Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee

Council Chamber, 2nd Floor – City Hall

Agenda — 125 items

1. 1 Call to Order
2. 1 Committee Members and Other Council Members in Attendance
3. 2 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
4. 2 The Honorable Ellen Robertson – Chair The Honorable Nicole Jones – Vice Chair The Honorable Kenya Gibson – Council Member (late arrival and early departure)
5. 3 Public Comment Period
6. 3 Absent
7. 4 Approval of Minutes
8. 4 The Honorable Stephanie Lynch – Member
9. 5 July 15, 2026 - Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee Meeting Minutes CD.2026.232
10. 5 Staff in Attendance
11. 6 Paper(s) for Consideration
12. 6 Tori Cotman, Assistant City Attorney Maria Garnett, Council Policy Analyst Kiley Kesecker, Deputy City Clerk Nahdiyah Muhammad, Assistant City Clerk Candice Reid, City Clerk RJ Warren, Council Chief of Staff
13. 1. 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 recommended for approval
14. 2. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $500,000.00 from the Historic Richmond Foundation 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 “Pump House Roof Replacement - HRF Special Fund,” and appropriating the increase to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ “Pump House Roof Replacement - HRF Special Fund” by $500,000.00 for the purpose of providing funding for the Pump House Roof Replacement project. ORD. 2026-192 recommended for approval
15. 8 Chair Ellen Robertson called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m., and presided.
16. 3. To amend Ord. No. 2026-063, adopted May 11, 2026, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by (i) transferring $150,000.00 from the Office of Sustainability, (ii) creating certain new line items in the Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency, and (iii) appropriating such $150,000.00 of transferred funds to such new line items in the Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency, all for the purpose of providing grants to certain entities to facilitate the implementation of neighborhood climate resilience projects. ORD. 2026-193 recommended for approval
17. 9 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
18. 4. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a License Agreement between the City of Richmond and The Friends of East End Cemetery, Inc. for the purpose of providing maintenance services to include but not limited to vegetation management, grave care, and documentation at East End Cemetery and Evergreen Cemetery located at 1750 Stony Run Parkway, 1751 Evergreen Road, and 3600 East Richmond Road in the City of Richmond, and 50 Evergreen Road in the County of Henrico. ORD. 2026-194 recommended for approval
19. 10 Upon the Chair’s request, Assistant City Clerk Nahdiyah Muhammad provided information on the appropriate way to evacuate the Council Chamber in an emergency along with public speaker guidelines.
20. 5. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept a donation of certain services, including but not limited to the design of an AI proof of concept and a survey, valued at approximately $268,209.02 from Ernst & Young LLP and, in connection therewith, to execute a Donation of Services and Data Sharing Agreement between the City of Richmond and Ernst & Young LLP, all for the purpose of enhancing the City’s certificate of occupancy processes. ORD. 2026-195 recommended for approval
21. 6. To amend City Code § 26-355, concerning the levy of tax on real estate, to establish a tax rate of $1.16 for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2028. ORD. 2026-196 forwarded with no recommendation
22. 12 There were no public comment speakers.
23. 7. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $50,000.00 from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Youth Climate Action Fund and to amend the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Office of Sustainability entitled “Youth Climate Action Special Fund,” and appropriating the increase to the Office of Sustainability’s “Youth Climate Action Special Fund” by $50,000.00 for the purpose of providing funding for the Mayor’s Youth Climate Action Fund. ORD. 2026-202 recommended for approval
24. 13 page break
25. 8. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Fiscal Agency Agreement between the City of Richmond and NextUp RVA for the purpose of authorizing NextUp RVA to act as a fiscal agent on behalf of the City to administer funding for the Mayor’s Youth Climate Action Fund micro-grant program. ORD. 2026-205 recommended for approval
26. 9. To amend Ord. No. 2026-063, adopted May 11, 2026, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by (i) transferring $100,000.00 from the Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency Reserve for Family Crisis Fund line item, (ii) creating a new line item in the Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency entitled “Area Congregations Together in Service,” (iii) appropriating $100,000.00 of such transferred funds to the new Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency “Area Congregations Together in Service” line item, and (iv) authorizing the Chief Administrator Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute the necessary documents to effect such appropriation, all for the purpose of administering the Family Crisis Fund program. ORD. 2026-203 recommended for approval
27. 15 There were no amendments or corrections to the meeting minutes of July 15, 2026, and the committee approved the minutes as presented.
28. 10 To amend Ord. No. 2026-063, adopted May 11, 2026, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 General Fund Budget and made appropriations thereto, by (i) transferring funds in the amount of $844,143.00 from the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, (ii) creating new line items in the Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency entitled “CARITAS (Surge Shelter)” and “CARITAS (Warming Center),” (iii) appropriating $726,143.00 of such transferred funds to the new line item in the Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency “CARITAS (Surge Shelter),” and (iv) appropriating $118,000.00 of such transferred funds to the new line item in the Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency “CARITAS (Warming Center),” all for the purpose of providing funding for surge overflow shelter and warming center operations during the inclement winter weather season. ORD. 2026-204 recommended for approval
29. 11. To amend ch. 21, art. II, of the City Code by adding therein a new section numbered 21-76, concerning City contracts for the acquisition of information technology goods or services, as authorized by Va. Code § 2.2-4311.3. ORD. 2026-206 recommended for approval
30. 12. 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 funds in the amount of $400,000.00 from the National Opioid Settlement Special Fund for the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and appropriating such transferred funds in the amount of $400,000.00 to the Medication Assisted Treatment Pilot Program Special Fund for the City Sheriff for the purpose of funding the Medication Assisted Treatment Pilot Program. ORD. 2026-276 recommended for approval
31. 18 The following ordinance was considered:
32. 13. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Second Amendment to Opioid Funds Agreement between the City of Richmond and the City Sheriff for the purpose of continuing the Medication Assisted Treatment Pilot Program. ORD. 2026-277 recommended for approval
33. 20 Presentation(s)
34. 20 Councilor Kenya Gibson arrived at 2:13 p.m., and was seated.
35. 21 There were no presentations.
36. 21 Lawson Wijesooriya, Chief of Staff to the Mayor, provided an update on amendments made to the proposed ordinance. She stated that the amendments limit the register to vendor payments and employee reimbursements, remove invoice descriptions and fund codes, add account descriptions, and retain types of disbursement. She also noted that the publication deadline would be no later than 60 days after the close of each month.
37. 22 Board Vacancies
38. 22 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
39. 23 There were no board vacancies.
40. 23 Committee members asked whether the administration had prepared an implementation plan for the proposed changes, including the anticipated timeline and start date.
41. 24 Discussion Item(s)
42. 24 Ms. Wijesooriya stated that the administration is prepared to implement the changes and would develop the necessary standard operating procedures if the ordinance is adopted. She noted that the ordinance provides for a 90 day implementation period.
43. 25 Megan Quinn, Senior Manager of Grants for Budget and Strategic Planning, provided an overview of the expenditure reports for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. She stated that the city was awarded $154 million and that all ARPA funds must be expended by December 31, 2026. She noted that the city had expended 94% of the funds and expects expenditures to increase as capital projects are completed and final invoices are received. She added that the next quarterly report, due to the U.S. Treasury on October 31, will provide a clearer picture of the remaining balances.
44. 25 Public Hearing
45. 26 Staff Report
46. 26 Almonte Canselo spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance, stating that the council should first investigate why the city has been unable to comply with the current law. He questioned the costs associated with FOIA requests and stated that transparency ultimately benefits taxpayers while privacy protections should focus on individuals.
47. 27 Finance and Economic Development Staff Report CD.2026.248
48. 27 Councilor Kenya Gibson expressed concern about reducing the amount of financial information proactively released to the public, particularly given ongoing questions about city spending and the significant infrastructure needs. She stated that access to payment information supports public understanding, budgeting, and policymaking, and expressed hope that the body would not recommend the ordinance for approval.
49. 27 He questioned the costs associated with FOIA requests and stated that transparency ultimately benefits taxpayers while privacy protections should focus on individuals.
50. 28 There were no further comments or discussions and Vice Chair Nicole Jones moved to forward ORD. 2026-081 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jones, Robertson. Noes None.
51. 29 The following ordinance was considered:
52. 31 Chris Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, provided an introduction and a brief overview of the proposed ordinance, stating that the Friends of the Pump House have supported efforts to secure funding for the restoration of the building. He noted that the funding would provide a partial match for previously secured federal funds and allow the city to begin work on the roof replacement.
53. 32 Public Hearing
54. 33 There were no public hearing speakers.
55. 34 Vice Chair Nicole Jones asked whether all funding had been secured or if there was still a funding gap.
56. 35 Mr. Frelke stated that the Department has capital funds set aside in the James River Park System infrastructure budget to support the project. He noted that, combined with the proposed funding, the city has sufficient funds to complete the first phase of the roof replacement.
57. 36 There were no further comments or discussions and Vice Chair Nicole Jones moved to forward ORD. 2026-192 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jones, Robertson. Noes None.
58. 37 The following ordinance was considered:
59. 39 Laura Thomas, Director of the Office of Sustainability, provided an overview of the proposed ordinance, stating that it is part of the Neighborhood Resilience Grant Program and represents its third annual cohort. She noted that eight organizations were selected to receive a total of $150,000 in grant funding and that the FY27 application period is open, with a quicker timeline anticipated.
60. 40 Vice Chair Nicole Jones requested a list of the approved projects, including how the projects are distributed across the Council districts. She also asked whether the awards were for first-time recipients or included organizations that had previously received grant funding.
61. 41 Ms. Thomas stated that the eight organizations and their total allocations are listed in the ordinance. She noted that the projects include work in every Council district.
62. 42 Public Hearing
63. 43 There were no public hearing speakers.
64. 44 There were no further comments or discussions and Vice Chair Nicole Jones moved to forward ORD. 2026-193 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jones, Robertson. Noes None.
65. 45 The following ordinance was considered:
66. 47 Chris Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, provided an introduction and a brief overview of the proposed ordinance, noting the community’s efforts to restore East End and Evergreen Cemeteries. He stated that the ordinance would formalize the city’s partnership with the Friends of East End and grant them right of entry to make improvements to the cemeteries.
67. 48 Public Hearing
68. 49 There were no public hearing speakers.
69. 50 There were no comments or discussions and Vice Chair Nicole Jones moved to forward ORD. 2026-194 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jones, Robertson. Noes None.
70. 51 The following ordinance was considered:
71. 53 Kevin Vonck, Director of the Department of Planning and Development Review, provided an overview of the proposed ordinance, stating that it would accept a donation from Ernst & Young LLP, to improve the city’s permitting processes. He noted that the funding would support a customer survey and a proof of concept for artificial intelligence tools related to certificates of occupancy. He added that the work would help inform the implementation of the city’s new permitting software.
72. 54 Vice Chair Nicole Jones questioned the reason for the substantial donation and asked why the organization was engaging the city for pro bono services at that level.
73. 55 Mr. Vonck stated that Ernst & Young LLP will provide pro bono services to the city based on similar partnerships with other local governments.
74. 56 Public Hearing
75. 57 There were no public hearing speakers.
76. 57 page break
77. 58 There were no further comments or discussions and Vice Chair Nicole Jones moved to forward ORD. 2026-195 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jones, Robertson. Noes None.
78. 59 The following ordinance was considered:
79. 61 Chair Ellen Robertson stated that there had been discussion regarding the timing of the proposed ordinance and noted that, if approved by Council, its effective date would align with the city’s budget schedule.
80. 62 Public Hearing
81. 63 There were no public hearing speakers.
82. 64 Councilor Kenya Gibson emphasized the importance of having revenue projections and anticipated expense estimates available to inform Council’s decision-making.
83. 65 RJ Warren, Council Chief of Staff, stated that, as in previous years, he is working with council members to use the October Organizational Development Standing Committee meeting as the first FY28 budget work session, including a presentation of revenue projections.
84. 66 There were no further comments or discussions and Vice Chair Nicole Jones moved to forward ORD. 2026-196 to Council with no recommendation, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jones, Robertson. Noes None.
85. 67 Councilor Kenya Gibson departed the meeting at 2:36 p.m.
86. 68 The following ordinances were considered:
87. 71 Laura Thomas, Director of the Office of Sustainability, provided an overview of the proposed ordinances, stating that the Bloomberg award would provide grants of $1,000 to $5,000 for youth led climate action projects for individuals ages 15 to 24. She noted that applications are open through November 6, and that the city anticipates funding approximately 8 to 45 projects through NextUp RVA, which will serve as the fiscal sponsor and work directly with grant recipients.
88. 72 Public Hearing
89. 73 There were no public hearing speakers.
90. 74 There were no comments or discussions and Vice Chair Nicole Jones moved to forward ORD. 2026-202 and ORD. 2026-205 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jones, Robertson. Noes None.
91. 75 The following ordinance was considered:
92. 77 Dominic Barrett, Senior Policy Advisor for Neighborhood and Community Services, provided an overview of the proposed ordinance, stating that Council transfered $100,000 in the FY27 budget for the Family Crisis Fund, in addition to funds transferred from the Gap Grant initiative. He noted that the ordinance would appropriate said $100,000 to Area Congregations Together in Service (ACTS), which was selected through a competitive notification of funding availability process, to begin administering the program in FY27. He stated that the city is working with the current provider and ACTS to ensure the targeted start date of October 1 is met.
93. 78 Public Hearing
94. 79 There were no public hearing speakers.
95. 80 There were no comments or discussions and Vice Chair Nicole Jones moved to forward ORD. 2026-203 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jones, Robertson. Noes None.
96. 81 The following ordinance was considered:
97. 83 Aiden Van Vox, Homeless Operations Coordinator for Neighborhood and Community Services, provided an overview of the proposed ordinance, stating that CARITAS operated the surge shelter for 87 of 121 possible nights during FY26, serving 671 individuals through 4,877 shelter stays. She noted that, in response to increased demand, the FY27 budget includes 70 surge shelter beds for up to 90 days. She added that the FY27 contract with CARITAS includes up to 20 overnight warming center activations during extreme weather or when shelters reach capacity, serving up to 60 individuals per activation.
98. 84 Public Hearing
99. 85 There were no public hearing speakers.
100. 86 Vice Chair Nicole Jones asked how the city determines the surge shelter budget, including whether funding is based solely on prior year demand or includes additional capacity. She also asked how the city would address warmer weather during the winter months.
101. 87 Ms. Vox stated that the city increased surge shelter availability to 90 days for FY27 based on the demand observed during FY26. She noted that activation requires temperatures to remain below 40 degrees for at least two hours and the Salvation Army’s inclement weather shelter to reach or exceed 85% capacity.
102. 88 There were no further comments or discussions and Vice Chair Nicole Jones moved to forward ORD. 2026-204 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jones, Robertson. Noes None.
103. 89 The following ordinance was considered:
104. 91 Scott Lyons, Deputy Director of Procurement Services, provided an overview of the proposed ordinance, stating that it would require IT contracts for goods and services to be governed by Virginia law and subject to Virginia jurisdiction. He noted that it would provide the city with greater leverage when negotiating contracts with vendors seeking to apply the laws of other states.
105. 92 page break
106. 93 Public Hearing
107. 94 There were no public hearing speakers.
108. 95 There were no comments or discussions and Vice Chair Nicole Jones moved to forward ORD. 2026-206 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jones, Robertson. Noes None.
109. 96 The following ordinance was considered:
110. 98 Anna Jones, Opioid Response Strategist for Neighborhood and Community Services, provided an overview of the proposed ordinance, stating that it would allow the city to enter the third year of the Richmond City Sheriff’s Office Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Continuation Program. She noted that the proposed contract would increase nursing staff, expand discharge planning, provide harm reduction materials, and strengthen continuity of care following release.
111. 99 Public Hearing
112. 100 There were no public hearing speakers.
113. 101 Vice Chair Nicole Jones asked how the city monitors the program’s implementation and administration in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office.
114. 102 Ms. Jones stated that the city receives monthly reports on program participation and expenditures, and meets quarterly with the Sheriff’s Office to discuss challenges and opportunities for collaboration. She added that the program also participates in the Richmond Opioid Task Force to support reentry and continuity of care.
115. 103 There were no further comments or discussions and Vice Chair Nicole Jones moved to forward ORD. 2026-276 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jones, Robertson. Noes None.
116. 104 The following ordinance was considered:
117. 106 Anna Jones, Opioid Response Strategist for Neighborhood and Community Services, provided an overview of the proposed ordinance, stating that it would authorize the city to execute the amendment and continue the Medication Assisted Treatment Pilot Program.
118. 107 Public Hearing
119. 108 There were no public hearing speakers.
120. 109 There were no comments or discussions and Vice Chair Nicole Jones moved to forward ORD. 2026-277 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jones, Robertson. Noes None.
121. 116 page break
122. 118 Council staff provided the committee with the September Finance and Economic Development staff report.
123. 120 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
124. 121 Adjournment
125. 122 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:58 p.m.

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