Over the last several days my Administration has continued to work with City Council to bring back the solar PPA ordinances. While I still believe in the benefits of this project, late this afternoon I learned of a potential relationship in one of our departments that could put the legitimacy of the solar PPA ordinances in jeopardy. As a result, I am no longer requesting that Council reconsider the solar PPA ordinances, and I am directing the CAO to look into the situation immediately. To the advocates and supporters of the solar PPA ordinances, I am deeply grateful to you for your dedication and commitment to building a sustainable Richmond.

Logic & Accuracy (L&A) Testing

The Electoral Board will conduct Logic & Accuracy (L&A) testing of CAP (Central Absentee Precinct) voting equipment in preparation for the upcoming election.

Logic & Accuracy testing is a public process used to verify that voting equipment is properly programmed and accurately records and tabulates votes as expected before ballots are cast.

Testing Details

Date: Tuesday, September 6, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: 1st Floor Tech Center, 2134 W. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23227

Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Code of Virginia, the City of Richmond Electoral Board will conduct Logic and Accuracy (L&A) testing of CAP (Central Absentee Precinct) voting equipment prior to the election.

Public Attendance: Members of the public may attend the L&A testing only if they present a physical letter of authorization from their respective political party chair. The letter must be provided upon arrival and will be required for admission to the testing.

The Administration is continuing to explore all possible avenues to bring solar energy to City-buildings to reduce the City’s long-term energy costs, increase the use of renewable energy, and advance Richmond’s commitment to a more sustainable and resilient environment.  

Yesterday, the Administration sent a memo to Council with possible paths forward. While the first path forward is unfortunately no longer an option, we remain hopeful that the project will move forward in some form, and stand ready to support Council in their efforts to keep the City’s commitment to building a sustainable future for all Richmonders. We heard from multiple councilors at Monday’s meeting that they were willing to meet as necessary to work on a path forward. 

Timeline options, as outlined in CAO’s Sep. 30 memo  

1. Move forward with all 39 sites (5MW)  
   1. Requires approving proposed ordinances by midnight, October 1 
   2. This would require calling a special meeting with required notice periods 
   3. Notice special meeting with required notice periods (today, September 30) 
   4. Hold special meeting and consider ordinances in accordance with appropriate procedural requirements 
   5. Note: this would realize ~$20M in value of the 25-year term 

2. Move forward with 17 sites (3MW)  
   1. Meet and consider proposed ordinances on Monday, October 5 
   2. This would require calling a special meeting with required notice periods 
   3. Hold special meeting and consider ordinances in accordance with appropriate procedural requirements 
   4. Note: this would realize ~$15M in value of the 25-year term; reduced scope is a result of the smaller projects no longer being financially viable  
   5. Council action after October 6th would render this project financially unviable 

3. Take no action: project does not move forward  

Proposal for 212 N. 18th St. will bring mixed-income housing to Shockoe Bottom 

Richmond, VA  —The City of Richmond’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has selected Shockoe Shines RVA LLC as the preferred partner for the redevelopment of the City-owned property at 212 N. 18th Street, following a thorough review and evaluation from community members and staff.  

The recommendation follows a nearly 11-month competitive process which began in November 2025 with a request for proposals (RFP). 

The Shockoe Shines RVA LLC proposal was selected from eight development team submissions and was one of three finalist concepts to be presented to the community earlier this summer. If approved as proposed, the project would bring 190 mixed-income units to Shockoe Bottom, with at least 57 of those units reserved for households whose income is below 80% of the Area Median Income.  

“The redevelopment of 212 N. 18th Street represents an important step in the continued transformation of Shockoe Bottom and is one of many investments we are working to advance this historic neighborhood,” said 7th District Councilmember Cynthia Newbille . “This development can serve as an anchor for Shockoe, bringing new housing, including affordable housing, economic activity, and long-term investment that strengthens the neighborhood for generations to come.” 

HCD is recommending this proposal based off an assessment of the project’s ability to bring residential growth to Shockoe Bottom, as well as the strengths of the team’s experience with development in the Richmond market, the financial feasibility of the project, the expected delivery date, and the project design. 

Once contract negotiations between the selected development partner and the City are completed, and if approved by City Council — the project would transform an underutilized City-owned parking lot into a vibrant, mixed-income development, expanding housing opportunities and helping drive the continued revitalization of Shockoe Bottom. Construction could begin as early as August 2027. 

“Shockoe Shines RVA LLC is honored to have been selected by the City of Richmond as the recommended developer for the project located at 212 N. 18th Street in the heart of Historic Shockoe Bottom.” said Managing Partner Daniel Salomonsky . “ The project reflects a shared vision of creating an active, inclusive, and economically vibrant district that honors Shockoe Bottom's past while positioning it for future growth. We look forward to working closely with city leadership, community organizations, neighborhood groups, and business partners as plans move forward.” 

Since 2025, the Department of Housing and Community Development has led Richmond’s effort to strategically dispose of surplus City-owned property to create housing. The goal of the initiative is to deliver affordable housing by converting under-performing City assets into housing. The redevelopment of 212 N. 18th street is the first project in this initiative, with several more already in the pipeline. 

“212 N. 18th Street is a great example of how we can take an underutilized City-owned property and turn it into new housing, economic opportunity, and long-term value for Richmond,” said Mayor Danny Avula . “The interest in this site shows its potential to provide housing that is close to jobs, education, healthcare, transit, and recreation – an opportunity that all Richmonders deserve to have. I am proud of the City’s efforts to move this project forward and hope it will serve as a model for many more to come.”  

In the coming weeks, HCD will work towards a development agreement with Shockoe Shines RVA LLC, with the expectation of bringing an ordinance to Council to approve the disposition of the property in the coming months. 

RICHMOND, VA — The counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and the City of Richmond are coming together to celebrate the hope, strength, and resilience of individuals in recovery at the 2026 Regional Recovery Day. The free community celebration will take place on Saturday, October 3, from noon to 3 p.m. at Monroe Park, 620 W. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219.  

Launched in September 2024, Regional Recovery Day is designed to coincide with National Recovery Month, combat substance use stigma, and pool local resources under a unified, regional banner. The first two events were held at Henrico Sports and Events Center in Glen Allen and offered free community resources and training, such as REVIVE! overdose prevention and Naloxone distribution, alongside peer support and expert speakers. This year, Regional Recovery Day will feature a diverse network of healthcare providers, clinical networks, and public agencies delivering medical care, behavioral therapy, and mental health resources. 

“As a public health doctor and now, as Mayor, I have seen the deep impact substance use has on our communities,” said City of Richmond Mayor Danny Avula. “I am proud to celebrate recovery this weekend and reaffirm our commitment to standing alongside every individual and family on their path toward healing.” 

Hanover leaders emphasized that addressing substance use disorder requires a united front across municipal boundaries. “Recovery support does not stop at city or county lines; it affects communities across the Commonwealth,” said Hanover County Board of Supervisors Chair Sean M. Davis. “Regional Recovery Day combines our resources so everyone knows help and support exist.”  

Henrico leaders stressed that treating substance use disorder as a health condition is central to breaking down stigma and providing effective care. “If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, please know that recovery is within reach," Henrico Board of Supervisors Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III said. "As millions of people have learned, substance use disorder is treatable – just like other health conditions. Regional Recovery Day is a perfect opportunity to connect with a community of support and embrace the hope that comes with each new day."

Grassroots organizations, peer coaches, and housing assistance programs will offer harm reduction tools, support groups, and re-entry guidance. Local leaders with professional backgrounds in addiction treatment noted how crucial peer support and ongoing community encouragement are to the recovery journey. 

“Through my professional experience as a substance abuse counselor, I’ve seen firsthand how substance use can affect individuals and families, but I’ve also witnessed the strength, resilience, and hope that can come with recovery,” said Dr. Mark S. Miller, chair of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. “Regional Recovery Day is an opportunity to come together, encourage those who are moving forward, and make sure everyone knows they have a place in our community. I’m proud that Chesterfield is working alongside our neighboring localities to build a community where recovery is supported and celebrated.” 

In addition to vital clinical and support resources, local businesses, artisans, and food vendors will be on-site to help celebrate the recovery community and honor the resilience of individuals and families across the region.