Actions Advance Mayor Avula’s Vision for a Thriving City Hall  

At tonight’s meeting, Richmond City Council introduced amendments to  ORD. 2026-090  that strengthen the City’s collective bargaining framework. The action reflects the City of Richmond’s continued commitment to fostering productive partnerships with labor organizations that support employees, strengthen City services, and help build a thriving City Hall that delivers results for residents.  

Mayor Danny Avula expressed full support for the introduced amendments to ORD. 2026-090, which seek to clarify and sharpen the legislative intent of Richmond’s original collective bargaining ordinance. These amendments reinforce the City’s commitment to a fair, transparent, and effective negotiations process.  

Since 2022, Richmond has been a statewide leader in public sector collective bargaining, becoming one of the first localities in the Commonwealth to establish bargaining units across its workforce. Through collaboration with employee representatives, collective bargaining has helped strengthen City services and build a more effective partnership with the employees who deliver them. Mayor Avula’s recently approved budget fully funds collective bargaining commitments for sworn police and fire personnel and other union-represented employees. 

“Building a thriving City Hall that meets community needs and delivers results starts with investing in the people who keep Richmond running every day,” said Mayor Danny Avula.  “I’m grateful to our labor partners for bringing their priorities forward, and to Council for advancing these amendments.Public sector collective bargaining has strengthened our workforce and improved our ability to deliver services to residents. It’s an important tool, and I’m proud to stand with Councilmembers in support of these amendments,” said Mayor Danny Avula. 

Mayor Avula also recognized Council’s work on the proposed Real Estate Tax Deferral Program (ORD. 2025-282 ). 

“I want to thank Council for pursuing our shared goal of supporting residents amidst rising costs of living. I especially want to acknowledge the implementation timeline because it is important that the Administration have time to build a thoughtful and realistic plan. We look forward to working with Council during the implementation period to better understand the operational and fiscal requirements involved.”   

Additionally, Council voted to pass ORD. 2026-059.  

“I am fully committed to delivering the highest quality emergency services for all of our residents,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “I am excited and look forward to working with Council on a future ordinance to codify the implementation plan for a co-located model that will do just that.”  

These actions support Mayor Avula's first strategic pillar: building a thriving City Hall that delivers results for residents. By strengthening partnerships with employees and carefully evaluating new affordability initiatives, the Administration and City Council are working together to improve City government and better serve Richmonders. 

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