Joint Effort to Address Affordable Housing Crisis: Councilmember Robertson and Mayor Avula Support New Affordable Housing Trust Fund Ordinance
Proposed Ordinance was Introduced at February 9, 2026 Richmond City Council Meeting
On February 9, Councilmember Ellen Robertson, Richmond Gateway 6th District, and Mayor Danny Avula announced their joint support for a new proposed Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund (RAHTF) Ordinance, which was introduced at the 2/9 Richmond City Council Formal Meeting.
Both Councilmember Robertson and Mayor Avula agree that with high housing costs and the current affordable housing crisis throughout the city this action is greatly needed.
This people-centered policy will make a real difference and help move Richmond forward in providing affordable housing opportunities for all.
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund will help thousands of residents by creating and preserving housing that working families, seniors, and long-time Richmonders can afford.
The proposed ordinance establishes a dedicated, fiscally responsible and predictable source of funding for the construction and preservation of affordable housing across Richmond. It strengthens accountability and transparency to ensure that funding allocated for affordable housing supports the goal of ending the city’s housing crisis.
“The proposed ordinance reflects great collaboration among Richmond City Council members, housing advocates, and community partners, and represents a significant progress towards building thriving neighborhoods that meet the needs of a growing city,” says Mayor Danny Avula.
The Proposed ordinance will deliver affordable housing for Richmond residents and reflects a clear commitment to strengthen how the City funds, manages, and delivers these efforts. The proposed ordinance includes:
- Establishing a simple funding methodology to ensure predictable, reliable investment in affordable housing
- Clarifying requirements for Trust Fund revenues to be calculated and applied consistently
- Creating clear reporting and oversight to strengthen transparency and accountability
- Aligning policy and implementation to support housing production and preservation
