The Richmond City Council has approved three new ordinances aimed at supporting the city’s economic growth, government operations, and public health. The measures, passed on July 30, include incentives for a major headquarters relocation, changes to employee residency requirements, and new restrictions on tobacco and hemp retailers.
Mayor Danny Avula expressed support for the legislation. “As Mayor, and as someone who has lived and worked in the City for more than twenty years, I believe in Richmond, its future, and its people with my whole heart,” Avula said. “These ordinances are small, yet critical steps to realizing our shared vision of a thriving Richmond, one with where the work here at City Hall translates into real, lasting change for our families, our neighborhoods, and our economy.”
One ordinance authorizes a performance agreement between the city, Virginia Public Media (VPM), and the Economic Development Authority to facilitate VPM’s move to 13 East Broad Street in the Arts and Culture district. The project is expected to create at least 70 jobs over ten years and generate more than $2.5 million in new real estate tax revenue. The development will also add public parking spaces, retail space at street level, and bike storage.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Sharon Ebert noted positive trends since construction began last year. “Since VPM began construction in 2024, we have already seen a number of new projects coming into the Broad Street corridor,” Ebert said. “From housing to restaurants and retail announcements, there is so much to be excited about for the future of this arts and culture corridor.”
Under the agreement’s terms, VPM must pay its business personal property taxes fully and submit progress reports on job creation and capital investment targets to receive grant rebates.
Another ordinance updates residency requirements for certain city officers and employees. The rule expands which positions require incumbents to live primarily within Richmond but allows waivers by decision of the mayor or chief administrative officer (CAO).
“Tonight’s residency vote strengthens our ability to build the kind of City Hall Richmonders deserve,” CAO Odie Donald II said. “Richmond is full of homegrown talent and part of my job is tapping into that strength while also recruiting people to get the work done well. There is incredible value to living in the community you serve, and I look forward to bringing that value to all Richmonders.”
Fourth District Councilmember Sarah Abubaker added: “At its core, this legislation is about building a local government that’s not only competent and transparent, but present. Public service leaders should live shoulder-to-shoulder with the communities they serve. As the lead patron, I’m proud that this process modeled how Council and the Administration can navigate complex policy with both principle and pragmatism-through collaboration, compromise, and a shared commitment to serving Richmonders well.”
Mr. Donald was confirmed as CAO by council on June 9 after a nationwide search initiated by Mayor Avula; he started his role on July 9 as a resident of Richmond.
A third ordinance sets stricter standards for tobacco and hemp retailers by limiting their density across Richmond—especially near schools—and restricting new shops from opening within 1,000 feet of existing retailers or sensitive locations such as daycares or parks.
“Studies show that the proximity of tobacco retailers around schools is associated with a greater number of adolescents who smoke,” said Mayor Avula. “As a pediatrician, public health doctor, and father, I know how critical it is to have policies that set kids up for healthy, thriving lives. Adolescents who smoke are at a higher risk for long-term addiction and will face known downstream health consequences. This ordinance is an important step towards building a healthier Richmond for our City’s youngest generation.”
Second District Councilmember Katherine Jordan stated: “I’ve heard from residents and businesses across the city who are concerned about the growing presence of these shops especially near schools and community gathering spaces… While this is an important step I will also be working with my colleagues to ask for additional tools to regulate those that are grandfathered in.”
The restrictions apply specifically when at least 10% of an establishment’s floor area is used for selling tobacco or hemp products.
