WATCH: Mayor Levar Stoney bids Richmond farewell after 8 years
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney delivered his farewell address on Friday as his eight years of leading the city come to an end. The afternoon of Friday, Dec. 20, Stoney stood before a crowd in Richmond City Hall and spoke on his time as mayor. He assumed the role in 2017, becoming Richmond's 80th mayor. He was then sworn in for a second term in 2021. Notably, he is the youngest person ever elected to the Richmond mayorship, entering his first term at 35 years old. In his speech, Stoney reflected on both the challenges his administration faced and the successes it delivered. He spoke on several city developments that had taken place since he took office, including the removal of Richmond's Confederate monuments, the launch of the Diamond District project and continued work on finalizing the Shockoe Project. As he has in the past, Stoney spoke on the values of inclusivity and diversity and how he views them as essential to Richmond. Youngkin doesn’t propose additional teacher pay raise "We are a city that welcomes all and leaves no one behind," Stoney said. "That spirit of unity is what makes us stronger socially and economically." Stoney also encouraged Richmonders to love their city as he does. “Far too often, we tear ourselves down while visitors and admirers lift us up with praise," Stoney said. "That has to change. Be proud of our children, our neighborhoods -- and yes, even our government. Because the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Pride in our city will drive its progress." You can watch Stoney's full address below. Mayor-elect Danny Avula will become Richmond's 81st mayor in 2025.
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney delivered his farewell address on Friday as his eight years of leading the city come to an end.
The afternoon of Friday, Dec. 20, Stoney stood before a crowd in Richmond City Hall and spoke on his time as mayor. He assumed the role in 2017, becoming Richmond's 80th mayor. He was then sworn in for a second term in 2021. Notably, he is the youngest person ever elected to the Richmond mayorship, entering his first term at 35 years old.
In his speech, Stoney reflected on both the challenges his administration faced and the successes it delivered. He spoke on several city developments that had taken place since he took office, including the removal of Richmond's Confederate monuments, the launch of the Diamond District project and continued work on finalizing the Shockoe Project.
As he has in the past, Stoney spoke on the values of inclusivity and diversity and how he views them as essential to Richmond.
Youngkin doesn’t propose additional teacher pay raise
"We are a city that welcomes all and leaves no one behind," Stoney said. "That spirit of unity is what makes us stronger socially and economically."
Stoney also encouraged Richmonders to love their city as he does.
“Far too often, we tear ourselves down while visitors and admirers lift us up with praise," Stoney said. "That has to change. Be proud of our children, our neighborhoods -- and yes, even our government. Because the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Pride in our city will drive its progress."
You can watch Stoney's full address below.
Mayor-elect Danny Avula will become Richmond's 81st mayor in 2025.
