Gibson explains why a subpoena may be issued to Mayor Avula, other Richmond leaders over city transparency

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond City Councilwoman Kenya Gibson spoke with 8News about her pursuit for financial and employee information from the city, and her threat of legal action if Mayor Danny Avula and other city leaders do not adhere to city code.

Gibson is asking for granular lists of city payments, otherwise known as payment registries, made each month in Fiscal Year 2025 and for a vacancy report and cost estimates. She says this is to help grow government transparency, help answer any questions citizens may have about their tax dollars and help prepare for any budget amendments in Avula's FY2027 budget proposal that will be submitted on Wednesday, March 11.

"In order to be able to do that, though, we have to have a clear understanding about where the money's went," Gibson explained 8News on Friday.

Gibson also said the city, according to code, has to have publicly accessible payment registry data available, and says a submission has not been made since 2019.

If the city does not take action, Gibson says she's prepared to take the matter to court.

"My office would work with city council staff to put together some type of resolution, so that we would have a vote as a body to determine if they body was going to take that step," Gibson said. "That's certainly something that I am open to pursuing. I certainly don't want to have to do that."

The city and Gibson did meet together this week, and she wants to give officials a chance to respond. Gibson warns though, legally, the city has to respond within five business days.

Richmond officials provided 8News with the most recent quarterly vacancy and turnout report published this month and the most recent monthly financial statement from January.

"The Mayor is committed to maintaining a regular and transparent exchange of information, and continues to provide several key updates and reports, including the Quarterly Vacancy and Turnover Reports provided to City Council, most recently on Monday, March 2nd, as well as Monthly Financial Statements, with the most recent January 2026 posted publicly on the City's website," Mira Signer said, who serves as Mayor Avula's press secretary. "In addition, the CAO shared an update with Council, see attached memo, regarding the status of the FY2025 annual audit, including the anticipated publication timeline and a planned City Council briefing. We will continue endeavoring to being responsive and sharing information and progress updates so they have the materials they need."

Gibson told 8News she's appreciative of the hard work from city leaders and employees, but is continuing to push them to provide the registries and other items. She says questions remain if the detailed reports are not provided.