City Council
Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall
Agenda — 157 items
- 1 Council Members Present
- 2 Absent
- 3 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
- 4 Reverend Dr. Daniel E. Glaze of River Road Church provided the invocation. Members of Council and the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
- 4 The Honorable Stephanie Lynch
- 5 Call to Order
- 6 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
- 6 Council President Cynthia Newbille called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and presided.
- 7 The Honorable Cynthia Newbille, President The Honorable Katherine Jordan, Vice President The Honorable Sarah Abubaker (early departure) The Honorable Andrew Breton The Honorable Kenya Gibson The Honorable Nicole Jones The Honorable Ellen Robertson The Honorable Reva Trammell
- 7 Spanish Interpretation Announcement
- 8 Action on Appointments and Reappointments
- 8 City Clerk Candice Reid stated that Spanish interpretation service was available in the Council Chamber and that attendees should speak with a representative to receive the appropriate equipment. She also stated that Spanish interpretation service was available virtually through Microsoft Teams. Roxana Talavera-Denson, Language Access Coordinator, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement, provided Spanish interpretation of Ms. Reid's announcement.
- 9 Awards and Presentations
- 10 Public Comment
- 11 June 22, 2026 Public Comment Period Speakers List
- 12 Agenda Review and Amendments
- 12 Upon the President's request, Deputy City Clerk Kiley Kesecker provided information on the appropriate way to evacuate the Council Chamber in an emergency along with public speaker guidelines.
- 13 Action Items (Consent Agenda)
- 14 Action Items (Regular Agenda and Motions)
- 14 There were no appointments or reappointments for consideration.
- 15 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
- 16 June 8, 2026 Informal Meeting Minutes
- 16 There were no awards or presentations.
- 17 June 8, 2026 Formal Meeting Minutes
- 18 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
- 19 June 22, 2026 Introduction Papers List
- 19 Tanetta Caleb expressed concerns regarding the proposed residential development at 874 and 876 Jessamine Street, stating that the number of units is too high for an already heavily populated area.
- 20 Reports or Announcements by Members of Council
- 21 Adjournment
- 21 Amendments to the agenda were presented as follows:
- 22 PAGE BREAK
- 23 City Council is Richmond City's local legislative body and is composed of one council representative elected from each of the city's nine voter districts. Council members are elected to serve a four year term of office. Council elects one of its own to serve as the president and presiding officer for a two year term.
- 24 Time and Place of Meetings
- 25 The public is invited and encouraged to attend and participate in the City Council meetings. The City Council meets in the City Hall second floor Council Chamber, in informal work session at 4:00 p.m., and in formal session at 6:00 p.m., on the second and fourth Monday during the months of January, February, March, April, May, June and September and only on the second Monday during the months of October, November and December. In the month of July, one such meeting is held on the fourth Monday of the month and in the month of August, no such meetings are held. All meetings of the Council are open to the public.
- 26 Public Comment Period
- 27 The Public Comment Period is an opportunity for persons to address Council concerning the services, policies and affairs of the city and to discuss issues not on the agenda for the business meeting.
- 28 Guidelines for Public Participation*
- 29 The maximum time allotted to persons speaking to any matter under consideration by the Council shall not exceed thirty (30) minutes for proponents and thirty (30) minutes for opponents. Speakers should state their full legal name, any organization(s) they represent and any economic or professional relationship(s) that would benefit by the adoption of the paper(s) they are addressing.
- 29 Vice President Katherine Jordan moved that item 36, ORD. 2026-090 be moved from the Regular Agenda to the Consent Agenda. The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
- 30 Speakers are not permitted to address or question the Council Chief of Staff, the City Attorney, the City Clerk, or any staff member directly. Questions should be directed to the President who may, at his/her discretion, solicit a response. Applause is permitted during the “Awards and Presentations” period only.
- 30 Councilor Sarah Abubaker moved to approve the remaining agenda amendments as presented, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
- 31 Persons speaking regarding agenda items are generally limited to three (3) minutes; however, no individual from the public may speak for more than ten (10) minutes total during the business meeting. Individuals may express their views in writing in lieu of an oral presentation.
- 32 Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with a disability. Individuals are encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s Office at 804-646-7955 for a “Request for Reasonable Accommodation” form, which must be completed to receive assistance.
- 32 The following ordinances and resolution were considered:
- 33 * The full text of the Council's Rules of Procedure is available on the City Clerk's website at www.rva.gov/office-city-clerk or in the Office of the City Clerk located in City Hall at 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200.
- 34 PAGE BREAK
- 35 The Consent Agenda
- 36 Items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and non-controversial. The Consent Agenda provides a method for the expeditious handling of items that do not require discussion and will be approved unanimously by a single roll-call vote of the Council. The public may speak to any item on the Consent Agenda when the public hearing is announced by the President.
- 1. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3415 Crenshaw Mews Alley for the purpose of up to thirteen attached garages, upon certain terms and conditions, and to repeal Ord. No. 2021-325, adopted Dec. 13, 2021, and all amendatory ordinances thereto. (As Amended) (1st District)
- 2. To close, to public use and travel, a portion of public right-of-way located south of Brookland Park Boulevard and east of Robin Hood Road, consisting of approximately 11,105± square feet upon certain terms and conditions.
- 3. 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)
- 4. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 901 South Meadow Street, 903 South Meadow Street, 905 South Meadow Street, 907 South Meadow Street, 911 South Meadow Street, 915 South Meadow Street, 921 South Meadow Street, and 923 South Meadow Street, for the purpose of up to [31] 21 single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (5th District)
- 5. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation for the purpose of funding the Chamberlayne Avenue Paving Project.
- 6. To designate the 6300 Block of Hull Street Road in honor of Eugene and Vivian Mason.
- 7. To authorize the special use of the property known as 902 North 28th Street for the purpose of up to one single-family detached dwelling and one single-family attached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 8. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3012 Grayland Avenue for the purpose of up to two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District)
- 9. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2518 Grove Avenue for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District)
- 10. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $69,920.00 from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources’ African American Cemetery and Graves Fund and to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities called the “Historic African American Cemeteries Special Fund,” and appropriating the increase to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ “Historic African American Cemeteries Special Fund” by $69,920.00 for the purpose of providing funding for preservation, maintenance, and stewardship activities at historically African American cemeteries.
- 11. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $611,807.50 from the National Opioid Settlement Fund, resulting from settlement agreements with Settling Distributors, Walgreens, Walmart, Distributor, CVS, Allergan, Teva, and Kroger, and to amend Ord. No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted a Special Fund Budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 and made appropriations thereto, by increasing revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services’ National Opioid Settlement Special Fund by $611,807.50, for the purpose of funding opioid abatement and remediation strategies to combat the opioid crisis.
- 12. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $1,000,000.00 from the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund and to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities entitled “Broad Rock Creek Park Grant Special Fund,” and appropriating the increase to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ “Broad Rock Creek Park Grant Special Fund” by $1,000,000.00 for the purpose of providing funding for improving access to and installing amenities at Broad Rock Creek Park.
- 13. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Right-of-Entry Agreement between the City of Richmond and Capital Trees for the purpose of performing tree improvements in Byrd Park located at 1401 Pump House Drive, 2601 Police Memorial Way, and 2301 Amelia Street in the city of Richmond. (5th District)
- 14. To amend Ord. No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by changing the uses and allocation of the Council District Funds for the First District pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-2503 for the use of the Council Member in the representation of the First District.
- 15. To amend Ord. No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by changing the uses and allocation of the Council District Funds for the Fourth District pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-2503 for the use of the Council Member in the representation of the Fourth District.
- 16. To amend Ord. No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by changing the uses and allocation of the Council District Funds for the Fifth District pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-2503 for the use of the Council Member in the representation of the Fifth District.
- 17. To amend Ord. No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by changing the uses and allocation of the Council District Funds for the Sixth District pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-2503 for the use of the Council Member in the representation of the Sixth District.
- 18. To amend Ord. No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by changing the uses and allocation of the Council District Funds for the Seventh District pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-2503 for the use of the Council Member in the representation of the Seventh District.
- 19. To amend Ord. No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by transferring funds in the amount of $80,000.00 from the Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency Venture Richmond, Inc. line item in the Organizational Subsidy category for the Administration and Finance portfolio and to appropriating such transferred funds in the amount of $80,000.00 to the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services for the purpose of funding CARITAS Surge Shelter Operations.
- 20. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $1,164,547.84 from the National Opioid Settlement Fund, resulting from settlement agreements with Sandoz Group, Kroger, CVS, Allergan, Teva, Walgreens, and Distributor, and to amend Ord. No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Special Fund Budget for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and made appropriations thereto, by increasing the revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services’ National Opioid Settlement Special Fund by $1,164,547.84, for the purpose of funding opioid abatement and remediation strategies to combat the opioid crisis.
- 21. To amend Ord No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by transferring funds in the amount of $300,000.00 from the National Opioid Settlement Special Fund for the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and appropriating such transferred funds in the amount of $300,000.00 to the Medication Assisted Treatment Pilot Program Special Fund for the City Sheriff for the purpose of funding the Medication Assisted Treatment Pilot Program.
- 22. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a YMCA of Greater Richmond Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and the Young Men’s Christian Association of Greater Richmond for the purpose of operating low-cost afterschool programming at six elementary schools.
- 23. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Second Amendment to Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and The Salvation Army for the purpose of extending the term of the contract through June 30, 2027, with the option to exercise three additional one-year term extensions, for the continued operations of an inclement weather shelter and year-round emergency shelter located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue. (3rd District)
- 24. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as tenant, and The Salvation Army, as landlord, for the purpose of leasing a portion of the property located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue for the operation of a resource and training center. (3rd District)
- 25. To designate the 1000 block of North Lombardy Street in honor of Coach Howard D. Hopkins. (3rd District)
- 26. To designate the 2800 block of Fendall Avenue in honor of Reverend A. Lincoln James, Jr. (3rd District)
- 62 Public Hearing
- 27. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $295,267.00 from the Virginia Department of Transportation and to amend Ord. No. 2025-058, adopted May 12, 2025, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, and determined a means of financing the same, to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ Complete Streets project in the Transportation Federal/State/Regional category by $295,267.00 for the purpose of providing funding for the Chamberlayne Avenue resurfacing project from Walton Avenue to Hammond Avenue.
- 63 Bill Pantele spoke in support of ORD. 2026-090 and thanked all those involved with bringing the legislation before Council.
- 28. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $150,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Richmond Recovery Court entitled “Byrne State Criminal Justice Improvement Program (SCIP) Grant Special Fund,” and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Richmond Recovery Court’s “Byrne State Criminal Justice Improvement Program (SCIP) Grant Special Fund” by $150,000.00 for the purpose of providing funding to combat the public health crisis caused by escalating substance use, opioid use disorders, and opioid-related overdose.
- 64 Brendan Leavy, Richmond Coalition of Police President, spoke in support of ORD. 2026-090 and thanked all those involved with bringing the legislation before Council.
- 29. To amend City Code § 21-4, concerning definitions related to public procurement.
- 65 Keith Andes, National Firefighters Association Local 995, spoke in support of ORD. 2026-090 and thanked all those involved with bringing the legislation before Council.
- 30. To amend City Code § 21-40, concerning joint and cooperative procurement, for the purpose of conforming the City’s cooperative procurement laws to the optional provisions of Va. Code § 2.2-4304.
- 66 Letissa Williams, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) member, spoke in support of ORD. 2026-090 and thanked all those involved with bringing the legislation before Council.
- 31. To amend City Code § 26-610, concerning the evaluation and expiration of the partial exemption of certain rehabilitated commercial or industrial structures from real estate taxation, for the purpose of extending the expiration date from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
- 67 Felicia Boney, SEIU 512 Richmond Chapter Chair, spoke in support of ORD. 2026-090 and thanked all those involved with bringing the legislation before Council.
- 32. 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)
- 68 Juan Braxton, Trinity Baptist Church Deacon, spoke in support of ORD. 2026-146 and thanked Council for recognizing Reverend James.
- 33. To approve an expenditure in the amount of $10,163.68 from the Council District Funds for the Third District to pay Gibson Universal, LLC for direct mail and postage to distribute an informational mailer to Third District residents.
- 69 Eric Ragland, Teamsters Local 322, spoke in support of ORD. 2026-090 and thanked all those involved with bringing the legislation before Council.
- 70 Page Break
- 70 Council members thanked city administration and Mayor Avula for their work and collaboration on ORD. 2026-090.
- 71 The Regular Agenda
- 71 The Consent Agenda was adopted: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
- 34. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3219 Tuxedo Boulevard for the purpose of up to [five] four single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) (As Amended)
- 35. To amend City Code § 12-16, concerning publication of the City’s payment register, for the purpose of promoting transparency and accountability in the expenditure of public funds by providing public access to information regarding payments made by the City to vendors for goods and services and reimbursements to employees, while protecting confidential and personal information as required by law. (As Amended)
- 73 The following ordinance was considered:
- 36. To amend City Code §§2-1301.4, concerning the City’s rights and authority, and 2-1301.14, concerning labor-management dispute and impasse resolution, to modify collective bargaining procedures. (As Amended)
- 37. To establish the Code Refresh Review Commission for the purpose of developing optimal recommendations for a forthcoming rewrite of the City’s zoning ordinance, based upon best practices and expert and community input.
- 75 Kevin Vonck, Director of Planning and Development Review, provided an introduction and brief overview of the proposed special use of the property at 3219 Tuxedo Boulevard.
- 38. To establish the Resident Planning Review Commission for the purpose of advising the Council concerning the City’s implementation of the Master Plan.
- 76 Public Hearing
- 39. To authorize the Council’s Organizational Development Standing Committee to investigate the City’s failure to publish a monthly payment register as required by City Code § 12-16 and application of exclusions allowed under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
- 77 Michael Berlotas spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance, citing parking limitations and issues with neighborhood fit and affordability.
- 78 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
- 79 Laura Stephens spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance, stating that the properties are all delinquent, no other houses in the area are assessed under $200,000, and the proposed units are not affordable enough.
- 80 Councilor Kenya Gibson stated that she wanted to understand why the Planning Commission denied the original proposal.
- 81 President Newbille explained that changes were made to the proposal based on input from area residents, but that version did not go before the Planning Commission after the initial denial.
- 82 There was no further discussion and ORD. 2025-231 was adopted: Ayes 6, Breton, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0. Abstentions 2, Gibson, Abubaker.
- 83 The following ordinances were considered:
- 86 Councilor Reva Trammell provided a brief introduction and background information on ORD. 2026-092. She stated that residents want a stronger voice in zoning decisions than developers or city staff, and added that the proposed commission would help ensure citizens are not left out of a sweeping zoning overhaul of the entire city.
- 87 Councilor Kenya Gibson introduced ORD. 2026-096 and stated that the intention is to create a commission to evaluate how the city is implementing Richmond 300, including Code Refresh, to ensure compliance with the adopted master plan. She added that it is important that the commission reflects the demographics of the city, with an equal number of renters and homeowners with fewer professional conflicts of interest.
- 88 Public Hearing
- 89 Patricia Merrill, Westhampton Citizens Association, spoke in support of the proposed commissions, stating that they are needed to rebuild public trust and clarify the impact of Code Refresh.
- 90 Betsy Gardner spoke in support of the proposed commissions, stating that citizen review is important as only two to three percent of citizens understand Code Refresh.
- 91 Earl Somay spoke in support of the proposed commissions and stated that the first draft of Code Refresh created unnecessary division, which would be remedied by increased citizen input.
- 92 Pierce Homer spoke in support of the proposed commissions, noting that the extensive by-right zoning enabled by Code Refresh would reduce Council oversight via the special use permitting process.
- 93 Donna Hughes, Sherwood Park Civic Association, spoke in support of ORD. 2026-096, stating that increased public outreach and education about Code Refresh is needed.
- 94 John Gass spoke in support of the proposed commissions and expressed concerns with potential conflicts of interest with developers or financially interested parties sitting on land use advisory boards. He added that ordinary residents must have a seat at the table to balance out professional interests.
- 95 David Mayer spoke in support of ORD. 2026-096 and stated that current zoning proposals from the Planning Commission have moved away from the full set of Richmond 300 principals.
- 96 Robert Hood spoke in support of the proposed commissions, stating that renters and homeowners should have representation and emphasized the need for transparency.
- 97 Maria Düster, Community Climate Collaborative, spoke in opposition to both proposed commissions, stating that their structure would limit membership to wealthy property owners and amplify the voices of those who are already at the table, while also delaying urgently needed housing reform.
- 98 Tavarris Spinks spoke in opposition to both proposed commissions, stating that they would not be representative of lower income residents and added that there is strong support for Code Refresh among non-homeowners.
- 99 Kevin Randizzi spoke in support of both proposed commissions, noting the importance of resident participation in the decision making process. He further suggested that the final Code Refresh proposal should be put to voters via a referendum.
- 100 Jacob Peters spoke in support of ORD. 2026-096 and stated that renters’ voices need to be heard, and the proposed commission would add accountability to Richmond 300 implementation.
- 101 Flora Worthington spoke in opposition to both proposed commissions, stating that renters are generally excluded from such conversations and adding another commission would only serve to belabor the same viewpoints already represented.
- 102 Miles Kozial spoke in opposition to both proposed commissions, which he stated would only worsen the imbalance already favoring property owners. He added that renters are the majority and need more representation.
- 103 Tanetta Caleb spoke in support of both proposed commissions and expressed concerns with poorly managed affordable housing developments.
- 104 Rev. Jeanette Brown, Westwood Civic Association, spoke in support of both proposed commissions and stated that development pressures are harming the Westwood neighborhood.
- 105 Tammy Rose spoke in support of both proposed commissions and stated that affordability is misunderstood or misrepresented, and suggested suspending Code Refresh until engagement improves.
- 106 Juan Braxton spoke in support of both proposed commissions and stated that people most affected by density, i.e., low income families and multigenerational households, are not present.
- 107 Councilor Nicole Jones stated that while she agrees with the intent, the commissions are unnecessary and duplicative as the city already has established engagement tools at its disposal. She added that current outreach efforts have not been adequate and called for proactive, equitable engagement citywide.
- 108 Councilor Sarah Abubaker stated that she conceptually supports the intentions of the proposed commissions, but believes they may complicate the process. She agreed that current outreach efforts were lacking and stated her support for leveraging existing city engagement infrastructure.
- 109 Vice President Jordan echoed Councilor Jones’ support for strengthening the city’s current outreach tools and stated her opposition to the formation of new commissions which would only create additional layers and potentially confuse residents.
- 110 Councilor Andrew Breton stated that Council already has the responsibility and authority to oversee Code Refresh, and city administration already has the necessary engagement tools. He agreed that the correct answer should be more outreach, not more bureaucracy, but noted that Council should remain the "watchdog" over the zoning code rewrite.
- 111 Councilor Ellen Robertson stated that the existing Zoning Advisory Board has already incorporated community input and made substantial changes. She added that she would like to see measurable engagement goals and structured next steps instead of the creation of new commissions.
- 112 President Newbille stated that the city already has the infrastructure for engaging residents, and the process would require a joint effort between Council and city administration.
- 113 There were no further questions or discussions and ORD. 2026-092 was rejected: Ayes 2, Trammell, Abubaker. Noes 6, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Jordan, Newbille.
- 114 ORD. 2026-096 was rejected: Ayes 2, Gibson, Abubaker. Noes 6, Breton, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Jordan, Newbille.
- 115 Councilor Sarah Abubaker left the meeting at 8:18 p.m.
- 117 There were no amendments or corrections to the following meeting minutes, which were approved as presented.
- 122 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances and resolutions on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.:
- 40. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $15,987.00 from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities entitled “Forest View Cemetery Special Fund,” and appropriating the increase to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ “Forest View Cemetery Special Fund” by $15,987.00 for the purpose of funding preservation, maintenance, and stewardship activities at Forest View Cemetery.
- 41. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $36,000.00 from the Church Hill Association of RVA and to amend the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities entitled “Libby Hill Park House Special Fund,” and appropriating the increase to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ “Libby Hill Park House Special Fund” by $36,000.00 for the purpose of restoring the Libby Hill Park House.
- 42. To adopt a new Code of the City of Richmond, Virginia; to repeal the Code of the City of Richmond, Virginia, 2020; to prescribe the effect of such repeal; and to provide for the manner of amending the new City Code.
- 43. To amend Ord. No. 2026-063, adopted May 11, 2026, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Special Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by transferring $480,000.00 from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Special Fund, and to amend Ord. No. 2026-065, adopted May 11, 2026, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, and determined a means of financing the same, by appropriating $480,000.00 of such transferred funds to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ “Fire Training Facility Burn Tower Replacement” project in the Capital Investment Opportunities category for the purpose of constructing the City’s burn building to enhance the safety of fire service personnel while conducting live fire training.
- 44. To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the acquisition by gift, purchase, condemnation, or otherwise, certain fee simple interests, temporary construction easements, and permanent easements for the public purpose of facilitating the construction of the Hobby Hill Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project.
- 45. To declare a public necessity for and to authorize (i) the acquisition of the real property known as 5624 Campbell Avenue and (ii) the grant and acceptance of certain easements relating to the acquisition of such real property, for the purpose of implementing the combined sewer overflow mitigation project known as the CSO-012 Storage Tank project.
- 46. To amend City Code §§ 16-51, concerning the creation of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and 16-113, concerning the administration of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, to ensure all receipts derived from principal, interest, penalties, and fees received for the repayment and management of loans or grants from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund are reserved for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
- 47. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Grant Agreement between the City of Richmond, 512 Hull Street, LLC, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of clarifying the affordable housing requirements applicable to the residential development located at 512 Hull Street. (6th District)
- 48. 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.
- 49. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1110 Oakwood Avenue for the purpose of transitional housing, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 50. To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2025-152, adopted July 28, 2025, which authorized the special use of the property known as 2300 Ingram Avenue for the purpose of up to seven single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions, to modify the addresses included in the special use and the plans. (8th District)
- 51. 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.
- 52. 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.
- 137 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
- 139 There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
- 140 ___________________________________ CITY CLERK