration . “It ensures fairness in administration of taxes in Richmond and should give positive results in the City’s wider efforts to address delinquent taxes and collection." 

The City’s Department of Finance works in partnership with the City Attorney’s Office to administer the tax sales program. The City expects its first annual tax sale around June 2027, with an official relaunch timeframe of November 2027. Outreach efforts will take place before then with property owners with delinquent taxes.  

Richmond property owners with questions about delinquent real estate taxes can call 311, or visit go.rva.gov/taxsales for more information.  

This weekend, Richmond lost an incredible leader, laborer, and friend. Jim Ukrop’s influence on the greater Richmond community has been profound. At a time when many business leaders found it easier to disengage from the city and its issues, Jim believed deeply in the importance of Richmond, and poured his time, energy, and resources into charting its course for the future.

I spent more than a decade on the Communities In Schools Board with Jim. I got to see firsthand his passion for supporting our school system and investing in our teachers, students, and families. In fact, Jim was one of the very first people to suggest to me that I should consider running for mayor one day—almost 12 years ago! While the idea seemed completely preposterous to me at the time, in this, and so many other things, Jim could often see what others could not. Richmond is a better city for it.

Jim poured himself into countless efforts, always helping open doors for others, and has had a tremendous hand in helping create the growing, vibrant Richmond of today. We celebrate a life well lived, and trust that Jim’s legacy of engagement, generosity, and compassion will inspire the next generation of community leaders in our city.