I love this community, and I’ve dedicated my life to addressing the needs and challenges faced by people in the 5th and across our city. I got my start as a social worker right here in Richmond working directly with people who were impacted by homelessness, gun violence, and a racially disparate criminal justice system and economic landscape. 

Since being elected to City Council last year, I’ve translated those experiences into action by championing legislation to create more opioid treatment facilities and to establish an empowered citizen police citizen review board, by rejecting reckless re-development proposals, and by directing critical relief funds to housing and eviction diversion initiatives. 

We have accomplished a lot together in a short time, but the last few months have laid bare the ongoing systemic injustices in Richmond. Our city is facing a dual economic and health crisis-- a severe budget shortfall, struggling local businesses, thousands out of work, and an ongoing pandemic that is disproportionately affecting Black residents. We’re also in the midst of a prolonged period of reckoning with our City’s racist history, and our existing inequities in policing, housing, schools, and economic development. 

Together, we’ve made real progress in the past year, but we need re-double our efforts to bring our community together to tackle these issues in the years to come, and I am committed to continuing to fight that fight with you. 

Delivering for the 5th:

• Championed the only Council amendment to the City budget to provide critical housing assistance during COVID-19
• Collaborated with Council colleagues and community stakeholders on 18 successful Resolutions and ordinances, 3rd most on Council
•  Rejected the fatally flawed Navy Hill project while laying out a process for responsible, Community centered development of Downtown
• Patroned a comprehensive package of police reform legislation, including a Citizen Review Board and the Marcus Alert
• Worked to end mandatory marijuana drug testing of City employees