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City Council

May 26, 2026 ·6:00 PM Final

Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall

Agenda PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 131 items

  1. 1 Council Members Present
  2. 2 Absent
  3. 3 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
  4. 4 Pastor Aschon Williams of Broomfield Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church provided the invocation. Members of Council and the audience recited the pledge of allegiance.
  5. 5 The Honorable Nicole Jones
  6. 5 Call to Order
  7. 6 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
  8. 6 Council President Cynthia Newbille called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. and presided.
  9. 7 The Honorable Cynthia Newbille, President The Honorable Katherine Jordan, Vice President The Honorable Sarah Abubaker The Honorable Andrew Breton The Honorable Kenya Gibson The Honorable Stephanie Lynch The Honorable Ellen Robertson The Honorable Reva Trammell
  10. 7 Spanish Interpretation Announcement
  11. 8 Action on Appointments and Reappointments
  12. 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. Javier López-Rincón, Interpreter/Translator, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement, provided Spanish interpretation of Ms. Reid's announcement.
  13. 9 Awards and Presentations
  14. 10 Public Comment
  15. 11 May 26, 2026 Public Comment Period Speakers List CD.2026.148
  16. 11 page break
  17. 12 Agenda Review and Amendments
  18. 13 Vice President Katherine Jordan moved that item 7, ORD. 2026-104 and item 10, ORD. 2026-107 be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Agenda for consideration, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
  19. 13 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.
  20. 14 Vice President Jordan moved to approve the remaining agenda amendments as presented, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
  21. 15 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
  22. 15 There were no appointments or reappointments for consideration.
  23. 16 May 11, 2026 Informal Meeting Minutes CD.2026.135
  24. 17 May 11, 2026 Formal Meeting Minutes CD.2026.153
  25. 17 There were no awards or presentations.
  26. 18 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
  27. 19 May 26, 2026 Introduction Papers List CD.2026.158
  28. 20 Reports or Announcements by Members of the Council
  29. 20 Thomas Courtney provided a brief update on the VMFA Grove Avenue storage facility and unresolved land use questions reaching the certificate of occupancy stage.
  30. 21 Adjournment
  31. 21 Sharon Harper spoke about difficulties finding affordable housing in the city due to a severe long term housing shortage.
  32. 22 PAGE BREAK
  33. 22 Tyrone Heard expressed concerns with tenants of a nearby apartment building utilizing public street parking in front of or close to homeowners' homes.
  34. 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.
  35. 24 Time and Place of Meetings
  36. 24 The agenda amendments were presented as follows:
  37. 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.
  38. 26 Public Comment Period
  39. 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.
  40. 28 Guidelines for Public Participation*
  41. 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.
  42. 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.
  43. 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.
  44. 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.
  45. 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.
  46. 34 PAGE BREAK
  47. 35 The Consent Agenda
  48. 36 The following ordinances and resolution were considered:
  49. 1. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Sixth Amendment to Lease between the City of Richmond, as lessee, and Saul Subsidiary I Limited Partnership, as lessor, for the purpose of enabling the City to continue using 52,411± square feet of the property located at 4100 Hull Street Road for the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and other City functions. ORD. 2026-098 adopted Pass
  50. 2. To authorize the special use of the property known as 310 North 25th Street for the purpose of up to one two-family attached dwelling and two dwelling units within an accessory structure, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2026-099 adopted Pass
  51. 3. To authorize the special use of the property known as 908 North 30th Street for the purpose of up to six single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2026-100 adopted Pass
  52. 4. To authorize the special use of the property known as 4201 Corbin Street for the purpose of a day nursery for up to 12 children within an accessory structure, upon certain terms and conditions. (3rd District) ORD. 2026-101 adopted Pass
  53. 5. 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) ORD. 2026-102 continued
  54. 6. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3300 Delano Street for the purpose of up to two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (8th District) ORD. 2026-103 continued
  55. 7. To authorize the special use of a portion of the property known as 1117 West Franklin Street for the purpose of up to two single-family detached dwellings and two dwelling units within an accessory structure, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District) ORD. 2026-104 adopted Pass
  56. 8. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2208 Y Street for the purpose of no more than two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2026-105 adopted Pass
  57. 9. To authorize a Mosby Court South Redevelopment preliminary community unit plan permitting the development of a residential community of up to 600,000 square feet and no more than 500 dwelling units and up to 25,000 square feet of ground floor commercial area on approximately 12.84 acres of land located at 1804 P Street and 1930 P Street, upon certain terms and conditions, and to repeal Ord. No. 1961-164-144, and all amendatory ordinances thereto. (7th District) (As Amended) ORD. 2026-106 amended and continued
  58. 10. To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2017-073, adopted Apr. 10, 2017, which authorized the special use of the property known as 1117 West Franklin Street for the purpose of an expansion of an existing institutional use, upon certain terms and conditions, to authorize a reduction in size of an existing institutional use. (2nd District) ORD. 2026-107 adopted Pass
  59. 11. To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2024-259, adopted Nov. 12, 2024, which authorized the special use of the property known as 1301 North 27th Street for the purpose of up to one single-family detached dwelling and one single-family attached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions, to include 2720 S Street and to modify the Plans and certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2026-108 adopted Pass
  60. 12. 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. ORD. 2026-109 continued
  61. 13. To amend City Code § 8-555, concerning fees for temporary use of Main Street Station, to modify the fee schedule. ORD. 2026-110 adopted Pass
  62. 14. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Agreement between the Virginia Department of Health and the City of Richmond for the purpose of funding public health services provided by the Richmond City Health Department. ORD. 2026-111 adopted Pass
  63. 15. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $2,002,659.00 from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and 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 Utilities’ Stormwater Facilities Improvements project in the Utilities category by $2,002,659.00 for the purpose of funding the Broad Rock Creek Stream Restoration project. ORD. 2026-112 adopted Pass
  64. 16. 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 continued and referred back
  65. 17. To approve the Work Plan and Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, for the provision of services in the Downtown Special Service and Assessment Districts. ORD. 2026-114 adopted Pass
  66. 53 Public Hearing
  67. 18. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Eighth Amendment to the Agreement for the Provision of Services in the Downtown Richmond Special Service and Assessment Districts between the City of Richmond and Venture Richmond, Inc., for the purpose of extending the term of the agreement to June 30, 2031. ORD. 2026-115 adopted Pass
  68. 54 There were no public hearing speakers.
  69. 19. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to submit four separate applications to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to (i) amend the boundaries of Enterprise Zone 19 and Enterprise Zone 28A within the city of Richmond and (ii) modify the local enterprise zone incentive package for the amended Enterprise Zones. RES. 2026-R020 adopted Pass
  70. 55 There were no comments or discussions and the Consent Agenda was adopted: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
  71. 20. To request that the Chief Administrative Officer to cause the Department of Planning and Development Review, in coordination with other relevant City departments, to conduct a study of the feasibility of establishing a registration system for non-profit and for-profit housing providers to register housing units reserved for affordable housing tenants and purchasers within the city for the purpose of identifying such units and recognizing affordability restrictions in the valuation of such properties for taxation purposes and to provide the Council with recommendations for implementing such system. RES. 2026-R021 adopted Pass
  72. 21. To request that the Chief Administrative Officer cause the Department of Housing and Community Development, in coordination with other relevant City departments, to conduct a feasibility and potential methods study by which the City may purchase real property within the city of Richmond for the development of affordable housing and to provide the Council with written recommendations for implementing the findings of the study. (As Amended) RES. 2026-R022 adopted Pass
  73. 57 The following ordinances were considered:
  74. 58 The Regular Agenda
  75. 22. 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) ORD. 2025-231 continued
  76. 23. To amend ch. 26, article V, div. 2 of the City Code by adding therein a new section 26-370, concerning a deferral program for certain real estate taxes pursuant to and in accordance with Code of Virginia § 58.1-3219. (As Amended) ORD. 2025-282 amended and continued
  77. 60 Kevin Vonck, Director of Planning and Development Review, provided an overview of the requests outlined in the ordinances on behalf of city administration.
  78. 24. 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) ORD. 2026-081 continued and referred back
  79. 61 Public Hearing
  80. 25. 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) ORD. 2026-090 continued
  81. 62 Laura Potter requested that the proposed ordinances be continued to allow for further discussion regarding code refresh and the impact of accessory dwelling units in the city.
  82. 26. 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. RES. 2026-R019 continued and referred back
  83. 63 Mark Baker, Baker Development Resources, spoke in support of the proposed ordinances, noting that accessory dwelling units are consistent with the surrounding zoning in the area, and the proposed institutional use is the least intense use the building could have.
  84. 64 Vice President Katherine Jordan stated that while unanimous support for a project is always preferred, there has been enough support among neighbors to support the by-right use of accessory dwelling units in the neighborhood.
  85. 65 There were no further comments and ORD. 2026-104 and ORD. 2026-107 were adopted: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
  86. 66 President Cynthia Newbille stated that while the item had been continued to the Monday, June 8 Council meeting, a public hearing would be held on the following ordinance:
  87. 25. 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) ORD. 2026-090
  88. 68 Public Hearing
  89. 69 Jeff Burnsen, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) VA 512, stated that the proposed ordinance should apply equally across all collective bargaining units, not just the Police and Fire Departments.
  90. 70 Crystal Brown stated that it is a shame that the city is only providing for police and fire collective bargaining agreements, which are historically male dominated fields.
  91. 71 Felicia Boney, SEIU VA 512 Richmond Chapter Chair, stated that all five collective bargaining units should be considered when looking at changes to collective bargaining.
  92. 72 Motions
  93. 73 Councilor Kenya Gibson moved that the ordinance entitled:
  94. 9. To authorize a Mosby Court South Redevelopment preliminary community unit plan permitting the development of a residential community of up to 600,000 square feet and no more than 500 dwelling units and up to 25,000 square feet of ground floor commercial area on approximately 12.84 acres of land located at 1804 P Street and 1930 P Street, upon certain terms and conditions, and to repeal Ord. No. 1961-164-144, and all amendatory ordinances thereto. (7th District) (As Amended) ORD. 2026-106
  95. 75 be amended to modify the maximum residential density and exclude certain building material, and then continued to June 8, 2026. The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
  96. 76 Councilor Ellen Robertson moved that the resolution entitled:
  97. 20. To request that the Chief Administrative Officer to cause the Department of Planning and Development Review, in coordination with other relevant City departments, to conduct a study of the feasibility of establishing a registration system for non-profit and for-profit housing providers to register housing units reserved for affordable housing tenants and purchasers within the city for the purpose of identifying such units and recognizing affordability restrictions in the valuation of such properties for taxation purposes and to provide the Council with recommendations for implementing such system. RES. 2026-R021
  98. 78 be amended to request that for-profit housing providers also be included in such study, and then considered. The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
  99. 79 Public Hearing
  100. 80 There were no public hearing speakers.
  101. 81 There were no comments and RES. 2026-R021 was adopted: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
  102. 82 Councilor Andrew Breton moved that the resolution entitled:
  103. 21. To request that the Chief Administrative Officer cause the Department of Housing and Community Development, in coordination with other relevant City departments, to conduct a feasibility and potential methods study by which the City may purchase real property within the city of Richmond for the development of affordable housing and to provide the Council with written recommendations for implementing the findings of the study. (As Amended) RES. 2026-R022
  104. 84 be amended to modify the due date of the written recommendations, and then considered. The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
  105. 85 Public Hearing
  106. 86 There were no public hearing speakers.
  107. 87 There were no comments and RES. 2026-R022 was adopted: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
  108. 88 Councilor Sarah Abubaker moved that the ordinance entitled:
  109. 23. To amend ch. 26, article V, div. 2 of the City Code by adding therein a new section 26-370, concerning a deferral program for certain real estate taxes pursuant to and in accordance with Code of Virginia § 58.1-3219. (As Amended) ORD. 2025-282
  110. 90 be amended to extend the implementation date of and modify the requirements for the program, and then continued to June 8, 2026. The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
  111. 92 There were no amendments or corrections to the following meeting minutes, which were approved as presented.
  112. 97 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances and resolution on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.:
  113. 27. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and Richmond Behavioral Health Foundation for the purpose of funding a trauma healing response network. ORD. 2026-121 introduced and referred
  114. 28. To accept a quitclaim deed from the School Board conveying a portion of 1461 Commerce Road, consisting of approximately 8.234± acres, and to authorize the Chief Administrative Office to act on behalf of the City in executing such deed. (6th District) ORD. 2026-122 introduced and referred
  115. 29. To declare surplus and direct the sale of a portion of the city-owned real estate known as 1461 Commerce Road, consisting of 8.234± acres, to City Central, LLC or its affiliate, for $4,705,500, or such lesser amount as may be provided for herein, for the purpose of facilitating the construction of a mixed-use development. (6th District) ORD. 2026-123 introduced and referred
  116. 30. To declare surplus and direct the sale of a portion of the City-owned real estate known as 1451 Commerce Road, consisting of 4.715± acres, to City Central, LLC or its affiliate, for $2,694,500, or such lesser amount as may be provided for herein, for the purpose of facilitating the construction of a mixed-use development. (6th District) ORD. 2026-124 introduced and referred
  117. 31. To establish a five-member panel pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-1643 and to request that the Chief Administrative Officer consult with the President and Vice President of the Council to develop and recommend a list of at least seven qualified candidates to the Council for appointment to such panel. RES. 2026-R023 introduced and referred
  118. 103 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances and resolution on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.:
  119. 32. 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. ORD. 2026-125 introduced and referred
  120. 33. To designate the 6300 Block of Hull Street Road in honor of Eugene and Vivian Mason. ORD. 2026-126 introduced and referred
  121. 34. 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) ORD. 2026-127 introduced and referred
  122. 35. 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) ORD. 2026-128 introduced and referred
  123. 36. 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) ORD. 2026-129 introduced and referred
  124. 37. 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. ORD. 2026-130 introduced and referred
  125. 38. 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. ORD. 2026-131 introduced and referred
  126. 39. 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. ORD. 2026-132 introduced and referred
  127. 40. 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) ORD. 2026-133 introduced and referred
  128. 41. 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 introduced and referred
  129. 115 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
  130. 117 There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
  131. 118 ___________________________________ CITY CLERK