Local Policy Advocacy
Local policy decisions shape the conditions people experience every day — from housing access and transportation to tree canopy, flooding, parks, and neighborhood investment. Southside ReLeaf engages in local advocacy to help advance policies that support environmental justice, climate resilience, healthy communities, and equitable development within the City of Richmond.
Our local policy work includes coalition-building, community education, public engagement, and advocacy around planning processes, zoning policy, environmental investment, and the City budget. Through this work, we help elevate community priorities and advocate for decisions that create healthier and more resilient neighborhoods across Richmond.
Richmond Code Refresh
The Homes for All Our Neighbors Coalition hosted a listening session about Code Refresh at Studio Two Three for Southside residents.
Richmond’s Code Refresh is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape how the city grows and develops. The process involves a comprehensive update to Richmond’s zoning ordinance — the rules that determine what can be built, where development happens, and how neighborhoods evolve over time.
These decisions have long-term impacts on housing access, displacement, transportation, environmental conditions, and neighborhood resilience. Thoughtful zoning reform can help support more walkable communities, expand housing options, reduce development pressure on vulnerable neighborhoods, and create opportunities for a greener and more equitable city.
Southside ReLeaf has been engaged in advocacy and coalition work related to Code Refresh, with a focus on ensuring community voices are included in conversations about the future of Richmond’s neighborhoods and built environment.
Richmond City Budget
Sheri Shannon testifies to the Richmond City Council in support of robust funding for urban and community forestry.
The City budget is one of the most important tools for shaping environmental outcomes, public health, infrastructure investment, and neighborhood quality of life. Southside ReLeaf advocates for budget priorities that advance environmental justice, climate resilience, equitable investment, and community well-being across Richmond.
As a member of the Richmond Environmental Justice Coalition, we supported a set of FY2027 priorities aligned with RVAgreen 2050 and focused on sustainability, equity, and long-term community investment.
FY2027 Progress
Continued funding for GRTC’s zero-fare program and regional transportation investments.
Support for collective bargaining agreements across city departments, including Richmond Public Schools.
Investment in participatory budgeting and housing stability programs, including eviction diversion and the Family Crisis Fund.
Remaining Gaps
Energy Affordability: No funding for a dedicated Office of Sustainability position to expand energy-efficiency programs and help reduce household energy burden.
Parks & Green Space: No dedicated funding for the five new parks promised for Southside communities or for long-term park staffing and maintenance.
Urban Forestry: No dedicated Urban Forestry budget line item to clearly track City investment in tree planting, maintenance, and canopy growth.
Stormwater & Flooding: Continued need for neighborhood-scale flooding solutions, including flood monitoring and greater data transparency.
Local budget advocacy is essential because funding decisions determine which priorities move from plans into action — and which communities receive sustained investment and support.
Local Coalitions
Coalition work helps strengthen community advocacy, align shared priorities, and build collective power around environmental justice, housing, and equitable development issues affecting Richmond residents.
Richmond Environmental Justice Coalition
Southside ReLeaf helped launch the Richmond Environmental Justice Coalition, a collaborative effort focused on advancing policies and investments that support environmental justice, climate resilience, public health, and equitable access to resources across Richmond communities.
Coalition Priorities
Climate resilience and sustainability investments
Energy affordability and efficiency
Equitable access to parks and green space
Urban forestry and tree canopy investment
Flood resilience and stormwater infrastructure
Community-centered budgeting and public engagement
Homes For All Our Neighbors Coalition
Southside ReLeaf is also a member of the Homes for All Our Neighbors coalition, a network of organizations and advocates working to support more equitable housing and land use policy in Richmond.
The coalition advocates for zoning and housing reforms that help expand access to affordable housing, reduce barriers to housing choice, and support more inclusive and connected communities throughout the city.
Coalition Priorities
Expanding housing choice across Richmond neighborhoods
Supporting equitable zoning reform through Code Refresh
Reducing displacement pressures
Encouraging walkable, transit-connected development
Advancing housing affordability and neighborhood stability
Increasing community engagement in planning processes
Local Advocacy in Action
Local advocacy happens through community meetings, public testimony, coalition organizing, neighborhood engagement, educational events, and direct advocacy with City leaders. Explore moments from Southside ReLeaf’s work to advance environmental justice, equitable development, and community resilience across Richmond.
Group photo of the Homes for All Our Neighbor coalition members who attended the Code Refresh listening session for Southside residents.
Mayor Danny Avula spoke with Southside residents about Code Refresh at the Homes for All Our Neighbors listening session at Studio Two Three.
Amy spoke on a panel about efforts to greenline Richmond's hottest neighborhoods for a VNRLI cohort with Rob Jones and Jeremy Hoffman.
Sheri spoke to students from the University of Richmond's A&S NEXT program about redlining, urban renewal and annexation, and our work to increase access to green spaces.
Sheri joined Ann Jurczyk, Jeremy Hoffman, and Michael Webb on a panel to discuss Richmond’s urban forest and opportunities to advocate for more green spaces.
Sheri participated in a filmed interview about Code Refresh for a video produced by the Homes For All Our Neighbors coalition.
While pursuing her Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from VCU, Nicole Roemer partnered with Southside ReLeaf to develop a policy plan for greening the Southside.
Community members gather at a protest outside City Hall to oppose building a burn tower on green space at Hickory Hill Community Center.
Sheri was a panelist for the Bike Walk RVA Academy. The panel focused on advocacy, engagement strategies, the role of local government, and collaboration for shared solutions.
Our advocacy is powered by the people who live, work, and play in Southside Richmond. Never miss an update by signing up for our Policy Alert emails.
Explore Our Policy Work
We “pass the mic” to our neighbors and empower Southside residents to advocate for the change they want to see in their own community. Through education, civic engagement and thoughtful dialogue, we advocate for sound policies that preserve our natural environment, strengthen climate resiliency, and provide opportunities for communities to thrive.
Our Policy Agenda
State Policy Advocacy
Campaigns & Calls to Action
