Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond has issued a temporary pause in the RVA Stay Gap Grant Program, effective Jan. 1, 2026, in order to make improvements aimed at strengthening program administration and improving efficiency so that financial assistance can be delivered more quickly and effectively to Richmond homeowners and renters experiencing financial hardship.

"The core mission of the program, to provide critical housing stability support for residents in need, will remain unchanged," said Director of Finance Letitia Shelton. "This pause allows us to improve how the program operates so we can better serve applicants and ensure funds are reaching those who need them most."

In a memo sent to the Finance and Economic Development Committee earlier today, Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II outlined some of the challenges faced in implementing the program, including limited staffing, incomplete submissions, and manual processing constraints.

"Simply put, this pause was not communicated clearly to Richmonders in need," he said. "The best apology is often corrected behavior. The singular focus of the administration is to strengthen program delivery and accountability so that, when the program returns, it is positioned to better meet the urgent needs of our residents."

Among the initial recommendations levied in the memo is one calling for outside support in the program's administration. "Although this program is an important and much needed service to the Richmond community," the memo reads, "it is not a core function for the Department of Finance. Securing the services of an outside vendor would drastically improve the service and free up Finance staff to focus on core services."

The City will continue to review and process applications that were received on or before December 31. Applicants who submitted materials by that date do not need to take any additional action at this time and payments to those qualified will continue.

At the conclusion of the review period, the Department of Finance will announce next steps on the program's reintroduction. Residents are encouraged to monitor the City's website and social media channels for the latest information.

About the RVA Stay Gap Grant Program

Introduced at the end of 2024 for a 2025 rollout, the RVA Stay Gap Grant Program is a first-come, first-serve housing relief program that offers a one-time payment of $1200 for rental or mortgage payment assistance to qualifying applicants. This program is jointly operated by the Department of Finance and the Department of Social Services to provide financial assistance that helps fill the gap for low-income households in the City of Richmond.

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More homes for more people, more ways to stay

Richmond, VA - On January 13, Mayor Danny Avula announced a comprehensive plan that refines and strengthens the City's existing tools to tackle Richmond's housing supply and affordability crisis through a two-pronged approach: increasing the supply of homes across the city and implementing anti-displacement measures to help residents stay in their homes.

The plan reflects the Mayor's "Look for it, Find it, Fix it" commitment to operational excellence, applying his Thriving City Hall pillar to improve how Richmond's proven housing programs work in practice.

"Housing is the foundation of opportunity in Richmond," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Richmond has affordable housing programs and tools on the books, but too often, residents haven't felt the benefit. That's an execution problem, and it's on us to finally fix that. By making our funding more predictable, streamlining our processes, and refining how our anti-displacement programs operate, we're building a Richmond where everyone has a place to call home. A Thriving City Hall that executes well is how we deliver Thriving Neighborhoods."

The plan focuses on four key strategies that refine and strengthen Richmond's existing housing work.

1. Establish predictable City funding for the construction and preservation of affordable housing.

In Fiscal Year 2027, Mayor Avula's administration expects to invest at least $13.4 million in City funds towards the creation and preservation of approximately 1,000 affordable homes.

The Mayor is committed to directing $10 million of these funds annually to be overseen by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Oversight Board, with substantial additional investments in affordable housing through performance grants and other programs. To enforce this commitment, the Administration recommends revising the existing AHTF ordinance and adopting the Mayor's proposed, legally-binding AHTF ordinance to improve the consistency and predictability of funding.

"Right now, complicated limits on how the City can create and use funding for affordable housing initiatives create uncertainty," Mayor Danny Avula explained. "We're not inventing new programs-we're making our existing funding commitments clearer and more consistent so partners can count on our support and residents know we're getting the most out of their tax dollars."

2. Update the zoning code to increase the housing supply and to streamline permitting and approval processes.

Updating the City's zoning code by passing Code Refresh will allow for the production of over 30,000 new homes, a scale that would address even the city's most significant growth scenarios. The code update has been in development, and the Mayor is committed to bringing it across the finish line.

Mayor Avula will introduce a final draft of the Code Refresh later this year, creating conditions that improve housing choice and prioritizes transit-oriented development to better connect residents with goods, services, and relationships they need.

"The housing affordability and supply crisis will continue into the future as Richmond's population continues to grow," Mayor Danny Avula said. "Code Refresh represents years of work and community input. I could not be more excited to prepare Richmond for the future by streamlining the construction of new homes through thoughtful increases in density that respect existing neighborhoods."

3. Commit to collaborative public housing redevelopment by holding RHHA accountable and centering residents.

The City will strengthen its existing relationship with the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and formalize that partnership with a signed Memorandum of Agreement that outlines shared goals and common vision for housing redevelopment efforts. The MOA will clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations to ensure more effective collaboration.

Mayor Danny Avula will continue to demand resident-centered redevelopment and 1:1 replacement of deeply affordable, subsidized housing units, ensuring the City has a seat at every table.

"Redevelopment of public housing is one of the best ways the City can address the housing affordability crisis for Richmonders with the lowest incomes," Mayor Danny Avula said. "We're not starting from scratch-we're formalizing and strengthening our working relationship with RRHA to make sure redevelopment is effective, sustainable, and truly centered on the residents it serves."

4. Deliver on anti-displacement by improving administration of our existing programs.

Richmond already runs more than 20 different programs dedicated to keeping residents in their homes-from eviction diversion programs and right-to-counsel grants to real estate tax exemptions and home rehabilitation assistance. The focus now is on making these programs work better for Richmonders.

Mayor Danny Avula will support Councilmember Robertson's resolution calling for a cross-departmental inventory of all anti-displacement programs and efforts, as well as an assessment of inputs, outputs, and outcomes from each program. This inventory will identify where programs need operational improvements to serve residents more effectively. The administration will strengthen meaningful anti-displacement tools, including owner-occupied home repair and rehabilitation programs, crisis response funds, and real estate tax exemptions and deferrals for older adults and persons with disabilities.

"We have creative, proven anti-displacement programs-what we need is to make them operate more efficiently," said Mayor Danny Avula. "This is exactly what 'Look For It, Find It, and Fix It' means in practice. We're refining the nuts and bolts of these programs to get support to residents who need it, faster and more effectively."

Actions expand violence prevention, substance use recovery, and housing initiatives

Richmond, VA - On Monday, January 12, Mayor Avula highlighted ordinances passed by City Council to strengthen a Thriving Richmond agenda.

Thriving Families, Thriving Neighborhoods

Mayor Avula praised City Council's passage of ORD. 2025-275, legislation he introduced to reinforce the City of Richmond's commitment to safe, thriving communities. The ordinance enables the creation of two targeted programs under the Department of Justice Services (DJS). Safer Communities investments include:

• Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention: Expanding prevention, survivor support, and community education through a partnership with the YWCA
• Positive Youth Development: Strengthening high quality out-of-school time (OST) programming and mentorship in partnership with NextUp

These investments are part of the City's Gun Violence and Intervention Framework, which takes a coordinated, cross-sector approach to addressing the root cause of violence and promoting long-term safety and stability.

"Reducing violence in Richmond means investing in what works and in what matters most," said Greg Hopkins, Interim Director, Department of Justice Services. "Addressing the root causes of harm and creating opportunities for mentorship, education, and healing are essential to breaking cycles of violence and building neighborhoods where everyone can thrive."

Addressing Substance Use Disorders and Strengthening Recovery

Mayor Avula also celebrated City Council's approval of a package of ordinances he introduced focused on addressing substance use disorders and strengthen recovery efforts. The City of Richmond has been awarded $619,950 through Operation STOP!, a Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority grant designed to reduce overdoses and save lives through immediate education and prevention efforts. The funding will:

• Deliver harm reduction supplies, recovery support, and trauma-informed counseling for families impacted by opioid use (through $594,950 in sub-grants) and
• Allow for program and impact evaluation to guide long-term strategies for sustained success (through $25,000 in partnership with VCU's Wright Center)

In addition to local initiatives, Richmond is collaborating with Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover counties on regional efforts that expand treatment access and strengthen recovery support. These cooperative efforts include:

• Increasing access to treatment and transportation for adolescents with substance use disorders: Chesterfield Recovery Academy
• Peer recovery specialists supporting individuals after EMS or law enforcement contact: Project Recover

"Every person in Richmond deserves the chance to thrive. Through operation STOP! and our regional partnerships, we're not only addressing the immediate crisis of overdoses but also building a foundation for long-term health and recovery. These investments in prevention, harm reduction, and recovery services ensure that Richmonders who have struggled with substance use disorders have the support they need to recover and thrive," said Anna Jones, City of Richmond's Opioid Response Strategist.

Protecting Homes and Neighborhoods: Preventing Displacement 

Mayor Avula applauded City Council for advancing two measures to strengthen housing stability and safeguard Richmond's historic character.

• RES. 2025-R043 directs the Chief Administrative Officer to lead a comprehensive review of City programs that mitigate displacement, supporting families in remaining in the communities they love
• ORD. 2025-265 amends City Code §30-930.9 to establish civil penalties for the unauthorized demolition or relocation of historic landmarks, as authorized by Virginia law.

"These actions are critical steps toward protecting both the people and places that define Richmond," said Mayor Danny Avula. "I'm grateful to City Council for their thoughtful leadership. Together, we will build a city where families can stay rooted and neighborhoods can thrive for generations to come."

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services (DSS) announces that its offices, now located at 300 E. Franklin Street, will reopen to the public beginning Thursday, January 15, 2026.

The new location brings together all five branches of the agency under one roof, allowing for greater staff efficiency and improved coordination of services for residents.

“This new space allows us to better serve the Richmond community by streamlining operations and creating a more collaborative environment for our staff,” said Shunda Giles, Director of the Department of Social Services. “By housing our teams together, we are strengthening our ability to connect residents to the resources and support they need in a more timely and effective way.”

Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald emphasized the broader impact of the move on service delivery across the city. “This transition reflects the City’s commitment to improving access and the overall customer experience for residents seeking essential services,” Donald said. “By investing in this centralized, modern workspace, DSS will be better positioned to meet the needs of Richmonders.”

In addition to in-person services, many DSS programs and resources remain available online and by phone. Residents are encouraged to visit www.rva.gov/social-services or call (804) 646-7212 with questions or for additional information.

Posted January 9, 2025

~Your voice matters: Join the conversation Jan. 14 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Main Street Station~ 

Richmond, VA – The City of Richmond, in partnership with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and Drive Smart Virginia, is launching a community-led seat belt safety initiative to further reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities. The effort builds on Richmond’s ongoing Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries through safer streets, safer speeds, and safer behaviors using education, engineering, and enforcement.  

This initiative will launch with a series of free, public community meetings to increase seat belt safety and usage. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street.

Subsequent meetings will also be held at Main Street Station on the following dates: January 28, February 5, and February 19. The meetings will provide residents with a forum to share their experiences, ideas, and recommendations for improving seat belt use. Feedback from the meetings will help ensure messaging reflects community needs. 

"Improving seat belt use is a critical part of keeping people safe, but our Vision Zero work goes beyond cars to protect everyone on our streets," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Seat belts remain one of the simplest ways to save lives, yet unbelted occupants account for 65% of local crash deaths, and too many residents remain unbuckled. Through partnerships with IIHS, Drive Smart Virginia, and the community, we're working to prevent pedestrian deaths and make every street safer for all."

“Community engagement is at the heart of sustainable behavior change,” said Kristin Pettway, Executive Director for Drive Smart Virginia. “By incorporating residents’ perspectives, Richmond is setting a model for how cities can protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.” 

“Richmond’s work demonstrates the power of pairing research-based strategies with community input,” said David Harkey, President of IIHS. “Engaging residents in traffic safety initiatives helps ensure interventions are tailored to local needs.” 

The community is encouraged to attend, share their voice, bring a neighbor or friend, and register for the meeting at rvacampaign@iihs.org to help increase seat belt safety across Richmond. 

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk, and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

 The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries, and property damage from motor vehicle crashes through research and evaluation and through education of consumers, policymakers, and safety professionals.

DRIVE SMART Virginia is a non-profit organization charged with raising awareness and changing behavior to improve the safety of the roadways of the Commonwealth. We have endeavored to improve the lives of all Virginians through our public information and education initiatives. Founded in 1995, the organization is led by a diverse board representing safety advocates, the insurance industry and law enforcement.