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?
Violence does not happen in a vacuum. There are many failings in our current systems that create situations for people to fall through the social safety netting and do whatever they view is necessary to survive whatever situation they have been pushed into. I believe that to avoid continuing to patch the systems that we have set up and are failing us, we absolutely need to address the root causes with more resources. Ensuring that young families have social and financial resources when they are most vulnerable, adequate childcare, additional SNAP benefits, Housing assurance, reliable medical care, solid foundational education, etc. Addressing base needs for the entire community, not just the wealthy or those who live in "good" neighborhoods will ensure the bare minimum human needs and we can then look at longer term & systemic inequities that continue to knock individuals in our communities back on their heels and keep them from being firmly grounded in community.
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?
If we were to address the root causes, limited access to basic human resources and needs, (see above) then we would eliminate a lot of "violent indicators" that are disproportionately found in concentrated areas within our city & various communities. I believe that ensuring that any future growth plan of our city, next generation master plans, zoning codes, public policy, etc. have not just top down experts creating these rules of engagement but community members who have lived experience within the older outdated models of public design to weigh in on right sized solutions that are applicable to actual community members.
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?
I believe that all solutions based work does take time. I believe that the best most reliable way to affect change in the most direct manner is to involve community members. Bringing in the ABCD / Asset Based Community Development model along with RISC's proven GVI / gun Violence Intervention model will drastically improve the timeline of engagement. The implementation of these community focused models will not come cheap or easy. It will take many hands, community members to be trained up, and need resources to support them. We ultimately need to build trust in communities that have found themselves with little room to do so.
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?
There are a lot of things that Richmond government, council and citizens are getting right. I believe that the most pointed issues that we need to address are our failing wastewater system and the city's declining Gas-Works. If we prioritize the budget to reflect what matters most to us, water and air, both of which we need to survive, then we would ensure that the wastewater is priority #1 and mitigating the Gas-Works by bringing online better fuel solutions while eliminating the regions top air pollutant.
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?
Absolutely there is a relationship between climate action, poverty, and justice in Richmond. Look at the work that is being done with different organizations in our community, Southside Re-Leaf, Northside Strong, the myriad of community gardens, etc. You don't see the need of these orgs without the historical intentional biasses. Working with these & many other organizations that have been doing the work for DECADES to strengthen relationships & trust within communities that have been targeted, underserved and looked over is the beginning of a long term reconciliation with the city & it's past. We have a lot of work to do and I would start by listening to what these communities have been doing to address the issues before I would state any path forward.
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? *
If we sell off RGW to a larger regional partner who is better equip to handle the transition away from fossil fuel and support that sale with a 10 year plan to ensure that there are no gaps in the net of services for low and median income households. We should also have a incremental fee on the remaining customers who are holding on to utilizing older infrastructure even after it has been determined to be hazardous to health. This would help to offset the cost for those households who can't afford to immediately switch over to cleaner tech.
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?
We are in a housing crisis, not just in Richmond, but across our nation. If we allow for a code refresh and ensure that the zoning is more right-sized for our growing city, then we can build more dense communities while allowing for planning and prioritizing walkable communities as well as creating the infrastructure for all of our community members to feel safe, mobile and welcome in these communities. I believe that preserving some of the architecture and building styles is also within this plan, to ensure that the historical integrity of the city is maintained.
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?
I believe that we should act in tandem, as a whole city with a comprehensive plan. Operating district by district would allow for the continuation of certain districts being represented by wealthier residents while others are supposed to create affordable housing with less resources to do so. If we operated on a more holistic approach, we could allocate funding from a larger pot to ensure that each community got what it needed.
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?
We need more flexible zoning that allows for creative solutions like Accessory Dwelling Units, allowing elderly parents or young people starting out to be independent, yet close by. We need zoning that allows for more density. We need to expedite the approval process and allow for more administrative approvals. Now, it is a lengthy complicated process, often fraught with delays, to get a project approved. We need to offer developers rebates for building affordable housing. These rebates are then usable for further affordable housing developments. I believe looking at a code similar to Boulder’s IH program for Richmond would be appropriate. As we too are “land locked” and remaining land appropriate for residential development within our border is limited, it is essential that a reasonable proportion of such land be developed into housing units affordable to very low-, low-, moderate and middle-income residents and working people.
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?
We should work with our neighboring counties to pursue funding for our transportation needs. The city residents aren't the only ones that utilize the infrastructure and shouldn't be solely the ones to fund it. We should also look to federal grants to help with our infrastructure, especially since we're being recognized nationally as the top city to visit and it will increasingly weigh on the current infrastructure.
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?
A large majority of our community members rely on the equitable transportation that GRTC, RVA Bike Share, and the miles and miles of street and sidewalk infrastructure that the city maintains. We need to ensure that all of the base infrastructure as well as the services that we have already in place are fully funded, maintained and kept up before we commit to future plans.
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?
The Fall Line Bike Trail is a great addition to the region, offering a wonderful way for Richmonders to engage with the outdoors and in a way perfect for everyone – families, kids, older folks and serious enthusiasts. However, we need to review much more critically any part of the Fall Line that diminishes green space and tree canopies, both of which help to combat climate change and diminish some of the excessive heat we are now enduring. Using existing trails, while potentially updating them for bikes and strollers means we can protect Bryan park’s uniqueness, save money, reserve green spaces and yet still support the Fall Line Trail.
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 love that RPS has created a myriad of ways for our young learners to engage and get an education. From Virtual school, to traditional classroom engagement, to tech & resource training centers. I am encouraged by the cross collaborative engagement of other universities within the region as well. We need to ensure that each one of our RPS students has a pathway for success that is right sized for them. Continuing on to a 4 year higher learning institution is not for everyone. Ensuring that trade schools are made a priority, work training and other programs are available. As well as ensuring that ALL RPS & Richmond City children have an understanding to what success looks like as a young adult. Not everyone has a built in understanding or someone on hand to teach them the basics of what it takes to survive growing into adulthood. It's hard out here, and I had a lot of teachers.
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?
Gun violence terrifies me. It is something that no community should have to endure. But we have to persist with community oriented solutions based work. I believe that all solutions based work does take time. I believe that the best most reliable way to affect change in the most direct manner is to involve community members. Bringing in the ABCD / Asset Based Community Development model along with RISC's proven GVI / gun Violence Intervention model will drastically improve the timeline of engagement. The implementation of these community focused models will not come cheap or easy. It will take many hands, community members to be trained up, and need resources to support them. We ultimately need to build trust in communities that have found themselves with little room to do so.
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?
We need to do everything we can to increase funding and resources for our children, in our communities & schools. This means reviewing every budget item to ensure it is essential and, if not, putting that money into early childhood education & RPS with specific goals for its use. We need to do a better job of advocating with our legislators for more resources but also to change the way families & schools are funded so a community like ours receives our fair share. We need to work with organizations and businesses to encourage them to invest in our schools, both monetarily and otherwise, providing mentorships and offering other programs that assist our students.