Three candidates vying for Richmond’s 3rd District City Council seat made their case Tuesday evening at Linwood Holton Elementary School, presenting their visions for the North Side’s future. Incumbent Ann-Frances Lambert and challengers Maria Carra Rose and Kenya Gibson discussed key issues, including housing, transportation and community engagement during a forum organized by a coalition of civic groups.

“The 3rd District is, in many ways, a microcosm of Richmond as a whole,” said Grady Hart, moderator and president of the Rosedale Civic Association. “For these reasons and more, we’re excited to hear from our candidates this evening.”

With community-driven questions and over 100 3rd District residents attending, the forum’s potential influence on the election was evident as candidates strived to leave a lasting impression.

All three candidates supported addressing the affordable housing crisis and homelessness, improving the city’s infrastructure and ensuring engagement with the community.

Other ideas shared included a Richmond Department of Transportation from Rose, an “all hands on deck” approach to housing and infrastructure for Lambert, and a commitment to one-to-one housing replacements from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority for Gibson.

Each candidate brought a unique perspective to the forum, though there were commonalities in some of their approaches. Rose and Gibson highlighted their decades of work in the North Side community, including at Linwood Holton Elementary.

Rose also brought a point of view shaped by her time navigating challenges and frustrations with city government as a resident. Affordable housing, fiscal responsibility, transparency, transportation and infrastructure were major focuses for her, based on community input.

“I have been an engaged and active community member for over two decades,” Rose said, “and I understand what it means to be a part of and have a relationship with this community.”

Both Lambert and Gibson leaned on their experience as elected officials in responding to the questions asked. Gibson also presented herself as an active, un-compromised candidate who would bring change to a city government plagued by controversy and outside influences.

“Richmond city government is not working for us,” said Gibson, who criticized the influence of monied interests on elected officials. “I’m running with the support of everyday Richmonders who share my belief that together we can make Richmond thrive.”

Lambert acknowledged Richmond’s challenges while emphasizing her achievements and deep roots in the district. She highlighted her role as City Council vice president, her distinction as the only North Side native among the candidates, and her experience as a teacher. She also presented her re-election as a way to continue her work in office and for the district at large.

“It’s going to take relationships. It’s going to take conversations. It’s going to take community,” Lambert said, “to make Team North Side the best side here in Richmond.”