The race to become Richmond’s next mayor came into sharper focus Monday evening, as the candidates shared their plans and priorities for the office during the first mayoral forum of the election year at Virginia Union University.

The chapel area of Coburn Hall buzzed with activity as the candidates, Richmond City Council member Andreas Addison, Dr. Danny Avula, former City Council President Michelle Mosby, entrepreneur Maurice Neblett and Bridging Virginia founder Harrison Roday answered questions.

“Civic engagement is the cornerstone for our democracy,” forum moderator and nonprofit leader Victor McKenzie Jr. said.

“The more we are informed, the more we are engaged, the better decisions we can make.”

“My ask for you tonight is to listen intently to the answers and solutions that the candidates provide, their willingness to collaborate and for that spark of inspiration that can help lead us all.”

The event was organized by the Urban League Greater Richmond Young Professionals, who provided the main discussion topics of the forum and gathered additional questions from the audience for candidates to address.

Despite the lack of air conditioning to combat the summer heat, candidates and community members remained engaged for two hours, as VUU staff occasionally distributed water to the hundreds who filled the chapel.

 By Regina H. Boone  

The candidates shared their plans and perspectives on education, which accounted for nearly an hour of the forum, economic development, food insecurity, child care, affordable and transitional housing, food insecurity and gun violence.

Addison emphasized his experience as a business owner and elected official, discussing the successes and challenges of city government while addressing the needs of businesses and citizens.

“We need a mayor with experience, vision and a plan to make this city work for everybody,” Addison said. “I’m ready to be Richmond’s next mayor to build on these successes and use my experience to make sure it works for everyone.”

Similarly, Mosby focused on her record in City Hall along with her deep ties to the Richmond community in explaining her priorities if elected, and how she’d approach the duties of the office.

“I have been able to make real change in the city of Richmond,” Mosby said. “I have proven that I can lead this city and I’m asking you to give me that opportunity.”

Avula, who served as a city and state health leader during the emergence of COVID-19 and whose wife works for Richmond

Public Schools, leveraged that history and experience when discussing topics during the forum, with repeated references to building bridges across aspects of the city.

“What you’ve done is the best predictor of what you will do,” said Avula, who recounted his work leading the region and state through the early years of the pandemic in detail. “That’s the track record I want to bring to our city.”

Roday’s responses and pitch to voters were characterized by his years of experience in the public and private sectors, along with his collaborations with local businesses and the community.

“We have such a clear choice in front of us — we should be looking for a mayor who can earn the trust of Richmond residents to move Richmond forward with the change that we need,” Roday said. “And I hope to earn that trust.”

Neblett, a VUU graduate and political newcomer with experience in criminal justice, often opted for detailed lists of policy proposals when answering questions, with government transparency and accountability a frequent focus.

“I’m here to ignite a new era for our great city,” Neblett said. “Let’s transform Richmond into a beacon of collective care and happiness.”

While the candidates offered a diverse range of solutions and proposals to the questions raised, there was frequent common ground for certain topics. This included full support for funding Richmond Public Schools, removing unnecessary burdens on teachers and collaboration with schools leadership.

Other commonalities included more support for small businesses as well as city efficiency, transparency and accountability and community empowerment and improvement.

Some of those in attendance welcomed the opportunity to hear the candidates’ positions on critical topics and to provide questions of their own, which led to further discussion.

“I’m glad for the opportunity to come out,” said Francine Young, 70, a VUU graduate and retired city employee. “I was just glad to hear what the candidates had to say and to help me make my decision.”

Another mayoral forum mostly focused on the interests of Richmond’s second district was held Wednesday evening at Dogwood Middle School, moderated by 2nd District City Council member Katherine Jordan. The next scheduled forum, hosted by Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities, is set for Thursday, Aug. 29 and follows a roundtable discussion the group held in May with mayoral and City Council candidates on gun violence solutions.