This week we asked Richmond’s Mayor/City Council Candidates to answer:

If elected, how will you use the power of your office to fulfill the city's climate goal "to achieve a 45 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030"? Please identify specific programs/policies/initiatives that you will implement or support to address climate change and its effects on Richmond residents.

…and our School Board Candidates were asked:

By law, the School Board must create a budget every year. Should this budget reflect the needs of the schools, however high? Or should it be realistic and fit within the city’s income (revenue)? Describe the ideal balance.

Each candidate provided a short response for twitter (in bold below), which is followed by a longer answer.

Answers are listed below in the following order:

Mayoral Candidates (in the order in which they responded)
City Council (districts 1-9, alphabetical order)
School Board (ditto)
Community Poll Results

Let’s dive in!

Mayoral Candidates

Harrison Roday

I will invest in energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy sources, and electrification efforts; prioritize sustainability and green space in our urban planning efforts; and expand public transportation and non-car transportation infrastructure.
Upgrade facilities and end-of-life equipment that are powered by fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable, & energy efficient alternatives.

Dedicate resources to patch leaking gas infrastructure.

Increase the amount of green space—prioritizing areas with disproportionately low tree cover—to improve air quality, moderate temperatures & mitigate pollution.

Further electrify the City’s vehicle fleet, increase the frequency of and routes for public transportation, expand the availability of charging stations, & improve our pedestrian/bike infrastructure to decrease reliance on gas-powered vehicles

Andreas Addison

I'll continue to prioritize expanding our public transit network as well as walking and biking infrastructure so Richmonders can more easily move around our city without relying on a car. I'll also continue to champion efforts to transition our city away from natural gas.
I'll continue to invest in our public transit network (while keeping it fare-free) and make it easier and safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and Richmonders who use mobility devices to move around the city. This is a cost-effective, common-sense strategy to lower emissions by significantly reducing our reliance on cars.

We also need to transition away from natural gas as soon as possible. That's why I'm proud to have created the resident-led DPU commission, where Richmonders can play an active role in the process to transition away from natural gas without burdening our ratepayers.

Dr Danny Avula

Richmond should be a national leader in urban climate resiliency. Climate change is a public health crisis and as Mayor, I will support the Office of Sustainability, work with Council and with climate and sustainability activists to implement RVAgreen 2050’s recommendations.

Some of the highest priority initiatives to address climate change overlap with my priorities to support affordable housing and invest in healthy and thriving neighborhoods for all, including:

Increase our investment in public transit
Invest in stormwater infrastructure, especially in the Southside
Ensure development deals with city-owned land/funding include climate resiliency standards
Support the Parks Master Plan to expand and connect access to parks for every neighborhood
Develop an Urban Heat Island Action Plan
Continue to electrify the City's fleet
Champion sustainable design standards

Maurice Neblett

If elected, I'll focus on renewable energy, improve public transportation, and enforce green building practices. By building community partnerships and securing funding for sustainability, we can achieve Richmond's 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
To address climate change in Richmond, I will support renewable energy projects like solar and wind, and improve public transportation to cut emissions. We'll enforce green building standards for new and existing structures and create programs to boost home energy efficiency. Developing urban green spaces will help enhance air quality. Partnering with local groups, I'll promote sustainable practices through education and resources, ensuring our community is well-prepared.

Michelle Mosby

I'll push for renewable energy by promoting the integration of solar into city facilities, school buildings and appropriate equipment use, expand and incentivize green infrastructure in developments, and launch community programs to promote sustainability and energy efficiency.
As Mayor, I will prioritize climate resilience by expanding and incentivizing green infrastructure in public and private developments. I'll promote public transit opportunities and innovative uses of our river, and also conduct energy efficiency audits of city buildings. I support establishing parks and open spaces in new developments and existing communities. I'll also advocate for sustainable education in schools and provide incentives for businesses, homeowners, and renters to adopt eco-friendly practices, ensuring all Richmond residents benefit from a healthier environment.

City Council Candidates

Andrew “Gumby” Breton
1st District

Per RVA Green 2050, Council can push to 45% by 2030 w new construction standards, major transit investment, and green energy grants for businesses. Office of Sustainability has laid out the aggressive measures it will take, and must be empowered to measure & report on progress.
RVAGreen2050 goal of cutting emissions 45% by 2030 is both aggressive & necessary. The 2 key factors are transportation & energy.

Transpo: City should invest in the N/S Pulse & increase in bus route frequency. Fare free service is great for adoption AS LONG AS it keeps frequency. Infrequent bus routes contribute to car trips. Also: EV adoption will require more superchargers.

Cleaner Energy: Requires 100% electrified new construction, and grants to biz to migrate to renewables. RVA Office of Sustainability must continue to measure & report frequently if we intend to make our 2030 goals.

Zac Walker
1st District

If elected, I’ll expand Pulse bus routes to reduce car usage, introduce electric school buses for RPS, and ensure all new developments follow green construction practices with added green spaces, whether on rooftops or on the ground.
My family and I are dedicated to clean energy. To achieve our goals, I will collaborate with state and federal programs to secure grants for new electric school buses. Additionally, I will engage with the RVA Office of Sustainability to identify their needs and ensure Richmond has the resources to become the greenest city in the U.S. Together, we can build a climate-ready community.

Maria Carra Rose
3rd District

I'll work with the mayors office & admin. to look at where we're on tackling objectives that have been laid out in the roadmap CEAP2030, from Buildings & Energy - Waste Reduction & Recovery. What pathways, objectives & strategies are easily attainable in the next 8 years.
I believe to achieve the goal of RVAGreen2050 that we need to reconsider our relationship to the energy resources we use on a daily basis that we need to wind down (ie gas utility) & how they can be leveraged to affect the natural resources that we rely on, namely the James. If we were to re-allocate gasworks we can use the capital to fund infrastructure improvements to our wastewater system, which is in desperate need. We need to ensure that the communities that have been affected the most see the most investment & ensure that they are communicated with fully throughout the process.

Tavares Floyd
6th District

When elected, I'll push for green infrastructure, invest in renewable energy, improve public transit, and support energy-efficient buildings. I'll collaborate with community stakeholders to ensure sustainable practices, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030.
I will champion green infrastructure projects to reduce flooding and improve air quality in vulnerable neighborhoods. I'll advocate for energy-efficient affordable housing and support community solar programs to lower utility costs for residents. I will also push for expanded public transit options to reduce emissions and create green jobs, ensuring our efforts in climate action benefit all Richmond residents equitably. Together, we can build a resilient, sustainable future for our city.

Willie Hilliard
6th District

I will champion green infrastructure projects to reduce flooding and improve air quality in vulnerable neighborhoods. I'll advocate for energy-efficient affordable housing and support community solar programs to lower utility costs for residents. I will also push for expanded public transit options to reduce emissions and create green jobs, ensuring our efforts in climate action benefit all Richmond residents equitably. Together, we can build a resilient, sustainable future for our city.
One, lesser-known way that Ricmond’s city government can reduce our population’s impact on the environment is to overhaul the city’s combined sewer system which regularly overflows and dumps massive amounts of sewage into the James River. The downstream effects on the Chesapeake Bay (primarily a reduction in oxygen-deficient ‘dead zones’) will be well worth it. We need additional state and federal funding to accomplish implementation of the RVA Clean Water Plan, and for its part, Council should be attentive to ensuring that work stays on track

Eric Sundberg
7th District

Reform planning standards—promote walkability, reduce car dependency
Reinvestment in sidewalks and accessible public transit
Tree canopy repair program
Methane gas divestment program—tax incentives to switch to induction cooktops & heat pumps—require in new construction
• Expansion of tree planting programs and partnerships; increase budget and resources for citizens to plant the right trees for canopy repair
• Implement goal-based tree planting quotas for each fiscal year
• Sustainable planning initiative—divest in automobile infrastructure—make streets more complete, turning them into more walkable, enjoyable, and sustainable spaces of travel, commerce, and socializing
• Create a renewable energy utility as permitted by the city charter
• Resource integration—optimizing public buildings: pack many services into fewer buildings to reduce emissions and waste

Frank Wilson
8th District

If elected, I will review the climate goals established by the City to achieve the targeted reduction by 2030 and work with the mayor’s office to make sure actionable plans have been developed by all City departments and steps are being taken to achieve the 45% reduction by 2030.
In addition to the existing established goals, I will also support programs/policies/initiatives that moves us towards reduction of our current carbon footprint and expands the use of clean/renewable energy. I will support improving transportation in the city to make it more efficient and less polluting. I will support greening efforts that seek to reduce the heat island effect that is a known issue that disproportionately adversely affects the residents of the 8th district. I had the opportunity to attend the VA Environmental Symposium this year where all these issues and more were discussed.

SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

Kathryn “Katie” Ricard
2nd District

In creating a budget, we need to show that we are making a good-faith effort to be responsible stewards of the monies we are provided so that negotiation can happen. Through negotiation, we can use data to support our needs, which may mean asking for more.
Creating a budget means creating trust with our constituents and elected officials. We need to show, based on data from research and our own schools, what programs, repairs, staffing will be the most fruitful. No one likes money wasted, but the needs of our schools are great and if we want to set our students on a better path, we need to invest in the state of our buildings, retaining teachers, and early intervention measures. Looking at our priorities and creating a responsible budget that focuses on those will allow us to approach City Council with a budget created in good faith.

Ali Faruk
3rd District

I support a budget that is ambitious, fiscally sound, and student-outcomes focused. While city-level investments are critical, I'll also advocate at the state level to close the longstanding shortfall in school funding. With gaps like these, students & teachers pay the price.
I support a democratically-developed budget that is ambitious, fiscally sound, and student-outcomes focused. While city-level investments are critical, I'll also advocate at the state level to close the longstanding shortfall in school funding. With funding gaps like these, our students and teachers pay the price. Our budget must prioritize essentials that have been proven to directly impact student success. The ideal balance is one that prioritizes student outcomes, prioritizes raises and support for all staff, engages our community, maintains our facilities, and plans for the future.

Charlene Riley
3rd District

**A Balance, the budget should include the needs of the school, and whatever adjustments the city can make according to that budget.**
In addition to the city providing funding, the school board and the city council should invest some of it's time into applying for grants, looking for ways to bring funding to the city, we need RPS fully funded that should be everyone's goal moving forward.

Kevin Starlings

3rd District

Needs-based budget, it promotes equity, addresses, historic inequities. We must consider the fiscal realities. We must advocate for increased funding, prioritize spending, maximize efficiency. A multi-year financial plan will help us move towards a needs-based budget over time.
I strongly support a needs-based budget for Richmond Public Schools to promote equity, address historical disparities, and align with research showing improved outcomes with adequate funding. The School Board must balance this by advocating for increased city funding, prioritizing spending, and streamlining costs. Transparency and community engagement are vital. With a well-planned approach, we can create a budget that truly supports all Richmond students while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Angela Fontaine
4th District

The budget should be realistic however, it is important to know where the gaps are. What funds are needed in order to fulfill our goals? We should envision where we want RPS to be and outline the budget needed to get there, while balancing with available resources.
The budget should be realistic; however, it is important to know where the gaps are. It must cover quality education, infrastructure, staff, and student services while avoiding unsustainable spending and working within the city's financial limits. Since there's usually not enough money for everything, the budget should focus on the most important needs first. Can we explore ways to secure new funding sources to meet our needs? Planning for the future and maintaining transparency in decision-making are also crucial. We must strive to support education goals while being financially responsible

Wesley Hedgepeth
4th District

It is our board's fiduciary responsibility to produce a realistic budget that reflects current funding. I will not support deficit budgeting. However, both the administration and board need to prepare additional funding priorities contingent on an increase in revenue.
It is our board's fiduciary responsibility to produce a realistic budget that reflects current funding. Our annual budget must be balanced. However, both the administration and board need to prepare additional funding priorities contingent on an increase in revenue. While building out our annual budget, it is possible to create a couple of versions, one balanced budget and another to include our additional funding priorities when extra revenue comes to RPS. As your 4th district school board member, I will advocate at all levels of government for fairer funding for RPS.

Garrett Sawyer
4th District

**Yes. The proposed budget must be reflective of all school needs that should be considered for approval under the General Operating Budget and the CIP.**
It is critically important that we paint a true picture of the needs of the district in each budgetary cycle, particularly as it pertains to needs that fall under the General Operating budget and the CIP. We may not get everything each year in our advocacy efforts, but I believe it is critically important that we never stop telling the real story of the needs of the district. The stronger the advocacy, I have found, the more likely you’re able to secure funding that can help transform the district. We must, also, however, strategically plan and tackle the most pressing needs first.

Mamie Taylor
5th District

Yes, a school board budget should always reflect the needs of schools. The primary goal of a school board is to ensure that students are provided with the resources and support necessary to receive an exceptional education. The board should also understand the SEON as presented.
The superintendent's estimate of needs begins the Board's budget development process, and per state code 22.1-92, it is an estimate of moneys needed and costs to be distributed in schools. Although required to work within the constraints of the budget while ensuring that expenditures are sustainable throughout the fiscal year, an approach to balance is alternative funding sources via grants, partnerships with the GA, Local Officials and community organizations for an educational impact that meets the needs of students. This balance requires communication and collaboration amongst stakeholders.

Dr Shonda Harris Muhammed
6th District

**To create a equitable budget, we should work within a school based needs budget. However, realistically those funds will never be administered to the school division due to cost.**
Each school in the division is in need of different things to operate. However, the main function is to address the academic and social emotional learning for all students regardless of their zip code. In order to implement those areas with validity, we must have equitable funding.

PH Cruz Sherman
8th District

**The School Board budget should be both realistic and with an expectations of having funding for other "wish list" projects. There should always be commonsense and feasibility aspects in budgeting.**
In my opinion, budgets should include allocations for unexpected expenses, those things that are difficult to forecast for example emergency repairs, increases in materials and or supplies etc...

Budgeting for such a complex entity is difficult, therefore you have to factor in the possibilities, while considering the real-time revenue coming into the school board and RPS.

NO RESPONSE PROVIDED

Paul Goldman (1st - City Council)
Matthew Percival (1st - School Board)
Katherine Jordan (2nd - City Council)
Mariah White (2nd - School Board)
Kenya Gibson (3rd - City Council)
Ann-Frances Lambert (3rd - City Council)
Sarah Abubaker (4th - City Council)
Stephanie Lynch (5th - City Council)
Ellen Robertson (6th - City Council)
Cheryl Burke (7th - School Board)
Cynthia Newbille (7th - City Council)
EJ Jafari (8th - School Board)
Reva Trammell (8th - City Council)
Nicole Jones (9th - City Council)
Stephanie Starling (9th - City Council)
Shavonda Dixon (9th - School Board)

As a reminder, all candidates have been invited to participate via the email address listed on their candidate registration paperwork. If there’s a better way to reach a candidate, please reach out to us at info@rvadirt.com. Thanks!

Community Poll Results

There was no corresponding community poll this week due to… my busy, busy week.
Instead, I’d like to celebrate the candidates that have consistently participated in this survey series! I appreciate your commitment to connecting with our readers and going on record sharing your values and your vision for our city.

Here are the medalists of our participation olympics!