My agenda for Richmond is the citizens' agenda. It's having a safe and healthy community, with diverse economic opportunities and improvements in local education. This is a vision that unites us all. My Administration is focusing on the public's "A-A-A" mandate for governance: Access, Action and Accountability.

Access

One of the most essential elements is open access. Ours is an open government - of, and by, for the people - where voices are heard, ideas are welcomed, and issues and needs are addressed.  This web site is directly tied to that goal.

In the 21st Century, it is essential for government to be able to inform the public about the success we are having in restoring Richmond to greatness. The media will not always tell you the good news or the entire story, and in some cases focuses on the salacious rather than the substantive issues that affect your life. This site will allow you access to what is happening without any filters from other sources.

I am also interested in what is on the mind of our citizens. There is a “Ask the Mayor” Page on this web site where you can send your concerns. The answers will be posted weekly on Richmond.com so you can see that we are taking action and responding to our citizens’ needs.

Action

My Administration has assembled a top team of talent from across the country to refurbish Richmond’s government to run more like a business. We have Directors in our departments with a vast array of experience in both the public and private sector who are working hard to make City government better for all citizens.

You can see it in the success we have had fighting crime; the inclusion of the public in the Downtown Master Plan; the long term fixes in drainage in Battery Park and Shockoe Bottom; as well as the proactive stance in code enforcement and fight against blight and vacant buildings.

We are continuing to chart a new course for the benefit of our entire community.

Accountability

Responsibility and accountability go hand in hand and I am determined to ensure that both are returned to a position of prominence in Richmond. For years, citizens accepted ongoing corruption and waste and in return now face correcting a legacy of abandonment. They demanded change and it has not been an easy road. However, I am committed to making the hard decisions and working to create a new legacy of success and prosperity for our great city.