Members of the Organizational Development Standing Committee voted 6-1 Monday to forward two ordinances to next week’s City Council meeting without recommendations, both seeking to revamp Richmond’s approach to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Both ordinances, one from Council members Ellen Robertson, Kenya Gibson and Cynthia Newbille and the other from Mayor Danny Avula, would repeal existing city code meant to ensure funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and add new amendments for funding.

“We know that housing affordability and supply need a plan,” Avula said as he presented his ordinance, “and we’ve got to be intentional and aggressive about how to get there.”

Avula’s ordinance includes a $10 million minimum annual funding commitment and 15% of real estate tax growth as a dedicated funding source. Funding evaluations, citizen oversight and required reports to City Council would also be implemented if approved. 

The goal is to ensure the fund is supported while providing more flexibility in funding sources, Avula said, and to ensure fiscal responsibility, transparency and predictable funding. Funding will be withheld only if the minimum allocation reduces available funds below the city’s required reserve levels or hinders its ability to meet legally required financial obligations. 

Council members’ ordinance, by contrast, would allocate 2.5% of real estate tax revenue to the fund annually, with no minimum or cap to how much money can be appropriated. Their ordinance also guarantees funding through real estate tax revenue, while Avula’s only allocates 15% of available revenue when year-over-year growth is positive. 

“It’s essential we put money in this budget in places where it is absolutely necessary, to make sure that we are looking out for the best interests of all people,” said Robertson, who voted against forwarding both ordinances. 

The decision came after committee members and residents raised questions about Avula’s ordinance and its ability to meet Richmond’s need for affordable housing. 

The fund’s lack of support since it was established has drawn criticism from officials and groups such as Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities. The funding exceptions and requirements in Avula’s ordinance were a major concern for many at the meeting, who called on the committee to approve the council members’ ordinance. 

“One ordinance creates certainty, the other makes funding for affordable housing optional,” RISC Co-President Marvin Gilliam said alongside several other RISC members. 

The lack of agreement disappointed some attendees, including Greta Harris of the Better Housing Coalition and Thomas Fitzpatrick of Housing Opportunities Made Equal, who urged both sides to develop a joint solution. 

“Whether it’s the members’ paper or the administration’s ordinance, the money is not enough,” Harris said. “Please come back together, work with actual developers to be able to craft one paper that’s going to be good for all neighbors.” 

The ordinances will be discussed again during the City Council meeting on Monday, Feb. 9. 

Mayor Danny Avula speaks to Richmond City Council about his proposal to fund the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund during the Organizational Development Committee meeting at City Hall on Monday, Feb. 2.  (Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)