Richmond’s cross-sector work to expand economic mobility will be featured on August 19 at the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Regional Conference. 

The panel, Local Approaches to Upward Mobility: Lessons from Richmond, Virginia and the Urban Institute , will highlight how Richmond is using evidence-based practices, industry partnerships, and community voices to deliver opportunity for residents. 

Richmond Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II will co-present alongside: 

• Isabel Eljaiek, Vice President, Research & Strategy, Community Foundation for a greater Richmond  
• Martha Shickle, Executive Director, PlanRVA  
• Alexis Weaver, Policy Program Manager, Urban Institute  

Together, the group will outline how Richmond is addressing the barriers residents face. The presentation will also detail how the City is applying the Urban Institute’s Upward Mobility Initiative to build systems that support long-term stability across housing, transit, workforce development, and economic growth.

“Richmond is a shining example of how to leverage partnerships to accelerate economic mobility,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. “The City and our cadre of partners are tackling the barriers that hold residents back, by building systems that cross local borders to help people climb the economic mobility ladder. This progress leads to real visible results. That’s the story we’re bringing to ICMAs national membership, and it’s a story Richmond is proud to stand behind.” 

“Economic mobility is built locally, through the systems that shape access to housing, transit, jobs, and opportunity,” said Martha Shickle, Executive Director of PlanRVA. “Richmond’s leadership shows what intentional policy and partnership can achieve. Our role is to connect these efforts across the region so communities can learn from one another and scale strategies that expand opportunity beyond any single jurisdiction.” 

Richmond’s presence at ICMA will spotlight the City’s leadership in practical, community‑driven approaches that strengthen upward mobility and provide a model for other communities nationally. 

Visit the ICMA Regional Conference website for session details, and look for Richmond’s full slide deck to be shared following the presentation

Media Contact:

Monica Annette Manney

Public Information Manager, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

Email: monica.manney@rva.gov

Phone: 804.947.9981