Mayor Danny Avula urged Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority officials on Nov. 19 to put residents at the center of public housing decisions, calling for more cooperation, transparency and community involvement in developments like Gilpin Court.

Speaking briefly at the board’s meeting alongside City Council President Cynthia Newbille, Avula outlined proposals aimed at reshaping how the city and RRHA collaborate on redevelopment projects. 

“This really is about putting the residents of our communities at the center of our work together,” he said. 

A major focus was Gilpin Court, where Avula suggested using the Jackson Ward Community Plan as a guide and replacing all 781 units with voucher-based housing. He also called for revitalizing the Gilpin Informed Neighbors group to gather community input and creating a Joint Gilpin Transformation Working Group of RRHA officials, city leaders, residents and development partners. 

Avula also requested for detailed information on RRHA finances, resources, programs and the physical condition of its properties, signaling a push for greater transparency in the agency’s operations. 

Gilpin Court’s redevelopment has been a central concern for city leaders this year, as some have questioned RRHA’s plans and their potential impact on residents. Advocates have raised concerns over affordability, displacement and whether community voices are adequately represented in planning decisions. RRHA officials have expressed a willingness to increase transparency and cooperation, a stance they maintained during Wednesday’s meeting. 

“I expect that our staff, our collective board, will put our minds together to meet this challenge,” Board Chair Eddie Jackson Jr. said after Avula’s presentation. 

Later in the meeting, RRHA approved changes to the board of its nonprofit, the Richmond Development Corporation, which had been proposed to take ownership of Gilpin Court. Avula criticized the proposal, requesting its withdrawal until city and resident representation concerns are addressed. While his request did not affect the RDC vote, RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith emphasized that the board’s structure is not finalized and further adjustments are possible. 

RRHA officials have until Dec. 17 to respond to Avula’s proposals.