Richmond, Va. – 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:

“For residents, journalists, and advocates who are seeking transparency around how our government operates, access to public information is paramount for accountability.  Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, establishes clear expectations on how to request and receive public information. That’s why when I worked in City Hall, I was proud to help develop best practices for complying with FOIA requests to make the process more streamlined and efficient for both employees and those requesting information.

“We cannot expect the residents of our city to trust that we are working in their best interests if we continue to resist transparency and accountability. As leaders, our primary duty is to serve the needs of Richmonders, and that absolutely includes complying with state and federal FOIA laws.”

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About Andreas Addison

Andreas Addison is a public servant, small business owner, and educator serving the Richmond community for more than 15 years. Addison represents the 1st District on Richmond City Council, where he has a proven track record of fighting for affordable housing, greater connectivity in the region, and investments for greater city services. He is the owner of Pure Fitness RVA in Scott’s Addition and an adjunct professor at UVA in the School of Public Policy. A strong advocate for thriving communities, Addison is committed to a socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and prosperous Richmond for working families. Addison married his wife, Allison, in 2023, and the couple resides in the Museum District. Join the movement at andreasaddison.com.