Richmond city officials will take a formal role in the redevelopment of Gilpin Court after the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority board unanimously approved a joint governance proposal from Mayor Danny Avula.

The RRHA Board of Commissioners voted 8-0 during a virtual meeting Tuesday to create a Joint Gilpin Transformation Working Group, following Avula’s proposal to the board in November.

“I think this is the first of many giant steps toward making life better for our families and our residents,” Board Chair Eddie Jackson Jr. said. “I commend everyone and I’m grateful, and let’s continue to hold ourselves accountable and move forward in this same regard.”

The joint working group proposed by Avula would be co-led by RRHA and city officials and include resident representatives, as well as development and community partners. The group would be responsible for carrying out Gilpin Court’s redevelopment, including housing and community plans, resident support initiatives, and implementation of the Jackson Ward Community Plan. 

“This is an incredibly meaningful step forward for our city,” Avula said in a statement Wednesday. “I’m grateful to the RRHA Board for their thoughtful engagement and for embracing a collaborative path that puts residents first.” 

The joint working group’s acceptance came after months of scrutiny by residents, housing advocates and city officials of the authority’s plans for Gilpin Court’s redevelopment, including a proposed transfer of ownership to the Richmond Development Corporation, RRHA’s nonprofit subsidiary. 

RRHA board members have repeatedly voted against the proposed transfer, and concerns about the RDC’s membership and the authority’s approach to Gilpin’s redevelopment have shaped Avula’s requests, requirements and proposals to the organization. 

RRHA has also agreed to develop a Tenant Bill of Rights and to address deviations in the Jackson Ward Community Plan. 

Steven Nesmith, CEO of the authority, told the board that addressing Avula’s other requests, including greater financial and investment transparency, other tenant protections and city representation on the RDC, is underway or will be handled as part of the joint working group. 

“As RRHA and the Mayor’s Team moves forward with immediate next steps,” Nesmith said in a statement Wednesday, “RRHA will continue to fulfill its mission and collaborating with all City stakeholders to create a new pathway for public housing residents to achieve self-sufficiency.” 

The authority and city officials are set to negotiate a memorandum of agreement and a cooperation agreement to formalize the structure and operations of the joint working group.