Prepared by the Chief Administrative Office; September 28, 2026;

I. Purpose

The purpose of this memorandum is to update Council on the Administration's efforts to relaunch the Real Estate Tax Sale Program, a part of a broader effort to strengthen the City's tax enforcement.

II. Background

Before its suspension in January 2023, the Real Estate Tax Sale Program, jointly administered by the Department of Finance and the City Attorney's Office, served as the City's primary tool for collecting long-outstanding real estate taxes and returning vacant or blighted properties to productive use. Reducing this backlog has become a priority of the Avula Administration's Look For It, Find It, Fix It approach to continuous quality improvement in government.

Through expanded collection efforts, the Delinquent Collections Unit reduced outstanding delinquent real estate taxes from $27.4M to $14.2M as of June 30, 2026, a reduction of approximately $13.2M. Following the addition of newly delinquent FY2026 real estate taxes, the balance now stands at approximately $24.2M across 16,677 accounts as of August 31, 2026. Without the collections achieved over the past several months, the estimated balance is closer to $37.4M. This progress provides a strong foundation as the Administration relaunches the program to sustain long‑term collections and address blighted properties citywide. Section VIII provides a full breakdown of current account status.

III. Why This Matters

Good governance in relation to municipal taxation means applying the City's tax laws consistently, transparently, and fairly to every property owner. It also means Council and the public should be able to trust that enforcement will take place, when it becomes necessary, following a clear and well‑documented process. The relaunch of the Real Estate Tax Sale Program helps the City meet that standard. It now gives property owners multiple, clearly communicated opportunities to resolve what is considered delinquent before enforcement occurs, while ensuring the City is not indefinitely carrying uncollected revenue that could otherwise support core services. Reinstating the program reflects the Administration's continued commitment to sound fiscal stewardship and to Council's ongoing oversight of how delinquent taxes are managed on behalf of Richmond residents.

IV. Eligibility for Tax Sale

A property becomes eligible for tax sale only when:

• Taxes have gone unpaid for two full calendar year‑ends, and outreach and preventative measures have been exhausted, with all requirements under Virginia law met; or
• The property has been condemned, deemed a nuisance or derelict, or declared blighted — in which case it may become eligible after just one year of delinquency, under Virginia State Code §58.1‑3965 , reflecting the added urgency of returning those properties to productive use.

V. What's New: Enhanced Support

A review of past efforts provides that the original deployment of the program appears to have been functional prior to the initiated pause of calendar year 2023. To further improve the offering, the Administration has worked to pair this relaunch with a stronger set of supports that allows property owners every potential opportunity to resolve past due accounts prior to required enforcement.

As part of the relaunch, the Office of Neighborhood Engagement (ONE) will reach out directly to affected households, helping owners understand their options and connect with available resources before a property reaches auction. This support will also extend to properties passed down within a family without a formal transfer of legal title, which represent approximately 60% of all properties currently identified as eligible for tax sale. As staff identifies more ways to provide support, ONE will continue serving as a resource for educating property owners and connecting them with the right programs and services.

On September 25, staff met with LISC Virginia, which operates the Richmond Heirs Property Network and offers estate planning education and legal aid referrals for heirs' property matters, to explore what additional resources may be available to affected property owners. Further discussion is needed to determine how a potential partnership could best support these households, and staff will continue those conversations in the coming months. Staff will keep Council informed as that work develops.

VI. Taxpayer Protections

As the program is reinstated, it is important to be clear: displacement of residents is not the goal of the program, and the City remains fully committed to keeping taxpayer protections in place. Beyond the eligibility criteria detailed above, unbuildable properties and properties in bankruptcy proceedings are excluded from tax sales entirely. Even after a property technically qualifies, it has been found that many accounts are resolved prior to reaching auction — through continued outreach, payment arrangements, or other coordinated collection efforts.

VII. Reinstatement Timeline

The Department of Finance is moving forward with a phased, deliberate approach to bringing the Real Estate Tax Sale Program back online, with a target relaunch date of November 2026. In the coming weeks, staff will complete an additional review of legacy accounts, validate which properties are eligible, update internal procedures and systems, and continue close coordination with the City Attorney's Office. The Administration expects this effort to be completed in approximately 60 days, with the City's first annual tax sale anticipated by June 2027.

VIII. Current Status

Here's what the current status looks like today: 85 properties are currently under review by the City Attorney's Office, and 7,626 delinquent accounts — representing approximately $5.4M — have passed the statutory two‑year threshold and are now eligible for tax sale.

An additional $18.8M in delinquent taxes remains under internal review by the Delinquent Collections Unit and is not yet eligible for tax sale. This includes Fiscal Year 2025 accounts ($5.7M), which become eligible on December 31, 2026, and Fiscal Year 2026 accounts ($13.1M), which become eligible on December 31, 2027. These property owners have additional time to resolve their balances before reaching that threshold.

The City Attorney's Office is ready to support the relaunch, but current staffing will cap how many accounts can move through each month. Historically, the office handled about fifty accounts a month, which kept pace with newly eligible accounts. At today's staffing level of one attorney, that pace isn't sustainable, and a backlog will build without additional support. Since the City Attorney's Office reports directly to Council, it is important to flag this constraint on capacity. To resolve this issue, under the proactive leadership of the City attorney, the office has indicated being amenable to adding one additional staff person to substantially close the projected gap.

Conclusion: Appropriate Communications, Public Notice, Connecting with Council

Ahead of the relaunch, the Office of Strategic Communications (OSC) is planning a coordinated public communications effort — including a website update and direct media outreach — starting in late September to ensure residents are fully aware of these activities. Council offices may begin receiving constituent calls as that outreach reaches the public.

The purpose of this memorandum is to continuously keep Council in the loop as the program moves forward, although no formal action is needed at this time. Constituents with questions about delinquent real estate taxes can be directed to 311 or go.rva.gov/taxsales, where they can look up their account, explore payment arrangement options, and find answers to frequently asked questions. We expect additional updates and notifications as a part of our continued outreach in support of this effort. Council members are welcomed to also share these resources with constituents ahead of and after the relaunch, and staff are available and happy to answer any questions that may arise along the way.

Download the full memo.

The City of Richmond will celebrate a major People’s Budget and GRTC milestone with a community ride-along and dedication for the Lombardy/Kroger bus shelter.  

This project is:  

• The first shelter completed by People’s Budget Cycle One  
• The 90th shelter installed through GRTC’s Essential Transit Infrastructure (ETI) program  
• A significant achievement for resident‑driven investment across the City

The community‑selected shelter, a $50,000 project, was one of the top‑voted priorities in 2nd District, with nearly half of all district participants supporting its installation.  

"This shelter demonstrates how public infrastructure can reflect community priorities when residents are empowered to shape the City's investment decisions," said Jerome Legions, Richmond People's Budget founding Steering Commission member. "The People's Budget process ensures voices from every neighborhood directly influence improvements that matter."  

“Partnership has been critical to advancing bus stop improvements across our system,” said Adrienne Torres, GRTC Chief of Staff and Chief Development Officer. “Support from the City, our regional partners and the Commonwealth, including legislation passed in 2024, has helped strengthen the framework for investing in essential transit infrastructure and improving access for our riders.” 

The stop serves riders traveling toward Laburnum, Chamberlayne, and Westbrook corridors, strengthening a key connector between the 2nd and 3rd Districts.  

This project also supports the Department of Public Works’ Vision Zero Action Plan, which aims to reduce traffic fatalities to zero by 2030. Buses are a critical part of achieving this goal because they offer a safer way to travel. 

"The budget is a joint plan between the community, elected officials, and staff," said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. "This shelter is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when those partners align on the planning, transparency, and commitment necessary to get projects done for the betterment of Richmond." 

"What excites me most about this is seeing Richmond’s commitment to listening to residents and investing in their priorities come to life in a project that people can see, use, and enjoy,” said Councilmember Katherine Jordan. "I'm extremely grateful for all of the folks that gave their time and energy"  

Event Details

September 15, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:30 PM   

Ride‑along on GRTC Route, beginning at City Hall and concluding at the Lombardy Kroger shelter  

Schedule 

5:15 PM – Check‑in at City Hall  

5:30 PM – Board bus; rolling Q&A  

5:55 PM – Arrive at shelter  

6:00 PM – Remarks and placement of People’s Budget Completion Badge; cupcakes  

6:20 PM – Return to City Hall  

Media may interview project champions, People’s Budget Steering Commission members, City Council representatives, Office of Community Engagement staff, the Chief Administrative Officer, and GRTC personnel.  

Photos and video of the badge placement will be available.  

Residents can learn more about People’s Budget Cycle One, including project updates at rvapb.org. To stay current and learn more about how to participate in the People’s Budget, subscribe to "The People’s Purse" newsletter.

About the Richmond People’s Budget  

The Richmond People’s Budget is the City’s participatory budgeting program, allowing residents to propose and vote on capital improvements in their neighborhoods. Cycle One concluded in May 2025 with 33 funded projects across the city. Beginning in July 2026, the People’s Budget program became a part of the Chief Administrative Officer’s new Community Engagement initiative, which works across city government to create more transparent, accessible, and resident‑centered pathways for civic participation.  

About GRTC’s Essential Transit Infrastructure (ETI) Program  

Launched in 2022, ETI improves accessibility, safety, comfort, and dignity at bus stops through shelters, benches, ADA‑accessible landing pads, lighting, and other amenities.  

Media Contact:

Monica Annette Manney

Public Information Manager, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

Email: monica.manney@rva.gov

In recognition of National Intern Day on July 30, The 100 Black Men of Richmond has partnered with the City of Richmond to gift professional ties to City Hall interns. The gesture supports young men across the internship program as they prepare for future academic and career opportunities.

Event Details:

What: 100 Black Men of Richmond Gift Ties to City Hall Interns 

When: Thursday, July 30, 2026

Time: Media arrives at 1:30 p.m.; Program begins at 2:00 p.m.

Where: City Council Chambers, City Hall 

“Mentorship is key to supporting young Richmonders on a path towards excellence. Collaborating with community organizations like the 100 serves as a force multiplier in investing in the future of Richmond’s workforce,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. “Professional development isn’t just about skills, it’s about helping young people feel equipped to step into new opportunities. I'm thankful for the support of the 100 and the confidence they help foster.”

The event highlights the shared commitment between the City and community organizations to foster development and create pathways to career success. The tie distribution served as both a symbolic and practical step in helping interns prepare for professional opportunities. 

“We are proud to stand with Richmond’s young men as they step into professional spaces,” said Stephen Miller Pitts, President and Chairman of 100 Black Men of Greater Richmond. “A tie may seem small, but it is a powerful signal that they belong, that they are seen as leaders, and that they deserve to approach every opportunity with confidence. We are grateful to collaborate with the City of Richmond to strengthen mentorship, career readiness, and the pipeline of future Black leaders across our community.”

The City of Richmond’s internship program provides hands‑on experience, exposure to public service, and supportive pathways for students and early‑career participants.

Recent actions highlight commitment to higher quality, more responsive, and more transparent City operations.  

The City of Richmond recently announced a series of achievements that reflect the Administration’s commitment to good governance, operational excellence, and continuous quality improvement. Recent progress across public safety, housing, labor relations, and government accountability highlights how internal teams, guided by Mayor Danny Avula’s leadership and direction, are driving stronger, more responsive, and more transparent City operations.    

Accountability and Performance. This week, the Office of the City Auditor (OCA) noted the Administration’s progress, underscoring the City’s commitment to accountability and continuous improvement. OCA closed or removed 38 recommendations, including 34 in key operational areas such as bad debt reconciliation, purchase use, warehousing, and duplicate payment controls. Across the fiscal year, 10 departments closed 65 recommendations, reflecting meaningful performance improvements across the government. 

Customer Support During DPU System Updates.  Following the launch of DPU’s upgraded customer information systems, some customers experienced delays and disruptions that were promptly addressed and resolved. The department is continuing to monitor system performance closely and make the necessary post‑implementation adjustments to realize optimal efficiency. 

To ensure residents have clear avenues to share feedback and receive assistance, DPU Senior Director Scott Morris and Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II will host two customer engagement events inviting community members to hear directly from them, speak directly with customer service staff, receive support, and learn more about financial assistance resources.  Sessions will be held Tuesday, June 23, from 12–2 p.m. at City Hall, and Wednesday, June 24, from 5–7 p.m. at the Southside Community Services Center.  

Strengthening the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) – City of Richmond Partnership. With a focus on strengthening public safety through effective governance, the Administration is partnering with Council to reform the partnership between the city’s Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response (DECPR) and the Richmond Ambulance Authority.  The unanimously approved ordinance will ensure that medically trained RAA staff handle medical only calls from the outset, improving accuracy and speeding up care for residents. 

Collective Bargaining. The City is advancing an amendment to its collective bargaining agreement that clarifies negotiation processes and reinforces productive labor management collaboration. By promoting consistency and transparency in workforce policies, Richmond continues to demonstrate its commitment to fair, reliable, and accountable governance. 

Commerce Road. Good governance guides the City’s approach to housing. New legislation for the Commerce Road corridor will enable a significant expansion of affordable housing units, strengthening long-term housing options for families and supporting equitable growth across Richmond. 

Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The City completed work to ensure that all funds designated for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund were correctly calculated and aligned with the budget process, supporting continued investment in housing access and stability for residents.   

“Whether it’s our historic audit results, improving emergency services, moving collective bargaining efforts forward, or continued investment in transformative public housing, the administration is making significant improvements for Richmonders,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. 

City of Richmond Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II has been named a charter member of the 100 Black Men of Greater Richmond, joining a distinguished group of local leaders committed to mentoring, education, economic empowerment, and community service across the region.

The 100 Black Men of Greater Richmond is part of the nationally recognized 100 Black Men of America movement, which focuses on improving the quality of life in communities through mentorship, leadership development, health and wellness initiatives, and economic empowerment. 

“The rechartering of the 100 Black Men of Greater Richmond represents an important step forward in our city’s commitment to youth advocacy,” said Stephen Miller-Pitts, President of 100 Black Men of Greater Richmond. “At a time when young people face complex challenges, mentorship and proven, evidence-based support are more important than ever. Our mission is to change the trajectory of our youth through ‘Mentoring the 100 Way Across a Lifetime.’ By focusing on our ‘Four for the Future’ pillars—Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Empowerment—we aim to address the full spectrum of needs facing Black youth and their communities. As we reestablish our presence across Greater Richmond and surrounding areas, we do so as committed community partners, seeking the collaborations and resources needed to support the next generation. Because we know that ‘What They See Is What They’ll Be,’ and tonight they see ‘Real Men Giving Real Time’ to help secure their future.”

“We are pleased to welcome the Richmond, Virginia Chapter as the newest addition to 100 Black Men of America, Inc., marking a meaningful return to a community with a strong legacy of leadership and service,” said Milton Jones, Jr. National Chairman of the 100 Black Men of America. “This group of dedicated men represents the very essence of our mission—committed community servants who are ready and prepared to provide impactful mentoring to youth across the greater Richmond area. We are especially proud to have leaders among their ranks such as Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Richmond, whose professional excellence and commitment to community exemplify the caliber of leadership within this chapter. We look forward to the Richmond Chapter advancing our work and strengthening our collective impact as we continue Mentoring the 100 Way.”

As a charter member, Mr. Donald will help shape the organization’s founding vision and support programs designed to uplift youth and strengthen families throughout the Greater Richmond area. Charter members play a critical role in establishing the chapter’s leadership, programming priorities, and long-term impact in the community.

“I am extremely honored to join this dynamic group of charter members to charter the 100 Black Men of Greater Richmond and continue investing directly in the future of our community,” said Donald. “Providing mentorship, leadership development, and direct support to our youth is essential to cultivating the future leaders of the region at an extremely pivotal time.”

The launch of the 100 Black Men of Greater Richmond represents an important milestone for the region, bringing together leaders from across sectors who are committed to making a lasting difference through service, mentorship, and advocacy. Through its work, the organization aims to create pathways for youth success, foster leadership development, and strengthen the social and economic fabric of the Greater Richmond community.

For more information about the 100 Black Men of America, Inc its programs, please visit https://www.100blackmen.org.