Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Department of Public Works Fills More Than 31,000 Potholes, Exceeds Annual Goal

The Public Works Roadway Maintenance Division has repaired more than 31,000 potholes so far this year. This marks the third year running that DPW has far exceeded the usual 18,000 annual repairs. In 2018, about 26,900 potholes were fixed, compared to just under 25,000 the year before.

In 2017, Mayor Levar M. Stoney asked city employees to elevate the level of service provided to city residents. The DPW Pothole Crew redefined some of its internal procedures and set a goal to fill 20,000 potholes. It surpassed that target by nearly 5,000 repairs, achieving a department milestone.

“When we invest in our infrastructure, we invest in our future,” said Mayor Stoney. “I’m proud our Public Works team rose to our high expectations this year. Now, after a banner year filling thousands of potholes, we’re providing a long-term solution: a historic investment in paving.”

DPW attributes the increase in pothole repairs to its acquisition of two pothole trucks that are revolutionizing the way the city fills potholes. Each truck requires only one operator, instead of a crew. The truck’s mechanical arm expels air to remove water from a hole, then layers in the materials needed to make the repair. This 10 minute per pothole process accounted for 3,000 repairs this year.

In addition, Mayor Stoney’s most recent budget included a $15 million further investment in paving in FY2020, allowing DPW to address potholes as paving takes place. The paving plan prioritizes streets with the highest need, enabling crews to address potholes not yet in the system and focus on areas that may receive less attention than main thoroughfares.

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Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Mayor Stoney announces the City of Richmond again earns the highest Municipal Equality Index score in Virginia

Today, Mayor Stoney announced that the City of Richmond again received the highest Municipal Equality Index score in the Commonwealth of Virginia, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

Out of the 11 municipalities that the Human Rights Campaign scored in Virginia, Richmond scored the highest, earning a 97.

“My mission is to build a city where everyone, no matter their skin color, country of origin, how they worship or who they love, is free to live out their God-given potential,” said Mayor Stoney. “Supporting the members of Richmond’s LGBTQ community is imperative to that task, and this score shows that inclusivity is one of our top priorities.”

Each year the Human Rights Campaign rates cities across the United States based on their initiatives to support LGBTQ communities. The findings are compiled on the Municipal Equality Index (MEI) scorecard, where cities are given points for inclusive programs and policies, such as non-discrimination laws, transgender-inclusive health benefits for city employees, inclusive workplaces and LGBTQ liaisons in the city’s executive office, to name a few.

The city’s performance on the MEI scorecard has vastly improved in the past two years. In 2017, Richmond received a 42 out of 100. The city was able to increase its score by 52 points in a year, scoring a 94 in 2018. In that year, the city improved its score through working with City Council to establish a Human Rights Commission and pass non-discrimination laws, designating a policy advisor to serve as the Mayor’s LGBTQ liaison and offering transgender-inclusive health benefits for city employees.

Richmond’s success story is highlighted twice in the 2019 MEI report, demonstrating how the scorecard serves as a crucial policy guide and advocacy tool. Richmond’s 2019 MEI score is 97 because of Mayor Stoney’s efforts to advocate at the state level for non-discrimination laws and against the use of conversion therapy. Earlier this year, Mayor Stoney introduced, and Richmond City Council approved, a resolution supporting the prohibition of conversion therapy in the city and across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The mayor is hopeful that the new Democrat-controlled General Assembly will address both of these issues during its 2020 session.

“Richmond’s pro-equality leaders continue to send a strong message across Virginia about the importance of ensuring our gay and transgender neighbors can live, work and play free from discrimination,” said James Parrish, Executive Director of Equality Virginia. “We celebrate Mayor Stoney and the Richmond City Council for their work to make the city a more inclusive and welcoming place.”

“Mayor Stoney has been committed to making Richmond safer and more welcoming for our community,” said Adam Trimmer, Virginia Ambassador for Born Perfect, a campaign to end conversion therapy. “I could not be prouder of Richmond.”

“The increase in Richmond’s MEI score is a testament to Mayor Stoney’s steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusivity,” said James Millner, President of Virginia Pride. “Once again, we have the highest score of any municipality in Virginia, which sends a powerful message to businesses, tourists and residents: LGBTQ people aren’t just welcome in Richmond, but we are embraced and recognized as a vital, positive force in this city. This is something of which every Richmonder can be proud.”

Local organizations have also played a key role in advocating for the policies that increased Richmond’s MEI scorecard value.

“As a native Richmonder who identifies as transgender, I am pleased to see the city's MEI score increase,” said Zakia McKensey, Executive Director of Nationz Foundation. “It is important to my community that the city be more diverse, inclusive and affirming of the LGBTQIA+ communities. Thank you, Mayor Stoney and the city, for your work to make Richmond more inclusive!”

“This standing reinforces Richmond’s identity as a welcoming destination for all,” said Jack Berry, President and CEO, Richmond Region Tourism. “Congratulations on making our city compassionate and safe for all.”

Many Fortune 500 companies rely on the Human Rights Campaign report as a guide for relocation and expansion, as inclusion of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, reflects a municipality’s shared values.

Mayor Stoney said that the high score does not mean the work will stop.

“For the second year in a row, we’re leading the way for all municipalities in Virginia,” the mayor said. I’m proud of this achievement and excited to see how else we can ensure Richmond’s city policies, services and code reflect the inclusive community we are.”

To learn more about the Municipal Equality Index and Richmond’s performance, read the 2019 Municipal Equality Index report here.

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Mayor Stoney announces creation of City of Richmond Eviction Task Force

Mayor Levar M. Stoney today announced the creation of the City of Richmond Eviction Task Force, an advisory body charged with addressing the causes of evictions in Richmond and prescribing preventative solutions.

The task force will work alongside the city’s Eviction Diversion Program, a first-of-its-kind within the Commonwealth of Virginia mediation program providing rental assistance, pro bono legal support, financial counseling, and supportive service referrals to residents already in the court system for rent-due cases and facing housing insecurity.

The Eviction Diversion Program, launched in October 2019 in partnership with Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia, Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, Firms in Service and the court system, is poised to thwart hundreds of potential evictions in its first year.

“The Eviction Diversion Program will make a real impact in the lives of some of our most vulnerable community members currently facing eviction proceedings in court,” said Mayor Stoney. “However, we recognize that we also have the responsibility to address the root causes of evictions and work to prevent the threat of eviction from occurring in the first place. I am counting on this group to explore steps the city can take to better understand, mitigate and prevent the conditions that make our most vulnerable residents, including our children, susceptible to housing insecurity.”

The task force will include housing and human services stakeholders, affordable housing and social justice advocates, youth and family homelessness specialists, public housing residents and property management professionals, including leadership of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA), which recently agreed to freeze eviction proceedings and partner with Mayor Stoney’s Eviction Diversion Program to mediate rent-due cases between RRHA and its tenants, educate RRHA residents through financial literacy workshops and prevent evictions from public housing units.

“Housing is a matter of equity and justice, and it touches every other aspect of a person’s life,” said Mayor Stoney. “Evictions in Richmond disproportionately impact communities of color and low-income, single-family households with children, creating a traumatic downward spiral for people already suffering from economic challenges and other hardships. That is why it is critical for us to innovate bold, collaborative and compassionate methods to better meet the needs of all Richmonders.”

The task force will meet regularly to provide the mayor with recommendations and guidance on how the city can holistically address the eviction crisis and ensure housing stability for all of Richmond’s residents, especially for its most historically vulnerable communities. 

City of Richmond Eviction Task Force Members:

Omari Al-Qadaffi – Housing organizer/Legal Aid Justice Center
Jovan Burton – Partnership for Housing Affordability
Janae Craddock/Marty Wegbreit – Central Virginia Legal Aid Society
Damon Duncan – Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority
Douglas Dunlap – City of Richmond Department of Housing and Community Development
Reggie Gordon – City of Richmond Office of Human Services
Tracey Hardney Scott – Housing Chair, NAACP
Kelly King Horne – Homeward
Kathryn Howell/Ben Theresa – VCU/RVA Eviction Lab
Christie Marra– Virginia Poverty Law Center
Heather Mullins Crislip/Monica Jefferson – Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia
LaFonda Page – RRHA Resident/Legal Aid Justice Center
William Poarch - ACTS
Erika Schmale – Richmond Public Schools’ McKinney Vento Homeless Education Specialist
Patrice Shelton – Hillside Court Tenant Council
Alice Tousignant – HD Advisors
Lisa Williamson – Real estate broker, Richmond Property Owners Association, National Association of Residential Property Managers

The first meeting of the Eviction Task Force will take place December 2, 2019, 4 – 5:30 p.m. in the large conference room on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street. Future Eviction Task Force meeting dates, times and locations will be publicized by the City Clerk’s Office and the Mayor’s Office. 

For more information on the Eviction Task Force or the Eviction Diversion Program, contact Osita Iroegbu, the Mayor’s Senior Policy Advisor for Community Engagement, Inclusion and Equity, at Osita.Iroegbu@richmondgov.com.

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Richmond City Council unanimously passes Mayor Stoney’s ordinance requiring reporting of lost and stolen firearms


During its November 12 meeting, Richmond City Council unanimously passed an ordinance requiring any person who loses a gun or has one stolen in the City of Richmond to report the loss or theft to the Richmond Police Department.

The ordinance, proposed by Mayor Stoney and introduced on October 14, intends to prevent the trafficking of lost and stolen guns, which are more likely to be used in criminal offenses. At the time of introduction, 354 firearms had been reported stolen in the City of Richmond.

The legislation aims to prevent gun crimes before they occur by requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to police within 24 hours of realizing a loss or theft has occurred. The reporting requirement became effective upon passage.

“I’m thankful City Council took this important step to help prevent gun violence in Richmond,” said Mayor Stoney. “This reporting requirement isn’t a fix-all, but this additional level of accountability and responsibility will go far toward protecting our community and providing police with another tool to keep our communities safe.”

Mayor Stoney acknowledged the support and assistance of gun safety groups, including Moms Demand Action, Everytown for Gun Safety and community advocates who have been directly impacted by gun violence.

“This commonsense gun legislation is an important step for the City of Richmond, but it should also serve as a call to action for state lawmakers,” Mayor Stoney said. “I urge members of the General Assembly, both the incumbents and the newly elected, to not just codify this simple change into state law but to embrace the opportunity before them – the opportunity to meaningfully address gun violence in our Commonwealth by approving Governor Northam’s proposed gun safety reforms. Every Virginian deserves to feel safe and secure.”

Richmond City Council also voted on a motion to amend Ordinance No. 2019-288, which proposes prohibiting distracted driving while using a handheld communications device.

The amendment aims to mitigate concerns that the original language required law enforcement to make real-time decisions based on potentially subjective understandings of what constitutes evidence of diverted attention.

The original ordinance reads, in part, “any person who drives a motor vehicle on any public street or highway in the city while using any handheld personal communications device [where such use diverts such person’s attention from the operation of the motor vehicle] is guilty of distracted driving.” The amendment removes the bracketed phrase, clarifying that any use of a handheld communications device while driving constitutes distracted driving. 

The change ensures that drivers within city limits will be held to a uniform standard under the law.

The proposed distracted driving ordinance, with the amended language, has been continued to the December 9 meeting of Richmond City Council.

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City to hold series of community town halls to discuss Navy Hill project


Throughout November, the city will hold a series of town hall meetings on the Navy Hill redevelopment proposal. Each of the four meetings will consist of a presentation by the mayor and city officials as well as an opportunity for the public to ask questions. 

Additionally, the mayor will join Navy Hill Development Corporation and Spectra representatives for a brief presentation and meet and greet after the November 2 Navy Hill Advisory Commission meeting. 

Mayor Stoney to host meet and greet with NHDC and Spectra representatives:

Saturday, November 2
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Hickory Hill Community Center
3000 E. Belt Blvd.

Mayor Stoney and city officials to host Navy Hill town halls:

Thursday, November 14
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Carver Elementary School 
1110 W. Leigh St.

Sunday, November 17
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Peter Paul Development Center
1708 N. 22nd St.

Monday, November 18
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Hickory Hill Community Center
3000 E. Belt Blvd.

Tuesday, November 26
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Albert Hill Middle School
3400 Patterson Ave.

For more information on the Navy Hill development project, click here.

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Mayor appoints Mona Adkins-Easley to serve as Interim Director of Human Resources


Mayor Stoney today announced the appointment of Mona Adkins-Easley to serve as Interim Director of the City of Richmond’s Department of Human Resources.

Ms. Adkins-Easley is an experienced human resources executive who has spent more than 34 years in public service, including serving as the Associate Vice President for Human Resources at Virginia State University for 17 years and in the same title at Norfolk State University for four years, until her retirement in 2018.

Ms. Adkins-Easley also worked for nearly four years at the United States Department of Agriculture as the Director of Higher Education Initiatives, overseeing three national scholarship programs and working with minority and women farmers.  She also worked for five years in various HR roles at Southside Virginia Training Center and served as the second director of the Virginia Council on Human Rights, from 1990 to 1994.

“We’re grateful to have Mona Adkins-Easley come out of retirement to join our team,” said Mayor Stoney. “She has spent her career in public service and has extensive experience in human resources management. Mona has right skill set to oversee the City of Richmond workforce, implement needed reforms and make sure we are prepared every day to serve the residents of our great city.”

Ms. Adkins-Easley will serve in the Interim Human Resources Director role and oversee department reform while the city recruits a permanent director.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Norfolk State University and a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in human resources from Virginia Commonwealth University.


“It’s exciting to be a part of the positive change happening in the City of Richmond,” said Ms. Adkins-Easley. “I am grateful for this opportunity to serve, and I look forward to interacting with the employees and citizens and hope that my varied experiences will be an asset to the city.”
  
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City, GRTC to provide free rides on Election Day, recognize Election Day as a city holiday

Click here to watch a video about rides to the polls

For the second consecutive year, the City of Richmond, in partnership with the Greater Richmond Transit Corporation, will provide free rides within the city’s GRTC transit network on November 5, 2019 in order to encourage participation in the state and local election. Richmond residents will be able to use any GRTC bus route within the limits of the city, including the GRTC Pulse and CARE, to reach their polling location, free of charge.

“Democracy is not a spectator sport,” said Mayor Stoney. “This measure removes lack of transportation as an obstacle to civic participation. Regardless of your politics, I encourage you to get in the game. And now it’s as easy as hopping on the bus to get to the polls.”

GRTC Chief Executive Officer Julie Timm said, “GRTC connects with nearly every single polling location in the City of Richmond, with more than 400 bus stops within a short walk. We are pleased to partner again this year with the city on fare-free Election Day rides.”

The City of Richmond will also be closed on November 5 to allow city employees ample time to vote and care for their families, many of which include children who will have the day off from school. While city offices will be closed, city-owned buildings hosting polling locations will be accessible during voting hours, including the General Registrar’s office on the first floor of City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street. 

For more information on riding a bus to the polls, use this map to explore your transit options, visit ridegrtc.com or contact Carrie Rose Pace at carrie.rosepace@grtc.com or 804-474-9354.

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City of Richmond sells bonds at lowest rate in history, avoids over $40 million in interest costs



On Wednesday, October 22, 2019, the City of Richmond successfully closed on its $150 million tax-exempt general obligation (GO) bonds, Series 2019A in order to issue new debt for city and schools projects and refund existing debt service for interest rate savings. Through this bond sale, the City is avoiding over $40 million in additional interest payments over the next 20 years, compared to previous borrowing assumptions.

The overall true interest cost of funds for the city’s 2019A bonds was approximately 2.22 percent, which is believed to be the lowest cost of long-term GO bonds for city and schools projects in Richmond’s history other than federally subsidized Build America bonds issued many years ago.

The bond sale follows Mayor Stoney’s meetings with all three credit rating agencies in New York in July. Each firm affirmed the city’s strong bond ratings, attesting to the city’s strong financial management. Fitch and S&P reaffirmed their strong ratings on the city’s 2019A Bonds at AA+, while Moody’s listed the city as Aa2 with a positive outlook. 

The city’s FY2020 general fund debt service budget presumed 4.0 percent interest on the $45 million portion of the bonds for City CIP projects. Based on the 2.2 percent pricing, the annual debt service savings in future years is estimated as $482 thousand. The FY2020 savings will be less, with the first principal payment in FY2021. The $14 million refunding component also achieved debt service savings for the general fund. The measure will save $676 thousand over four fiscal years, including $172 thousand in FY2020.

In terms of funding for the three new schools, $90 million, the majority of the $150 million funding plan for Richmond Public Schools, is now locked in for 20 years. That portion will be paid off in 2040, rather than in 2046. Previous projections presumed a 5.0 percent long term rate as opposed to the 2.2 percent rate. To provide some context for cost avoidance, annual debt service for $90 million over 20 years is $1.55 million less at the 2.2 percent interest rate, compared to 5.0 percent.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney noted, “These savings have the potential to pay off the schools’ debt early and accelerate our capacity to fund city- and school-related capital projects, and the credit ratings underscore Wall Street’s confidence in the city and its financial outlook.”

Lenora Reid, Acting Chief Administrative Officer, added, “Selling these bonds at a historically-low rate really helps position the City well for addressing our capital spending needs and will benefit our citizens for years to come.”

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Mayor Stoney and partners recognize National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, raise awareness of the city’s free lead abatement program


Mayor Levar Stoney, the City’s Department of Housing and Community Development, the Richmond City Health District, project:HOMES and the local Housing and Urban Development Office are joining forces to raise awareness of the dangers of lead exposure and poisoning during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 20-26, 2019.

To raise awareness of this critical issue, the Mayor and state health officials will visit the home of a family in South Barton Heights that requested a screening and participated in lead abatement.

“Lead poisoning is a serious issue that can impact our children for the rest of their lives,” said Mayor Stoney. “We want every parent to know its dangers, get their kids tested and take full advantage of this free-of-charge program to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.”

The city and its partners are working to educate the community on the danger of exposure to lead in the home and the importance of testing children for lead. Parents with young children are strongly encouraged to sign up for the city’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program, which provides free home screenings and lead abatement to eligible homes and rental properties in Richmond.

Lead exposure can result from various tainted materials, but the primary causes of lead poisoning among children are lead-based paint and lead contaminated dust. While lead can affect almost any organ and system in the body, the nervous system is particularly affected. Lead exposure can cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, approximately 16,000 children under the age of six living in Richmond are considered at high risk for lead poisoning. Because children living below the poverty line or residing in rental units built before 1978 are at the highest risk of lead exposure, minority and low-income families are disproportionately affected. Pregnant women residing in older housing are also at high risk.   

“The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program is an opportunity for many Richmond residents to live in safer housing and eliminate conditions that contribute to lead poisoning,” said Dr. Danny Avula, Director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. “A blood test is the only way to confirm whether someone is poisoned. This is why physicians play an important role in the effort to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. The health department is pleased to be a part of the city’s effort to prevent lead poisoning and encourage participation by property owners and residents who qualify.” 

The city received a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to reduce lead poisoning of children. Officials are encouraging families to sign up for testing.

“This program is essential because it provides a pathway for homes to be made lead safe for Richmond’s children. Lead poisoning causes real health problems impacting a child’s IQ, mood, and behavior in ways that can limit future opportunities and prevent success,” said Zack Miller, Lead Hazard Control Program Project Manager at project:HOMES. “This program provides our city’s low- and moderate-income families a cost-free path to knowing their homes are lead safe and not negatively affecting their children’s future.”



    Parents with children under age six and women who are pregnant are encouraged to call project:HOMES at 804-718-0517 or visit https://www.projecthomes.org/lead-remediation to learn more about the program.

    For more information on the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program, please contact:

    Mayor Levar Stoney proclaims October 14 Indigenous Peoples’ Day



    Today Mayor Stoney announced that the City of Richmond would recognize Monday October 14, 2019 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

    In the presence of representatives from the Nottaway, Chickahominy, Patawomeck, Mattaponi, Upper Mattaponi, Cheroenhaka and Pamunkey Indian Tribes, the mayor expressed thanks for the groups’ partnership and appreciation for their contributions to the Richmond community.

    While the federal government recognizes the second Monday in October each year as Columbus Day, the City of Richmond has never recognized Columbus Day as an employee holiday. The City of Richmond will again be open for business this Monday, but this year requests that employees and residents alike use Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an opportunity to reflect not only upon the culture and heritage of native peoples, but also to celebrate their influence, accomplishments and resilience in the face of extraordinary hardship.

    “Native Americans were the first residents of Richmond,” said Mayor Stoney. “They were here before any non-natives arrived in this country, commonwealth, or city. So it’s only fitting, and about time, that we acknowledge and celebrate the many contributions they have made to shape our city.”

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    Mayor Stoney to introduce ordinances requiring reporting of lost or stolen firearms and prohibiting driving while distracted by a mobile device


    At the October 14 meeting of the Richmond City Council meeting, Mayor Levar M. Stoney will propose two ordinances promoting public safety: an ordinance requiring the reporting of lost or stolen firearms and an ordinance prohibiting driving while distracted using a handheld communication device.

    Any person who loses a gun or has one stolen in the City of Richmond will be required to report the loss or theft to the Richmond Police Department within 24 hours. Failing to do so will result in a civil penalty.

    The goal of the ordinance is to help reduce the trafficking of lost and stolen guns, which are more likely to be used in criminal offenses. So far this year, 354 firearms have been reported stolen in the City of Richmond, 186 firearms from vehicles alone.

    “Unreported gun loss and gun theft lead to gun crime,” said Mayor Stoney. “We all need to play a role in keeping our communities safe, and we can no longer wait for the General Assembly to act. This piece of legislation will be another tool in the toolbox of our police department that will help reduce crime and improve public safety.”

    Currently, state law defines the theft of any firearm, regardless of value, as grand larceny. However, the Virginia General Assembly has repeatedly failed to pass a firearm loss or theft reporting requirement. This ordinance relies on the police powers provision granted to localities under the Code of Virginia. As written, the city’s ordinance would take effect immediately upon passage by the Richmond City Council.

    “Stolen guns often end up in the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, threatening the safety of our communities,” said Kristin DuMont, a Richmond resident and volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “It’s imperative these thefts are reported to law enforcement to protect our city and combat the trafficking of illegal guns. We’re grateful to Mayor Stoney for recognizing this problem and taking action.”

    Lori Haas, Senior Director for Advocacy with the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, said "Mayor Stoney's ordinance to require the reporting of lost and stolen guns within 24 hours is a step in the right direction of solving gun crimes and saving lives. I applaud them for this effort and encourage the ordinance's passage by the Richmond City Council."

    Mayor Stoney also announced plans to introduce another public safety ordinance on Monday that would penalize motor vehicle operators who drive distracted while using a handheld communication device. While a driver cannot be pulled over simply for using a handheld device, Richmond Police officers would ticket offenders under the new ordinance if they witness evidence of distracted driving, such as speeding, swerving or running a stop sign.

    Under the ordinance, driving while distracted by a handheld communication device will result in a fine of $125.00 for the first offense and $250.00 for any subsequent offenses.

    “Driving while holding a phone is just not a smart thing to do,” said Mayor Stoney. “And under this ordinance, distracted driving with a cell phone is going to cost you. As a city, we must take the necessary steps to address the dangers of distracted driving, and we will not stand idly by as pedestrians, bicyclists, transit-users and fellow drivers are put in harm’s way.”  

    In 2018, 73 distracted driving crashes were the result of using a cell phone while driving. Due to underreporting, the actual number of motor vehicle crashes related to handheld communication devices is likely much higher.

    Passage of the ordinance would increase the safety of motorists and pedestrians and protect property along Richmond’s roadways. “It is time to shift our existing habits behind the wheel and grow our safety culture,” said Michael Sawyer, the city’s coordinator for Vision Zero.  “This ordinance will help us do just that.”

    According to Ruth Morrison, Policy Director with the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, one in twelve drivers in Virginia today are classified as “phone addicts,” and that number is expected to climb to one in five by 2022. This makes Virginia the most dangerous state in the United States when it comes to distracted driving.

    “Instead of waiting for the next life lost, the next child or mother, teacher or neighbor, to be killed or injured by a distracted driver, our city is working proactively to make safety on our streets a priority,” Morrison said.

    “Distracted driving is the new drunk driving, and it’s a public health crisis we can fix,” said Louise Lockett Gordon, Director of Bike Walk RVA. “Just as we have prohibited driving under the influence, prohibiting driving while distracted by a handheld device is a common-sense measure to protect the lives of our neighbors, including our most vulnerable people: those walking, biking, and accessing transit.”

    “Every bus rider begins and ends their trip as a pedestrian. Penalizing distracted driving will help keep Richmonders safe as they move around the city by bus, bike, or on foot,” says RVA Rapid Transit Executive Director Ross Catrow. “The Mayor has taken a good first step towards keeping Richmonders safe, and we're looking forward to even stronger legislation from both the city and the state to further protect all people who use our streets.”

    “No phone call or text is worth risking a human life,” says Janet Brooking, Executive Director of Drive Smart Virginia. “This ordinance is a big step in the right direction, helping drivers do the right thing and put the phone down.”

    Currently, Virginia Law prohibits any person from operating a motor vehicle while using any handheld communication device to manually enter numbers or letters in attempt to communicate with another or read any email or text stored within the device. Under state law, it is still legal to use a handheld communication device to browse the internet, use social media, watch videos and use GPS mapping features and other functions while driving.

    Should City Council pass this ordinance, Richmond will join Spotsylvania County and the City of Hampton as the only Virginia localities to enact laws targeting distracted driving due to a handheld device. The new law would go into effect six months after adoption in order to allow for an educational period.

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