The Richmond City Council met formally on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting opened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a public comment period. The council considered a consent agenda, a special use permit for a residential development, and two ordinances to establish citizen review commissions for the ongoing code refresh process. The council also approved multiple items on the consent agenda and continued several items to a future meeting.
Good evening, everyone. Good evening. The formal meeting of the Richmond City Council will now come to order. And this evening, the invocation will be offered by Reverend Dr. Daniel E. Glaze of River Road Church, after which I'll ask that you will join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. Madam President, would you first like me to read the Spanish interpretation announcement? Yes, please. Let's go on. Spanish interpretation is available in the council chamber. Please see a representative at the rear of the room to receive the appropriate equipment. Spanish interpretation is also available through Microsoft Teams for virtual attendees in need of this service. Gracias. At this time, we will have the uh invocation now by Reverend Dr. Daniel Glaze of River Road Church, after which please join me in the Pledge of Alatance. Welcome, Reverend Glaze. Good evening, members of the Council, city leaders, beloved members of the community of Richmond. I invite you to join me in prayer. Holy one, creator of every nation and every neighborhood. We pause at the beginning of this meeting to give thanks for the city that we love, for the river that runs through it, and for the many beautiful people who together make Richmond their home. We remember that public service is sacred work. In this chamber where budgets are weighed and policies are shaped, real lives beyond these walls are affected. So we ask that your spirit would move within us, not as some distant authority, but as a steady presence calling us toward what is right. We give thanks for the leaders of this council and for all who labor so that Richmond might flourish, those who keep the water running and the lights on, those who teach our children, tend our parks, and answer the call in the night. Bless their work and the work to be done this evening. Grant these council members clear minds and courageous hearts. When the choices are complex and the pressures are great, anchor them in wisdom that listens carefully, discerns honestly, and acts boldly on behalf of all, especially those who often find their voices ignored. Grant them the kind of grace that collaborates and the compassion that widens the circle of all who belong. In all things, may this body do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Reverend Glace. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation, unto God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Madam Clerk. Madam President, I do believe we need to read the emergency evacuation announcement in the public speaker guidelines. That would be it. Thank you. Upon activation of the emergency alarm signal, all persons should immediately exit the building. Please use the exits to the left or right front of the council chamber or the north or south stairwells outside the rear doors of the chamber. Do not use elevators or escalators. After exiting the building, security will direct everyone down 9th Street to the fenced area located between Clay and Lee Streets. Able persons should assist visually and hearing impaired visitors with exiting the building. Individuals speaking during public hearings and the public comment period are generally allowed three minutes to speak. Persons appearing before council are not allowed to campaign for public office. Promote private business ventures, use language of a personal nature which insults or demeans any person, including comments directed at public officials or staff members that are not related to their official duties, or address or question staff members directly. All questions are to be directed to the President of Council. Failure to adhere to the guidelines may result in speakers forfeiting any remaining time and further disciplinary action as necessary, which could include barring from attendance at future meetings of city council for a period of six months. And Madam President, all members of council are in attendance this evening except for Councillor Lynch. You do have a quorum. If there are unauthorized individuals standing in the rear of the chamber, they are asked to be seated where seats are available.