The City of Richmond is proud to announce that they have officially joined the National League of Cities’ (NLC) 2025–2026 Cities of Opportunity Community Engagement Academy, a yearlong national initiative that helps municipalities advance equity, health, and wellbeing through authentic resident engagement. Lead by the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, Richmond’s team will work alongside peer cities and NLC technical partners to assess opportunities, share best practices, and co-design a roadmap for strengthening local engagement and improving quality of life across neighborhoods. The department oversees programs in children and family services, homeless services, immigrant and refugee engagement, aging and disability services, and neighborhood engagement.

Richmond’s participation in the Academy supports the city’s broader efforts under the Mayor’s Action Plan to advance equity, expand civic participation, and improve health and wellbeing for all residents.

“Richmond’s participation in the Cities of Opportunity Community Engagement Academy underscores our city’s commitment to putting people at the center of government,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “We’re building a thriving Richmond, where every resident has a voice in shaping our shared future, and this partnership with the National League of Cities will help us make that real.”

Richmond joins Aurora, IL, Fort Collins, CO, New Haven, IN, North Charleston, SC, and Takoma Park, MD, in being chosen by NLC for their demonstrated commitment to inclusive leadership and community-driven transformation. The Academy’s 12-month process includes facilitated workshops, team coaching, and an in-person convening in Washington, D.C., in February 2026. 

“We are proud to represent Richmond in this national cohort,” said Tiffany C. Ford, Director of the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. “This partnership provides an opportunity to strengthen how we listen to residents, align city systems with community priorities, and create sustainable change grounded in trust and collaboration.”

For more information about the program, visit https://www.nlc.org/initiative/cities-of-opportunity-community-engagement-academy/