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VPM News Q&A: 2024 Richmond mayoral candidates

A portraits of the Mayoral Candidates
Photos: Shaban Athuman Illustration: Macaulay Hammond
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VPM News File
Mayoral candidates Maurice Neblett, left, Andreas D. Addison, Michelle Mosby, Danny Avula, and Harrison Roday are seen in an a photo illustration

Each weighs in on topics ranging from Southside investment to housing.

VPM News asked each Richmond mayoral candidate a series of six questions that ranged from how to improve the efficiency of city hall to how they'd approach the city's housing crisis. Each responded via email; unedited excerpts of their responses are below.

Read their full responses: Andreas Addison | Dr. Danny Avula | Michelle Mosby | Maurice Neblett | Harrison Roday


What's the first action you'd take as mayor?

Addison: I will immediately begin rolling out my 100-day plan with key priorities, including:

  • Launching the Dept. of Transportation
  • Implementing new real estate tax reforms
  • Lowering tax rate for small businesses
  • Lowering meals tax
  • Restructuring the Economic Development Authority to compete in the region
  • Implementing my plan to deliver neighborhood investments to improve quality of life, including essential services and amenities in underserved neighborhoods.
  • Implementing plans to build a state-of-the-art Southside Workforce development center
  • Activating 200+ publicly owned residential zoned parcels to create hundreds of units of affordable housing.

Avula: I will (1) conduct a national search for a top-notch, experienced CAO and (2) conduct an in-depth review of every department, beginning with Finance, Permitting, and HR in that order, from top to bottom to determine what is working, what is not and establish a clear plan and timeline for addressing any issues. I intend to work as quickly as possible to ensure City Hall is efficient, reliable, accessible and accountable because that is critical for all Richmonders and Richmond businesses. I believe that we cannot effectively tackle my other priorities without setting this foundation.

Mosby: To effectively implement the key elements of my 100-day plan, my first action as mayor will be to appoint an experienced and highly qualified Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) who shares my vision for Richmond’s future. Following this, I will initiate a comprehensive audit of all city departments and their processes to identify inefficiencies, enhance service delivery, and uncover opportunities for improvement. Additionally, I will start the preparation of Richmond’s Fiscal Year 2026 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budget to ensure we are strategically aligning our resources with the city's needs, priorities, and long-term goals.

Neblett: The first action I'll take as mayor is to tackle affordable housing and job security head on. Over the past 4, 8, and even 12 years, we’ve seen the cost of living in Richmond steadily rise, while affordable housing options have dwindled. Rent continues to increase without wage growth or job security to keep pace, displacing too many families and individuals from their homes. That’s why I’ll focus on ensuring rent payments don’t exceed 35% of a resident’s income, providing a stable foundation for Richmonders. For those pursuing homeownership, we’ll advocate for a higher living wage to make mortgages more attainable. At the same time, we must address the housing voucher program to ensure it’s an equal playing field for those with vouchers or in the process of receiving them. Landlords must participate fairly, and we’ll ensure timeframes are kept so people can secure housing without unnecessary delays.

Roday: Let’s get specific on reforming City Hall. In order for Richmond to be a city that works for everyone, we need to build a City Hall that works for everyone. Change management is hard and it starts with the basics: auditing for accountability and goal setting while working together with our frontline workers. My first action as Mayor will be to conduct a top to bottom review of every department with a clear goal: providing results and setting the stage for accountability. Out of this process, we will develop a five year operating plan for every facet of our government and deliver quarterly progress reports to the public to provide enhanced transparency around performance data.


A drone view of Davee Gardens
Shaban Athuman
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VPM News
Davee Gardens neighborhood is seen on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in Richmond, Virginia.

What strategies will you implement to bring investment to Southside?

Addison: Implement my Southside Economic Development Plan, which centers housing and small businesses around rapid transit and essential amenities like at least one new grocery store. This also includes investments in our essential neighborhood infrastructure: Sidewalks, street lights, traffic calming, tree planting, and basic quality of life amenities like libraries, community centers, sports fields and courts.

Avula: While the Southside has historically been neglected, it is rich with potential, including many engaged residents. My administration will work with residents to develop a community-driven plan to guide the next decade of development south of the James. The residents of Southside deserve improved infrastructure, grocery stores, pharmacies and small businesses. By thoughtful planning and investments in improved infrastructure, transit, green spaces, and affordable housing, I believe businesses will want to be in the Southside. Some specific opportunities I will prioritize include the rebuild of the Southside Services center, working with RPS to build a new Richmond Technical Center, and strengthening outreach and services available to our immigrant communities.

Mosby: To catalyze economic growth and investment in Southside, I will introduce targeted incentives specifically designed to attract and support small and minority-owned businesses. This includes streamlining the permitting process, enhancing existing grant programs, and offering tax incentives tailored to these businesses. I will also prioritize investing Capital Improvement funds in essential infrastructure projects that directly align with the needs and goals of Southside’s businesses and residents, setting the stage for future private sector investment. Additionally, I will create a Southside Community Roundtable, engaging local stakeholders—including businesses, community organizations, and residents—to promote ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and identify new opportunities for investment in the area.

Neblett: Southside needs investment that benefits its residents, and true affordable housing is a big part of that. I’ll work with local businesses, non-profits, and developers to bring investments that prioritize affordable housing while creating job opportunities. We want development that doesn’t just build more expensive units but keeps prices within reach for working families. By focusing on creating jobs and maintaining affordability, we can help our youth and families build a future in Southside instead of getting pushed out as the area grows.

Roday: As Mayor, I will ensure economic development efforts prioritize areas which have been disinvested. At the end of the day, we need to change our approach to economic development in Richmond. My experience in finance and management brings a unique perspective—one that will directly benefit our residents. We will invest in living wage jobs and support our residents and small businesses while engaging in economic development that focuses on smart initiatives and projects that will move the ball forward in meaningful ways, which is a more reliable and sustainable approach than looking for megaprojects.


A general view of City Hall
Shaban Athuman
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VPM News
The Richmond City Hall is seen on Thursday, June 20, 2024 in Downtown Richmond, Virginia.

Can you describe three steps to improve the administrative efficiency of city hall?

Addison: Cultural change for a performance-focused City Hall: I will conduct weekly meetings with the new CAO, Department Directors, and other partners to track progress on improving key performance indicators and to identify policy, budget, training, staffing, and legislative needs for continued improvement.

Avula: First, hire top-quality professionals to run City Hall, starting with the CAO. As a hands-on Mayor, I will engage directly with department heads regarding key decisions and build trust by communicating openly with employees. And as an experienced public sector executive, I will set a high standard for all agency leaders, from day one.

Mosby: To enhance administrative efficiency at City Hall, I will take the following three steps: First, I will focus on hiring skilled and experienced executives and managers who can drive change and deliver results. Second, I will invest in ongoing employee training and development to build a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Finally, I will modernize the city’s technological infrastructure by upgrading data management systems, streamlining workflows, and reducing paperwork to accelerate processes and improve overall efficiency.

Neblett: First, I’d make sure the city’s budget is fully transparent, especially regarding spending on housing and services. A mandatory audit will be conducted to ensure funds are being used effectively and responsibly. Second, I’ll implement innovative technology to streamline communication between departments, allowing us to process information faster, such as housing applications and services for residents. This will increase productivity and efficiency, making it easier for the community to access the resources they need. Third, I’ll address staff shortages by increasing support and filling vacancies in administrative roles, while also cross-training staff across all departments. This will ensure we have a more versatile workforce capable of handling the city's needs efficiently. Finally, I’ll provide proper training to ensure city staff are ready to deliver more responsive, customer-focused service.

Roday: First—and as I have said previously—we will conduct a top to bottom review and audit of every facet of City Hall for the purpose of understanding what changes are needed to provide results and increase accountability. Out of this process, we will develop a five year operating plan and identify the structural, operational and technological changes that are needed to enhance performance and the administrative efficiency of City Hall. This includes prioritizing improvements to the City’s IT infrastructure to ensure that government services are being delivered effectively, that City Hall operations are high functioning, and that Richmonders have access to user-friendly interfaces and processes when they need to interact with City Hall.


wide-angle of councilmembers standing for the national anthem next to a projected Zoom window on the wall tv
Shaban Athuman
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VPM News
Richmond City Council stands before meeting on Monday, April 24, 2023 at City Hall.

How can you help restore trust in the city and its services?

Addison: Create a Pulse of the City Dashboard that shows all the city services planned for the day, such as street paving, utility repairs, street/lane closures, active building permits, calls for service, top 311 issues reported, and more.

Avula: I had to learn a lot about earning the trust of the public as I led our region’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. I made myself totally available to the press, day in and day out, so that folks would come to trust that I was sharing everything I knew at the time. I shared what the data was telling us, being careful to decipher between what we knew and what we did not know. I listened to concerns and fears from the community that were often rooted in historic abuses of power by the government, validated their hesitations, and then worked tirelessly to earn the trust of community leaders in those spaces to help broker the acceptance of vaccines and precautions that actually saved lives. Under my leadership, we committed an extraordinary amount of time to meeting with, educating, and building trust with the Black community and as a result, we saw higher rates of vaccination in African-Americans over the age of 50 then we did in the White population. That is unheard of in vaccination rate comparisons by race.

Mosby: Restoring trust in city services requires a steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and engagement. I will launch a comprehensive transparency initiative that includes regular public updates on city projects, budgets, and spending to foster trust and confidence in our government. Additionally, I will host regular public town halls and online forums to ensure that residents have multiple avenues to express their concerns, ask questions, and stay informed about city initiatives. This approach will create an open, two-way dialogue between city officials and the community.

Neblett: To restore trust, we must be transparent and accountable, especially when it comes to affordable housing. People need to know that we are committed to creating real, lasting solutions that benefit everyone, not just developers. I’ll work closely with the community, actively listening to their concerns and feedback, holding regular town halls, and ensuring that Richmonders have a say in shaping important decisions. Items of significance will be placed on the ballot for residents to decide, giving them a direct voice in our city's future. Our youth deserve to see a future here, and I’ll make sure our city services and housing options reflect that promise. At the same time, I recognize the concerns of local business owners, particularly regarding the recent meal tax issue, which has led many to lose confidence in the city’s processes. As mayor, I will engage directly with these business owners to address their concerns through active listening and collaboration, working together to find balanced solutions that meet their needs without compromising the city's budget.

Roday: Plain and simple, transparency and accountability have to be core pillars of City Hall. As I have said, my first action as Mayor will be to audit every facet of city government for accountability and goal setting and develop a five year operating plan. In order to ensure enhanced transparency, we will deliver quarterly progress reports that provide performance data to the public. Richmonders expect, and deserve, a City Hall that follows through on its obligations no matter how big or how small – whether it’s filling potholes and making sure neighborhood amenities are met or providing access to first-in-class public transportation and multimodal transit infrastructure. These progress reports and performance data will ensure accountability and transparency as we improve city services and deliver for all Richmonders.


An aerial view of Jackson Ward on a cloudy day
Shaban Athuman
/
VPM News
Jackson Ward is seen on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia.

What steps can the city take to ensure more affordable housing — not just publicly subsidized housing — is accessible to residents?

Addison: Create a new Housing Conservancy modeled after DC organization to acquire and maintain existing multi-family affordable housing units at or below 60% AMI or workforce housing.

Avula: We need to use the forthcoming rewrite of the city’s zoning code as an opportunity to make it easier to build multi-family housing units, accessory dwelling units, and other relatively low-cost housing must become the norm within the City of Richmond.

We should also rely heavily on the Richmond 300 plan, developed in concert with Richmond residents’ input and prioritize the growth nodes identified in that plan. Because this plan had so much resident input, we need it to guide our growth patterns.

Finally, if the entire approval process was more consistent and reliable, then both for-profit and nonprofit developers would want to build in the city.

Mosby: To expand access to affordable housing, I will prioritize several key initiatives. First, I will work with the city council to adopt and strengthen inclusionary zoning policies, requiring new developments to include a percentage of affordable units. This will ensure a diverse range of housing options for residents. Second, I will streamline the development process by simplifying and expediting approval for affordable housing projects, reducing barriers for developers. Finally, I will champion public-private partnerships, recognizing the critical role that collaboration between developers, nonprofits, community organizations, and government can play in creating affordable mixed-income housing that serves a wide range of residents.

Neblett: I’ll work with developers to create affordable options and fight for policies that keep housing prices down without displacing residents. I’ll also ensure there are pathways to homeownership, especially for families, young people starting out, and our seniors who need stable, affordable options as they age. This way, we’re not just talking about subsidized rentals; we’re creating a sustainable housing market where everyone can build a secure future. Keeping rents affordable for all income levels is essential to this vision. We need to ensure fairness and security for all residents, avoiding financial hardships from the start by eliminating unreasonable move-in requirements, such as needing to make 3-4 times the rent to qualify. People, including seniors on fixed incomes, deserve access to stable housing without facing nearly impossible barriers. It’s important that we look beyond short-term fixes and focus on lasting solutions. Affordable housing should provide real, long-term security for everyone, from our youth to our seniors.

Roday: The rising cost of housing in Richmond is one of our biggest problems. Too many young people struggle to start a family because of high costs. Not enough homes are available to the teachers, firefighters, and nurses who are core to our community. As Richmond grows, we cannot repeat the mistakes of the past and leave members of our community behind. I’ll work with local community leaders and businesses to address the housing crisis facing our community. We have not invested enough in growing the supply of affordable housing – and we can do more than the commitments that have been made in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.


How will you increase citizen engagement? And how do you plan to engage Richmond's Latino residents?

Addison: I plan on hosting quarterly meetings with community members to hear their concerns, learn about what’s happening in the city, and address their priorities. This will be a combination of roundtable discussions, town hall meetings, listening sessions, and stakeholder meetings with advocates modeled after a similar program Chesterfield recently launched, “Café con la Comunidad.”

Avula: Citizens are more engaged when they feel listened to and that their voices are heard and respected. I will lead by listening, meeting with residents and other local leaders to share ideas and hear their concerns. I will be a hands-on Mayor who communicates and collaborates regularly with residents, and who creates forums where residents can make their voices heard, and I will take that input seriously and into account when building my plans, budgets and priorities.

Mosby: To increase citizen engagement in Richmond, I will establish multiple, inclusive channels for communication and feedback, including digital platforms, town hall meetings, and community gatherings. I will also create advisory councils that reflect the diversity of our city. To specifically engage Richmond’s Latino residents, I will ensure that all city communications are available in multiple languages and are culturally relevant. Additionally, I will establish a Latino Advisory Board to provide direct input on policies and programs, ensuring their voices are heard, and their needs are met effectively.

Neblett: I’ll focus on making city government accessible and approachable for everyone. That means holding more community meetings and making sure materials are available in Spanish and other languages. For Richmond’s Latino residents, I’ll work with local leaders and organizations to make sure their voices are heard, especially when it comes to housing and jobs. We also have to make sure our youth are engaged, offering them the chance to speak up about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s education, housing, or job opportunities.

Roday: I am a believer of inclusive, principled leadership to bring people together and find solutions that benefit entire communities. I started my career working in the Obama-Biden White House and with Senator Kaine, where I experienced firsthand how we can make progress in our communities by listening and working alongside people. I know that when we genuinely engage with our neighbors and are uncompromising in an equitable vision for the future, we can drive meaningful change in our communities.

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