Candidacy Type:
City Council
Links:
VPAP
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 are often multifaceted and deeply intertwined with systemic issues that have plagued our city for years. The redlining and housing discrimination that occurred in Jackson Ward, especially in the Gilpin community, which a highway was put through the Apostle Town neighborhood still affects the 3rd district today. The exposure to gun/domestic violence, and the trauma that comes from this exposure contribute to the violence citizens face in these communities. It is imperative that more funding is put towards the necessary wrap around resources to address these precipitators of violence.
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?
Some systemic solutions that take into account the differential exposure to violence-inducing or violence-protecting conditions is to increase economic opportunities like job training (i.e. Office of Community Wealth Building), access to capital for underserved areas like Gilpin located in the most southern portion in the district. When I ran back in 2020, I ran with the slogan Ready on Day 1. My 1st 3 months in office, I secured $8 million for the transfer of the Calhoun Community Center to Parks and Recreation dept. I envisioned a world class training center to help serve those experiencing high poverty in concentrated areas. Working with our families in public housing to address our high eviction rates and provide funding for legal representation and in the Eviction Diversion Program.
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?
Consistent engagement and support for our community partners and non-profits working already within the field of violence prevention. Identifying additional funding streams to support staffing for social workers, counselors, nurses, and psychiatrists within our schools, which will help mitigate issues occurring with families dealing with violence. Volunteering your time at the Center of Hope, the City's only inclement weather shelter located in the 3rd district. To be a part of an immediate solution you must get involved and do your civic duty!
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?
The Richmond City Council can take several concrete actions to address challenges related to social inequities, violence, economic disparities, and community well-being. These actions should be aimed at creating long-term, systemic change to improve the lives of residents and make Richmond a more equitable, safe, and thriving city. The City is moving in the right direction by taking the action of streamlining our legislative agenda to the General Assembly. I patroned a bill to establish listing our Legislative Agenda with only 5 priorities. In the past we would have a laundry list of wants and asks to the General Assembly, but nothing was never delivered. Now we have developed a legislative agenda that is focused and intentional with our priorities for the city. We also achieved AAA status this past year which demonstrates we are getting some things right, but we all understand we have more work to do. Working with our State and Federal Delegations in making sure funding mandates are being met.
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?
Education is key in order to garner support for this issue in our high concentrated areas of poverty, and here in the city that is with our public housing communities. Those that are advocating for climate change and resilience are people who do not resemble those that are impacted by the high heat indexes throughout the city.
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?
It's Complicated
Tell us more: How can low and median income households be protected and supported throughout an energy transition? *
I co-patroned the establishment of a Public Utilities Commission comprised of City of Richmond residents with experience in this industry. The commission meets quarterly to discuss issues related to our Public Utilities services. Citizens may not be aware that 85% of the budget for Public Utilities is to address maintenance.
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?
I would draft an ordinance requiring developers that want to purchase City property that needs to be re-zoned should include a certain number of affordable housing units. Developers will not be able to raise rents where our working class is priced out of the city. I support tiny homes as an alternative housing stock and utilizing City Owned surface lots.
Do you believe each district in the City should develop its fair share of affordable housing?
It's Complicated
Tell us more: How would you implement that?
Its hard to implement affordable housing in our city when we are currently land locked and the state owned parcels make up 30% of our real estate revenue that we are missing out on. The city has budgeted $50 million towards Affordable Housing Trust Fund for the next 5 years. LISC has matched those funds and since I have been in office. We have dedicated over $100 million towards Affordable Housing since 2020.
In 2023, Richmond City declared a housing crisis. Should the city make it easier to build more housing?
It's Complicated
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?
I would support reducing minimum lot size requirements. Minimum lot size requirements dictate the smallest area of land on which a home can be built. This can limit density, making it difficult to create affordable housing options in many neighborhoods. Allow More Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs are a relatively low-impact way to add density to existing neighborhoods. I would also Relax Single-Family Zoning especially in more affluent districts here in the City. Relaxing single-family zoning can create opportunities for a greater diversity of housing types and increase the supply of housing.
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?
I supported and will continue to support No Fares on our GRTC system. I support moving forward with the North/South BRT which will run along Chamberlayne Ave. I also walked Chamberlayne Ave. with traffic engineers to discuss an assessment and the cost for that assessment and improvements is $200 million. I will commit and support in finding new funding streams to address these street and how we can make it safer. I also support the Fall Line Trail which will come through the 3rd district. This will be one of the top 5 trails in the country once its completed.
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?
Expand and Improve Public Transit throughout the region. Build on the success of the GRTC Pulse (BRT) system by creating additional BRT routes or dedicated bus lanes, particularly in corridors that connect low-income communities to job centers and educational institutions. This can improve the reliability and speed of bus services.
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?
Develop neighborhood greenways—streets designed for walking, biking, and low-speed vehicle travel—that connect to larger pedestrian and bicycle networks. Implement "Complete Streets" principles on major roads, ensuring they accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, public transit, and drivers.
Greenways can create safer routes for walking and biking, especially for children going to school or people commuting to work. Complete Streets projects ensure that all modes of transportation are considered, making it safer for residents to move around the city without relying solely on cars.
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 creating safe spaces for our youth to thrive. My first piece of funded policy was the transfer of the Calhoun community center transferred to the City's Parks and Recreation dept. I recently took a teaching position at RPS Career and Technical Center as a Drone Instructor. I am the 1st Certified Drone Pilot to serve on City Council and I have take my skills to teach our students and set them up for 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 multi-pronged holistic approach. Recommendations from the Gun Violence Prevention Network that were given to Council back in 2020, I had a budget amendment to do the 1st ever Gun Buyback program which took over 500 guns off the street. I support the distribution of Free Gun Locks through our police and sheriffs departments.
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?
Expand funding for childcare subsidies to make early childhood education and daycare centers more affordable for low- and middle-income families. Partner with local providers to ensure they have the resources needed to maintain high standards for early education. I would also support Support Community-Based Childcare Providers.