Avula's fix-it plan aims to rebuild trust in City Hall
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula. Photo illustration: Axios Visuals; Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios
Mayor Danny Avula laid out his comprehensive plan this week to improve Richmond government services and rebuild trust with locals.
Why it matters: The seven-pillar, 25-page plan includes clear, measurable goals and — crucially — a public-facing dashboard that will launch next year.
State of play: Avula's Mayoral Action Plan comes to a City Hall that in recent years has had some ... er, issues — like mailing residents incorrect real estate and car tax bills and sending billing reminders and tax rebate checks to the wrong people.
- There was last year's meals tax debacle; inaccurate utility bills the year before that; a broadly dysfunctional finance department, per an independent consultant; and, of course, the January water crisis.
- Just this week, WRIC reported that the city has failed to collect $32 million in overdue real estate taxes, while The Richmonder found the city had paid out only around $20,000 of the $3.9 million it budgeted to help locals cover their rent or mortgage.
But now, 10 months into the job and after filling some key positions this summer, Avula is laying out his specific vision for City Hall — so he and the public can hold his administration accountable for delivering.
Zoom in: The plan's notable goals include:
🙏 Increasing the accuracy of tax and utility bills and resolving billing issues faster.
🏘️ Building more housing, including affordable and middle-income options, and reducing the city's unhoused population.
🚓 Decreasing violent and nonviolent crime.
🏫 Increasing school performance, graduation rates and access to pre-K programs.
💼 Bringing more jobs to the city and increasing Richmond's median household income.
😶🌫️ Decreasing the employee vacancy and turnover rates.
🛠️ Decreasing the time it takes locals to get permits and business licenses.
🚍 Keeping GRTC service free and expanding bike lanes.
🌳 Investing in South Richmond through more housing and neighborhood amenities, like parks.
🏳️🌈 Maintaining Richmond's perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
🗣️ Improving communication with residents and business owners.
What's next: The city will translate its goals into departmental action plans, per a new release.
- The public dashboard should launch early next year.