September 23, 2025

Richmond, VA - Today Mayor Danny Avula highlighted City Council's recent actions to strengthen core services, expand affordable housing, and promote thoughtful neighborhood development. Together, these steps make meaningful progress towards a Thriving Richmond.

Protecting Core Services for Richmond Residents

General property taxes are the single largest source of revenue for Richmond, accounting for 57% of the City's budget. Every penny of the tax rate generates about $4.2 million in revenue, funding schools, public safety, and neighborhood services Richmonders rely on. Mayor Danny Avula joined with Council President Cynthia Newbille to co-sponsor an ordinance to maintain the rate at $1.20, preventing a potential $17.2 million cut to City services. Council voted to continue the ordinance and will take action next month.

"The City passed a responsible budget together based on a $1.20 rate," said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald. "It is my hope that the Council remains committed to delivering excellence for our 230,000 residents. Maintaining the rate is step one in doing so, allowing us to make continued progress so that Richmonders get the first-class service they deserve. Reducing the rate hinders our ability to do that."

"Richmond families deserve stability and investment, not disruption of core services," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Reducing the rate would hinder our ability to provide essential services, fight crime, and invest in infrastructure. I'm confident we will return to the prudent path forward, and I look forward to additional work on this critical issue."

Investing in Thriving Neighborhoods: Affordable Housing, Small Business, and Community Planning

Council unanimously approved two affordable housing ordinances sponsored by Mayor Avula (ORD. 2025-025 and ORD. 2025-173). A project at 5015 Snead Road in the southside will deliver 180 multifamily units and a community clubhouse, while the other allows a mixed-use building to provide student housing near the Virginia Union University campus.

"This is great news for Richmond," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Affordable housing is a pillar of thriving neighborhoods. Every resident deserves a safe, affordable place to live, and I'm incredibly encouraged by these projects that will bring much-needed affordable housing to Richmond."

In addition, Council unanimously passed a resolution (RES-2025-R040) to strengthen support for small and minority owned businesses, reaffirming the City's commitment to inclusive economic growth. Findings show that nearly 18% of available businesses in the region are minority owned yet win only 3% of City contract spending. To address the gap, Council directed the Administration to conduct a comprehensive review and develop an action plan. The resolution lays the foundation for expanding opportunity, increasing equity in City contracting, and fostering entrepreneurship.

"I'm so glad that Council took this important step," said Pat Foster, Director, Minority Business Development. "This resolution strengthens the City's commitment to fairness and equity, and creates more opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses to compete and thrive. When our entrepreneurs succeed, our neighborhoods and our whole city grows stronger."

Council also unanimously passed a resolution (RES. 2025-R039) to establish a new Northside planning node in the forthcoming update to the city master plan, Richmond 300. A node is a designated area that serves as a local crossroads, offering goods and services to nearby residents, employees, and visitors. The area is a community gateway and connector between residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors. The ordinance is the product of collaboration among multiple civic associations.

"As Code Refresh works to create more homes for more people, this Richmond 300 Master Plan update ensures that City departments are collaborating on infrastructure improvements, public amenities, and incentive programs that support new development and strengthen neighborhoods," said Kevin Vonck, Director, Planning and Development Review.

Investing in the Fall Line Trail

Mayor Avula also applauded the unanimous passage of an ordinance he patroned, ORD. 2025-202, which authorizes the City to continue development of the Fall Line Trail - Kanawha Plaza connector. The regional multi-use trail will connect Petersburg to Ashland, running through the heart of Richmond.

"I'm so thrilled about this next step for the Fall Line Trail. It's more than a connector, it's a pathway to a thriving, sustainable environment. This investment brings people together, supports healthy communities, and will boost tourism and economic development. It's truly a win-win-win!" said Lawson Wijesooriya, Chief of Staff to Mayor Danny Avula.

The trail provides opportunities for active transportation, recreation, and economic development across the region, and enhances connectivity in downtown Richmond. Large sections of the trail are expected to be completed by 2026.

Commitment to Transparent and Collaborative Budgeting

Mayor Avula expressed strong support for recommendations from the recently convened joint Administration-Council Budget Task Force, but urged Council to allow the recommendations to be tested before new mandates are enacted. Council voted 7-2 to substantially change the City's budget process by requiring publication of department-level requests prior to budget introduction, even though the Task Force recommended additional analysis first.

"I was encouraged by the Task Force's thoughtful recommendations, and I believe they will achieve the transparency, accountability, and time for much more meaningful engagement we're all aiming for," said Mayor Danny Avula. "At the same time, I have concerns about introducing a dramatic change that wasn't part of the Task Force's recommendation. The Task Force brings a great deal of wisdom, and I'd prefer we build on that rather than move forward with one-off proposals."

The Budget Task Force Reform Recommendations included:

1. Early collaboration: The Mayor and Council hold a public budget kickoff to establish shared understanding of the budget process timeline
2. Restructured timeline: move up the timeline for the Mayor's budget submission
3. Efficient work sessions: reorganize budget work sessions around four City of Richmond portfolios (Human Services; Finance and Administration; Planning and Economic Development; and Operations)
4. Standardized amendment procedures: implement a standardized amendment process
5. Enhanced public engagement: conduct additional public hearings
6. Annual review: reconvene annually for continuous improvement