City Council and Mayor Danny Avula met Monday to discuss housing, family support and the city’s long-term recovery from January’s water crisis.

Avula, now two months into his term, shared his vision for a “thriving Richmond.” His administration has developed seven strategic priorities as part of this vision, focused on City Hall, Richmond neighborhoods, families, economy, community, environment and history.

His proposals range from improving government services and expanding affordable housing to investing in local businesses, inclusivity, expanding green spaces and telling Richmond’s full story. Avula acknowledged the difficulties this plan could face, particularly as the Trump administration plans deep cuts to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

With the City budget also a concern, Avula emphasized the importance of collaboration and acting with “urgency, creativity and vision” to ensure this strategy was a success.

“There’s going to be a lot of challenges in the days ahead,” Avula said. “So just know how committed I am to working with all of you to protect and support our people, our city and our shared vision of a safe, resilient and thriving Richmond.”

Avula also discussed information from an independent, preliminary report on January’s water crisis and efforts to improve the City’s recovery and response. Avula said around $5 million already has been spent on equipment repairs and upgrades to the water treatment plant.

While Avula presented an expansive vision for the city, City Council members brought their own ideas and concerns. Questions about the role of public safety and the police in Avula’s strategy were raised alongside the need for economic development plans, infrastructure improvements and reflecting Richmond’s diverse community in its storytelling.

 Kenya J. Gibson, 3rd District, addresses City Council during the meeting.
 

Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, also referenced Avula’s ideas for a thriving City Hall when pointing out that questions around the water crisis raised by council and others, including how utility funding had been spent in the past, remain unanswered.

“I think it’s important to ensure that those questions that are still relevant are all answered very clearly in the final report that comes out,” said Gibson, who also requested a breakdown of how the $5 million in plant improvements had been spent.

In addition to the discussion with Avula, councilmembers also unanimously approved three ordinances focused on special use housing, including a 352-unit apartment at 2811 Rady St.

Six of the nine councilmembers also voted to appoint new board and committee members, with Gibson voting no and Sarah Abubaker, 4th District, and Stephanie Lynch, 5th District, abstaining.

Gibson voiced concerns about appointing Jared Loiben t the board of the Richmond Economic Development Authority over what she called the “outsized influence” of his employer Dominion Energy in Richmond.

She also voted against reappointing Harold Parker Jr., commissioner at the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, saying he lacked commitment to one-to-one replacement based on their conversation.

Council President Cynthia Newbille said after the vote that these concerns had previously been raised with and vetted by the City Attorney’s Office.

Avula is expected to present a budget to City Council members on Thursday, March 27.