$2 Million to Boost Housing Trust Fund, and 78 New Affordable Housing Units Approved

Richmond, VA -- Mayor Danny Avula today applauded Richmond City Council for approving a series of measures that move the city closer to a Thriving Richmond - strengthening neighborhoods, advancing energy resilience, and expanding access to affordable housing.

$2 Million Boost for Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Leading the list of accomplishments, Council approved ORD. 2025-225, which transfers $2 million into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund supports mixed-income development, rehabilitates blighted properties, and advances housing stability.

"This investment represents the heart of what it means to build a thriving city," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Every dollar we put toward affordable housing is a commitment to stability, opportunity, and equity for Richmond families."

"Every Richmond resident deserves access to safe, affordable housing and a place to call home," says Councilmember Ellen F. Robertson, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th District. "Investments like this help ensure we are building a more equitable city where no one is priced out of the community they love."

Council also advanced ORD. 2025-236, authorizing a grant agreement to support Bellevue Gardens, a 78-unit affordable housing development at 3940 Rosedale Avenue in the Northside area of Richmond. The project will include 42 homes for residents earning 0-50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and 36 homes for those at 50-80% AMI, with completion expected in 2026.

Protecting Renters and Strengthening Neighborhoods

To promote safe and healthy housing conditions, City Council unanimously approved Mayor Avula's ORD. 2025-161, establishing a Residential Rental Inspection Program (RRIP). The Administration will use the next six months to create the policies, procedures and process by which tenants, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens may request a specific parcel or parcels be designated as a Rental Inspection District because rental dwelling units are either blighted, or in the process of deterioration, or in need of inspection by the Building Commissioner to prevent deterioration. ORD. 2025-161 does not itself designate any Rental Inspection Districts. Creating a district requires a separate Council action after review of factors such as building code or health violations, public safety responses, or tenant petitions.

"Safe housing is healthy housing," said Mayor Danny Avula. "This ordinance creates a pathway to ensure that Richmond renters live in homes that meet basic standards of safety and dignity. I look forward to working with CAO Donald and the rest of the team to build a fair, transparent process that protects tenants, supports responsible landlords, and strengthens neighborhoods."

"This is a major step forward in protecting renters," said Councilmember Stephanie Lynch, Richmond City Council, Richmond Central 5th Voter District. "While full implementation will take time and coordination, this is a significant piece of a plan to build stronger, fairer housing for tenants throughout Richmond."

Driving Tourism and Economic Growth

Council also approved ORD. 2025-233 and ORD. 2025-234, authorizing two major tourism development projects under the Virginia Tourism Authority's program:

• A 253-key dual-branded hotel by Shamin Hotels at North Arthur Ashe Boulevard and Myers Street.
• A 95-key boutique hotel by Capital Square at Roseneath Road and West Moore Street.

These investments are expected to generate new jobs, attract visitors, and spur private investment in the Scott's Addition area.

"Scott's Addition continues to be one of Richmond's success stories," said Councilmember Katherine Jordan, Richmond City Council, Richmond North Central 2nd Voter District. "These projects build on that momentum to bring new jobs, new energy, and new opportunities to residents, visitors, and small businesses. I'm thrilled to see investment that drives tourism and strengthens the fabric of our community."

"These projects represent the kind of smart growth that fuels Richmond's economy, strengthens our hospitality industry, and keeps our city on the map as a destination for business and leisure alike," said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. "Tourism is more than just visitors - it's also jobs and investment aimed at supporting our neighborhoods."

Building a Sustainable Future

With the adoption of ORD. 2025-232, the City will launch a Virginia Energy Resilience Study Fund to support energy planning in the East End through a $10,000 Virginia Department of Energy grant.

Additionally, ORD. 2025-227 authorizes new electric vehicle charging stations on North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, expanding access to clean transportation options.

"As a physician, as a dad, and as Mayor, I see every investment in sustainability as an investment in public health," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Energy resilience, EV access, and cleaner air are how we build a future-ready city that's thriving for generations to come."

"The Office of Sustainability is working hard at bringing RVAgreen 2050, the City's Climate Equity Action Plan, to life. Council's adoption of these ordinances helps move that vision forward, and we're proud to share that 28% of the plan is already complete. Richmond is truly thriving as we build a more sustainable and resilient city, said Laura Thomas, Director of the Office of Sustainability.

Getting Things Done

Council also passed measures that make City operations more effective and responsive, including:

• ORD. 2025-222 - updating towing and storage fee limits for greater clarity and consistency.
• ORD. 2025-237 - renewing the Enterprise Zone Cooperation Agreement with the City's Economic Development Authority, continuing incentives that drive private investment in key neighborhoods.

"Renewing the Enterprise Zone Cooperation Agreement reinforces our commitment to growing equitable opportunities in Richmond's neighborhoods," said Angie Rodgers, Director of Economic Development. "These incentives continue to be a powerful tool for attracting private investment, strengthening commercial corridors, and ensuring that our communities benefit from long-term economic growth."

Richmond, VA - Today, Mayor Danny Avula announced plans to expand access to affordable housing by adding $2 million to the City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). To make this investment, Mayor Avula will introduce a budget amendment transferring $2 million from the Delinquent Sales Tax Special Fund into the AHTF. This new investment would bring the City's FY 26 Affordable Housing Trust Fund allocation to $15 million, building on the $13 million already being deployed in this fiscal year.

The Delinquent Tax Sales Special Fund holds proceeds from the sale of properties with unpaid real estate taxes. Under Virginia State Code §58.1-3965, properties may be sold for delinquent real estate taxes when those taxes are delinquent for two years or one year if the property has been condemned, deemed a nuisance or derelict, or has been declared blighted.

This investment reflects the Avula Administration's Thriving Neighborhood pillar - an ongoing commitment to ensuring Richmonders at every income level can access safe, quality housing in neighborhoods with strong public amenities.

"Everywhere I go, Richmonders tell me how urgently we need more affordable housing. I support that wholeheartedly, because this incredible city should be a place where people at every income level can access safe, quality homes in neighborhoods with strong public amenities," says Mayor Danny Avula."

"We continue to make strides on addressing affordable housing, and this step is an important one. The people of Richmond want and deserve affordable housing, and I will continue to advocate for housing as a top priority," says Richmond City Councilmember Ellen Robertson.

"I appreciate the leadership of Councilwoman Ellen Robertson over many years in fighting for greater investments in affordable housing," added Mayor Danny Avula. "I look forward to continued partnership with Ms. Robertson and all of City Council as we work to move forward this shared priority."

Richmond must be a city where every resident should feel safe accessing city services, reporting crimes, and engaging with local government - regardless of immigration status. The recent ICE activity is deeply concerning. It undermines the trust that is essential between law enforcement and the communities they serve. As an immigrant myself, I am extremely mindful of the fear and uncertainty such actions create.

Richmond does not and will not coordinate with ICE on deportation. RPD Chief Edwards and I are in lockstep in our support of local communities, and the Richmond Police Department has not signed a 287(g) agreement with ICE. Our officers are here to protect our neighborhoods, not to enforce federal immigration policies.

Additionally, while RPD relies on License Plate Reader technology to quickly solve major local crimes, they are committed to a transparent and safe use of this data. Flock has a 21-day data retention policy, after which all of the data is deleted. The Richmond Police Department will not share Flock data with other federal agencies and now performs regular audits of accounts to ensure no one has unintentional access.

Here's what we will do:

• We will continue to provide residents with information about their Constitutional rights and direct folks to private law firms and service providers through our Navigation Services and trusted community partners.
• I will continue to do everything within my power to protect and support Richmonders - no matter where they come from, because our strength comes from the diversity, resilience, and contributions of all who call it home.
• Finally, I will commit to meeting with the families of residents detained, to see, first-hand, the impacts on our communities.

June 10, 2025

Mayor Danny Avula’s remarks as prepared from the June 9, 2025 City Council meeting.

***

Good evening, Pres Newbille, VP Jordan, and honorable members of Richmond City Council.

I come to you this evening at what feels like a pivotal moment-both for our administration and for our incredible city.

After working together over the past 5 months, I don't need to tell any of you about the significant challenges that we're facing as a city. We've been tackling them together, and we've recognized together, the need to focus on building a stronger organization, and stronger local government. I've seen in our conversations together that we believe in the power of local government to create real change, and that we want a city government that doesn't just deliver the basics our residents need, but one that leads the way in creating genuine social, racial, and economic justice.

Under our form of government, one of my most important responsibilities is identifying and nominating a Chief Administrative Officer. We need someone with the skills and experience of a top-tier city manager, but who also understands and appreciates the unique dynamics of our Mayor-Council system here in Richmond.

During the campaign, I made a clear pledge to voters: I would conduct a national search for our Chief Administrative Officer and look for the best talent to bring to Richmond, Virginia.

Our City has made some remarkable progress over the past decade. But I also know our residents want more. They need more. They deserve more. Richmond has transformed so much in recent years, and it made complete sense to cast the widest possible net to find an administrative leader who can meet our current challenges head-on and take our beloved city to the next level.

Honorable members of Council, I'm thrilled to tell you we have found that leader.

I'm here tonight to announce Mr. Odie Donald as my nominee for Chief Administrative Officer. From a pool of over 200 candidates- including many public sector executives with experience from across the country in all kinds of communities-Odie quickly emerged as our strongest candidate.

Let me share three reasons why Odie Donald rose to the top.

First, Odie brings deep, proven experience managing the day-to-day operations of

municipal governments. He's been the top executive in two significant Georgia localities-the City of South Fulton, where Odie literally built that government from scratch as their first City Manager after incorporation, and then for the consolidated government of Augusta/Richmond County.

He has a track record of skillfully navigating the complex challenges and opportunities that mid-sized cities like ours face every day.

Second, beyond his chief administrative experience, Odie brings a broader perspective from his time in much larger localities, including Washington, DC, and most recently Atlanta, where he currently serves as Chief of Staff to Mayor Andre Dickens.

Throughout his career, Odie has focused on expanding economic opportunities for folks who've been left behind-through workforce development programming and innovative policy work.

He started his career in local government as an intake specialist - literally the person who says, "Thanks for coming today, how can I help you?". Then became a case manager. Then a career advisor. Then a business rep. Then a program manager.

That road led him to technical college, and later to undergraduate and graduate degrees and, ultimately, to executive roles in local government.

And through his work, he's helped more than half a million people find employment or housing, and has leveraged more than $3 billion in public and private investment for underserved communities.

That's the kind of experience that understands not just the technical complexities of municipal operations, but the human stakes of the decisions we make every day.

Third, as you'll soon discover, Odie Donald is a warm, humble, and deeply grounded person with the right qualities to lead our city's workforce and to partner effectively with City Council.

Don't get me wrong-he'll be tough and firm when he needs to be, because any effective CAO must be.

He carries himself with a humility and self-awareness about what public service really means: helping people, especially the most vulnerable among us. I'm truly proud to bring him on as my lead administrative partner in the work I was elected to do for Richmond's residents, and I believe you'll soon be equally proud to have a leader like Odie Donald here in City Hall.

Let me also address Mr. Donald's contract directly. The best way to advance our collective vision for a thriving Richmond is by providing all of our residents with a truly responsive and effective local government. Getting there won't happen overnight, but we will get there much faster with skilled, experienced leadership.

We can't deliver more effective government- let alone achieve our bigger aspirations for a more just city-by thinking small. If you look at what Mayor Dickens accomplished with Odie's partnership in Atlanta- employment relations, crime reduction, youth jobs, federal grant funding, innovative policy development, and four consecutive unanimously supported balanced budgets-you'll understand that Odie Donald doesn't think or act small.

To bring a professional of this caliber and experience to join us in Richmond, I was more than willing to negotiate a contract at the top end of our Council approved salary range. For some context, Odie was not looking for a new position. After The Robert Bobb Group solicited input from City Council, business leaders, labor representation, and community leaders at the beginning of this process to develop our CAO profile, they went out to their network to find candidates who would meet the incredibly high bar we set for our city. This approach required us to build a package that would convince someone to leave an Executive role they were perfectly happy in, and to uproot themselves and their family for a new opportunity.

If we're serious about improving our city operations and building a government that truly serves our residents, we need to invest in top-tier leadership.

Finally, Mr. Donald is looking forward to becoming part of our amazing Richmond community. He'll be living within our city limits, and I know that beyond his time in City Hall, he'll be out and about getting to know the people of Richmond across all nine districts of our wonderful city.

I want to thank Mr. Robert Bobb, along with Mr. Kenyatta Uzzell of Polihire, for their partnership throughout this search process. Our entire team has complete confidence that Odie Donald is the perfect fit for Richmond at this moment in our city's history.

This is an exciting day for Richmond-a day that has been worth waiting for, and one of the most exciting days of my tenure as mayor so far. I'm thrilled to present for your consideration and confirmation Mr. Odie Donald II as our city's next Chief Administrative Officer.

Thank you.​​

Richmond, VA - Mayor Danny Avula today announced Odie Donald II, Chief of Staff to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, as his nominee for Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the City of Richmond. Mr. Donald's nomination is the result of a rigorous five-month national search launched shortly after Mayor Avula took office on January 1.

"Odie Donald is a talented and experienced public administrator with a compelling life story that speaks to Richmond's highest aspirations. He believes in effective and responsible public management, and in the necessity of local government to uplift and transform lives. His combination of strong management and deep compassion is exactly what is needed to realize our vision of a thriving Richmond that leaves no one behind," said Mayor Danny Avula.

"I'm deeply honored by Mayor Danny Avula's trust in me to serve the people of Richmond as Chief Administrative Officer. Throughout my career, I've been passionate about building strong, effective teams that truly deliver for residents-from streamlining services and improving infrastructure to fostering economic development that benefits everyone. Richmond has incredible potential, and I'm excited to work alongside the talented City staff and dynamic City Council to, together, build a strong foundation for thriving neighborhoods, an efficient City Hall, and a city where every resident has the opportunity to succeed," said Donald.

Mr. Donald brings nearly two decades of executive level experience in municipal government, with a track record of leading high impact local, state, and federally-funded organizations and programs. A native of Atlanta, Donald has held key leadership roles across Georgia, most recently serving as Chief of Staff to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. In this role, he provides strategic guidance on legislative and policy issues, led major public-private partnerships resulting in more than $1.6 billion in investment, and oversaw a broad portfolio including External Affairs, Communications, Cultural Affairs, Sustainability, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and the newly created Department of Labor and Employment Services.

Previously, Donald served as City Administrator for both South Fulton and Augusta-Richmond County. In Augusta, he improved bond ratings, managed over $150 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and spearheaded major economic development and transparency initiatives including the city's largest special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) program and its first comprehensive blight ordinance. In South Fulton, as the city's first City Manager, he built the local government from the ground up, eliminating a $25 million deficit, doubling revenues, establishing the city's first positive fund balance, and delivering its inaugural strategic plan.

Donald is also a recognized civic leader, having served as President of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (Metro Atlanta Chapter) and on the Georgia Forward Board of Directors. A two-time Georgia State University graduate with a BA in History (2003) and a Masters in Business Administration (2012), he has been honored in Georgia Trend's 40 Under 40, Georgia State's 40 Under 40, and Who's Who in Black Atlanta. He is a recipient of the John F. Wall Award from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies.

"I am excited to see someone of this caliber stepping into the role of Chief of Administrative Officer," said Brian Anderson, President and CEO, ChamberRVA. "Mr. Donald's leadership and collaborative spirit will be key to strengthening the partnership between the City and the business community as we continue building a thriving and inclusive local economy."

"In a time of rapid changes and so much uncertainty at the federal level, it's reassuring to see someone with steady, proven leadership in multiple municipal governments with diverse populations. Mr. Donald's leadership in a vibrant, big city like Atlanta will be a real asset as Richmond continues to grow and evolve," said Tanya González, Richmond resident.

"I'm excited about Mr. Donald's background and his authentic public service dedication. He's learned what a community needs through real experience and has risen through the ranks of government on hard work and talent," said Rev. Donté McCutchen, Pastor of Greater Mount Moriah and Love Cathedral Church. "I trust he is well aligned with the values and vision we voted for in Mayor Avula and the kind of forward momentum Richmond needs right now."

"Richmond is an amazing city, and we are delighted to help welcome a new leader ready to meet its challenges and opportunities. There was enormous national interest in the Chief Administrative Officer position which speaks to the incredible dynamism and appeal of the city and its future," said Robert Bobb of the Robert Bobb Group, LLC. "The nomination of Mr. Donald reflects a strong match between the City's needs and a proven, thoughtful leader who understands what it takes to deliver results in a dynamic urban environment."

Under the City of Richmond's Charter, the mayor appoints a Chief Administrative Officer with strong executive and administrative qualifications. This person has virtually all of the formal authority to run the City's operations. The CAO is responsible for personnel decisions, financial and administrative activities, and close relationships with City Council.

The expedited resolution for Mr. Donald's appointment, including the proposed contract and salary of $365,000, will be introduced at the June 9 City Council meeting. Mr. Donald's proposed start date will be July 9.

Resources

• DannyCam: Introducing Odie Donald II
• Learn more about the role of a CAO

El alcalde Avula anuncia a Odie Donald II como su nominado para ser Oficial Administrativo en Jefe

Richmond, Virginia - El alcalde Danny Avula anunció hoy a Odie Donald II, jefe de gabinete del alcalde de Atlanta Andre Dickens, como su nominado al cargo de Oficial Administrativo en Jefe (CAO) de la Ciudad de Richmond. La nominación del Sr. Donald es el resultado de una búsqueda intensiva a nivel nacional de cinco meses de duración, la cual se inició poco después de que el alcalde Avula tomara posesión de su cargo el 1º de enero.

Dijo el alcalde Danny Avula: "Odie Donald es un administrador público talentoso y experimentado con una fascinante historia de vida que responde a las más altas aspiraciones de Richmond. Él cree en una administración pública efectiva y responsable, así como en la necesidad de que el gobierno local mejore y transforme las condiciones de vida. Su gran combinación de sólida gestión y profunda compasión es exactamente lo que necesitamos para hacer realidad nuestra visión de una Richmond próspera que no deje a nadie al margen".

Agregó el Sr. Donald: "Me siento profundamente honrado por la confianza que el alcalde Avula deposita en mí al querer que le sirva al público de Richmond como su Oficial Administrativo en Jefe. A lo largo de mi carrera, he estado convencido de que hay que crear equipos sólidos y efectivos que realmente le cumplan a la población - desde la agilización de los servicios y la mejora de las infraestructuras hasta el fomento de un desarrollo económico que nos beneficie a todos. Richmond tiene un potencial increíble y estoy emocionado de trabajar junto al talentoso personal de la Ciudad para que juntos podamos construir unos cimientos fuertes para que florezcan los barrios y vecindarios, haya un Ayuntamiento eficiente y una ciudad donde todos sus habitantes tengan la oportunidad de alcanzar el éxito".

El Sr. Donald trae consigo casi dos décadas de experiencia a nivel ejecutivo en gobiernos municipales, con un historial de liderazgo en organizaciones y programas de gran impacto financiados a nivel local, estatal y federal. Originario de Atlanta, el Sr. Donald ha desempeñado cargos directivos importantes en Georgia, el más reciente como jefe de gabinete del alcalde de Atlanta, Andre Dickens. En este cargo, ha proporcionado orientación estratégica sobre temas legislativos y políticos, ha dirigido importantes alianzas público-privadas que han dado lugar a una inversión de más de 1600 millones de dólares, y ha supervisado una amplia cartera que incluye Asuntos Exteriores, Comunicaciones, Asuntos Culturales, Sostenibilidad, Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión, y el recién creado Departamento de Trabajo y Servicios de Empleo.

Anteriormente, el Sr. Donald fue administrador municipal de South Fulton y del condado de Augusta-Richmond. En Augusta, mejoró la calificación de los bonos, gestionó más de 150 millones de dólares en fondos del Acta del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense (ARPA, por sus siglas en inglés) y encabezó importantes iniciativas de desarrollo económico y transparencia, incluyendo el mayor programa de impuestos locales sobre las ventas con fines especiales de la ciudad (SPLOST) y su primera ordenanza integral contra la degradación del patrimonio. En South Fulton, en su calidad de primer administrador municipal, construyó el gobierno local desde cero, eliminando un déficit de $25 millones, duplicando los ingresos, estableciendo el primer saldo positivo de fondos municipales y ejecutando su plan estratégico inaugural.

El Sr. Donald es también un reconocido líder cívico, habiendo sido Presidente del Foro Nacional de Administradores Públicos Afrodescendientes (Filial Metro Atlanta) y miembro de la Junta Directiva de Georgia Forward. Graduado en dos ocasiones por la Universidad Estatal de Georgia con una licenciatura en Historia (2003) y una maestría en Administración de Empresas (2012), él ha sido distinguido en Georgia Trend's "40 Under 40", Georgia State's "40 Under 40" y en "Who's Who in Black Atlanta". Así mismo, él obtuvo el Premio John F. Wall de la Asociación Nacional de Agencias Estatales de Empleo.

Dijo el presidente y director ejecutivo de ChamberRVA, Brian Anderson: "Me entusiasma que alguien de este calibre asuma el cargo de Oficial Administrativo en Jefe", y añadió: "El liderazgo y el espíritu de colaboración del Sr. Donald serán fundamentales para reforzar la alianza entre la Ciudad y la comunidad empresarial a medida que seguimos construyendo una economía local próspera e incluyente".

La líder comunitaria Tanya González dijo: "En una época de cambios rápidos y tanta incertidumbre a nivel federal, es tranquilizador ver a alguien con un liderazgo constante y comprobado en múltiples gobiernos municipales con poblaciones diversas. El liderazgo del Sr. Donald en una ciudad grande y vibrante como Atlanta será un valioso activo a medida que Richmond siga creciendo y evolucionando".

El reverendo Donté McCutchen dijo: "Me entusiasma la trayectoria del Sr. Donald y su auténtica dedicación al servicio público. Él ha aprendido lo que una comunidad necesita a través de la experiencia real y ha ascendido en los rangos del gobierno mediante su esfuerzo y talento", y agregó: "Confío en que esté en sintonía con los valores y la visión que elegimos con nuestro voto al alcalde Avula y con el tipo de impulso que Richmond necesita en estos momentos".

Dijo Robert Bobb de Robert Bobb Group, LLC: "Richmond es una ciudad increíble, y estamos encantados de ayudar a darle la bienvenida a un nuevo líder dispuesto a afrontar sus retos y oportunidades. Ha habido un enorme interés nacional por el cargo de Oficial Administrativo en Jefe, lo que demuestra el increíble dinamismo y atractivo de la ciudad y su futuro", y añadió: "La candidatura del Sr. Donald refleja una fuerte coincidencia entre las necesidades de la ciudad y un líder experimentado y reflexivo que entiende lo que hace falta para obtener resultados en un entorno urbano dinámico".

Bajo los estatutos de la Ciudad de Richmond, el alcalde nombra a un Oficial Administrativo en Jefe (CAO) que posea grandes calificaciones a nivel ejecutivo y administrativo; esta persona tiene prácticamente toda la autoridad para dirigir el funcionamiento de la Ciudad. El CAO es responsable de las decisiones de personal, así como de las actividades financieras y administrativas, además de mantener una relación cercana con el Concejo Municipal.

La resolución acelerada para el nombramiento del Sr. Donald, incluyendo el contrato propuesto y el salario de $365,000, se presentará en la sesión del Concejo Municipal del 9 de junio. La fecha de inicio propuesta por el Sr. Donald será el 9 de julio.

Aquí podrá conocer más sobre el papel que desempeña el CAO.