New ordinances aim to improve public safety, address housing instability in Richmond
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Several ordinances officials say will help Richmond residents thrive were approved on Monday. This includes investments in substance abuse recovery and the creation of a new domestic and sexual violence prevention program, among others.
During a Richmond City Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 12, councilmembers voted to approve a variety of ordinances, including several that Mayor Danny Avula said will help improve public safety, address the city's housing crisis and provide aid to those recovering from substance abuse.
Here's a breakdown of some of the ordinances that were passed and why leaders believe they will create meaningful change.
Two new targeted programs to help abuse survivors, young people
With the passage of Ordinance 2025-275, the city's Department of Justice Services (DJS) will be able to create two programs that will provide aid to two vulnerable communities. In doing so, the city hopes to eliminate the root causes of violence in the city and promote long-term safety and stability, according to a Jan. 12 press release.
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“Reducing violence in Richmond means investing in what works and in what matters most,” said interim DJS director Greg Hopkins in the release. “Addressing the root causes of harm and creating opportunities for mentorship, education and healing are essential to breaking cycles of violence and building neighborhoods where everyone can thrive.”
Funded through a $600,000 investment, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention program will expand abuse prevention, survivor support and community education efforts. It will do so through a partnership with the YWCA of Richmond.
The second program, which is backed by a $500,000 investment, will be called Positive Youth Development. Its purpose will be to strengthen the city's out-of-school time programming and mentorship through a partnership with NextUp.
These investments are part of the city's Gun Violence and Intervention Framework.
Coordinated efforts to help those recovering from substance use
Multiple ordinances were passed Monday night that are meant to address substance use disorders and the recovery process.
The Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority has awarded the city $619,950 in Operation STOP! grant funding. These dollars are meant to be directed towards programs that reduce overdoses and prevent overdose deaths through things like immediate education and prevention, per the release.
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The city will use $594,950 in sub-grants to bring harm reduction supplies, recovery support and trauma-informed counseling to families touched by opioid abuse. Another $25,000 obtained through a partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) Wright Center will be used to allow for program and impact evaluation that will guide long-term strategies for success.
Additionally, the city intends to collaborate with the surrounding counties of Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield to facilitate both the expansion of treatment access and the strengthening of recovery support on a regional level. This will be done through youth programs like Chesterfield Recovery Academy and peer recovery programs like Project Recover.
“Every person in Richmond deserves the chance to thrive," said Richmond's opioid response strategist Anna Jones in the release. "Through Operation STOP! and our regional partnerships, we’re not only addressing the immediate crisis of overdoses but also building a foundation for long-term health and recovery. These investments in prevention, harm reduction, and recovery services ensure that Richmonders who have struggled with substance use disorders have the support they need to recover and thrive."
Taking a look at how to make housing more stable in Richmond
Following the passage of Resolution 2025-R043, the city's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Odie Donald, II will be directed to perform a comprehensive review of all city programs that are meant to combat displacement in the city.
Per city council documents, "displacement" refers to people losing their housing because of "policy choices that have made housing unaffordable, evictions more likely and opportunity for upward mobility less accessible." It goes on to explain that displacement can occur due to direct action like eviction, for economic reasons, for cultural reasons, for exclusionary reasons and due to gentrification.
Under this resolution, Donald will examine all programs and policy mechanisms that have to do with housing stability, tenant protections, housing affordability and cultural heritage support. He is to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement or expansion, then present his findings and policy recommendations to City Council at a later date.
Working to protect Richmond's historic landmarks
The approval of Ordinance 2025-265 put civil penalties in place that are meant to punish those who either demolish or relocate historic landmarks in the city of Richmond.
“These actions are critical steps toward protecting both the people and places that define Richmond,” Avula said of this action and Resolution 2025-R043 in the release. “I’m grateful to City Council for their thoughtful leadership. Together, we will build a city where families can stay rooted and neighborhoods can thrive for generations to come.”
