In today's newsletter, we overview Council reorganizational changes in the new year, preview Monday's full Council meeting, share information on early voting, and more. As always, be sure to check out the bulletin board for updated public health guidance, a Fox Community Update meeting, and exciting City job postings.
Second District Survey
First, a huge thank you to everyone who has already taken our Second District communications survey! We've gotten a great response so far, and we are sharing it one more time today, before closing the survey next Friday, January 13th.
New Year, New(ish) Council
At Tuesday's special organizational meeting, Council unanimously elected Councilor Jones as President of Council, and Councilor Nye as Vice President for two year terms, and voted on new committee assignments for the next two years.
My assignments for the remainder of my term are chairing the Governmental Operations Committee, voting member of the Finance & Economic Development Committee, and serving as the Council appointment to Second District's very own Richmond Ambulance Authority Board, as well as the Mayor's History and Culture Commission. As a carryover from my first two years, I remain an alternate on the Land Use, Housing and Transportation Committee, and an appointee to the Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization's Policy Board. You can view the full listing of Council's new committee, board, and commission composition here.
Council's Monday Meeting
Council's first regular meeting of the year is coming up on Monday at 6pm. You can view the full agenda here. If you'd like to participate in the meeting, check out the City Clerk's citizen participation guide here.
Diamond District Update
Last year, Council approved RVA Diamond Partners as the development team for the Diamond District, as well as a community benefits agreement for the project. The next step is for Council to take up the papers that will formally transfer the City-owned properties in the project area to the Economic Development Authority, and that will align the zoning with the selected development proposal.
While the final papers are not yet on Council's docket, the City Planning Commission received an initial update at their Tuesday meeting. You can view the presentation on the proposed zoning changes here.
The Planning Department's timeline is as follows:
Jan 17th: staff present draft details on potential changes to planning commission for additional discussion
Staff develops ordinances based on feedback
Introduce ordinance at council (date TBD)
Hearing to adopt at planning commission (date TBD)
Hearing to adopt at council (date TBD)
I'm incredibly excited to see this project move forward, the Squirrels get the home that they deserve, and our City get a new dynamic, sustainable, mixed-used neighborhood.
Early Voting
Early voting in the special election in the 4th Congressional District to succeed the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin started today. Now through February 18th, all City of Richmond voters have an opportunity to vote early in the special election that will be held on February 21st. You can find more information on the candidates here, and more information on early voting options here.
I was proud to join my friend, neighbor, and Second District constituent, Senator Jennifer McClellan, at the City Registrar's office today to kick off the start of early voting, and to support her candidacy as the Democratic nominee in the race.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely, Katherine
PS: For those who noted in our communications survey that they did not receive a mailed newsletter from us this past Fall, you can check out the digital version here.
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Office Contact Katherine Jordan
Councilmember
Office: (804) 646-6532 Email Sven Philipsen
Council Liaison
Office: (804) 646-6532
Cell: (804) 201-5069 Email
RVA311
The quickest way to report a City customer service request or delivery of service issue is to use Richmond’s online web portal, rva311.com.
Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
For more information on testing options, the latest CDC guidance, and vaccinations, check out the RCHD's latest weekly update here.
Bulletin Board
First Fridays: the first First Fridays of the year is tonight! Check out some of the fantastic events going on throughout the Second and the City here.
Urban Forester: the City is hiring an Urban Forester! If you or someone you know wants to be a critical part of the City's work with the community to expand, protect, and preserve our urban tree canopy, this is the job! Check it out.
Fox Community Meeting: as a reminder, there will be a community engagement meeting next Thursday, the 12th at 6pm at Clark Spring Elementary to discuss design updates and the timeline for the re-build of Fox Elementary.
Street Cleaning Schedule: the street cleaning schedule for the end of this year and beginning of next year has been posted to the DPW website. Note that some areas already scheduled have been impacted by inclement weather. DPW will be circling back to those routes in the coming weeks.
City & Community Resources
Call 804-205-3501 to register for free community testing. Events are subject to change or cancellation. Locations are accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility support devices. Click here for non-community testing options.