Richmond Councilmember submits legislation asking for transparency from RRHA
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A councilmember of the Richmond City Council submitted legislation asking the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) for transparency, ensuring that public housing tenants and residents are "respected."
On Monday, July 7, Councilwoman Kenya Gibson, representing the city's Northside, submitted legislation asking the RRHA to take multiple actions. This would ensure that "public meeting requirements are met and ensure that the democratic rights of public housing tenants and Richmond residents are respected," according to a release from city council.
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“The volatility of the Trump administration is causing Americans to lose faith that government is a force for good. It is up to us to demonstrate an alternative path, and the first step is radical transparency. This ordinance is a positive step forward in ensuring [that] all public housing residents housing can have a say in their communities.” Councilwoman Kenya Gibson
She urged the RRHA to be transparent and democratic to expand the number of affordable homes, ensuring residents have trust in the governing bodies and have a right to stay in their homes.
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City council said Gibson will work with her council colleague, RRHA board and staff members and residents in redeveloping public housing in the city.
In the councilwoman's full resolution, she cited notable instances in the past where the city either acted without sufficient public oversight or failed to address concerns regarding the Gilpin Court transfer.
This legislation comes a month after a Richmond official said Gilpin Court tenants may be displaced if RRHA transfers proceed to the non-profit Richmond Development Corporation (RDC).
Amendments to RDC and RRHA rules, as well as redevelopment and transparency requests
Gibson requests the following amendments to the RDC in her legislation, including the composition of the Board of Directors of the RDC to be the Board of Commissioners of the RRHA, requesting that should a member of the Board of Commissioners of the RRHA vacate a seat, they should also vacate their position on the Board of Corporation.
While Gibson's main amendments to RDC and RRHA are regarding annual reports, agendas and conflict of interest forms, statement of projects and awards and public notice and agenda postings online, she requested six actions concerning redevelopment and transparency, which include:
- Approval of all redevelopment plans:
- Approval of all redevelopment plans of the RRHA, including but not limited to the development, disposition, demolition, transfer or sale of any property owned by either RRHA or RDC
- Definition of one-for-one replacement:
- RRHA must draft a definition of one-for-one replacement of dwelling units that must be used for all redevelopment -- all of which should not be approved or proceeded upon until submitted to and approved by the city council.
- Community benefits agreement for Gilpin Court:
- RRHA must engage with the Gilpin Court Community and should develop a binding Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) as a part of the Gilpin Court Redevelopment. The agreement must be submitted to and approved by the council before proceeding with redevelopment.
- Tenants' Bill of Rights for Gilpin Court:
- RRHA must engage with the Gilpin Court Community and should develop a binding Tenants' Bill of Rights as a part of the Gilpin Court Redevelopment. The agreement must be submitted to and approved by the council before proceeding with redevelopment.
- Public ownership:
- RRHA must renegotiate or terminate the recently signed MDA for the Gilpin Court Redevelopment so that the RRHA retains majority ownership and control of all resulting project.
- Tenant democracy:
- RRHA should encourage the formation of Resident Management Corporations, Community Land Trusts and must conduct a vote of all residents of any of those affected in the public housing community.
- Freedom of Information for RDC
- The RDC should follow open meetings laws, giving notice of the date, time, location and remote location of its meetings on its official public government website.
