Richmond City Council Formal Meeting - July 27, 2026
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting - July 27, 2026
The Richmond City Council held its formal meeting on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included a proclamation recognizing August as Richmond Black Business Month, public comment on several topics, and action on a consent agenda, amended agenda items, and a major resolution to place a 1% sales tax referendum for school construction on the November ballot. The meeting adjourned after announcements and reports.
Awards and Presentations
- The Council recognized August as Richmond Black Business Month. A proclamation was presented by President Newbille, Councilmember Jones, and Mayor Avula. Several local business leaders and organizations spoke in support, including Scottisha Hurt of the African American CEO Roundtable.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda was adopted unanimously (9-0) and included:
- Ordinance 2026-152: Closing a portion of Lafayette Street (1st District)
- Ordinance 2026-153: Special use for a day nursery at 2502 4th Avenue (6th District)
- Ordinance 2026-154: Special use for two single-family dwellings at 1235 N. 36th Street (7th District)
- Ordinances 2026-156 through 2026-163: Various special use permits, code amendments, budget adjustments, and property acquisitions
- Ordinances 2026-164 through 2026-172: Affordable Housing Trust Fund amendments, grant agreements, and budget reappropriations
- Resolutions 2026-R026 and 2026-R027: Supporting Chesterfield and Henrico County SMART SCALE projects
Public Comments & Testimony
- Aurora Britt and Jalma Plump Planas spoke in opposition to the city's use of Flock ALPR cameras, citing concerns about mass surveillance, data sharing with federal agencies, and potential misuse. They urged the city to disable the cameras.
- Morgan Haifer criticized the city's lack of bike infrastructure and pedestrian safety, noting 16 years of unfulfilled promises since the 2009 bike race. He also raised concerns about taxes and the absence of Spanish in public schools.
- S.M. Tula Jones (resident, 6th District) described crime and safety issues in her alley, including a recent shooting. Councilmember Trammell and police chief committed to follow up.
- Selden Richardson and Charles Poole spoke in support of protecting historic neighborhoods (Westwood and Oregon Hill) from inappropriate upzoning under Code Refresh. Mr. Richardson noted Westwood was recently placed on Preservation Virginia's Most Endangered list.
- Anas El Katan presented concerns about a special use permit development at 1401-1407 Hall Street, alleging that excavation undermined his family's foundation and that the city failed to enforce commitments made during the permit process.
- Cindy Anderson attempted to speak on the 1% sales tax but was reminded it was not yet on the agenda.
- Murray Withrow and George Watt spoke in favor of a special use permit for transitional housing at 1110 Oakwood Avenue, describing the program's structure and benefits.
- Chris Banks, David Mayer, Robert Hood, Tara Fitzpatrick, and John Gass spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2026-109, which would close a portion of public right-of-way for the Richmond Waldorf School. They cited safety, historic preservation (Olmsted landscape), and inadequate parking analysis.
- Pete Markham and Lori Markham spoke in favor of the same ordinance, emphasizing safety improvements and willingness to collaborate with neighbors.
- Shivonda Fernandez (RPS School Board Chair), Superintendent Jason Kameras, Dr. Jackie McDonough, and a resident spoke in favor of Resolution 2026-R028 (1% sales tax referendum). Ms. McDonough expressed concerns about past fiscal management but ultimately supported the referendum. One speaker requested legal earmarking of funds.
Discussion Items
- Resolution 2026-R024 (Westwood Neighborhood Plan) – Councilmember Breton introduced a resolution to direct the Department of Planning and Development Review to collaborate with Westwood residents on a community-driven plan. The resolution was amended to clarify neighborhood boundaries. Multiple residents, including Jeanette Brown, S. Norwood Thornton, Brianna Prince, Ron Skinner, and Cyane Crump (Historic Richmond), spoke in favor. Council members expressed strong support and added their names. The resolution passed unanimously (9-0).
- Ordinance 2026-109 (Right-of-Way Closure for Richmond Waldorf School) – After public hearing, Councilmember Gibson moved to continue the item to September 28, 2026, to allow for amendment of parking space numbers, review of traffic studies, and potential memorandum of understanding. The motion passed unanimously (9-0).
- Resolution 2026-R028 (1% Sales Tax Referendum for School Construction) – Vice President Jordan presented the resolution. Davenport financial advisor David Rose detailed that the tax would generate approximately $47 million in FY 2028, rising to $70 million by 2046, and could fund up to $850 million in school capital projects over 19 years. The tax would be dedicated solely to school construction and renovation. Council members discussed the need for transparency, a facilities master plan, and additive funding. The resolution passed unanimously (9-0).
- Resolution 2026-R030 (RRHA Bond Issuance) – The Council expedited consideration of a resolution to approve the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority's issuance of up to $20 million in multifamily housing revenue bonds for a 126-unit affordable housing project (70 new, 55 rehabbed) at 815 N. 35th St. and 823 N. 36th St. (7th District). Bond counsel explained urgency due to state volume cap. Councilmember Gibson abstained, citing lack of public notice. The resolution passed 7-1-1 (Ms. Gibson abstained, Ms. Lynch abstained).
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda adopted unanimously (9-0).
- Resolution 2026-R024 (Westwood) adopted unanimously (9-0) as amended.
- Ordinance 2026-109 continued to September 28, 2026, for amendment and further discussion (9-0).
- Resolution 2026-R028 (1% Sales Tax Referendum) adopted unanimously (9-0). The referendum will appear on the November 2026 ballot.
- Resolution 2026-R030 (RRHA Bonds) adopted 7-1-1 (Ms. Gibson abstained, Ms. Lynch abstained).
- Several items were amended and continued to future meetings: Ordinances 2026-102, 2026-113, 2026-120, and 2026-081.
- Minutes from previous meetings were approved.
- New legislation was introduced (items 7-34 on the list).
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the formal meeting of the Richmond City Council. Good evening. Madam Clerk, if you would uh invite our Spanish interpreter to provide announcement, please. 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. This evening, the invocation will be provided by Pastor Peter Dumont of Eternity Church, after which I'll invite you to join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, Pastor Dumont. PST Peter Dumont. Thank you for the invitation to offer the invocation this evening. Will you join me in prayer? Dear Lord, thank you that you promise to give wisdom to everyone who asks you for it. I ask that you would give wisdom to each council member present tonight, each staff member, each citizen. Thank you, Father, that you teach us what it means to love our neighbor. Teach us how to love our neighbor tonight. Give us wisdom to use wise stewardship of the resources that you've given to our city. Its places, its beauty, its people. Thank you, Pastor Damon. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Madam Clerk, we would proceed with the emergency evacuation plan and public speaker guidelines at this time. 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 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. Madam President, for the record, all members of council are in attendance this evening. Also, if there are individuals standing in the rear that are not authorized personnel or law enforcement, or asked to be seated where seats are available at this time. Also, applause is only permitted during the awards and presentations portion of tonight's meeting only. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Clerk. At this time, we'll proceed with the award and proc slash proclamation for this evening. Tonight's recognition being presented by the Honorable President Cynthia Newville, Councillor Nicole Jones, and Mayor Danny Avullah is to recognize the month of August as Richmond Black Business Month to celebrate the Black owned businesses that have long been a cornerstone of our city. Originally established in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr., Black Business Month serves to recognize the unique challenges faced by minority business owners and also highlights the city's commitment to fostering an inclusive economy by expanding opportunities while honoring the resilience of the Black community. Hello, everyone. And I am going to punt to my colleague, Ms. Jones, to kick us off. Thank you, Dr. Newbell, President New Bill. Tonight we are here to honor uh Richmond Black Business Month, which is normally celebrated in the month of August. Am I going to be able to get some points out of here? You'll get some points out. Okay, good. All right. But tonight we just really want to honor the businesses that really make our city a place to live, a place to be, boost our economy.
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