Week-long initiative highlighting programs, resources, and partnerships that help Richmonders stay in their homes and communities begins on Monday, June 8    

Mayor Danny Avula, the City of Richmond, Richmond City Councilmember Ellen Robertson, and community partners have announced Richmond’s Anti-Displacement Week, a week-long series of events and educational opportunities beginning Monday, June 8, 2026. Anti-Displacement Week focuses on more ways for Richmonders to stay in their homes and communities as the city continues to grow. 

Anti-Displacement Week will highlight local programs, resources, and partnerships that are designed to prevent displacement, increase housing stability, and ensure that Richmond’s growth benefits longtime residents. Displacement generally refers to the involuntary loss of housing or the need to leave a neighborhood or community. 

“Our goal is simple: more homes for more people and more ways for Richmonders to stay in the communities they love,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Anti-Displacement Week shines a spotlight on the incredible work our community partners are doing every day to help residents remain in safe and stable housing. This week is an opportunity to connect Richmonders with the resources, programs, and people working to keep our neighborhoods strong and inclusive.” 

Richmond City Councilmember Ellen Robertson underscored the importance of anti-displacement efforts. “Anti-Displacement Week is vital for both longtime residents and newcomers. As Richmond grows, we must ensure that everyone has the opportunity to stay rooted, to thrive, and to benefit from the city’s progress. That’s why I raised concerns about displacement early on, and partnered with Housing Opportunities Made Equal of VA on a displacement study and later patroned Resolution 2025-R043 directing the administration to inventory existing anti-displacement programs and services. Understanding the scope of the challenge is essential to developing effective solutions, and I’m proud to support initiatives like Anti-Displacement Week that keep this issue at the forefront of our work,” said Councilmember Robertson.  

Anti-Displacement Week builds upon Councilmember Robertson’s Resolution 2025-R043 and the City’s subsequently released report, An Inventory of Programs and Initiatives that Mitigate the Displacement of Residents, prepared by the Department of Housing and Community Development and released in March 2026. The report catalogs the City’s existing anti-displacement strategies and programs to help residents remain housed and connected to their communities. The Program Inventory is divided into four sections:  

• Housing Stability for All Richmonders
• Utilities and Billing Assistance
• Assistance for Homeowners, and
• Community Development

“The Anti-Displacement Report makes clear that while the City has invested substantial financial and human resources into critical anti-displacement efforts, those programs have not always been coordinated or fully utilized by the residents they are meant to support,” said Merrick Malone, Director, Housing and Community Development. “These findings give us an urgent mandate to streamline and realign our work so we can deploy resources more effectively, strengthen protections for vulnerable households, and deliver on the Administration’s commitment to keeping Richmonders in their homes.” 

Anti-Displacement Week Events

In-Person Tax Relief Support Sessions Hosted by the City's Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) 

The City of Richmond’s Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) is dedicated to supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities so they can live as independently, safely, and fully as possible in the Richmond community. The office provides information and referral assistance and care coordination to community-based services that allow people to age in place, and access to supports for those with disabilities, caregivers, and their families. OADS achieves this by partnering with various organizations to enhance the well-being of Richmond's residents.  

Throughout Anti-Displacement Week, the City’s Office of Aging and Disability Services will provide information and direct assistance to older adults and people with disabilities who may be at heightened risk of displacement. At the following community events, OADS staff will offer onsite support, including tax relief applications and guidance on how to apply. 

Community members are invited to attend these free events. Registration is not required.  

Tuesday, June 9, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.   

AARP Richmond North Chapter Meeting 

Pine Camp Cultural Arts & Community Center, 4901 Old Brook Road  

Wednesday, June 10, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  

Richmond City TRIAD Meeting 

Ebenezer Baptist Church, 216 West Leigh St. 

Thursday, June 11, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.   

The City of Richmond’s Aging and Disability Advisory Board Meeting 

Office of Aging and Disability Services; 7945 Forest Hill Avenue, Building 26 (adjacent to Huguenot High School) 

For more information on these events contact OADS at (804) 646-1082 or oads@rva.gov.

Homes for All Our Neighbors Workshops and Community Programs

Anti-Displacement Week also features workshops and trainings to support renters who may be facing housing instability, and share information about what displacement is, who is impacted, and what we can do to prevent it. 

“Eviction and rising rents are pushing Richmonders out of their homes, and tenants are often the last to know what protections they actually have. Know-your-rights trainings change that. When renters understand the law, they can challenge unsafe conditions and defend themselves against eviction,” said Laura Dobbs, Director of Policy at Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia (HOME of VA). “Put simply, it's the difference between losing and keeping a home. In a tight rental market where the advantage is heavily tilted toward landlords, knowledge is one of the most powerful anti-displacement tools tenants have.” 

Members of the public are invited to the following events: 

Wednesday, June 10, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.   

Conozca Sus Derechos: Spanish-Language Tenants’ Rights Workshop (TRW)

For information on location and registration, contact Annika Schunn: aschunn@homeofva.org 

Thursday, June 11, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.   

Community Conversation: Preventing Displacement 

Studio Two Three, 109 W 15th St, Richmond, VA 23224 

Friday, June 12, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.   

Virtual Training: Tenants’ Rights for Organizers and Advocates 

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/stxEkhQiQfOIKSDtBhJEEw   

Visit homesforallourneighbors.org/calendar to learn more and register.

Help for Richmonders: Legal Resources, Eviction Protection, and Utilities Assistance

• Richmonders who are facing eviction can apply for assistance from the City-funded Eviction Diversion program 
• Richmonders who may need legal assistance for a housing matter can apply for assistance from the City-funded Right to Counsel program 
• Richmonders who would like to enter a payment plan for past-due utility balances can find assistance by visiting DPU partnership with PromisePay 

About Richmond Anti-Displacement Week

Richmond Anti-Displacement Week is a collaborative initiative led by the City of Richmond in partnership with community organizations and housing advocates. The week is dedicated to raising awareness, connecting residents to resources, and supporting housing stability for Richmonders. 

Learn more about Anti-Displacement Week on rva.gov  

On June 4, the City of Richmond announced the renewal and adoption of a 15-year lease agreement for Southside Plaza, reinforcing the City’s long-term commitment to delivering accessible, equitable, and high-quality public services through coordinated, community-centered facilities, while saving tax payers over $13,000 per month

Southside Plaza serves as a critical hub for resident services and currently houses the City’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement, the Office of Finance satellite office, the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, the Richmond Public Schools Welcome Center, and the Department of Social Services hub. Looking ahead, Southside Plaza is positioned for expanded collaboration and co-location of services that includes future partners such as the City’s Office of Aging and Disability Services, the Department of Juvenile Services, and the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. These current and future co-located services reflect the City’s commitment to improving access, reducing barriers, and strengthening coordination across essential supports for residents.

This renewal reflects the City’s broader commitment to building a thriving Richmond, one that delivers responsive and effective government services, strengthens neighborhoods and families, advances equity, and ensures public spaces are designed with dignity, accessibility, and inclusion in mind. The continuation of the lease ensures continuity of operations and provides long-term stability for both staff and residents who rely on the facility. It also supports ongoing facility improvements designed to enhance the overall experience for everyone who uses the building. Within the first year of this renewal with Saul Centers, Inc., the City will be able to save $164,343 in rent, which breaks down to approximately $13,695 per month.  

"This lease renewal is an investment in our people centered approach to providing quality City services that are accessible to our people and communities " said Amy Popovich, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Human Services. "Southside Plaza has become a vital community hub where residents can access multiple services in one convenient location. By securing this facility for the next 15 years, we are creating stability for our staff and residents, expanding opportunities for collaboration among service providers, and improving access to critical resources.”

As part of the improvements, the City has completed a first phase of interior upgrades, including new carpet installation. Planned improvements from both the city and the landlord include, but are not limited to new signage, a new front lobby design, replacement of all HVAC units, elevator repairs, and roof and window sealing.

The City of Richmond is expanding the types of service requests residents can submit through RVA311, making it easier than ever to report issues and request assistance related to the city's parks, trails, cemeteries, and community gardens.

New request categories will include issues related to cemetery concerns or community garden needs. Previously, residents could only submit information about trail conditions or an issue at a park.

"Richmond's parks, trails, cemeteries, and community gardens are important community assets that residents use and care about every day," said Chris Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. "Expanding RVA 311 gives residents a simple, convenient way to report concerns and request assistance, while helping our staff respond more efficiently and effectively. This enhanced service allows us to better maintain these spaces and ensure they remain safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone."

This expansion of 311 strengthens the City's commitment to delivering responsive, accessible customer service by providing a convenient, centralized platform for residents to connect with local government. It also enhances the City's ability to track requests, identify maintenance priorities, and coordinate timely responses, helping ensure public spaces remain safe, welcoming, and well-maintained for all.

"RVA 311 is designed to make it easier for residents to connect with City services and get the assistance they need," said Pete Breil, Director of Citizen Service and Response. "By expanding service request options to include parks, trails, cemeteries, and community gardens, we're creating a more seamless customer experience and providing residents with a single, reliable place to report concerns, track progress, and stay informed throughout the resolution process. This enhancement helps us better understand community needs and respond more effectively."

"Residents should have an easy and reliable way to report issues in the public spaces they use every day," said Mayor Danny Avula. "By expanding RVA311 to include parks, trails, cemeteries, and community gardens, we're making City government more responsive while helping to ensure those important community assets remain safe, welcoming, and well-maintained."

For more information about RVA311 or to submit a request, visit www.rva311.com or download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store. 

Richmond, VA – The Richmond Departments of Public Works, Transportation and the General Services were recognized on the national stage during the American Public Works Association Conference recently held in Ocean City, Maryland earning prestigious awards and contributing expertise as facilitators. The conference brought together public works professionals from across the country to share innovative practices, strengthen collaboration within the industry and to celebrate excellence in service.

Among the highlights, the departments received the following awards:

APWA Robert S. Hopson Leadership Service Award

• Ms. Jacquelin Howie

APWA Structures $5M - $25M Winner

• Ms. Gail Johnson

APWA Mid-Atlantic Award Winners:

• Mr. Sayed Adel
• Dr. Afshin Famili

Additionally, the following employees were selected to facilitate and participate in conference sessions, sharing expertise and best practices with peers from across the nation. Their participation showcased the department’s leadership in advance public works operations and innovation.

APWA Mid-Atlantic Presentations:

• Mr. Rowes Hanna
• Mr. Daniel Wagner

NACTO Designing Cities Conference Poster and Presentation:

• Ms. Abigail Chaikin 
• Mr. Andy Boenau, Director of Richmond Transportation
• Bobby Vincent, Director of Public Works