The City of Richmond has expanded its Human Services portfolio with the addition of new staff positions and offices focused on neighborhood and community engagement. These changes, implemented through the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS), are intended to strengthen connections between local government and residents.
According to city officials, NCS is responsible for supporting safe, connected neighborhoods by offering access to resources, promoting resident-led projects, and managing various engagement programs. The department also partners with organizations across the city to help ensure all residents have opportunities for involvement.
Amy Popovich, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services, stated: “As we’re focusing on thriving together, we need to partner with communities and in communities both to hear what you all need from the city and to learn from you. We’re working to hear from you, to encourage you to be involved, to understand what’s happening at the city, and to help us make it better.”
Newly appointed staff members include Greg Hopkins as head of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention; Anna Jones as Opioid Response Strategist for the Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response; Aneesah Smith as Equity and LGBTQIA+ Liaison starting August 11, 2025; and Alyson Saylors as Manager of the Office of Homeless Services.
These hires will work alongside existing teams in offices such as Immigrant and Refugee Experience, Aging and Disability Services, Children and Families, and Neighborhood Engagement.
Tiffany Ford, Director of NCS, commented: “At NCS, our mission is to meet people where they are—both literally and figuratively. The addition of new staff and offices allows us to deepen our connection to communities and expand our capacity to respond to the unique needs of Richmond’s residents. Whether we’re supporting families, addressing public health crises, or strengthening neighborhood leadership, our goal is always to build relationships rooted in trust, equity, and action. This is how we help make Richmond a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Mayor Danny Avula added: “This investment in our Human Services team reflects a deep commitment to building a city where every neighborhood—and every neighbor—can thrive. The addition of these new roles and offices within the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services strengthens our ability to listen, respond, and partner with Richmonders, especially those who have too often been overlooked. Whether it’s gun violence prevention, opioid response, or ensuring LGBTQIA+ equity, these efforts are about more than service delivery—they’re about showing up, building trust, and working together to create a more connected and compassionate Richmond.”
In the coming weeks, each focus area will be highlighted on the city’s social media channels (@rvagov) as well as its website (www.rva.gov). Residents are encouraged by officials to stay informed about these initiatives online.
