Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Richmond City Council met on September 28, 2026, in the evening to consider a lengthy agenda. The meeting included public comment periods, approval of a consent agenda featuring a trust policy resolution, and a lengthy debate over solar power purchase agreements that ultimately were not adopted. The meeting adjourned just before 10:30 PM after continuing all remaining undisposed items.
Solar Power Purchase Agreements (Items 44–82): The council considered 39 ordinances authorizing leases and PPAs with RVA Solar 2050 companies to install rooftop solar on city properties. Administration and supporters highlighted the $19 million savings, zero upfront costs, and alignment with RVA Green 2050 goals. Critics, including Councilmembers Abu Baker, Gibson, Robertson, and Trammell, pointed to a risk assessment from city risk management that flagged liability gaps (e.g., no roof inspections, weak indemnity, limited decommissioning provisions). Councilmember Abu Baker proposed amendments modeled on Fairfax County’s stronger contract. After extensive debate, the administration offered to codify certain concessions in writing and schedule a special meeting. A motion to approve the ordinances and then ratify amendments later failed 4–5. Subsequent motions to enter closed session or reconsider were not successful, leaving the ordinances unadopted.
Trust Policy Resolution (Resolution 2026 R034): On the consent agenda, Councilmember Jones presented the resolution to draft a trust policy to ensure immigrant residents feel safe using city services. It passed unanimously after broad community testimony.
Good evening, everyone. The formal meeting of the Richmond City Council will now come to order. Madam Clerk, if you will invite the Spanish interpretation announcement speaker. 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. Thank you. This evening we are pleased to have Pastor Emma Marshall of Second Presbyterian Church as our invitation speaker. And after she provides the invocation, we will have the Pledge of Allegiance. Let us pray. Eternal one, ground of our being creator. We pray to you. As we consider the work of this evening, the business of life together, we thank you for entrusting us to one another. Help us to honor that trust by caring for each other and the land on which we live, welcoming the stranger and lifting up the downtrodden and broken hearted. Speak to us in the voices of our neighbors, and help us to hear your wisdom and truth. With joy, we give you thanks for the leaders among us. Bless this assembly with wisdom and knowledge and surround us with love that peacemaking may be the work we share today. Amen. We will now have the Pledge of Allegiance. My Pledge of Allegiance. And to the Republican indivisible with liberty and justice as well. 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 in 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. Madam President, for the record, all members of council are in attendance this evening except for Councillor Trammell. You do have a quorum. Also, when individuals are able, if they would find a seat in the chamber where seats are available. Also, under Rule 4M of Council's Rules of Procedure, applause is not permitted at any time during this meeting, whether in support of or in opposition to any matter except during awards and presentations. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Clerk. At this time, let's proceed with the uh appointments and reappointments. Council, before you is a recommendation that was continued from your last council meeting. Is there a motion regarding this recommendation? So move, Madam Clerk. I move that we continue to back to the committee. And is that back to the land use housing and transportation committee in October? Yes, ma'am, Madam Clerk. Is there a second to that motion? Second. Council is now voting on the motion as stated.