Candidacy Type:
Mayor
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?
Poverty and a lack of access to quality jobs create environments where crime can flourish. As Mayor, I would advocate for economic development initiatives that provide job training and employment opportunities, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. Educational inequities, housing policy, and a lack of access to health services, especially mental health, all contribute to violence in our neighborhoods. It is also much too easy to get your hands on illegal guns in our city. Too often, a dispute that would otherwise be resolved with fists now ends with shots fired.
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?
At City Hall, we must first start with how we allocate our resources throughout the workforce. We need to focus on making sure that our limited resources are deployed in an equitable fashion across neighborhoods, regardless of zipcode. We need to empower the Office of Community Wealth Building to continue to work across departments and sectors to align services so they can do the most good in communities that need it the most. We also have to rebuild the village with our police and community. I want our police department to get back to a true community-policing model that builds trust.
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?
Investing in community violence intervention programs is essential for creating a safer Richmond and addressing the root causes of violence. These programs focus on proactive strategies that engage community members, particularly those at risk, in constructive activities and support systems. By providing resources such as mentorship, conflict resolution training, and job readiness programs, we can empower individuals to make positive choices and reduce the likelihood of violence. Additionally, these interventions foster trust and collaboration between community members and law enforcement, creating a united front against crime. As Mayor, I am committed to prioritizing funding for these initiatives, ensuring that our neighborhoods have the tools and support they need to thrive and protect our residents from violence.
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?
In line with the plan, the city has increased the amount of green spaces, promoted urban forestry, and continues to prioritize and enhance public transportation options, including an expansion of The Pulse into the surrounding counties. As Mayor, I will prioritize continual public engagement to ensure that all voices are heard in the planning and implementation of green projects. I will also advocate for increased investments in access to parks, community gardens, and sustainable infrastructure, especially in our low-income areas.
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?
Having represented the 9th Council District before, I know first-hand what generational disinvestment looks like. During my time on Council, also serving as City Council President, I fought for more economic and community investment in neglected neighborhoods. During the summer, our neighborhoods are overheated because of a lack of mature tree canopy. Our children have less access to parks and other green spaces. As Mayor, I will fight to make sure that all neighborhoods get the attention they deserve, regardless of income levels. I also encourage the school system to incorporate sustainability, preserving and protecting green spaces into the curriculum. It is incumbent on all generations to be responsible for the stewardship of our environment to the next.
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 believe that any decision regarding the future of the gas utility must be approached with careful consideration and thorough analysis. I would prioritize engaging with experts, stakeholders, and the community to explore a comprehensive plan that addresses both the financial implications and the need to eventually transition to safer, cleaner energy solutions. My goal would be to ensure that any actions taken are in the best interest of Richmond residents, balancing public safety, environmental sustainability, and economic viability.
What is your long-term vision for housing in our city and how do you plan to achieve it during your tenure as mayor?
We must create a diverse, affordable, and sustainable housing landscape that meets the needs of all residents. I have always believed that everyone deserves access to safe and stable housing. I will advocate for the development of more affordable housing units through partnerships with private developers and non-profit organizations, increase the city’s investment in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Maggie Walker Land Trust, and expand access to homeownership programs and financial assistance for first-time buyers.
We will follow the roadmap laid out in the Richmond 300 plan and work to rezone areas that have been neglected for too long. We will also make the permitting process with the City easier and quicker, so more housing options can come on to the market sooner.
Tell us more: How will you measure the success of your housing policies and initiatives, and what benchmarks will you use to track progress?
Some of this will be evident with regular communication and engagement with residents of the city. I will also create an Affordable Housing Database that can track exactly how many units of affordable housing exist in the city to date. We will track the number of affordable housing units created and the percentage of residents living in stable housing. Additionally, I will track the diversity of housing options available, ensuring that we are meeting the needs of various income levels and family sizes.
How do you define affordable housing
The standard definition is housing that is accessible to individuals and families with low to moderate incomes, no more than 30% of their gross monthly income. But in a more human way, affordable housing to me means that you can live in a stable, safe environment where you don’t have to sacrifice other essential needs for yourself or your family, such as food, healthcare, and education. We need to build and support neighborhoods with access to essential services, such as public transportation, schools, and jobs.
In your opinion, what role does housing (at all income levels) play in our city, region, and state economy?
It is absolutely crucial to the health of our city. The City Council recently declared that we are in a housing crisis and they are absolutely right. When I served as City Council President, we created the Office of Community Wealth Building, and from that experience we know that so many of the factors that play a role in reducing poverty and creating lasting wealth hinge on having a stable, safe and affordable place for you and your family to live.
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: How will you shape Richmond city government into a national leader in multi-modal transportation?
When I served as City Council President, we launched The Pulse, our bus rapid transit system. I have been so pleased to see its growth in ridership as well as its proposed expansion into Henrico and Chesterfield. As Mayor, we will get that done. We will also continue to invest in GRTC and keep our system fare free. Additionally, I will continue the development of pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes, safe crosswalks, and well-maintained sidewalks. Finally, I will seek to secure funding and partnerships at the state and federal levels to support innovative transportation projects, such as electric vehicle charging stations and smart transportation technologies. With a commitment to equitable and sustainable transportation solutions, we can enhance the quality of life for all our residents.
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. As mayor, will you prioritize equity in funding and implementation of transportation projects?
Yes
Tell us more: What are 3 actions you will take to prioritize equitable transportation?
First, I will do a full assessment on transportation infrastructure in the city and the uncompleted projects currently in the pipeline. We should follow the plans laid out in Richmond 300 and revisit the needs for transportation outlined in the Mayor’s Anti-Poverty Commission report. We also need to continue to engage the community on neighborhood needs and that includes multimodal transportation. I am also committed to hiring a Transportation Director that will be hyper-focused on aligning our road infrastructure, public transportation, and pedestrian safety priorities. We have to ensure enforcement of current safety laws that are on the books, and look at other creative ways to calm traffic in areas we know to be potentially dangerous.
Transportation Infrastructure: The Richmond region has the opportunity to invest in several regional infrastructure projects that will transform our transportation systems – from the development of the seven-locality Fall Line trail, to the North-South Pulse bus-rapid transit expansion, to the Transforming Rail in Virginia program, to the replacement of the 111-year-old Mayo Bridge. With hundreds of millions of dollars in local, regional, and statewide funding on the line, Richmond’s mayor needs to work with neighboring counties on regionally important transportation projects. Will you ensure that Richmond takes a leading role in securing regional transportation funding?
Yes
Tell us more: What projects will you prioritize while leveraging federal, state, and regional grant funding?
Working with your regional and federal partners is a crucial tenet of local governments. We do not have the capacity or funding ability to go at projects alone. We must have a strong relationship and trust with our surrounding counties and our representatives in Washington to maximize the impact our transportation projects. We must continue to work with our federal partners to bring high speed rail to Main Street Station. We began that process when I led City Council and we are seeing much needed progress. As Mayor, I will work to ensure we get over the finish line. I am also pleased to see that The Pulse will be expanding further into Henrico and into Chesterfield. I will work with our surrounding counties to strengthen our public transportation options into surrounding areas.
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 will partner with and support our School Board on funding for our students across RPS. I also believe that we can be creative with public- private partnerships with our schools, whether that is an “adopt a school’ program with the business community or increasing options for our students that do not see a 4 year college in their future. I will work with local unions to coordinate and integrate programs with the city’s Workforce Innovation Center to enhance our workforce development initiatives. It is crucial to integrate these programs into the Richmond Technical Center and RPS High Schools, ensuring that students have access to valuable training and apprenticeship opportunities.
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?
We must both advocate for stronger laws at the state and federal level that deal with the amount of illegal and stolen guns we see on our streets as well as continue to increase our investment in life-saving Community Violence Intervention programs. Investing in community violence intervention programs is crucial for fostering a safer Richmond and tackling the underlying causes of violence. We also need to partner with our first responders to create a dedicated team of trained professionals who can provide immediate support to victims and their families, as well as facilitate conflict resolution and mediation in high-risk situations.
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 continue to leverage the resources and initiatives of the Office of Community Wealth Building (OCWB). By collaborating with the OCWB, we can expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare and educational programs, enhance afterschool and summer activities that provide enriching experiences, and coordinate comprehensive support services that address the holistic needs of families. Additionally, the OCWB can facilitate community engagement efforts to empower families and gather feedback, ensuring that our strategies are responsive to their needs. Together, we can create a robust network of resources and safe spaces that enable all children in our community to thrive.