Yesterday, I learned about yet another crash in the City in which a driver hit and killed a pedestrian. Richmond Police Department's Crash Team is actively investigating this tragic incident-the second pedestrian death in just over a week.

It's another heartbreaking loss, and my thoughts are with the family of the victim.

Just this past October, on Halloween, one of the deadliest nights of the year for pedestrians, I gathered with community members, advocates, policy makers, members of the City's transportation teams, RPD, and others to reaffirm our commitment to Vision Zero, the City's goal to eliminate traffic deaths.

Today, in light of this recent tragedy, I am asking my team to identify urgent opportunities to improve safety for residents who walk, ride, or roll on the Southside, while also prioritizing critical Vision Zero policies that require longer-term implementation. We know the strategies that work-lowering speed limits in residential areas, creating high-visibility crosswalks, adding curb extensions, creating more protected bike and bus lanes-and we need to move with urgency and precision to focus our investments in the places they will matter most.

As I shared last week, I have also asked my Chief Administrative Officer to consider immediate actions that can increase safety at the downtown intersection on East Broad Street and 10th where a pedestrian was hit and killed by driver while crossing in a crosswalk. I have spoken with VCU Health leadership, and I know VCU is also committed to addressing these safety issues alongside the City.

Finally, I urge every driver: slow down, put your phone away. We cannot accept traffic deaths as normal. The only way we will achieve the goal of zero traffic-related deaths, is by committing to a culture of safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and changing our behaviors to prioritize safety for all.

-Danny

$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.​​