Question and Answer
Candidate's responses are published as submitted, without edits.
Root Causes: Often, studies tend to focus on the individual characteristics of offenders, while neglecting ethnic and racial differences associated with neighborhood contexts...like resource scarcity, redlining practices, disparate treatment in legal settings, and the school-to-prison pipeline. Can you talk about the root causes you've identified as the precipitators of violence in our region?
The root causes of violence in our region, and across the world for that matter, are intrinsically tied to the economy. Economic exploitation is at the heart of efforts to divide people along any line, whether that be race, religion, gender, and so on. These divisions are intentionally created to prevent the working class from building solidarity and recognizing their shared interests. Discriminatory practices like resource scarcity, redlining, and the use of police to enforce class hierarchies serve to maintain this exploitation.
In our region, as elsewhere, violence is often a symptom of these deeper economic issues. When people lack access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and economic opportunities, they are more likely to experience desperation, depression, and poverty—all of which can lead to crime and violence. By ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities, we can reduce the incentives for illegal activities, improve home environments, and diminish the divisions that fuel violence.
To truly address violence, we must tackle its economic roots. This means advocating for equal schooling, access to services, government support, capital, healthcare (including mental health care), housing, and nutrition. It also means fighting for equal working conditions and wages. By addressing these issues, we can create a society where the working class is united, where poverty and stigmatization are no longer used as tools of division, and where violence is no longer a prevalent force in our communities.
Systemic Solutions: Research tells us that race or ethnicity are not violence indicators. They are markers highlighting external social contexts differentially allocated by racial, ethnic, and economic status. Segregation by these social contexts disproportionately exposes members of these racial, ethnic, and lower socioeconomic groups to key violence-inducing or violence-protecting conditions. What are some systemic solutions that will consider these factors?
Addressing the systemic factors that contribute to violence requires a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the role of economic and social contexts in perpetuating inequality. While race or ethnicity alone are not indicators of violence, they often intersect with economic status to create environments that are more susceptible to violence due to systemic neglect and discrimination.
To combat these issues, we must implement systemic solutions that address the root causes of violence and provide support to those most vulnerable. Here are some legislative solutions that align with this approach:
Gun Violence Intervention Programs: By focusing on early intervention, we can pull individuals out of the cycle of violence before it escalates. These programs provide at-risk individuals with the support and resources they need to choose alternative paths, reducing the likelihood of violent outcomes.
Food as a Human Right: Hunger is a significant stressor that can lead to desperation and violence. By expanding our services to include community cafeterias with a pay-what-you-can model, we can eliminate hunger in the city. This approach not only provides nourishment but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.
City Trust and Small Loans Program: Economic insecurity often forces individuals into precarious situations that can lead to violence. Establishing a public trust with invested funds will allow residents to take emergency loans to avoid eviction, make necessary repairs to their homes or vehicles, pay medical expenses, and more. Additionally, this program would provide capital for property investment, leading to increased property values, improved housing sustainability, and the potential construction of small cottages (ADUs) on existing lots. These loans would be offered with yearly caps, small interest rates, and short loan periods to avoid long-term debt and ensure quick repayment.
Community Schools Program: Integrating government facilities and schools into shared buildings and campuses can reduce overhead costs and create more efficient use of public resources. By studying and implementing community schools, we can provide students with a more supportive and resource-rich environment that addresses their holistic needs, reducing the risk factors associated with violence.
Zoning Reforms: Inclusive zoning, form-based zoning, and policies that promote walkability and increase housing supply are crucial to creating equitable and safe communities. Zoning reforms can help break down the barriers that segregate communities by race and economic status, leading to more integrated neighborhoods with access to the resources and opportunities needed to prevent violence.
By enacting these systemic solutions, we can create a safer, more equitable city where all residents have the opportunity to thrive, free from the systemic inequalities that contribute to violence.
Immediate Solutions: Motions, Resolutions, Ordinances, Referrals, Deferrals - and all policy changes can take time. What immediate solutions do you propose that will invite our neighbors and your constituents across Richmond to co-create and jointly implement efforts to change the trajectory of violence in Richmond?
The most immediate changes that have to occur are matters of listening. First, council needs to overturn its limitations on public comments at city council meetings; the attempt to manufacture an establishment-friendly narrative only serve to exacerbate current issues. Second, as a council member, my office will be receptive and engaged in community affairs and concerns; being available to citizens is key in building trust for future legislative solutions to violence. Third, I will continue and expand the community survey conducted currently by our campaign; the survey aims to identify trends in community concerns so action can be taken sooner.
Climate Policy: After nearly 6 years of community engagement and climate analysis, the RVAgreen 2050 Climate Equity Action Plan was adopted in early 2023 as the City of Richmond’s official sustainability plan. As Mayor, will you fully execute this plan and seek to exceed the goals set out with respect to carbon pollution reduction and community climate resilience?
Yes
Tell us more: As Richmond makes progress, what is the City getting right and what actions will you as the next Mayor take to overcome any challenges?
What the City is Getting Right:
Richmond’s RVAgreen 2050 plan is a strong step forward. The community-centered approach ensures that marginalized voices lead our climate strategies. The focus on climate equity addresses the disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, and the commitment to carbon reduction through renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and increased green spaces shows serious dedication to tackling climate change.
Overcoming Challenges:
To ensure the success of RVAgreen 2050, Richmond must secure sustained funding for climate initiatives, maintain and broaden community engagement, and align climate goals with economic development. Addressing urban heat islands by expanding green spaces and improving infrastructure, alongside enhancing transportation through public transit, electric vehicles, and walkable communities, will be crucial.
Environmental Justice: Richmond has just begun to repair some of the lasting harms of racially motivated redlining, highway construction, and disinvestment in low-income and Black and African American communities. Today, models like the City of Richmond Climate Equity Index, the Trust for Public Land ParkScore, and the White House’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool show disparities across neighborhoods in community resources, environmental quality, health outcomes, and economic opportunity. Do you see a relationship between climate action, poverty, and justice in Richmond?
Yes
Tell us more: If so, how would you describe this relationship and what actions, policy-related or otherwise, do you feel are necessary to address these issues?
Yes, the relationship between climate action, poverty, and justice in Richmond is deeply interconnected. Historic injustices like redlining and disinvestment have left low-income and Black communities disproportionately affected by environmental degradation, poor health outcomes, and limited economic opportunities.
To address these issues, we must prioritize policies that integrate climate action with social and economic justice. This includes expanding green spaces in underserved neighborhoods, investing in affordable and sustainable housing, and improving public transit to reduce pollution and increase access to jobs. Additionally, targeted economic opportunities, such as green jobs programs and community-owned renewable energy projects, are essential for uplifting marginalized communities while advancing our climate goals.
Equitable Energy Transition: Richmond Gas Works is owned and operated by the City of Richmond. The Department of Public Utilities is facing financial and logistical challenges maintaining the network of 100-year-old gas pipes. The aging system has had nearly a thousand known gas leaks, with each jeopardizing public safety and the health of local residents. When leaked, methane is a potent climate pollutant that has a significant impact on climate change. When burned indoors in stoves and heaters, people can be exposed to fumes containing carcinogens like benzene, formaldehyde, and nitrogen oxides. If elected, would you work to develop a plan to phase out Richmond Gas Works in a financially responsible manner?
Yes
Tell us more: How can low and median income households be protected and supported throughout an energy transition? *
Yes, I would work to develop a financially responsible plan to phase out Richmond Gas Works. Protecting low and median-income households during this energy transition is essential. We can do this by offering tax incentives for switching to induction cooktops and electric heat pumps, making clean energy options more affordable. Additionally, as part of our reparations through reinvestment plan, we will provide these appliances at no cost to those impacted by historical economic exploitation due to segregation, enslavement, redlining, and housing loan denials. This approach ensures that vulnerable communities are supported throughout the transition to cleaner energy.
Local governments are responsible for land use and zoning, impacting housing supply and the various types of housing that gets built. With Richmond Planning Department beginning the work of rewriting their zoning code, are you supportive of the citywide zoning code rewrite?
Yes
Tell us more: What kinds of zoning changes would you support to allow for a variety of home types?
Yes, I support the citywide zoning code rewrite. I advocate for zoning changes that promote inclusive, form-based zoning, which encourages a variety of housing types, including affordable housing, multi-family units, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These changes will increase housing supply, reduce car dependency, and create walkable, livable neighborhoods that accommodate diverse community needs. By prioritizing these reforms, we can ensure that Richmond's growth is equitable and sustainable.
Do you believe each district in the City should develop its fair share of affordable housing?
Yes
Tell us more: How would you implement that?
Yes, I believe each district should develop its fair share of affordable housing. To implement this, I would support inclusionary zoning policies that require affordable housing units in new developments across all districts. Additionally, I would advocate for the use of city-owned land for affordable housing projects. Moreover, the city should take a leading role if developers refuse to play ball—the city should not be above constructing housing if it cannot trust developers not to exploit the housing crisis. Ensuring equitable distribution of affordable housing will help create diverse, integrated communities throughout Richmond.
In 2023, Richmond City declared a housing crisis. Should the city make it easier to build more housing?
Yes
Tell us more: Cities across the country are starting to repeal provisions of zoning regulation that make it harder to build - especially for small and part-time builders. Richmond, by eliminating parking requirements in 2023, has started down this path. What types of rules would you support relaxing or eliminating and why?
Yes, the city should make it easier to build more housing. I support relaxing or eliminating rules that hinder small and part-time builders, such as restrictive minimum lot sizes, excessive setback requirements, and density limits. These changes will allow for more diverse and affordable housing options. Additionally, I support further reducing or eliminating parking requirements in areas well-served by public transit to maximize land use efficiency and promote sustainable development. These reforms will help address the housing crisis by increasing supply and making it easier for smaller builders to contribute.
Leadership in Transportation: Following decades of planning around primarily one mode of transportation - vehicles - residents and businesses have increasingly called upon Richmond leadership to retool its transportation system to work for many ways of getting around, including walking, biking, public transportation, rideshare, bike share, scooters, and beyond. Do you support expanding funding and implementation of a multi-modal transportation system in Richmond that prioritizes safe, walkable, and bikeable streets and frequent and far reaching public transit?
yes
Tell us more: What legislation and funding will you support to meet the challenge of providing seamless, interconnected multimodal networks for the communities you serve?
Yes, I support expanding funding and implementation of a multi-modal transportation system in Richmond. I will advocate for legislation that increases funding for public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian infrastructure, ensuring safe and accessible streets for all. This includes supporting dedicated bus lanes, expanding the bike share program, and implementing complete streets policies that prioritize walkability and connectivity. Additionally, I would push for zoning reforms that reduce car dependency and encourage transit-oriented development. By investing in a seamless, interconnected transportation network, we can create a more equitable and sustainable city.
Equitable Transportation Funding: Richmond has a history of inequitable investment in sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and bus stops. Zero fare GRTC Bus service has resulted in a ridership boom, lowering barriers to mobility and increasing access to jobs, health care, and schools. Yet, the state grant for zero fare is ending soon, leaving a funding gap. Many low-income Richmonders rely on equitable transportation solutions, and they need consistent leadership to deliver equitable transportation policies and programs. Will you prioritize equity in funding and implementation of transportation projects?
yes
Tell us more: What projects or programs would best support equitable transportation access in your district as well as others? If not, how will you ensure all Richmond residents have access to essential transportation options?
Yes, I will prioritize equity in funding and implementation of transportation projects. To support equitable transportation access, I will advocate for the continuation of zero fare GRTC Bus service by securing sustainable funding sources, such as local and state partnerships. Our goal should be coverage, not just ridership numbers—when the system is planned around accessibility and ease first, ridership will naturally rise. I also support expanding and maintaining sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes in underserved neighborhoods, ensuring safe and reliable transportation options for all. Investments in accessible bus stops, frequent transit routes, and improved pedestrian infrastructure will be key to providing essential mobility for low-income Richmonders and creating a more equitable transportation system citywide.
Transportation Infrastructure: Richmond Connects – the City of Richmond’s recently-adopted multimodal transportation plan – was developed through years of deep community engagement and prioritizes equitable investment in roadways, bike, pedestrian, and essential public transit infrastructure over the next several years. Meanwhile, Richmond has developed strategies to address transportation safety through the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program and Vision Zero. Will you continue to fund the implementation of the Richmond Connects plan?
yes
Tell us more: What Richmond Connects projects would you like to see implemented in your district as well as others?
Yes, I will continue to fund the implementation of the Richmond Connects plan. In my district and others, I want to see projects that prioritize safe, accessible streets for all modes of transportation. This includes expanding bike lanes, improving pedestrian infrastructure, and enhancing public transit routes. I support the full implementation of Vision Zero to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, as well as the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program to ensure safer streets in all neighborhoods. By focusing on equitable investment and coverage, we can create a transportation network that truly serves the needs of all Richmonders.
Emerging Adults: What kind of future do you envision for young people coming out of school today and transitioning to adulthood? What are your priorities to ensure they are set up for success?
I envision a future where young people are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive. My priorities include expanding access to trades, raising the material conditions of young people, and helping them start building equity sooner. We need to prepare them with real-world skills that are often taught to the wealthy but denied to the working class—how to read contracts, open a bank account, get a loan, navigate the legal system, and negotiate for fair pay. By providing these tools and opportunities, we can ensure that every young person in Richmond has the foundation for long-term success.
Youth Centered Question: As students, so much of our lives revolve around school; because of this, the lingering fear and dread we face when doing basic everyday things in school is more than just debilitating. Everyday we fear that while doing our school work or walking down the road, a senseless act of gun violence will take our life. Virginia and Richmond specifically needs to do better, not just for the current teenagers directly affected by the gun violence, but for the small children who grow up and see the same things we do, with little to no explanation or understanding of why. We see what happens in our neighborhoods; in our state; in our country as a whole. We need change but we have to start here, at home. We need you to promise to help us make that change. Tell us your plan and overall strategy for addressing gun violence, including but not limited to, allocating funds and leveraging resources to support violence prevention, intervention, and crisis response?
Addressing gun violence is a top priority for me, and I am committed to creating a safer environment for all, especially for our young people. My plan focuses on a multi-faceted approach that includes prevention, intervention, and crisis response.
Prevention: I will allocate funds to expand community-based programs that provide support and resources to at-risk youth before violence occurs. This includes mentorship programs, mental health services, and educational opportunities that offer positive alternatives to violence.
Intervention: I support gun violence intervention programs that work directly with individuals at the highest risk of being involved in gun violence. These programs connect them with job training, counseling, and other resources to help them change their paths.
Crisis Response: I will advocate for stronger community policing initiatives that focus on building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, ensuring that responses to gun violence are swift and effective. Additionally, I will push for increased funding for crisis intervention teams that can respond to situations involving gun violence with the appropriate care and sensitivity.
Finally, I believe in addressing the root causes of violence, including economic inequality and lack of opportunity. By investing in education, job creation, and social services, we can create a Richmond where no one has to live in fear of gun violence. I am committed to working with you to make this change a reality.
Family Centered Question: Access to year-round high-quality childcare, education, afterschool and summertime activities, and family-oriented community resources are key priorities voiced by families in our community. How do you propose the Mayor’s Administration and Council should work to ensure that every child (birth – 18) has access to high-quality care, education, wraparound services, and safe spaces to thrive in?
To ensure that every child has access to high-quality care, education, wraparound services, and safe communities, I propose a collaborative approach between the Mayor’s Administration and the City Council focused on several key areas:
Expanding Access to Affordable Childcare and Universal Pre-K: I will advocate for increased funding and support for affordable, high-quality childcare programs that operate year-round. Additionally, we must integrate universal pre-k into our public school system. Providing comprehensive pre-k gives students a leg up and places them at an economic advantage, setting the foundation for lifelong success.
Enhancing Education and Afterschool Programs: I will work to secure funding for enhanced educational programs, both during and after school, that provide academic support, enrichment activities, and mentorship. These programs should be accessible to all children, regardless of their economic background, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community. Additionally, I will stress the need for more recess and unstructured time at schools, allowing students to take a break from work, get outside, move around, exercise, eat, express themselves, and make friends. Trapping students in a classroom all day is detrimental and has been correlated with declining educational performance in the U.S.
Supporting Summertime and Family-Oriented Activities: I will push for the expansion of summertime programs that provide safe, engaging, and educational activities for children and teens. This includes leveraging public spaces like parks, libraries, and recreation centers to host these programs, ensuring that they are accessible and affordable.
Providing Comprehensive Wraparound Services: I support the integration of wraparound services that address the holistic needs of children and their families, including health care, mental health support, housing assistance, and nutrition programs. The city should work closely with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to create a seamless network of services that families can easily access.
Creating Safe Communities: I will prioritize investments in creating and maintaining safe communities where children can learn, play, and grow. This includes ensuring that all neighborhoods have access to well-maintained parks, community centers, and other recreational facilities, as well as implementing programs that foster a strong sense of community and belonging.