News
We sat down with the 5 candidates for Richmond mayor. Here's what they said.
November 4, 2024
Here's our five-part series highlighting the lives of each Richmond mayoral candidate, how they came to join the political arena and their dreams for the future of Richmond. Interviews were conducted at each candidate's favorite location in the city.
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RVA's Got Issues: Meet mayoral candidate Andreas Addison
October 30, 2024
"Who's Got Your Vote?" takes voters inside Richmond's race for mayor. Host Rich Meagher interviewed each candidate to get closer to the issues and faces that want to shape the future of Richmond.
The RVA's Got Issues series continues with City Councilor Andreas Addison, who is currently representing Richmond's 1st District.
Listen here
Panel presents local candidates, educates student voters
October 30, 2024
Addison addressed housing with a focus on VCU students. He wants students to “hit the ground running” for housing after college and propose affordable home ownership and reworking tax structures to benefit homeowners and renters, he said.
“Richmond was a top three city for evictions across the country,” Addison said. “I watched people get evicted and said ‘this is enough.’”
The Pitch: Advertising and marketing news for 10.29.24
October 29, 2024
Xponent21 produced a campaign spot for Richmond mayoral candidate Andreas Addison. The 60-second spot features Richmond voters and is scheduled to run across social channels through Election Day. Xponent21 worked with local firms Shannon Strategies and DBArcade on the shoot.
Evergib and Karnes Coffey Design collaborated on a brand refresh and website for Prologue Hospitality, a Richmond-based tech company that provides building documentation services for hotels and resorts. Karnes Coffey handled the website design and Evergib handled brand strategy, messaging and website development.
The Pitch: Advertising and marketing news for 10.29.24
October 29, 2024
Current 1st District Councilor Andreas Addison voted in support of the Northside Planned Parenthood Health Center. He said he plans to expand options for health care, abortion and gender-affirming care in the city.
“Having an efficient City Hall with seamless permitting, providing safety-net and wraparound services to improve social determinants of health, and funding community-based organizations offering perinatal, maternal, and reproductive health services is critical,” Addison wrote. “Additionally, expanding the number of health care providers in areas with few medical resources also improves the overall life expectancy of residents.”
How could Richmond’s next mayor impact abortion access?
October 29, 2024
Current 1st District Councilor Andreas Addison voted in support of the Northside Planned Parenthood Health Center. He said he plans to expand options for health care, abortion and gender-affirming care in the city.
“Having an efficient City Hall with seamless permitting, providing safety-net and wraparound services to improve social determinants of health, and funding community-based organizations offering perinatal, maternal, and reproductive health services is critical,” Addison wrote. “Additionally, expanding the number of health care providers in areas with few medical resources also improves the overall life expectancy of residents.”
Richmond Election 2024: Check Out Our Latest Poll Numbers
October 25, 2024
As we approach Election Day in Richmond, we find ourselves not only voting for new leadership across the board but also nearing the end of our Richmond Elections Reader’s Poll, which has given the RVA Magazine community a platform to voice their opinions. We’ll be keeping the poll open until the day of the election to see how our results compare to the final vote. This year’s election is particularly significant, as we’ll be choosing a new mayor, school board members, and city council representatives who will help shape the future of our rapidly growing city.
History and life experiences helped shape Andreas Addison’s vision for Richmond mayoral run
October 25, 2024
Andreas Addison used to work in Richmond City Hall and is the only mayoral candidate serving in public office, giving him experience and a track record in local government that he believes will help him lead the city.
But Addison said his other less-talked-about life experiences, from growing up on free lunch to working as a waiter and bartender, have and will continue to guide him if he’s elected.
Addison said his campaign, in a way, has allowed him to shed his title as Richmond City Councilman and meet people where they are to talk about their experiences and share his own.
Meet the candidates for mayor, City Council, School Board
October 24, 2024
The Richmond Free Press asked candidates about the top issues facing the city and their respective districts, and their plans to address those issues. The answers from the candidates who responded with completed questionnaires are published in this week’s Special Election Section. For the full list of candidates in city elections, visit rva.gov/elections.
Your vote is your power.
City committee approves Greyhound to use Main Street Station as Richmond bus stop
October 23, 2024
A City of Richmond committee has approved Greyhound to use Main Street Station as a bus stop for the next two years.
This is the final approval needed before the city council makes the final decision.
Richmond City's Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Committee approved a contract Tuesday that will allow Greyhound to use the plaza across the street from Main Street Station for bus drop off and pick up. This comes after the current station on Arthur Ashe Boulevard closed on October 20.
Q&As with Richmond’s mayoral candidates: Read all 5 parts here
October 22, 2024
Get caught up on our Q&A series with the five candidates running for mayor in Richmond. Click any of the names below to read each installment.
Vote Local - Your guide to the 2024 Richmond elections
October 21, 2024
Eight years representing the 1st District on City Council and 16 years in City Hall have made him something of a policy wonk. He says he’s running for mayor to improve quality of life for Richmond citizens through the use of creative but proven methods.
“Housing is my top issue,” Addison, 42, says. “Rent prices are directly correlated to markets, but what I will do as mayor is look to the Washington Housing Conservancy model in Washington, D.C.”
Letter to the Editor | Andreas Addison Should Be The Next Mayor of Richmond
October 21, 2024
When push has come to shove over the past near-decade of Richmond’s history, one mayoral candidate has consistently advocated for progressive policies that improve the lives of all Richmonders. One candidate has developed and worked to adopt programs that model best practices from other cities across the country on issues related to education, housing, transit, and environmental justice. One candidate can walk into City Hall on day one of their administration with the experience needed to marshal city resources and achieve the equitable Richmond we’ve all fought to realize. One candidate has the political courage to tackle our most pressing challenges. That candidate is Andreas Addison, and we hope you can see it too.
A plot in the Museum District sits vacant. Will the luxury homes ever arrive?
October 20, 2024
“I think what we have here is a lack of respect for the historic character of neighborhoods,” Addison said. “I want investment, but I want good investment to happen.”
City leaders should have more incentives for redeveloping old properties, Addison added. The state and federal governments issue credits that can substantially reduce an owner’s tax obligation. But city leaders have few tools to promote redevelopment, and obtaining a credit can be complicated.
Richmond Reddit thread reveals what voters want in next mayor
October 18, 2024
An "Ask Me Anything" thread from a mayoral candidate on RVA Reddit on Thursday is giving insights into what Richmonders want from the city's next mayor.
A spokesperson for Andreas Addison told Axios they don't but noted Addison's coffee chats and site where he's answered questions.
Tax relief takes center stage at mayoral debate
October 17, 2024
Addison noted his previous work to bring a new tax structure to the city, including advocacy on the state level to allow Richmond to implement real estate tax reform. This change and a related City Council study and plan are key, he said, for a change in how real estate is taxed, moving the burden of the budget away from homeowners and enabling Richmond’s growth.
“I’m tired of taxing homeowners,” Addison said, “Let’s focus on our vision of our future together.”
Mayoral candidates weigh in on Richmond's real estate tax during debate
October 16, 2024
Andreas Addison, current 1st District councilman, also pitched a different approach: tax reform. He reiterated his commitment to transitioning the city from a market-based tax rate to a land-value tax model.
Under a land-value tax model, homeowners would be taxed based on the value of the land their homes occupy rather than the value of the development or improvement of those properties. Addison has said this taxation method would prevent residents from being “punished” for improving their homes and would also stimulate commercial development.
In 2020, the General Assembly—at Addison's urging—added Richmond to the list of localities authorized to implement a land-value tax, Addison said, and it is past time to act on that approval.
“I’m tired of taxing homeowners,” he said.
Forum presents mayoral candidates, their plans to support creatives
October 16, 2024
Richmonders were invited to engage with these potential leaders and voice their concerns on the subject matter. Through an online questionnaire, attendees asked questions about candidates’ varying stances on the intersection of arts and politics.
CultureWorks, an organization whose mission is to “strengthen artists and arts and culture organizations to increase their impact in our region,” held the forum, according to its website.
“My goal as mayor is to make sure every child can be inspired artistically, be able to create and explore who they can be as an adult,” Addison said.
Why each of these candidates wants to be Richmond's next mayor
October 16, 2024
The first question of the debate was: Tell us why you are the best and most qualified person on this stage to be the next mayor of Richmond.
Andreas Addison
I am a 16-year veteran of City Hall. My eight years working in the walls of City Hall focused my attention on taking a entry-level position and making it into a nationally recognized government innovation leader.
I led international projects, won state awards and national awards as well. The reason why I quit my job is because you don't know about any of the work that I did, and so one of the biggest things I wanted to do is run for office.
Richmond's mayoral candidates discuss their views on police
October 16, 2024
The eighth question of the debate was: As mayor, how would you see your relationship with the police chief and how would you go about achieving it?
Andreas Addison
As mayor, you want to see a mayor who's going to be not just working together yearly when you have the report we're showing, but you want to see the relationship we have outside in the neighborhoods, showing up at meetings across our entire community.
If there are concerns about public safety, it might be responding with a police officer or maybe a social worker, or maybe the needs of investing in a neighborhood to be safer and better lit or fixing that sidewalk.
Richmond mayoral candidates discuss recommendations of City Charter Review Commission
October 16, 2024
I think the charter review was a very thorough evaluation. There are many recommendations. I think we do need to look at how we are structured for our election cycle. More importantly, the positions.
We should look at large options as well to make sure we're representing the entire city as a whole.
But also, I think there's some changes we could look at to making sure the structures between City Council, the mayor's office and the administration are seamless, but more importantly, clearly defined.
That is one thing I've struggled with, and I want to make sure we understand how to work together more cohesively for your benefit to improve the city of Richmond.
Citizens' Debate Recap: Where Richmond's mayoral candidates stand on key issues
October 15, 2024
Question 1: Tell us why you are the best and most qualified person on this stage to be the next mayor of Richmond.
Andreas Addison
I am a 16-year veteran of City Hall. My eight years working in the walls of City Hall focused my attention on taking a entry-level position and making it into a nationally recognized government innovation leader.
I led international projects, won state awards and national awards as well. The reason why I quit my job is because you don't know about any of the work that I did, and so one of the biggest things I wanted to do is run for office.
Primer: The 2024 Richmond mayoral race
October 14, 2024
Summary: Andreas Addison distinguishes himself with a detailed plan to reform City Hall, focusing on transparency and efficiency. His housing goals include activating publicly owned land for affordable housing and preventing evictions, while his commitment to safer neighborhoods involves improving infrastructure like sidewalks and public transit. He also emphasizes building a Southside workforce development center to equip residents with trade skills.
Addison's other key priorities include expanding access to reproductive services, supporting LGBTQ+ residents through the creation of an Office of LGBTQ Affairs, and addressing public safety by fostering trust between communities and law enforcement. While climate issues are not a central focus for him, Addison’s campaign addresses a broad range of community concerns, positioning him as a candidate dedicated to inclusive and equitable growth for Richmond.
News questionnaire: 2024 Richmond mayoral candidates
October 14, 2024
Summary: Andreas Addison’s top initiatives include launching a Department of Transportation, implementing real estate tax reforms, lowering the tax burden on residents and lowering small business and meals taxes, and restructuring the Economic Development Authority to foster regional competition. Addison also plans to activate publicly owned parcels to create affordable housing and build a state-of-the-art workforce development center on the Southside. His vision for Southside includes improved infrastructure, small business support, and transit-oriented development.
Addison is also focused on improving City Hall’s efficiency, pledging to enhance customer service, modernize technology systems, and implement performance-focused weekly meetings. He aims to restore trust through initiatives like a public budget website and a “Pulse of the City” dashboard to track key city services. To address housing, he proposes a new Housing Conservancy, zoning updates, and leveraging city-owned properties for homeownership opportunities. Additionally, Addison emphasized increasing engagement with Latino residents through regular community meetings and improved language access initiatives.
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In their words: Richmond's mayoral candidates address education, city schools
October 13, 2024
Over the past three weeks, the five mayoral candidates offered their visions for improving economic development, housing and public safety in Richmond. In this final installment, the candidates address education and Richmond Public Schools, which have historically struggled with segregation, deep racial inequities and a high concentration of economically disadvantaged students. We conclude our series — the Times-Dispatch Editorial Board asked each of the candidates to write 500-word essays outlining their plans in August — by focusing on the city’s most important constituency: young people. Here are the candidates’ responses.
Taking Andreas Addison on a Vampire Hunt
October 13, 2024
Getting burnt out on election season is real. I asked Richmond City Councilor and mayoral candidate Andreas Addison to meet me at the Richmond Gun Hole so we could tackle disinformation campaigns that spread fear and hatred. We all need a change of scenery to escape the nightmarish monotony and nonsensical conspiracies.
I asked Addison about the types of misinformation he has encountered in his campaign for mayor. In the spirit of Halloween, Addison referred to some mysterious figures who took credit for achievements they were not part of. Addison has served on Richmond City Council for the past eight years and is proud of securing fare-free public transportation for the area.
Mayoral candidates propose plans to boost Richmond’s arts and culture
October 10, 2024
Addison used his experience in city government to show his ability to bring results to the public, his experience as a business owner in recognizing the obstacles for entrepreneurs and his upbringing in proposals to facilitate artistic inspiration for the city’s youths.
“The equitable growth of our city is dependent on these kinds of conversations, these kinds of questions,” Addison said.
City employees push Stoney to move forward with contract negotiations
October 6, 2024
It’s a fight Richmond city employees are making loud and clear, pushing for a new contract they believe will improve their working conditions and overall quality of life.
“The Mayor’s administration, not the city council, is not taking these negotiations seriously,” said Brian Peyton, the President of Local 322.
The union represents the 600 employees from the Department of Public Works, Public Utilities and Parks and Recreation.
The City Council voted two years ago to give city workers the right to be represented by a union, which provides them with a seat at the table regarding their contracts.
Stone Brewing Tap Room workers vote against unionizing
October 4, 2024
First District City Councilman Andreas Addison in an open letter on Sept. 25 said the company was using “anti-union activities.” Addison, who is running for Richmond mayor, called on the company’s managers to “immediately cease these activities and recognize the union (the) workers overwhelmingly support.”
“When you chose to invest in Richmond, you didn’t just invest in your own success — you invested in our people,” Addison said. “Do you believe you can intimidate your way to success in your city?”
Abortion issues heat up Richmond's first mayoral election post-Roe
October 3, 2024
Abortion is taking center stage in Richmond's first mayoral election since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Why it matters: Local officials actually play a key role in determining access in Virginia. Policies like zoning dictate where an abortion clinic can or cannot exist, according to a recent report from the RAND Corporation.
Mayoral candidates tackle key issues during VPM forum
October 3, 2024
Addison used his experience in city government to show his ability to bring results to the public, his experience as a business owner in recognizing the obstacles for entrepreneurs and his upbringing in proposals to facilitate artistic inspiration for the city’s youths.
“The equitable growth of our city is dependent on these kinds of conversations, these kinds of questions,” Addison said.
Richmonders will pick one of these five people to be their next mayor
October 2, 2024
Addison’s proposed changes to the city’s tax system that he said would tax land itself, not the houses on that land. This switch, he says, would reduce tax burdens for homeowners.
“People who bought a home ten years ago are now paying over $200 more a month just in taxes to keep their house and it's a challenge I hear in every income level,” Addison said.
Mayoral candidates discuss taxes, health at VPM/12 On Your Side forum
October 1, 2024
Addison said his plan would lower the tax burden and incentivize the use of vacant properties.
“We've got 1,000 vacant parcels all across the city, whether single family or commercially zoned, that need to be activated,” Addison said. “[We] need to focus on driving the change in investment to activate housing, jobs and first-floor retail to transform our city.”
In their words: Richmond’s mayor candidates outline plans for economic development, housing
September 30, 2024
While on City Council, I have focused on helping Richmonders stay in their homes. In this year’s budget I introduced Richmond’s first right to counsel program, providing funding for legal representation for folks facing eviction. And as mayor, I will stop unsustainable tax increases on our homeowners.
When your neighbor sells their house for a large profit, your assessment and taxes go up. This places an unfair and sometimes impossible financial burden on residents. That’s why, in 2019, I worked with then-state Sen. Jennifer McClellan to pass legislation to allow Richmond to shift to a land value tax model.
Councilmember Andreas Addison Sends Letter to Sapporo Stone Brewing Management Demanding Company Stop Union Busting
September 26, 2024
Richmond, Va. – Today, City Councilmember and Mayoral Candidate Andreas Addison sent a letter to Sapporo-Stone Brewing (SSB), calling for management to immediately halt efforts to prevent their employees from forming a union. Workers at Stone’s plant have been organizing with Teamsters Local 322, a branch of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. SSB management has responded with a classic union-busting campaign including distributing flyers with misinformation about unionizing. Addison’s letter reads:
How would Richmond’s 2024 mayoral candidates support Black reparations?
September 24, 2024
What does “reparations” mean to you?
In 1967, President Johnson established the National Advisory Commission on Violence and Civil Disorders, or Kerner Commission, to investigate the cause of more than 150 riots in Detroit, Newark, and other cities across the country.
He expected to find evidence of a Black militant conspiracy but received a groundbreaking 426-page report on race relations in the United States.
City Council votes to support right to legal representation for people facing eviction
September 24, 2024
The $500,000 of funding for the right-to-counsel pilot program will pay for three attorneys who will be able to assist roughly 450 potential evictees a year, Wegbreit said. But that leaves “the other 94%” on their own.
Addison, who pitched the pilot program after observing eviction proceedings in court, acknowledged that “the money will be spent very quickly,” but said he believes the $500,000 is just a start.
Richmond City Council declares ‘public crisis’ for evictions sans representation
September 24, 2024
Richmond City Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday night declaring evictions without legal representation a “public crisis” and offering support for programs that would provide tenants the right to counsel in eviction proceedings.
The resolution cites research from the RVA Eviction Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University, which found that tenants who face eviction in the city of Richmond and Henrico and Chesterfield counties were nearly eight times as likely to receive favorable outcomes with legal representation.
Council backs right to counsel in evictions, OKs 266-unit development in Swansboro
September 23, 2024
City Councilor Andreas Addison (1st District), the lead sponsor of the resolution, said he had seen those court hearings firsthand.
“It is a very eye-opening experience and one that is pretty much the motivation of where this came from,” he said.
Richmond’s eviction rate came under public scrutiny in 2018, when a team of Princeton researchers found the city had one of the highest eviction rates in the nation, with roughly 1 in 11 renter households facing eviction. Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk and Chesapeake also showed up on the list.
Meet Richmond mayoral candidate Andreas Addison
September 23, 2024
Addison says it wasn’t always like this. He was born to a single mother in Shenandoah and raised on food stamps.
“If I can unlock that opportunity for more kids in our city, that’s what I want to do,” he said. “And I know that comes from a leadership for mayor, but I think that comes from learned and lived experience that I bring that is unlike a lot of my opponents.”
Testy council meeting ends with no action on tax rate, at Stoney administration's request
September 19, 2024
“We are going to continue the trend of pushing people out of their homes,” Addison said. “This is the biggest thing I see happening across every district in our city right now.”
Addison, who is running for mayor this year, said the council should leave the issue of adjusting the tax rate to the mayor and City Council that voters will elect in November.
Richmond City Council debate on real estate tax rate gets heated
September 19, 2024
This year, the average real estate value assessments increased by 6.8% — almost 3% more than expected, Addison said — and that excess revenue can be used to “take financial pressure off homeowners” through a refund or rebate.
“Looking at our current budget, I believe there is ... some change we can make to adjust what people are complaining about, which is the cost of living,” he said.
Richmond citizens to choose how $3 million is spent in new initiative
September 18, 2024
Addison said he hopes the People’s Budget will be a blueprint for how a community can voice their needs and collaborate on solutions for allocating funds and resources.
“I would love to see a community driven approach to improving all parts of our city. It starts with this,” Addison said.
Richmond mobile home residents lament repair costs
September 18, 2024
“I think one of the biggest challenges that I've been hearing throughout the last couple years has been the maintenance of roofs and ceilings, and some of the decay over the years,” Addison said. “These are not meant to be permanent housing.”
Addison, who is running for Richmond mayor this November, said poor living conditions also expose that landlords might not be taking care of infrastructure around the home.
Council committee advances proposal for four-way stop signs on Cutshaw Avenue
September 17, 2024
Having passed in 2020, Virginia law allows for the use of land value taxes, when property is taxed by the land and not the structure sitting on top of it. Addison, as a Richmond City Council member representing District 1, advocated for that law and asked then-state Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, to carry it. Now he wants to see it put to use.
He said this measure can help homeowners, particularly seniors and people on fixed incomes, to remain in their homes. Usually home sales in a neighborhood are what drives peoples’ tax assessments up over time and can push longer-term residents out of certain neighborhoods.
Richmond mayor candidates’ ideas on housing and how the state can help the city
September 16, 2024
Having passed in 2020, Virginia law allows for the use of land value taxes, when property is taxed by the land and not the structure sitting on top of it. Addison, as a Richmond City Council member representing District 1, advocated for that law and asked then-state Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, to carry it. Now he wants to see it put to use.
He said this measure can help homeowners, particularly seniors and people on fixed incomes, to remain in their homes. Usually home sales in a neighborhood are what drives peoples’ tax assessments up over time and can push longer-term residents out of certain neighborhoods.
Here's how Richmond's mayoral candidates say they would fix the Finance Department
September 15, 2024
“Where a company has invested to support their success as a business, they should be supporting the success of their employees,” says Andreas Addison, a Richmond city councilmember who is currently running for mayor. He tells me he supports Stone workers’ drive with an unequivocal “yes.” He’s not a neophyte on union negotiations, either — in 2023, when the city’s transit board negotiated with its union to increase bus drivers’ starting pay 40 percent to address labor shortages, Addison was serving as its vice chair, a position he still holds. “We’re in a housing crisis in the city of Richmond right now, and a lot of that comes down to what our workforce is compensated,” he tells me. Imagine that.
Here Are All the Pages of Sapporo-Stone’s Union-Busting Playbook (So Far)
September 12, 2024
“Where a company has invested to support their success as a business, they should be supporting the success of their employees,” says Andreas Addison, a Richmond city councilmember who is currently running for mayor. He tells me he supports Stone workers’ drive with an unequivocal “yes.” He’s not a neophyte on union negotiations, either — in 2023, when the city’s transit board negotiated with its union to increase bus drivers’ starting pay 40 percent to address labor shortages, Addison was serving as its vice chair, a position he still holds. “We’re in a housing crisis in the city of Richmond right now, and a lot of that comes down to what our workforce is compensated,” he tells me. Imagine that.
Richmonders pitch city projects as People’s Budget begins
September 12, 2024
The Richmond People’s Budget officially launched Tuesday afternoon with an event that brought roughly 60 residents of the city and the surrounding counties to Abner Clay Park. City Council members and organizers were present to celebrate the program’s start and encourage the public to take an active part in deciding to improve the city.
“This is a chance for us to go, ‘Let’s show you how city government can work for the people and by the people’.”said 1st District Councilmember and mayoral candidate Andreas Addison, who first began efforts on the program through a resolution in 2019.
At least 7 more Richmond mayor forums, debates coming this fall
September 11, 2024
Candidates for Richmond mayor on Monday evening announced a lineup of forums, town halls and debates that will take place during the final stretch of the campaigns.
Andreas Addison, Dr. Danny Avula, Michelle Mosby, Maurice Neblett and Harrison Roday all have committed to participate in the following events.
City council approves resolution for public internet access
September 11, 2024
Richmond City Council voted for a resolution to solidify high-speed internet access for citizens as a public necessity in homes, educational facilities and businesses on Sept. 9th.
City Council member and mayoral candidate Andreas Addison proposed the plan, which will not only declare internet access a public necessity in homes, educational and training facilities but also implement a “Digital Equity Assessment and Plan” to provide that access to citizens, according to ABC 8News.
Richmond pilots participatory budget program, hands residents $3 million
September 10, 2024
A crowd of about 50 gathered in Abner Clay Park in the afternoon for the formal kickoff of a public-input process on how to spend the earmarked amount on improvement projects in neighborhoods around the city.
“What it does is allow you to bring together your community, your neighbors, your friends, (and) your coworkers to identify things you want to see improved right here where you live, work and play,” 1st District councilor Andreas Addison said. “(City councilors) make decisions every year about how we spend the whole budget — let’s put some money in your hands.”
$3 million People’s Budget launches in Richmond
September 10, 2024
“We’re gonna see needs across the city, no more of us fighting each other on the things you wanna see us do,“ Addison told the crowd of about 50 people who gathered for the launch. “It’s now saying, ‘You know what? We need to put more money in our park bench budget, we need to pour more money in our playground budget because we’ve got a bunch of districts asking for the same thing.’”
Richmond exceeding its annual affordable housing goals
September 10, 2024
“If you have a parcel of land you’re looking to build affordable housing on,” Addison said. “We’re saying that we are going to give you a tax break, or tax incentive or not pay any taxes on the land. And so, what we’re saying is, we’ll only tax you on the building you put on that land, and we’re negotiating that tax write-off for the affordability.”
Richmond City Council passes resolution to improve internet speed throughout the city
September 10, 2024
“We found that we have some pockets of our city that do not have the same internet speeds or access. We’re trying to find ways to make sure it’s not just broadband. We’re looking for fiber speeds that allow for higher internet capacity for the home,” said Addison, who also wrote the resolution.
Andreas Addison Discusses Vision for Richmond, VA as Mayoral Candidate on the Randy Wilson Podcast
September 9, 2024
Richmond, VA City Councilman Andreas Addison is running for Mayor of the City of Richmond, VA! Recently, Councilman Addison discussed his vision for the future of the city and his plans for positive change on the Randy Wilson Podcast.
Listen here
Andreas Addison's opening statement during 'I Vote With Pride' mayor forum
September 6, 2024
Watch here
Replay: 'I Vote With Pride' forum featuring Richmond mayor candidates
September 6, 2024
The "I Vote With Pride" forum featuring candidates running for Richmond mayor in the November election was held Thursday evening.
The forum was sponsored by Virginia Pride, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Diversity Richmond and the Virginia Video Network.
A Diversity of Thought on Display
September 6, 2024
The candidates — Andreas Addison, Dr. Danny Avula, Michelle Mosby, Maurice Neblett and Harrison Roday — faced questions from state Senate candidate Alexsis Rodgers and Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist Jeff Schapiro in a Sept. 5 forum dubbed “I Vote With Pride.” The discussion, with some topics submitted by audience members, touched on conversion therapy bans, sex education and religious beliefs regarding LGBTQ+ rights but often explored more general subjects of city governance.
Richmond breaks ground on Fall Line Trail in Bryan Park
August 29, 2024
“This all comes together as part of what I see as our transit-oriented development future,” Addison said. “We’re really going to focus on investing in and around these routes to bring access to housing, job opportunities and maybe stopping by for a bite to eat, coffee, other resources.”
A Richmond City Council proposal could be the first step to citywide WiFi
August 28, 2024
First District City Council Member Andreas Addison, who is sponsoring the resolution, tells Axios he hopes the plan leads to conversations about how internet access affects access to city services.
"With so many functions of today's society being moved to virtual and online, if we know there are populations that are in our city right now that don't have that ability, then we're not doing our job."
Could This Right-to-Counsel Program for Evictions Become a Statewide Model in Virginia?
August 27, 2024
But he thinks the “third option” — connecting with legal counsel — could help resolve matters out of court, or at least ensure residents going through court are represented by professionals with deeper understandings of the law.
Addison said he is running to address the needs of Richmond — a community to which he said he has dedicated his “16-year career” in city government — and has “no intention of running for higher office.”
5 Richmond mayoral candidates vow not to seek higher office while mayor
August 27, 2024
Addison said he is running to address the needs of Richmond — a community to which he said he has dedicated his “16-year career” in city government — and has “no intention of running for higher office.”
FOIA fight: blown deadlines, hefty fees and extensions stymie access to Richmond public records
August 26, 2024
Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act was written with this premise in mind. In its own words, the state’s FOIA is intended to “ensure the people of the Commonwealth ready access to public records” because “the affairs of government are not intended to be conducted in an atmosphere of secrecy.”
But in Richmond, that “ready access” can come up against multiple barriers, including disregard for legal deadlines, hefty fees for obtaining documents and the consistent use of extensions to delay the distribution of those documents. The use of certain exemptions to FOIA can also create an obstacle.
Richmond council members respond to finance department changes: 'We need to invest in our training'
August 21, 2024
“I think a lot of the headlines we've been seeing over the last several months have been indicating a challenge within the operations of our Finance Department and other core functions related to how we bill our residents, businesses, etc.," Councilmember Andreas Addison said.
VPM Media Corp. to host, stream and televise live Richmond mayoral forum
August 20, 2024
Candidates vying for Richmond mayor will discuss issues that matter to residents in a live forum hosted by VPM Media Corporation in partnership with 12 On Your Side and ChamberRVA.
All five candidates — Andreas Addison, Dr. Danny Avula, Michelle Mosby, Maurice Neblett and Harrison Roday — have agreed to participate in the event scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 1.
'I've proven I can do it': Andreas Addison leans on his past in mayoral run
August 19, 2024
This is how Andreas Addison likes it — surrounded by people collectively working together. It is here where he spends his time preparing for City Council meetings, discusses strategy with his mayoral campaign team and grades students’ assignments for his University of Virginia class.
Could this right-to-counsel program for evictions become a statewide model?
August 19, 2024
Richmond council member Andreas Addison proposed the program after sitting in on fast-paced eviction cases in Richmond. According to an RVA Eviction Lab report through Virginia Commonwealth University, 40% of evictions in the city last less than 60 seconds in court and Richmond’s eviction rate is the second highest in the nation.
Richmond’s public spending database no longer accessible
August 16, 2024
Despite city code mandating monthly updates to the city’s expenditures in the database, it hadn’t been updated since 2019. After reporting from The Richmond Times-Dispatch on the lack of updates, the database has since become inaccessible.
The webpage now reads “sorry, we can’t let you in here. You don’t have the security clearance to view this page.”
Councilors Andreas Addison and Reva Trammell have expressed frustration over the news.
City cuts off access to public spending database; council members concerned
August 9, 2024
Councilman Andreas Addison of the 1st District said he would oppose any move by Saunders to repeal the city’s open data ordinance.
“The administration has offered various explanations as to why they’re either not willing or able to share this information, but the fact is city code explicitly requires them to make this information publicly available,” said Addison, who in 2015 helped set up the open data portal and who voted to codify a usage guide for it in 2017.
City stopped publishing spending data in 2019 — despite code requiring it
August 9, 2024
“The city runs on public money and Richmonders deserve to have insight into how these dollars are being spent,” Addison said. “The tool already exists ... but the portal is useless if it isn’t regularly updated.”
‘We’re finally here’: New renderings for Diamond District ballpark unveiled
August 8, 2024
After a series of seemingly endless delays and even a lawsuit, Richmond’s Diamond District Development Project is moving forward with new renderings of the highly-anticipated ballpark. “I think the exciting part of this is… we’re finally here,” Addison said. “We have kind of the starting point, the first step into this pathway of really realizing what’s going to happen with this development.”
Why every Richmond mayoral candidate says City Hall needs a new administrative leader
August 7, 2024
"Richmonders are tired of the persistent scandals coming out of city hall. As a member of City Council, I receive countless calls and emails from residents looking for help with services the city should not be struggling to provide," Andreas Addison said.
Starter homes are being torn down in Richmond and replaced with McMansions
August 6, 2024
"Not only are we losing ready-to-move-in homes that are affordable, we're also fast-tracking the rest of the neighborhood to be unaffordable for everyone else," 1st District City Councilman Andreas Addison, whose district includes the Near West End, tells Axios.
Chief administrative officer, procurement cards topics at Richmond mayor forum
August 2, 2024
Addison: “Our tax system is currently designed to punish homeowners. In my first budget, we will implement a tax reform that will shift how we tackle the property and the land. You will see us focus more on growth where we want to see growth and create revenue.”
First report from Public Utilities and Services Commission due October 2024
July 31, 2024
“We are looking for transparency, accountability, understanding of exactly what is going on with our utilities,” said Andreas Addison, 1st District councilor and patron of the PUC ordinance.”
Richmond mayoral candidates work to woo local business owners
July 10, 2024
“Clearly, the way we do business at City Hall is broken. Richmonders should not be learning about a new problem caused by city officials every time they read the news. From the meals tax, problems in the Finance Department, FOIA compliance, a whistleblower lawsuit, and credit card misuse — there continues to be a string of crises caused by poor decision-making, a lack of transparency, and poor oversight.”
Mayoral Candidate Andreas Addison Releases Statement Regarding Credit Card Suspensions of City Officials
July 6, 2024
“One of the biggest things I want to do as mayor is really strengthen our Economic Development Authority because I don’t think you’re going to get bureaucracy to support everything as a business owner, and you kind of want to have an entrepreneur mindset talking to you.”
Richmond spokesperson resigns amid transparency issues
July 2, 2024
“This is one of those things that should be easily made accessible so that accountability is built into how it works,” Addison said. “Most cities that I see that have a good strong, open data portal or open data policy are focusing on transparency.”
ABC 8: Five Richmond mayoral candidates sound off at Monday night’s mayoral forum
June 25, 2024
All five of Richmond's mayoral candidates shared a stage inside the chapel on Virginia Union University's campus. The candidates addressed key issues facing the city ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 mayoral election.
Hundreds of voters packed Virginia Union University’s chapel on Monday for a Richmond mayoral forum hosted by the Urban League Greater Richmond Young Professionals.
VPN: 5 Richmond mayoral candidates address range of issues at forum
June 25, 2024
June 25, 2024
The race for Richmond’s next mayor is heating up, with five candidates vying for the position. Andreas Addison, Michelle Mosby, Danny Avula, Harrison Roday, and Maurice Neblett spoke at the first mayoral forum of the year, held at the Virginia Union University Chapel and hosted by the Urban League and community partners.
NBC 12: Richmond mayoral candidates share priorities in first forum
Axios: The mayoral candidates officially on the ballot
June 25, 2024
The deadline for Richmond candidates to qualify for the November ballot passed last week. Candidates include Andreas Addison, Danny Avula, Maurice Neblett, Harrison Roday, and Michelle Mosby.
Digging in the Dugout: With a new funding plan, the city looks to break ground on Diamond District
June 19, 2024
A $170 million bond will finance the construction of a minor league ballpark for the Richmond Flying Squirrels and the first-phase development of the Diamond District, a 67-acre site near Leigh Street. The new financial plan was unanimously approved by the council on May 8.
Today, Richmond mayoral candidate and City Councilmember Andreas Addison announced his first wave of endorsements from a group of community leaders, activists, and organizers who advocate for a range of issues like environmental justice, pedestrian safety, public transportation, Black history preservation, and organized labor.
Progressive Leaders Across Richmond Endorse Andreas Addison for Mayor
June 19, 2024
The Richmond Times-Dispatch: Richmond City Council members vote to nearly double their salaries
June 13, 2024
Richmond City Council members will see a significant pay raise next year. On Monday night, council members voted 8-1 to increase their compensation rates by 80%.
Richmond City Council voted this week to bump their annual salary to $45,000 starting July 2025.
Axios: Richmond City Council gives themselves a $20K raise
June 13, 2024
Richmond City Councilmember Andreas Addison
“Trump is a cancer on our society and our political system. Our justice system applies to everyone, including former presidents. He needs to face the consequences for his actions.”
ABC 8: Virginia lawmakers, officials react to Trump’s guilty verdict
May 30, 2024
CBS 6: With public housing evictions under scrutiny, city leaders talk solutions: 'We can't let this happen again'
May 20, 2024
Richmond city leaders are concerned about an increase in eviction filings by the public housing authority, citing the strain that an increase in homelessness could put on already limited human services and a need to bolster efforts to prevent eviction on the front end.
Richmond Times-Dispatch: Richmond residents, city council members share excitement after approval to finance new ballpark
May 8, 2024
Richmond City Council voted 6-0 Wednesday afternoon to approve a new financial structure to build a minor-league baseball stadium at the Diamond District.
ABC 8: Richmond residents, city council members share excitement after approval to finance new ballpark
May 8, 2024
Richmond City Council has approved the plan to finance the new ballpark for the Richmond Flying Squirrels and the highly anticipated Diamond District project.
More than 100 protesters gathered at dusk Tuesday in Richmond’s Abner Clay Park.
People took turns standing on a picnic table to address the pro-Palestine gathering. Those speaking to the crowd, who were mostly seated in the grass, touched on topics like healing and self-care
VPM: Officials, orgs respond to Virginia-wide protest arrests
April 30, 2024
Richmond Times-Dispatch: VCU protests: The political reaction on social media
April 30, 2024
Richmond mayor candidate Andreas Addison
These students are exercising their First Amendment right to protest - they are not a threat to public safety.
This violent response is dangerous and totally uncalled for. Law enforcement can maintain safety without force and without using chemical agents on unarmed protesters.
April 30, 2024
Richmond Times-Dispatch: Stoney voices support for VCU while some on Council condemn police response
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney responded to the protests that erupted on Virginia Commonwealth University’s campus last night by stating his support for the university.
Press Release: Mayoral Candidate Andreas Addison Releases Statement Regarding Police Response to Demonstrations on VCU Campus
April 30, 2024
Today, Richmond mayoral candidate and City Councilmember Andreas Addison released the following statement addressing law enforcement’s response to student demonstrations on the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campus.
Press Release: Mayoral Candidate Andreas Addison Unveils Historic Plan to Address Housing Affordability
April 24, 2024
Today, Mayoral candidate and 1st District City Councilmember Andreas Addison released a comprehensive seven-point plan to address housing affordability, scarcity, homelessness, and the displacement of low-income and legacy residents.
Press Release: Mayoral Candidate Andreas Addison Celebrates Earth Day 2024 with a Commitment to Advance RVAgreen 2050
April 22, 2024
Richmond City Councilmember and Mayoral Candidate Andreas Addison released the following statement on Earth Day in support of reaching the city’s climate action goals.
Press Release: Mayoral Candidate Andreas Addison Celebrates Care Workers for Essential Role in Richmond
April 18, 2024
April is National Care Workers Recognition Month, a proclamation initially made by President Biden in 2023, and renewed in 2024 to “celebrate the contributions of care workers to our Nation with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.” Richmond City Councilmember and Mayoral Candidate Andreas Addison released the following statement in support of Richmond’s care workers.
Press Release: Mayoral Candidate Andreas Addison Says Richmond Youth Need Us to Step Up Amid Wave of Gun Deaths
April 15, 2024
Today, Richmond City Councilmember and Mayoral Candidate Andreas Addison released the following statement following the recent wave of tragic gun violence deaths of multiple teenagers in the Richmond area.
Richmond Times-Dispatch: Richmond city council members answer questions at RISC's annual call to action event
March 20, 2024
Richmond Times-Dispatch: Whistleblower suit shows Richmond routinely stonewalls record seekers
March 8, 2024
And at least one Richmond City Council member, Andreas Addison, told The Times-Dispatch that he is considering urging the council to conduct an “emergency audit of the FOIA request process” in the city.
Press Release: Mayoral Candidate Andreas Addison Releases Statement Regarding City Hall FOIA Compliance
March 1, 2024
Today, Richmond mayoral candidate and City Councilmember Andreas Addison released the following statement in response to recent reporting surrounding the city’s compliance with FOIA requests.
Richmond Free Press: Community rallies to preserve historic Black hospital
February 29. 2024
Richmonders will rally for an important symbol of the city’s Black history Sunday afternoon at the former Richmond Community Hospital on Overbrook Road.
Virginia Union University, a historically Black university which owns the former hospital, plans to demolish the historic building and replace it with housing.
Today, Richmond City Councilmember Andreas Addison released a statement supporting the preservation of the historic Richmond Community Hospital on the campus of Virginia Union University (VUU). The hospital was built in 1932 and served a critical role for Black patients and healthcare providers who faced discrimination at Richmond’s white hospitals, which remained segregated until the 1950s. The hospital is now slated for demolition as part of VUU’s plan to build up to 200 housing units on adjacent land.
Press Release: Mayoral Candidate Andreas Addison Releases Statement in Support of Preserving Historic Hospital on VUU Campus
February 26, 2024
Richmond Times-Dispatch: Councilmember Andreas Addison announces run for Richmond mayor
February 21, 2024
Richmond Councilmember Andreas Addison formally launched his campaign for Richmond mayor Wednesday morning with a platform that touts good governance and more reliable services.
Addison has represented the 1st District, which includes the Museum District and the West End, since 2017. In his announcement, he said his experience within local government will help him make future decisions if elected. Before serving on the council, Addison worked for the city developing internal programs to modernize the city.
WWBT 12: City Councilor Andreas Addison announces run for mayor
February 21, 2024
Another person is throwing their hat into the ring in the race to be Richmond’s next mayor. Richmond City Council member Andreas Addison is submitting his bid.
Addison has lived in the city for 20 years and has served the 1st district since 2016. He says he has worked in public service for the last 16 years, and he’s also a small business owner, running Pure Fitness in Scott’s Addition. If elected, he says he’d work to make the city a better place to live, focusing on building equity and growing the space together. He says how he has voted on policy and made budget decisions in the past reflects that.
City Councilor Andreas Addison announced his mayoral candidacy on Feb. 21, 2024. In a press release, Addison said he's running on “implementing progressive policies to move Richmond forward, governing for sustainable growth, focusing on meeting the basic needs of residents, and preventing displacement.”
VPM: Who's running for Richmond mayor?
February 21, 2024
Blue Virginia: Richmond City Councilmember Andreas Addison Announces Candidacy for Mayor
February 21, 2024
Today, Richmond City Councilmember Andreas Addison announced his candidacy for mayor. Addison has served the 1st District on City Council since 2017 after an eight-year stint in City Hall, where he developed systems and programs to modernize Richmond’s approach to governance and growth.
Press Release: Richmond City Councilmember Andreas Addison Announces Candidacy for Mayor
February 21, 2024
Today, Richmond City Councilmember Andreas Addison announced his candidacy for mayor. Addison has served the 1st District on City Council since 2017 after an eight-year stint in City Hall, where he developed systems and programs to modernize Richmond’s approach to governance and growth.