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City Council

December 15, 2025 ·6:00 PM Final

Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall

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Agenda — 203 items

  1. 1 Council Members Present
  2. 1 Council Members Present
  3. 2 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.
  4. 3 Absent
  5. 4 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
  6. 4 The Honorable Stephanie Lynch
  7. 5 Reverend Dr. Rodney L. Greene, Sr. of Trinity Baptist Church provided the invocation. Members of Council and the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
  8. 5 Call to Order
  9. 6 There were no appointments or reappointments for consideration.
  10. 6 Council President Cynthia Newbille called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and presided.
  11. 7 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
  12. 7 Spanish Interpretation Announcement
  13. 8 The Honorable Cynthia Newbille, President The Honorable Katherine Jordan, Vice President (late arrival) The Honorable Sarah Abubaker The Honorable Andrew Breton The Honorable Kenya Gibson The Honorable Nicole Jones The Honorable Ellen Robertson The Honorable Reva Trammell
  14. 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. City Clerk Reid 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 City Clerk Reid's announcement.
  15. 9 Action on Appointments and Reappointments
  16. 10 Awards and Presentations
  17. 11 Public Comment
  18. 11 page break
  19. 12 December 15, 2025 Public Comment Period Speakers List CD.2025.376
  20. 13 Agenda Review and Amendments
  21. 14 Action Items (Consent Agenda)
  22. 15 Action Items (Regular Agenda and Motions)
  23. 16 Motions for Expedited Consideration
  24. 17 To endorse, for the City of Richmond, legislative proposals set forth within the document entitled “Legislative Agenda, 2026 General Assembly Session” to request the Richmond delegation to the General Assembly of Virginia to take legislative action consistent with and in vigorous support of such recommendations; to support other legislative action recommendations; and to encourage other organizations and individuals to support such recommendations. RES. 2025-R051 adopted
  25. 17 There were no awards or presentations.
  26. 18 To make assignments of the calculated general fund surplus for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. RES. 2025-R052 adopted
  27. 19 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
  28. 20 November 10, 2025 Informal Meeting Minutes CD.2025.372
  29. 20 Maria Arroyo, 9th District resident, spoke about support for children and families in Southside.
  30. 21 November 10, 2025 Formal Meeting Minutes CD.2025.378
  31. 21 Caleb Stewart, 5th District resident and city employee, expressed concerns with fees for the towing of vehicles from private property.
  32. 22 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
  33. 22 Vice President Katherine Jordan arrived at 6:12 p.m. and was seated.
  34. 23 December 15, 2025 Introduction Papers List CD.2025.379
  35. 23 Annika Schunn, Housing Opportunities Made Equal, spoke on the importance of the implementation of an energy efficiency program and the continued negative effects of redlining in the city.
  36. 24 Reports or Announcements by Members of Council
  37. 25 Adjournment
  38. 25 Amendments to the agenda were presented as follows:
  39. 26 PAGE BREAK
  40. 27 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.
  41. 28 Time and Place of Meetings
  42. 29 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.
  43. 30 Public Comment Period
  44. 31 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.
  45. 32 Guidelines for Public Participation*
  46. 33 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.
  47. 34 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.
  48. 35 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.
  49. 35 Councilor Ellen Robertson moved that the ordinance entitled:
  50. 36 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.
  51. 37 * 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.
  52. 37 be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Agenda, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
  53. 38 PAGE BREAK
  54. 38 Councilor Nicole Jones moved to approve the remaining agenda amendments as presented.
  55. 39 THE CONSENT AGENDA
  56. 39 The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
  57. 40 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.
  58. 40 The Consent Agenda
  59. 1. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3618 Hawthorne Avenue for the purpose of a four-unit multifamily dwelling and six single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (3rd District) ORD. 2025-014 continued and referred back
  60. 41 The following ordinances and resolutions were considered:
  61. 2. To amend City Code § 2-772, concerning the filing of statements of economic interests, for the purpose of requiring more detailed disclosure forms of members of certain boards and commissions [with the power to issue bonds or expend funds in excess of $10,000 in any fiscal year]. (As Amended) ORD. 2025-209 adopted Pass
  62. 3. To amend City Code § 2-1352, concerning general requirements of the open data portal, to prohibit charging fees for requesting information required to be posted in the open data portal pursuant to section 2-1360 and to amend ch. 2, art. VII, div. 4 of the City Code by adding therein a new section 2-1360, concerning required datasets, for the purpose of requiring publication of certain datasets in the open data portal. (As Amended) ORD. 2025-211 adopted Pass
  63. 4. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1705 Commonwealth Avenue for the purpose of a space for outdoor events, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (1st District) ORD. 2025-215 continued and referred back
  64. 5. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1103 Carlisle Avenue and 1105 Carlisle Avenue for the purpose of up to four single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (7th District) ORD. 2025-228 continued
  65. 6. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Maymont Foundation Operating Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Maymont Foundation for the purpose of allowing the Maymont Foundation to continue managing, maintaining, operating, and improving Maymont Park in the city of Richmond. ORD. 2025-242 adopted Pass
  66. 7. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Non-Exclusive License Agreement between the City of Richmond and FlixBus, Inc. for the purpose of granting FlixBus, Inc. permission to use a portion of Main Street at 1500 East Main Street as a bus stop, passenger boarding, and waiting area. (7th District) ORD. 2025-243 adopted Pass
  67. 8. To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the acquisition by gift of the parcels of real property known as 313 South Harrison Street and 1112 Idlewood Avenue from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority for the purpose of creating a permanent public park. (5th District) ORD. 2025-244 adopted Pass
  68. 9. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the total amount of $728,695.00 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 Bike Lanes/Boulevard (Street Conversions) project in the Transportation - Federal/State/Regional category by $728,695.00 for the purpose of funding the Bike Lanes/Boulevard (Street Conversions) project. ORD. 2025-245 adopted Pass
  69. 10. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $3,817.00 from the National Recreation and Park Association and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities’ Grant - Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative Special Fund by $3,817.00 for the purpose of providing services to youth impacted by and at risk for substance misuse. ORD. 2025-246 adopted Pass
  70. 11. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $15,000,000.00 from the Commonwealth of Virginia, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Economic Development called “CoStar Special Fund,” and appropriating the increase to the Department of Economic Development’s CoStar Special Fund by $15,000,000.00, for the purpose of funding the development of infrastructure at CoStar Realty Information, Inc.’s existing and planned facilities located at 501 South 5th Street and 600 Tredegar Street in the city of Richmond. ORD. 2025-247 adopted Pass
  71. 12. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $25,000.00 from AARP, to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Public Works called the “AARP Community Challenge 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 Department of Public Works’ “AARP Community Challenge Special Fund” by $25,000.00, for the purpose of funding the planning, design, construction, and implementation of a bus boarding platform. ORD. 2025-248 adopted Pass
  72. 13. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to enter into the Twenty-Eighth Commercial Area Revitalization Effort Program Cooperation Agreement between the City of Richmond, Virginia, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of providing for the operation of the Commercial Area Revitalization Effort (“CARE”) Program. ORD. 2025-249 adopted Pass
  73. 14. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $18,319.00 from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ State Fire Programs Special Fund by $18,319.00 for the purpose of providing funding for training, training centers, equipment, and protective clothing for firefighters. ORD. 2025-250 adopted Pass
  74. 15. To amend Ord. No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Budget and made appropriations thereto, by transferring $284,175.00 from the Council Chief of Staff, and appropriating such transferred funds to the Chief Administrative Offices for the purpose of supporting the participatory budgeting process. ORD. 2025-251 adopted Pass
  75. 16. To amend and reordain Ord. No. 75-309-302, adopted Dec. 15, 1975, as most recently amended by Ord. No. 2025-154, adopted July 28, 2025, pertaining to the “Stony Point Community Unit Plan,” for the purpose of amending the development standards as they pertain to Map Section F of the Southern Portion of the Plan, which allowed a commissary kitchen as a permitted use on the property known as 9221 Forest Hill Avenue, to amend the development standards as they pertain to Map Section D of the Northern Portion of the Plan, to allow up to 28 single-family attached dwellings as a permitted use on the property known as 9040 Stony Point Parkway. (4th District) ORD. 2025-252 adopted Pass
  76. 17. To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2018-012, adopted Feb. 12, 2018, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2019-206, adopted Sept. 9, 2019, which authorized the special use of the property known as 10 West Leigh Street for the purpose of permitting a multifamily dwelling with up to 14 dwelling units, modified the parking requirements for 10 West Leigh Street, and excepted the properties known as 12 West Leigh Street, and 14 ½ West Leigh Street from certain lot area and width and open space requirements, upon certain terms and conditions, to eliminate the parking requirements. (2nd District) ORD. 2025-253 adopted Pass
  77. 18. To amend Ord. No. 2023-266, adopted Oct. 10, 2023, which authorized the special use of the properties known as 2500 North Lombardy Street, 2510 North Lombardy Street, 2516 North Lombardy Street, 2530 North Lombardy Street, 2532 North Lombardy Street, 2534 North Lombardy Street, and 2536 North Lombardy Street for the purpose of exceeding the inclined plane height for a mixed- use building, upon certain terms and conditions, to extend the date by which an application for the building permit shall be made. (3rd District) ORD. 2025-254 adopted Pass
  78. 19. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1915 5th Avenue, for the purpose of up to two two-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District) ORD. 2025-255 adopted Pass
  79. 20. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1300 North 32nd Street, 1300 1/3 North 32nd Street, and 1300 2/3 North 32nd Street for the purpose of up to one two-family detached dwelling and five single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-256 adopted Pass
  80. 21. To authorize the special use of the property known as 813 Catherine Street for the purpose of a two-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District) ORD. 2025-257 adopted Pass
  81. 22. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 6320 Daytona Drive, 6330 Daytona Drive, and 6340 Daytona Drive for the purpose of up to [eight] five single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (9th District) ORD. 2025-258 continued and referred back
  82. 23. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2315 Floyd Avenue for the purpose of a two-family attached dwelling with an accessory dwelling unit, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (2nd District) ORD. 2025-259 continued
  83. 63 Public Hearing
  84. 24. To authorize the special use of the property known as 9 South Meadow Street for the purpose of a mixed-use building with outdoor dining, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District) ORD. 2025-260 adopted Pass
  85. 64 Momin Khan spoke in opposition to item 8, ORD. 2025-244, stating that the plot would be ideal for a mixed use development.
  86. 25. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2702 Selden Street for the purpose of one single-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-261 adopted Pass
  87. 65 Kasey Miller, 7th District resident, spoke in support of item 3, ORD. 2025-211.
  88. 26. To approve the City of Richmond Plan of Services under the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act. RES. 2025-R041 adopted Pass
  89. 66 John Gass, 3rd District resident, spoke in support of item 3, ORD. 2025-211 and transparency in city government.
  90. 27. To request that the Chief Administrative Officer cause the Department of Finance and Department of Housing and Community Development, in coordination with other relevant City departments, to conduct an inventory of existing City programs and initiatives that mitigate displacement, to assess their effectiveness, and to report findings and recommendations to the Council [within 120 days]. (As Amended) RES. 2025-R043 continued
  91. 67 William Johnson spoke in support of ORD. 2025-211 and discussed the importance of transparency.
  92. 28. To declare a public necessity to amend ch. 30 of the City Code and to initiate an amendment to the City’s zoning ordinance to make such lawful changes as may be necessary to establish a civil penalty for the razing, demolition, or moving of a building or structure that is located in a City old and historic district in violation of the City’s zoning ordinance, as authorized by Va. Code § 15.2-2306(F). RES. 2025-R045 adopted Pass
  93. 68 There were no further comments and the Consent Agenda was adopted unanimously.
  94. 69 The Regular Agenda
  95. 29. To declare surplus and direct the conveyance of City-owned real estate known as 8790 Strath Road in Henrico County, consisting of 0.899± acres, for $6,500.00 to Jonathan McQuinn and Delores McQuinn for private use. ORD. 2025-180 continued
  96. 70 The following ordinance was considered:
  97. 30. To provide for the granting by the City of Richmond to the person, firm or corporation to be ascertained in the manner prescribed by law of an easement upon, over, under, and across certain property known as 510 East 4th Street for the construction, maintenance, and operation of improvements and associated appurtenances for the generation, distribution and transmission of electricity in accordance with a certain Right of Way Agreement. (6th District) ORD. 2025-190 adopted Pass
  98. 2. To amend City Code § 2-772, concerning the filing of statements of economic interests, for the purpose of requiring more detailed disclosure forms of members of certain boards and commissions [with the power to issue bonds or expend funds in excess of $10,000 in any fiscal year]. (As Amended) ORD. 2025-209
  99. 31. To amend City Code § 2-1351, concerning definitions related to open data and a transparency program, and to amend ch. 2, art. VII, div. 4 of the City Code by adding therein a new section 2-1361, concerning a Freedom of Information Act request library, for the purpose of establishing an online Freedom of Information Act library. (As Amended) ORD. 2025-210 rejected Fail
  100. 72 Councilor Kenya Gibson outlined the requirements for the filing of statements of economic interests as proposed in ORD. 2025-209.
  101. 32. To amend City Code § 2-1351, concerning definitions related to open data and a transparency program, and to amend ch. 2, art. VII, div. 4 of the City Code by adding therein a new section 2-1361, concerning a Freedom of Information Act request library, for the purpose of establishing an online Freedom of Information Act library. (As Amended) ORD. 2025-240 adopted Pass
  102. 73 Public Hearing
  103. 33. To declare surplus, and to authorize and request the Chief Administrative Officer to seek offers, bids, or proposals by solicitation for the City-owned property located at 8790 Strath Road for the purpose of facilitating the solicitation of offers by invitation for bids or request for proposals pursuant to and in accordance with either City Code §§ 8-61 or 8-62. RES. 2025-R046 continued
  104. 74 Kasey Miller, New Virginia Majority, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-209 and the proposed requirements for the filing of statements of economic interests.
  105. 34. To request that the Mayor (i) propose an annual budget for Fiscal Year [2026-2027] 2027-2028 that recommends a real estate tax levy of $1.16 per $100 of assessed value as a means of tax relief for residents who pay real estate taxes and as affirmation of the City’s commitment to live within its fiscal means, and (ii) provide estimates of additional revenue and planned expenditures if the real estate tax levy for Fiscal Year 2027-2028 were $1.20 per $100 of assessed value. (As Amended) RES. 2025-R050 amended and continued
  106. 75 Omari Al-Qadaffi, Legal Aid Justice Center, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-209 and the proposed requirements for the filing of statements of economic interests.
  107. 76 Keyara Harris, Gilpin Informed Residents, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-209 and emphasized the importance of holding Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) and other entities accountable.
  108. 77 Sylvia Davis, Gilpin Informed Residents, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-209 and transparency regarding the posting of RRHA meeting materials.
  109. 78 Rebecca Williams, Gilpin Court resident, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-209.
  110. 79 Johnny Fuller, Richmond Democratic Socialists of America, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-209.
  111. 80 Quinton Robbins, Chair, Richmond For All, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-209, stating that it is a simple decision.
  112. 81 William Johnson, 3rd District resident, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-209 and governmental transparency.
  113. 82 Councilor Ellen Robertson asked for clarification on several points in the proposed ordinance, which was provided by City Attorney Laura Drewry and City Clerk Candice Reid.
  114. 83 Councilor Nicole Jones, asked if the proposed ordinance is focused on any one particular board or commission, given the nature of the comments made during the public hearing.
  115. 84 Councilor Kenya Gibson stated that the objective of the ordinance is not to single out any one entity, but for transparency as broadly as possible.
  116. 85 Councilor Robertson stated that some of the boards mentioned are already required to file statements of economic interests.
  117. 86 City Clerk Candice Reid clarified that the proposed legislation would require some boards to file the long form statement of economic interest instead of the more general financial disclosure form.
  118. 87 There were no further discussions, and ORD. 2025-209 was adopted: Ayes 7, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 1, Robertson.
  119. 88 The following ordinance was considered:
  120. 90 President Newbille stated that there was one bid received in accordance with ORD. 2025-190 from Dominion Energy of Virginia, and asked if there were any persons present who wished to offer a bid.
  121. 91 There were no further bids offered.
  122. 92 Chris Nizamis, Economic Development Programs Administrator, stated that administration recommended accepting the bid as presented.
  123. 93 Public Hearing
  124. 94 There were no speakers.
  125. 95 Councilor Nicole Jones moved to accept the bid from Dominion Energy of Virginia and to adopt ORD. 2025-190. The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
  126. 96 The following ordinances were considered:
  127. 99 Councilor Kenya Gibson outlined the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) library proposed in ORD. 2025-210.
  128. 100 Ross Catrow, Director of Communications, introduced the city's FOIA Manager Julia Holmes and outlined the FOIA library as proposed in ORD. 2025-240.
  129. 101 Public Hearing
  130. 102 Quinton Robbins, Chair, Richmond For All, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210 and in opposition to ORD. 2025-240, adding that the concerns from city administration related to privacy or weaponized FOIA requests were confusing.
  131. 103 Emily Grimes, 7th District resident, spoke about a FOIA experience with the city related to Flock license plate readers and expressed support for ORD. 2025-210.
  132. 104 Kasey Miller spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210.
  133. 105 Sean Cassar, Richmond Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210 and in opposition to ORD. 0225-240.
  134. 106 Barry O'Keefe, Richmond For All, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210.
  135. 107 Erin Trimmer, Richmond For All, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210.
  136. 108 Thomas King, Richmond DSA Co-Chair, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210.
  137. 109 Aries Franklin, Gilpin Informed Residents, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210 and about increased transparency from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
  138. 110 Sylvia Davis, Gilpin Informed Residents, spoke in support of Councilor Kenya Gibson and ORD. 2025-210.
  139. 111 Shaneice Baker, Gilpin Informed Residents, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210.
  140. 112 Janasia Davis, Gilpin Informed Residents, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210.
  141. 113 Riley Campbell, Gilpin Informed Residents, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210.
  142. 114 Omari Al-Qadaffi, Legal Aid Justice Center, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210, noting that it would increase efficiency and response time in receiving records.
  143. 115 Jesse Hurdle, Gilpin Informed Residents, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210.
  144. 116 Rebecca Williams, Gilpin Informed Residents, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210.
  145. 117 Caleb Stewart spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210 and described issues with certain boards not posting adequate meeting materials.
  146. 118 Megan Ryne, Executive Director, Virginia Coalition for Open Government, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210, stating that it is comprehensive and in alignment with the requirements mandated by the State Code.
  147. 119 William Johnson, 3rd District resident, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-210 and in opposition to ORD. 2025-240.
  148. 120 Councilor Nicole Jones stated that she would not be supporting ORD. 2025-210 because transparency without context can be very misleading.
  149. 121 Vice President Katherine Jordan stated that she would be supporting ORD. 2025-240, but expressed concerns with RRHA and the authority's alleged FOIA compliance issues .
  150. 122 City Attorney Laura Drewry stated that RRHA is a separate entity and any FOIA requests related to that body would be handled by RRHA.
  151. 123 President Newbille stated that she fully supports a FOIA library and ORD. 2025-240.
  152. 124 There were no further discussions, and ORD. 2025-210 was rejected: Ayes 2, Gibson, Abubaker. Noes 6, Breton, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Jordan, Newbille.
  153. 125 ORD. 2025-240 was adopted: Ayes 7, Breton, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 1, Gibson.
  154. 126 Motions
  155. 127 Councilor Sarah Abubaker moved that the resolution entitled:
  156. 34. To request that the Mayor (i) propose an annual budget for Fiscal Year [2026-2027] 2027-2028 that recommends a real estate tax levy of $1.16 per $100 of assessed value as a means of tax relief for residents who pay real estate taxes and as affirmation of the City’s commitment to live within its fiscal means, and (ii) provide estimates of additional revenue and planned expenditures if the real estate tax levy for Fiscal Year 2027-2028 were $1.20 per $100 of assessed value. (As Amended) RES. 2025-R050
  157. 129 be amended and continued to January 12, 2026, to modify the fiscal year and to also request certain estimate of additional revenue and planned expenditures.
  158. 130 The motion was seconded and unanimously approved. Vice President Jordan moved to expedite consideration of the resolution entitled:
  159. 132 The motion was seconded, unanimously approved, and the resolution was considered.
  160. 133 President Newbille introduced the resolution and briefly outlined the function of the legislative agenda.
  161. 134 Public Hearing
  162. 135 There were no speakers.
  163. 136 There were no questions or comments, and RES. 2025-R051 was adopted: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0. Councilor Robertson moved to expedite consideration of the resolution entitled:
  164. 138 The motion was seconded, unanimously approved, and the resolution was considered.
  165. 139 President Newbille provided background information and a brief overview of the funding recommendations presented in RES. 2025-R052.
  166. 140 Public Hearing
  167. 141 Cassie Knight, 6th District resident, stated that the proposed distribution of the city's surplus does not adequately address the issue of homelessness in the city.
  168. 142 Councilor Sarah Abubaker stated her support for RES. 2025-R052.
  169. 143 Councilor Ellen Robertson stated her support for RES. 2025-R052 and that she appreciates the allocation for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
  170. 144 There was no further discussion, and RES. 2025-R052 was adopted: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0.
  171. 146 There were no amendments or corrections to the following meeting minutes, which were approved as presented.
  172. 149 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
  173. 151 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.:
  174. 37. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $5,077.23 from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority and to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Budget by creating a new line item in the Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency called the “Hanover County OAA Project Recover Grant” line item, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to such new line item by $5,077.23, all for the purpose of making a grant of matching funds to Hanover County to support the Project Recover initiative funded by the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority. ORD. 2025-262 introduced and referred
  175. 38. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $8,519.98 from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority and 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 (i) creating a new line item in the Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency entitled “Chesterfield County Recovery Academy,” and (ii) appropriating such $8,519.98 to such new line item in the Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency, all for the purpose of making a grant of matching funds to Chesterfield County to support the Recovery Academy initiative. ORD. 2025-263 introduced and referred
  176. 39. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $9,950.00 from the Urban Sustainability Directors Network, to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Office of Sustainability called the “USDN Catalyst Fund for Building Capacity for Energy Resilience in Richmond’s Public Housing Communities 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 Office of Sustainability’s “USDN Catalyst Fund for Building Capacity for Energy Resilience in Richmond’s Public Housing Communities Special Fund” by $9,950.00 for the purpose of building energy resilience at Whitcomb Court in the city’s East End. ORD. 2025-264 introduced and referred
  177. 40. To amend City Code § 30-930.9, concerning additional rights of owners to demolish certain properties, to establish a civil penalty for the razing, demolition, or moving of historic landmarks as authorized by Va. Code § 15.2-2306(F). ORD. 2025-265 introduced and referred
  178. 41. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1403 North 32nd Street for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling containing up to four dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-267 introduced and referred
  179. 42. To authorize the special use of the property known as 413 North 33rd Street for the purpose of a single-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-268 introduced and referred
  180. 43. To authorize the special use of the property known as 406 Brook Road for the purpose of retail, jewelry repair and manufacturing, and a restaurant with outdoor dining, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District) ORD. 2025-269 introduced and referred
  181. 44. To authorize the special use of the property known as 217 West Clay Street for the purpose of a restaurant with outdoor dining, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (2nd District) ORD. 2025-270 introduced and referred
  182. 45. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1920 Fairmount Avenue for the purpose of office and social service delivery uses, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-271 introduced and referred
  183. 46. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2301 Fairmount Avenue for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling containing up to 17 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-272 introduced and referred
  184. 47. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1201 West Franklin Street and 1205 West Franklin Street for the purpose of signage, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District) ORD. 2025-273 introduced and referred
  185. 48. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 3013 N Street and 3015 N Street for the purpose of uses permitted on corner lots in the R-63 Multifamily Urban Residential District and commissary kitchen, office, and social service delivery uses, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-274 introduced and referred
  186. 49. To amend Ord. No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget and made appropriations thereto, by (i) transferring $1,100,000.00 from the “Safer Communities” special fund for the Department of Justice Services, (ii) creating two special funds for the Department of Justice Services called “Safer Communities - YWCA” and “Safer Communities - Next Up”, (iii) appropriating $600,000.00 of the transferred funds to the Department of Justice Services’ “Safer Communities - YWCA” special fund, and (iv) appropriating $500,000.00 of the transferred funds to the Department of Justice Services’ “Safer Communities - Next Up” special fund, all for the purpose of supporting the City’s Gun Violence Prevention and Intervention Framework. ORD. 2025-275 introduced and referred
  187. 50. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Outside Agency Contract between the City of Richmond and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond for the purpose of funding the expansion of life skills programming at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School. ORD. 2025-276 introduced and referred
  188. 51. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Regional Cooperative Partnership Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Counties of Henrico and Chesterfield, for the purpose of supporting a recovery academy initiative funded by the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority. ORD. 2025-277 introduced and referred
  189. 167 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.:
  190. 52. To declare surplus and direct the conveyance of the City-owned real estate known as 500 North 10th Street, consisting of 3.010± acres, for nominal consideration to the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of facilitating the redevelopment of such parcel as part of a transit-oriented, mixed-use project known as “City Center.” ORD. 2025-266 introduced and referred
  191. 53. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as landlord, and Virginia Community Voice, as tenant, for the purpose of leasing certain real property located at 2015 Ruffin Road. ORD. 2025-278 introduced and referred
  192. 54. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Master Agreement for Use of Commonwealth Transportation Funds between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for the purpose of utilizing grant proceeds from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. ORD. 2025-279 introduced and referred
  193. 55. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Grant Agreement Under the Fiscal Year 2024 Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program between the City of Richmond and the United States Department of Transportation for the purpose of funding the implementation of Vision Zero safety program activities. ORD. 2025-280 introduced and referred
  194. 56. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as landlord, and Bakery RVA L.L.C., as tenant, for the purpose of overflow parking and creating a designated area for ride share drop-off and pick-up at 212 North 18th Street. (7th District) ORD. 2025-281 introduced and referred
  195. 57. 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 introduced and referred
  196. 58. To amend City Code § 12-11, concerning the deadline for submission of budget to Council, for the purpose of changing the deadline for submission from March 27 to March 11. ORD. 2025-283 introduced and referred
  197. 59. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Coliseum Parcel Redevelopment Cooperation Agreement between the City of Richmond, Virginia and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of facilitating the development of a mixed-use City Center. ORD. 2025-284 introduced and referred
  198. 60. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Cooperation Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of facilitating the redevelopment of the City-owned property located at 500 North 10th Street. (6th District) ORD. 2025-285 introduced and referred
  199. 61. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $127,032.00 from the Commonwealth’s Development Opportunity Fund, to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Economic Development entitled “PPD 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 Department of Economic Development’s PPD Special Fund by $127,032.00, for the purpose of providing PPD Development L.P. with incentives to establish a bioanalytics laboratory facility at 737 North 5th Street in the city of Richmond. (6th District) ORD. 2025-286 introduced and referred
  200. 62. To amend City Code § 27-131, concerning the traffic signal enforcement program, for the purpose of establishing the manner in which civil penalties are allocated. ORD. 2025-287 introduced and referred
  201. 180 Councilor Sarah Abubaker left the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
  202. 181 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
  203. 183 There being no further business to come before Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.