Our campaign is about access to opportunity for all. That access cannot be assured if we do not address the deep historical disparities that exist in our community. Violence that occurs in our community is concentrated in areas that have faced systematic racism, disinvestment, and discrimination. Our community has experienced decades of poor policy decisions in housing, education, transportation, and other policy areas. I started an organization that addresses disparities in access to capital. While that problem is very different, many of the causes are similar. My administration will be committed to tackling these problems head-on, by partnering with communities to focus resources on solving the precipitators of violence. In particular, we will focus on ensuring existing housing is safe, building a new stock of truly affordable housing, investing in RPS, Parks & Rec, and nonprofits that support our kids, and ensuring our transportation policy promotes equity.

The way to counter disinvestment is to proactively make investments. We need to comprehensively bring public and private partners to the table to address the key areas that drive disparity: opportunities for high quality public education, safe and stable housing (that is truly affordable), and access to other community resources (like fresh food and free and reliable transportation).

A key immediate solution is to bring our community to the table. Currently, there is a mismatch between what our government is focused on and who our government listens to relative to the need in our City. That will change immediately with a focus on partnering with our community members to build a better future together.

Yes

The actions that we take today to reduce our carbon emissions and improve climate resiliency will have a powerful impact on the City and the wellbeing of Richmonders for years to come. That is why it is so important that we take meaningful steps to advance Richmond’s sustainability efforts and achieve the goals of the RVAgreen 2050 Climate Equity Action Plan. Right now, the City is actively taking positive steps to execute this plan, such as investing in electrifying its vehicle fleet, investing in multimodal transportation infrastructure and public transportation, and delivering grants through the Neighborhood Climate Resilience Grant Program. That said, there is much more the City needs to be doing to address the challenges of climate change and resiliency. As Mayor, I will be keenly focused on investing in energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy sources, and electrification efforts, including upgrading facilities and end-of-life equipment that are powered by fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable, and energy efficient alternatives. We must also further improve and expand access to public transit and multimodal transportation infrastructure, including continuing to electrify the City’s vehicle fleet, increase the frequency of and routes for public transportation, expanding the availability of charging stations, and improving our pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to decrease reliance on gas-powered vehicles. Additionally, we must prioritize sustainability and green space in urban planning efforts as well as work with community partners to strengthen climate resiliency in all neighborhoods across the City. As I mentioned earlier, the Neighborhood Climate Resilience Grant Program has been a positive step to support community partners with equity-centered projects, but I believe we need to make sure this grant program becomes permanent and receives consistent funding from the City, so that we can collaboratively propel this valuable work forward. Finally, any climate solution must address the future of Richmond Gas. Taxpayers own a utility that contributes greatly to climate change, but also is an energy source for residents and businesses – and has a debt obligation attached to it. Responsibly transitioning away from this utility is a core requirement of any climate agenda.

Yes

Put simply, it is obvious that unsheltered bus stops, urban heat islands, uneven transportation access, areas of food insecurity, and lack of economic opportunity are all correlated in Richmond – correlated with areas that have faced systemic discrimination for decades. As we seek to address systemic inequities and their long lasting impacts, it is vital that we all recognize that climate action, poverty, and justice are deeply intertwined. Climate change is disproportionate affecting low income and marginalized communities particularly in terms of health, wellness, environmental quality and economic opportunity. Discriminatory actions such as racially motivated redlining, highway construction, and disinvestment have left communities to struggle with greater pollution and less green space, which in turn negatively impacts health outcomes, fewer economic opportunities and resources to tackle climate change and improve resiliency. These disparities further increase communities’ vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and recovery from disasters (in terms of both health, economic, and infrastructure metrics), which only perpetuates these pervasive inequities. If we are going to truly confront and correct these lasting harms, we must address the systemic causes of inequities and invest public dollars in a way that builds a more equitable future for Richmond. A key focus of my campaign has been to build a City Hall that works for all Richmonders. I am committed to making sure that everyone, particularly those whose voices have been underrepresented, has a seat at the table. As Mayor, I will ensure that we engage communities directly to understand what each neighborhood needs, how the City can best work with residents and organizations to advance climate action and economic efforts, and what the impacts public policy decisions and investments are having within each community. We must ensure that equity-centered funding initiatives, such as the Neighborhood Climate Resilience Grant Program, receive continued funding and become a permanent, reliable source of support for organizations working on the ground to improve resiliency. And, I will be committed to increasing equity by investing in underserved communities to improve access to public transit and safe multimodal transportation infrastructure, green space and climate resilient neighborhoods, and affordable housing. Addressing the root causes and the impacts of these inequities will take serious attention and investments. I am confident that by working together and being intentional about our use of public dollars, we can support all Richmonders and continue to repair the lasting harms that communities should never have had to grapple with in the first place.

Yes

I have spent many years working in finance and manufacturing. I care deeply about climate change and look forward to developing a responsible plan to transition Richmond Gas. I share the concerns regarding the health and environmental risks that methane poses and would work to develop a financially responsible plan to transition away from its usage. How the City should approach this matter is a complex one with a series of challenges that we will need to consider thoughtfully. We can’t effectively transition away from methane usage without making sure there is a long term plan in place to address the costs and debt obligation that Richmond Gas Works needs to cover. Additionally, given the nature of the utility and who it services, these are not decisions that we cannot make alone. As an aspect of developing a strategic plan to responsibly phase out the utility over time, we will need to come to an agreement with neighboring jurisdictions to establish a partnership focused on developing a plan for electrification. Within all of these discussions is the impact on people themselves, particularly low and median income households. In developing a plan to responsibly phase out methane usage, we must address the financial impact the energy transition would have on these Richmonders and implement policies to support households. Specifically, the City should help subsidize the costs of low and median income households transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources or installing energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. We must also make sure that financial assistance programs remain in place to support households in need of relief to continue heating or cooling their homes. In the meantime, we must invest in repairing leaks in Richmond Gas Works infrastructure to protect the health and wellbeing of Richmonders.

We have two problems to solve: ensuring our existing homes for rent are managed equitably and ensuring that as new homes are built, there are enough that are truly affordable. My long-term vision for housing in Richmond is to ensure that we have enough housing supply to ensure that Richmonders at all income levels can afford to live, work, and raise a family in the City. We should welcome landlords in Richmond that are fair and invest in the future of the city. We should hold landlords accountable who mistreat their residents. We need to reduce the number of evictions happening in Richmond. In terms of new housing units, there is not nearly enough housing available for the projected growth and need that our City will be experiencing. This means that there isn’t enough housing for the teachers, firefighters, and nurses who are core to our community, for the workforce housing needs to sustain Richmond’s economic growth, and for the young people struggling to start a family here because of high housing costs. Additionally, we simply do not invest enough in our most vulnerable citizens, those who are unhoused and housing insecure. I envision a future where City Hall can work together with community leaders and businesses to address the housing crisis facing our community. We must make sure that we are increasing the supply and accessibility of housing by growing our neighborhoods in strategic ways, such as increasing density in ways that are mindful of location and appropriate access to transit corridors. Throughout all of this, we must engage with the public and ensure Richmonders living in impacted areas of change are part of an open dialogue so that we can simultaneously preserve historical and community character, prevent the displacement of long-term residents, and increase density and grow our housing supply. At the end of the day, we can both grow and preserve a neighborhood’s character, because it is a balance, not either or.

We will use data: number of evictions vs. prior years, number of individuals that are considered housing insecure vs. prior years, number of new units created at <50% area median income, and other metrics. At a high-level, we need to measure the ultimate success of our housing policies and initiatives by how many new units they bring into the market at each income level and housing type—particularly ensuring that we have enough affordable and deeply affordable housing options to support the needs of all Richmonders. Additionally, we need to measure the change in the number of individuals who are unhoused and housing insecure so that we make sure that our investments are supporting the most vulnerable. Lastly, it is important for us to identify accurate metrics to track the impact of policies on long-term residents to ensure that they are not being displaced and pushed out of the communities in which they have spent their lives. It is vital that we provide these residents with resources and relief.

To me, affordable housing means quality and safe housing options that are financially accessible to all individuals and families with moderate to low income. We need to drastically lower the amount of residents in Richmond who are housing insecure (spending 30%+ income on housing). It is fine for the city to welcome developers who are building housing for those who make 80%+ AMI – but if the city is spending taxpayer dollars subsidizing housing, it should be because the housing is affordable for those <50% AMI. We need to focus the city’s energy and resources on those who are most vulnerable.

Housing is perhaps the most important factor impacting the future of our City and the greater Richmond economy. Richmond is an exciting, livable and diverse place with an amazing arts and culture scene, wonderful restaurants, and successful small businesses. All this is made possible because both long-term and new residents of all ages have apartments and houses to call home here. Small business owners and the workforce of the companies located in and around Richmond need to have housing at all levels of income in order to make our economy strong. Ultimately, housing determines our City’s ability to grow as well as how the City grows. Supply, density, location, affordability, and other factors can shape so much of how our City changes. That is why it is so important that we thoughtfully and strategically address the critical issues of addressing the housing shortage, especially for affordable housing. If we fail to do so, I fear that we will lose what makes Richmond such an incredible city. The more costs increase and long term residents are displaced, the more Richmond risks losing its identity. If the region's workforce does not have enough housing options at all levels of affordability, the more the region risks impeding our economy’s ability to grow. And, without a housing supply that can meet the demand of residents who want to call Richmond home, the City will be unable to grow its tax base at a rate necessary to generate the revenue needed to invest in City services and tackle the critical issues we are facing—from climate change to underfunded schools. As Mayor, I will be committed to addressing the housing crisis and will make affordable housing a key priority, because—in order to grow our City’s population, economy, and tax base—it is imperative that we have a housing supply that meets the needs of Richmonders at all income levels.

Yes

We have made serious strides in recent years to improve our public transportation and transit infrastructure, including funding zero-fare transit, improvements into GRTC, and additional bicycle lanes. We need to build on this momentum to continue improving access for all Richmonders. If elected, I will ensure that public transit remains zero-fare, fully fund the essential transit infrastructure plan to enhance bus stops with shelters and benches, and work with our neighboring localities to increase GRTC funding. We also need to ensure the Fall Line Trail is accessible across our entire community. Additionally, I will be committed to strengthening the safety and availability of multimodal transit infrastructure for all road users and pedestrians alike. This means mandating road audits each time a road is replaced to ensure that all roadways meet the safety and transportation needs of all. Streets need to be designed in ways that combat speeding as well as protect pedestrians and cyclists, incorporating—as needed—additional raised crossing, noticeable pedestrian crossing signage, curb extensions, and an expanded bicycle route network with safe, protected lanes and cycle tracks throughout the city. I understand this will all require an analytical and holistic approach to understanding the impact of actions and to ensure we continue to have adequate parking for car users, but I am confident that we can invest in our infrastructure in a way that allows all road users and pedestrians to feel safe when living in and enjoying all that Richmond has to offer.

Yes

Second, we must invest in additional routes and stops—including providing benches and bus stop covers—to expand reliable, frequent service for all Richmonders. This includes advancing the North-South Pulse BRT as well as ensuring all communities throughout the City have greater access to free public transportation. Third, I will invest in multimodal transit infrastructure to improve both the safety and availability of all road users and pedestrians across the City. No Richmonder should feel any less safe traveling—whether they be pedestrians, bicyclists, or bus riders—due to the neighborhood that they live in or are traveling through. As I have mentioned previously in this questionnaire, we will mandate road diet audits each time a road is replaced to ensure that roadways are meeting the safety and transportation needs of every pedestrian and road user. This includes improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure across the entire City—and especially in areas that have been historically underinvested in—with readily available sidewalks, additional raised crossings and speed tables, more noticeable pedestrian crossing signage, and curb extensions as well as with buffered and protected bicycle lanes and cycle tracks.

Yes

Simply, I will prioritize projects that have the deepest impact on equity and overall economic development. The North-South Pulse bus-rapid transit expansion is a high priority as it will deliver reliable, frequent public transit service for more Richmonders. This will be essential for ensuring more equitable access to public transportation and economic opportunities. I am also fully committed to prioritizing the development of the Fall Line trail and investing in feeder trails to low income communities. This project has numerous benefits for Richmonders, including the development of additional green space as well as dedicated biking and walking trails; attracting tourism and economic activity; and, better connecting our City, making it easier for Richmonders to access different areas. The Mayo Bridge project is a deeply critical one for both downtown and Manchester. We have to get it right – and ensure the new bridge has adequate green space and bike and pedestrian access.

I envision that every young person coming out of school and transitioning to adulthood has obtained the academic, vocational, and social and emotional skills they need to succeed—whether they pursue higher education or enter the workforce. To achieve this, we must ensure that each student receives a quality education, access to work-based learning opportunities, and wraparound services. First, I am committed to fully funding Richmond Public Schools’ operating and CIP budgets so that every student can receive a world class education in high quality facilities, regardless of what neighborhood they live in. Additionally, I will work with our School Board and RPS to recruit and retain high-quality teachers in our classrooms, making sure we are supporting our teachers and staff so that they have the resources they need and the respect they deserve. It is imperative, too, that we invest in and expand access to pre-K so that our youngest learners can build a strong foundation for their future in school and beyond. Second, we must partner with more businesses and local nonprofits to increase work-based learning and internship opportunities for students. This includes introducing students to pathways where they can gain experience and learn valuable skills, such as apprenticeships and vocational education opportunities. These opportunities provide for essential skill development—of both technical and soft skills—and allow for greater career exploration. Third, I will work with RPS and the School Board to make sure that schools have enhanced wraparound services to meet the needs of students, because the quality of care that a student receives through school should be a priority at every school across the City. This means identifying new partnerships and resources that RPS can leverage, so that every student can succeed no matter what challenges they are facing inside or outside the classroom. Finally, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of ensuring that students can thrive in safe environments with access to stable housing, nutritious food, and healthcare. We need to take a holistic approach to supporting our students and making sure that they are set up for success.

Everyone who calls Richmond home should feel that their neighborhoods and schools are safe. Tackling this crisis can’t be done with the same approach that politicians have taken in the past. It’s going to take a change—a new, people-focused, outcome-based approach that taps into what’s truly needed to address Richmond’s gun violence epidemic. Our city is rich with talent and diversity. We’re home to advocates and faith leaders, community organizers and PTA presidents, experts on trauma and residents who have turned their own tragedy into life-saving gun violence intervention programs. Empowering Richmonders to take action in their own communities is one of the best ways our city can reduce gun violence. First, I will bring Richmond’s gun violence prevention leaders directly into City Hall by creating the city’s first Mayor’s Office for Gun Violence Prevention. This office will be tasked with coordinating community and government efforts to reduce gun violence by focusing on the root causes, collecting and sharing data, and working across various city agencies and nonprofits. Second, we will make the largest investment in Community-based Violence Intervention (CVI) programs in Richmond’s history. These programs empower community members to engage those most likely to be involved in gun violence and provide them wraparound services to address the root causes of violence. By intervening in violence before it occurs and stopping cycles of trauma and retaliation, CVI programs in Richmond, and across the country, have been proven to work. Third, we will bring the country’s most effective school-based gun violence prevention programs to Richmond. Our city is facing a crisis of youth gun violence. The root causes driving youth gun violence are complex and we need to empower local leaders to address them head on. School-based programs that combined trauma-informed therapy with wraparound supports can do exactly that. A study of Chicago’s Becoming a Man (BAM) program found it reduced violent arrests by 45% and increased on-time high school graduation rates by 19%. There are other BAM’s out there, and we should bring them to Richmond. Finally, in addition to investing in new community resources to address gun violence, we need to empower community members to shape new policies. Every time a Richmonder is shot and killed, it’s a policy failure that demands a response. That’s why I would create a Richmond Community Shooting Review to bring all stakeholders to the table when a resident is killed. Together, community leaders, Richmond Public Schools, Richmond Social Services, the public defender’s office, and the police department will assess what went wrong and identify policy fixes. Cities like Milwaukee and Philadelphia have created similar commissions to reform government policies and save lives.

Richmond should be a place where every family wants to move to, live in, and raise their families, and the only way to make that vision a reality is by investing in our children’s education, development, health, and wellbeing. I am committed to working with City Council to prioritize funding to expand access to early childhood education, fully fund RPS’ operational and CIP budgets, support Parks & Rec, and enhance the wraparound services our students rely on to meet their needs. We need to look seriously into the partnerships that we can build between our schools and community organizations to support the development of community schools in our neighborhoods to offer greater support to children and their families’ needs. Additionally, we do not have enough kids in Richmond enrolled in pre-k. We can work with our partners at Head Start and the Virginia Preschool Initiative to make sure our kids have wonderful places to learn and play before kindergarten. Finally, our city will only be successful when every resident feels their neighborhood is safe and thriving. Our administration will partner with neighborhood associations, schools, non-profits, and public safety officials to pursue community-centric policies, including those to reduce gun violence.