Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee

Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall

Agenda — 98 items

1. 1 Call to Order
2. 1 Committee Members in Attendance
3. 2 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
4. 2 The Honorable Nicole Jones – Chair The Honorable Ellen Robertson – Vice Chair The Honorable Andrew Breton – Member
5. 3 Public Comment Period
6. 3 Staff and Others in Attendance
7. 4 Approval of Minutes
8. 4 Kiley Kesecker, Deputy City Clerk Sophie McGinley, Council Policy Analyst Nahdiyah Muhammad, Assistant City Clerk Pamela Nichols, Council Management Analyst Candice Reid, City Clerk Danielle Smith, Assistant City Attorney
9. 5 June 16, 2026 - Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee Meeting Minutes CD.2026.192
10. 6 Presentation(s)
11. 6 Chair Nicole Jones called the meeting to order at 3:06 p.m. and presided.
12. 7 Partial Tax Exemption Program 5 Year Evaluation
13. 8 Partial Tax Exemption Program 5 Year Evaluation CD.2026.214
14. 8 Upon the Chair’s request, Assistant City Clerk Nahdiyah Muhammad provided information on the appropriate way to evacuate the Council Chamber in an emergency along with public speaker guidelines.
15. 9 Paper(s) for Consideration
16. 10 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW & OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
17. 10 There were no public comment speakers.
18. 1. To amend City Code § 11-105, concerning weeds and other vegetation, and to amend ch. 11, art. IV, by adding therein a new section numbered 11-101, concerning definitions, for the purpose of establishing exemptions for [Virginia Friendly Landscapes] native plants. (As Amended) ORD. 2026-113 recommended for approval with amendment
19. 2. To approve an amendment to the Master Plan for the City of Richmond, adopted by the City Planning Commission on Oct. 5, 2020, and approved by the City Council by Ord. No. 2020-236, adopted Dec. 14, 2020, to incorporate the Oak Grove Hillside Bellemeade Community Plan detailing the vision, guiding principles, goals, strategies, and big moves for development of and public investment in the Oak Grove, Hillside, and Bellemeade neighborhoods. ORD. 2026-166 recommended for approval
20. 12 There were no amendments or corrections to the minutes of the June 16, 2026 committee meeting, and the minutes were approved as presented.
21. 13 MISCELLANEOUS
22. 3. To request that the Chief Administrative Officer cause the Department of Planning and Development Review to (i) collaborate with the residents of and community stakeholders in the Westwood neighborhood, bordered by Dunbar Street[, Patterson Avenue, and] to Glenburnie Road and from Stokes Lane to the north side of Patterson Avenue, to evaluate and recommend appropriate land use, zoning, and policy tools, and (ii) develop community-informed design guidelines and strategies to preserve the cultural and historic character of the Westwood neighborhood and support neighborhood stability, and (iii) provide a written report of such findings and recommendations. (As Amended) (1st District) RES. 2026-R024 recommended for approval with amendment
23. 15 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
24. 15 Pamela Nichols, Council Management Analyst, reviewed board vacancies and applications for consideration by the committee
25. 4. To express the City Council’s support for and request the Commonwealth Transportation Board to provide funding for Chesterfield County’s SMART SCALE Round 7 candidate projects for 2026. RES. 2026-R026 recommended for approval
26. 5. To express the City Council’s support for and request the Commonwealth Transportation Board to provide funding for Henrico County’s SMART SCALE Round 7 candidate projects for 2026. RES. 2026-R027 recommended for approval
27. 17 A copy of the material provided has been filed
28. 18 HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
29. 18 Member Andrew Breton moved to forward the following board appointment and reappointment applications to Council with a recommendation to approve, and to continue consideration of appointment applications for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Supervisory Board (A service provider assisting low-income individuals or families), Community Transportation Advisory Committee, and Board of Commissioners of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority to the October 20, 2026, Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee meeting. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved
30. 6. To request that the Chief Administrative Officer execute a Joint Gilpin Transformation Working Group Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Richmond and the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority to establish the intended roles of the parties as partners in the redevelopment of the Gilpin Court housing community, and to request that the Chief Administrative Officer enter similar memoranda of understanding with the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority for future redevelopment of other Richmond public housing communities. RES. 2026-R029 recommended for approval
31. 19 Affordable Housing Trust Fund Supervisory Board (A representative of a charitable institution): Kai Banks
32. 20 Board Vacancies
33. 20 Commission of Architectural Review : Larry Nutt (Reappointment)
34. 21 July 21, 2026 - Land Use Board Vacancy Report CD.2026.194
35. 21 Public Art Commission: Unicia Buster
36. 22 Discussion Item(s)
37. 22 Board of Commissioners of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (Tenant Representative): Dyanne Broidy (Reappointment)
38. 23 August Committee Meeting
39. 23 Safe and Healthy Streets Commission: Lauren Breyer Sera Erickson
40. 24 Adoption of Committee Presentation Schedule 2026-2027
41. 25 Land Use, Housing and Transportation Presentation Schedule CD.2026.213
42. 26 Staff Report
43. 26 Michelle Brown Peters, Deputy Director of Housing and Community Development (HCD), presented an update on the partial tax exemption program, which supports the creation and preservation of affordable housing, rehabilitation of vacant properties, reduction of blight, and investment in residential real estate. She reported that the program has preserved 130 affordable units, created 52 affordable units, and added 117 market-rate units. Of 20 applications received, 13 were approved, with four projects completed and nine remaining in the pipeline.
44. 27 Land Use Staff Report CD.2026.215
45. 27 She stated a current tax credit of $253,440, a positive revenue impact of $86,976, and an increased assessed value of $28.4 million associated with the completed projects. She recommended continuing the program while conducting additional research, outreach, and collaboration with the Department of Economic Development to improve marketing, increase participation, and identify opportunities to strengthen the program.
46. 29 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
47. 30 The committee inquired about and requested the following: • Clarification on how affordability requirements are monitored and enforced after a property receives the 15 year tax benefit • Information on whether additional requirements, such as anti-demolition provisions or other City goals, could be imposed on participating properties beyond the affordability requirements • Evaluation of whether the program’s eligibility requirements, including minimum property age, investment thresholds, or other criteria, should be modified to increase participation, or whether increased marketing and outreach would be sufficient • Information regarding the project pipeline and approved projects, including the number of single-family homes participating in the program •Consideration of whether the required 20% increase in property value may be a barrier to participation, particularly for preserving quality housing opportunities for households earning up to 80% of the area median income.
48. 31 Ms. Peters stated that participating properties with a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) are required to submit the same documentation provided for their annual state renewal, while other participants must submit an annual rent roll. She stated inspections to verify the required number of affordable units and ensure rents do not exceed 30% of tenant income. Ms. Peters noted that staff would consider additional program requirements as part of the ongoing evaluation. She emphasized the need for both increased marketing and potential program changes to encourage greater participation. She further stated that one single-family property had been converted to a triplex, resulting in one qualifying unit. She reported that most inquiries regarding single-family properties were ineligible due to income requirements rather than the 20% investment requirement. Ms. Peters concluded that residents seeking assistance with health and safety improvements or deferred maintenance may be referred to the city's existing housing preservation programs when appropriate.
49. 33 The following ordinance was considered:
50. 35 Daniel Klein, Sustainability Coordinator for the Office of Sustainability, introduced proposed amendments to ORD. 2026-113. He stated that the amendments simplify the language by removing yard certification requirements, adding native plants to the existing exceptions for lawn height, clarifying requirements for woody debris as part of native landscapes, and incorporating “cues to care” to indicate intentional stewardship of native landscapes. He also noted that the Office of Sustainability plans to increase community outreach and engagement following adoption, including participation in community and district meetings to provide information on native landscaping and available resources.
51. 36 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
52. 37 Public Hearing
53. 38 Robin Allman spoke in support of the proposed amendments to ORD. 2026-113, stating that the revisions addressed concerns raised by community organizations. She expressed support for adoption of the amended ordinance and noted its potential to promote native plants and pollinators throughout Richmond.
54. 39 The committee inquired about and requested the following: • Clarification on the distinction between weeds and native plants and how each is addressed under the proposed ordinance • Clarification regarding maintenance requirements for native landscapes to ensure residents understand that native plants also require maintenance • Information on whether the number of violations in areas with higher violation rates is expected to decrease following implementation of the program • Consideration of requiring periodic reporting on program participation and outcomes to evaluate its effectiveness and monitor changes in violation rates
55. 40 Mr. Klein stated that the proposed amendments would help prevent residents maintaining native landscapes from inadvertently receiving code violations. He noted that native landscaping still requires maintenance, but generally requires less frequent mowing and irrigation. He stated that staff have developed educational resources to help residents identify native and invasive plants and understand appropriate maintenance practices. He also noted that staff will coordinate with Code Enforcement on additional training during the 90-day implementation period. He anticipated that violations could decrease as awareness and participation in the program increase.
56. 41 There were no further comments or discussions, and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2026-113 to Council with the recommendation to approve with an amendment, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
57. 42 The following ordinance was considered:
58. 44 Marianne Pitts, Deputy Director for Planning and Development Review, introduced the proposed legislation to amend the City’s Master Plan to incorporate the Oak Grove-Hillside-Bellemeade Community Plan. She stated that the plan addresses development pressures and guides growth while preserving the established residential neighborhood and supporting development along surrounding corridors. She noted that the Planning Commission approved the Master Plan amendment in October 2025.
59. 45 Public Hearing
60. 46 There were no public hearing speakers.
61. 47 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson requested that staff closely review the implementation strategy and timeline and engage the community through semiannual or annual benchmarks to track progress and accomplishments and requested to be added as a co-patron to ORD. 2026-166.
62. 48 There were no comments or discussions and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2026-166 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
63. 49 The following resolution was considered:
64. 51 Member Andrew Breton introduced proposed amendments to RES. 2026-R024. He stated that the plan would identify tools to preserve the neighborhood’s historic and cultural character, support long-term stability, and guide future investment. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and preserving the neighborhood’s history and contributions to the city.
65. 52 Public Hearing
66. 53 Jeanette Brown, President of the Westwood Civic League, expressed support for the proposed amendments to RES. 2026-R024, highlighting Westwood’s more than 150-year history and longstanding infrastructure and maintenance challenges. She emphasized the importance of developing strategies to preserve the neighborhood and noted its designation as one of Virginia’s most endangered historic places.
67. 54 Amy Atticks expressed support for the proposed amendments to RES. 2026-R024, stating that she values Historic Westwood and hopes to remain in the community long-term. She thanked the community members and City representatives who supported the resolution and urged approval to help preserve Westwood.
68. 55 Crystal Randolph expressed support for the proposed amendments to RES. 2026-R024. She highlighted her family’s longstanding connection to historic Westwood and the community’s historic and cultural significance. She emphasized Westwood’s resilience through Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and redlining and urged approval of the resolution to help preserve the neighborhood and its legacy.
69. 56 Kate McHugh expressed support for the proposed amendments to RES. 2026-R024. She highlighted the neighborhood’s historic significance, architectural diversity, and ecological resources, including native species.
70. 57 Tammy Rose expressed support for the proposed amendments to RES. 2026-R024. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the current residential zoning to prevent incompatible development and potential encroachment into the neighborhood.
71. 58 Robin Levy expressed support for the proposed amendments to RES. 2026-R024. She expressed concerns that redevelopment and new construction could displace longtime residents and erode the neighborhood’s historic identity, urging the city to preserve its character while supporting responsible investment.
72. 59 Ron Skinner expressed support for the proposed amendments to RES. 2026-R024, emphasizing Westwood’s strong sense of community, walkability, and historical significance. He noted the importance of preserving the neighborhood’s history and character and urged the city to support efforts to protect Westwood.
73. 60 Trina Lewis, Trustee of Westwood Baptist Church, expressed support for the proposed amendments to RES. 2026-R024. She expressed concern about gentrification and rezoning and urged the city to support the resolution and efforts to preserve Westwood.
74. 61 Cyane Crump, Executive Director of Historic Richmond, expressed support for the proposed amendmenrts to RES. 2026-R024. She highlighted the neighborhood's 150-year history and expressed concern about rising property values, development pressures, and displacement. She emphasized that Westwood residents deserve protection and a voice in the community's future.
75. 62 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson expressed strong support for Westwood's request, recalling the community's previous advocacy. She emphasized the importance of preserving the neighborhood's history and addressing the inequities experienced by historically African American communities. She encouraged residents to continue advocating for Westwood and requested to be added as a co-patron to RES. 2026-R024.
76. 63 Chair Nicole Jones emphasized the importance of preserving the history of historically marginalized communities and addressing longstanding inequities. She encouraged continued collaboration to honor Westwood's history and support underserved neighborhoods and requested to be added as a co-patron to RES. 2026-R024.
77. 64 Member Andrew Breton explained that the proposed amendment clarifies the boundaries of the Westwood neighborhood, adds historical context to the resolution, and makes minor edits to the stated goals for clarity. He noted that the amendments were intended to ensure the resolution accurately reflects the community's history and boundaries
78. 65 There were no further comments or discussions, and Member Andrew Breton moved to forward RES. 2026-R024 to Council with the recommendation to approve with an amendment, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
79. 66 The following resolutions were considered:
80. 69 Daniel Wagner, Traffic Operations Engineer with the Department of Public Works, introduced the proposed legislation, explaining that the resolutions of support will allow regional partners to apply for the state's SMART Scale program. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, citing Chesterfield County's proposed interchange improvements along Hull Street as an example of coordinated traffic calming efforts across jurisdictional boundaries.
81. 70 Public Hearing
82. 71 There were no public hearing speakers.
83. 72 There were no comments or discussions and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward RES. 2026-R026 and RES. 2026-R027 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
84. 73 The following resolution was considered:
85. 75 Thad Williamson, Senior Policy Strategist for the Mayor's Office, provided an introduction of the proposed legislation. He emphasized transparency, clear accountability, improved living conditions, and a one-for-one replacement commitment to preserve affordable housing. He noted that successful redevelopment will require collaboration among the city, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA), residents, and community partners. He noted that Council approval was not required but was requested to demonstrate alignment between the administration and Council and to ensure continued accountability for the city and RRHA.
86. 76 Sharon Ebert, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Planning and Economic Development, presented additional information on the proposed legislation. She outlined the creation of a joint Gilpin Transformation Working Group and Steering Committee to oversee implementation of the Jackson Ward Community Plan and ensure continued resident engagement. She emphasized resident centered redevelopment, community input, economic opportunity, and the one-for-one replacement. She noted that the initiative is expected to take at least 10 years and will serve as a framework for revitalizing the city's remaining public housing communities.
87. 77 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
88. 78 Steven Nesmith, Chief Executive Officer of RRHA, stated that the proposed legislation represents a long awaited opportunity for meaningful collaboration. He expressed successful implementation could create a transformational partnership and investment in public and affordable housing.
89. 79 The committee inquired about and requested the following: • A detailed implementation strategy outlining roles, responsibilities, timelines, and funding • Clarification on how the People Plan aligns with RVA RISING, the big six, and Code Refresh • Information on how residents who have already relocated from public housing with vouchers will receive similar support and resources
90. 80 The committee emphasized the need for continued collaboration among the City, RRHA, and residents, with a focus on equity, ongoing resident engagement, and coordination between land use and housing efforts to ensure the memorandum of understanding achieves meaningful and measurable transformation for all residents.
91. 81 There were no further comments or discussions and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward RES. 2026-R029 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
92. 84 The committee discussed the cancellation of the August committee meeting. It was the consensus of the committee to cancel the August Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Standing Committee meeting.
93. 86 Council staff provided the committee with the proposed 2026-2027 Land Use, Housing and Transportation presentation schedule.
94. 88 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
95. 90 Council staff provided the committee with the July Land Use, Housing and Transportation staff report.
96. 92 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
97. 93 Adjournment
98. 94 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:46 p.m.