The City of Richmond has authorized a $5.8 million payment to a man who spent decades in prison after being wrongfully convicted in 1976 for murder and sexual assault.

City Council voted 8-1 Monday to approve a restitution payment to Marvin Grimm Jr., as required by state law for wrongful convictions that cause significant harm. 

Grimm was granted the restitution payment in March by the Virginia General Assembly, after DNA testing exonerated him of the crime last year. 

“While nothing can undo the past, this action reflects our commitment to accountability,” Mayor Danny Avula said in a statement after the vote. “It’s about facing challenges and making sure Richmond moves forward with integrity and fairness.” 

The vote aimed to resolve months of debate over the city’s plan to pay Grimm, which included a threat from Gov. Glenn Youngkin to withhold state funding if Richmond did not comply. Still, additional concerns were raised during the meeting before the vote. 

Residents and housing advocates spoke in opposition to the transfer of money from the Delinquent Sales Tax Special Fund for the payment, as some of the special fund is meant to be allocated to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). 

Advocates have criticized the city for not following a 2019 City Council policy for annual allocations to the AHTF. While those opposed believe Grimm is owed compensation, they argued this method would impact efforts to address housing issues residents face. 

“We do not believe the city should throw the baby out with the bathwater by addressing one injustice while simultaneously undermining the city’s commitment to solving another,” said Richmond and Virginia NAACP Housing Chair Tracey Hardney-Scott. 

Council members Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, and Ellen Robertson, 6th District, voiced their own concerns over future restitution payments and affordable housing during the council discussion that followed. Gibson ultimately chose to vote against the ordinance to show her support for following city law. 

“I do believe that at some point we’ve got to make a decision to correct this travesty that the Grimm family is facing, and I want to get that done and behind me,” Robertson said. “And then I want to be assured that we have put things in place that we won’t be facing the same option of rediverting funds that we’ve committed to this source.” 

The city is attempting to address concerns over its housing focus, as Avula announced plans during the meeting to add $2 million to the AHTF through a budget amendment transferring money from the special fund. The transfer would raise Richmond’s AHTF allocation for the 2026 fiscal year to $15 million. 

City Council also delayed action on the proposed $6,500 sale of city-owned property at 8790 Strath Road in Henrico County to Del. Delores McQuinn and her husband, who live next door and inquired about buying the lot last year. 

Residents speaking during public comments, as well as 1st and 4th District Council members Andrew Breton and Sarah Abubaker, questioned whether the city could get a better deal and pushed for the council to consider other offers. Henrico has assessed the property’s worth at $5,400. 

Council members voted 5-2-1 to continue the ordinance, with Robertson and Council President Cynthia Newbille voting against and 5th District Council member Stephanie Lynch abstaining. 

The council also approved the policies and procedures of the Civilian Review Board after months of discussion, more than four years after the board was created to review police shootings and other allegations of misconduct.