Campaigns
Community advocacy plays an essential role in shaping environmental policy, public investment, housing, climate resilience, and neighborhood development. Southside ReLeaf’s campaigns connect community members with opportunities to take action on issues affecting Richmond and communities across Virginia.
This page includes current advocacy campaigns, action alerts, public engagement opportunities, and an archive of past campaigns that reflect our ongoing work to advance environmental justice, equitable investment, and resilient communities.
Current Campaigns
Support Equitable Zoning Through Richmond’s Code Refresh
Sheri, Amy, and Kami at the listening session for Southside residents hosted by Homes for All Our Neighbors at Studio Two Three.
Southside ReLeaf is a member of the Homes for All Our Neighbors coalition, a network of organizations and advocates working to advance more equitable housing and land-use policy in Richmond.
The coalition is currently encouraging Richmond residents to contact City Council in support of equitable zoning reforms through the City’s Code Refresh process. Code Refresh is a comprehensive update to Richmond’s zoning ordinance that will shape how housing, development, transportation, and neighborhood growth occur across the city for decades to come.
The coalition supports reforms that help:
Expand housing choice across Richmond neighborhoods.
Encourage walkable, transit-connected communities.
Reduce displacement pressures.
Support more equitable access to housing and neighborhood resources.
Create opportunities for a greener and more connected city.
Community input is critical in ensuring Richmond’s future growth reflects the needs of current residents and supports more inclusive and resilient neighborhoods.
Previous Campaigns
Strengthening Virginia’s Tree Canopy Protections (HB549 / SB589)
During the 2026 General Assembly session, Southside ReLeaf participated in advocacy efforts supporting HB549/SB589, legislation that addresses tree-replacement requirements for development projects in Virginia.
As the bill moved through the legislative process, we encouraged community members to submit public comments to key committees, including the Counties, Cities, and Towns Subcommittee and the Senate Local Government Committee. Public engagement helped demonstrate broad support for stronger tree canopy protections and more sustainable development practices across Virginia communities.
Example of a banner image in an email that Southside ReLeaf sent to supporters encouraging them to take action in support of HB 549.
The bill was ultimately signed into law, expanding localities' authority to require tree replacement during certain development projects. While the final version was narrower than earlier proposals, it still represents meaningful progress toward stronger statewide canopy protections.
Southside ReLeaf now serves on the Virginia Tree Canopy Advisory Workgroup, which will continue helping shape future policy discussions and recommendations related to urban tree canopy protection and replacement standards across the Commonwealth.
Protecting Clean Water & Chesapeake Bay Restoration
Southside ReLeaf is one of more than 300 organizations that comprise the Choose Clean Water Coalition.
In April 2025, the coalition organized advocacy efforts to support policies that protect clean water in Virginia and advance the ongoing restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. Coalition members sent letters to Senator Mark Warner and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin addressing federal decisions that could impact water quality protections and environmental monitoring efforts.
The campaign urged:
Protection of Chesapeake Bay water quality standards and restoration efforts.
Continued federal support for clean water protections.
Preservation of key Department of the Interior offices involved in water quality monitoring and environmental oversight.
Social media graphic Southside ReLeaf shared when announcing the letter campaign with the Clean Water Coalition.
This effort highlighted the importance of coordinated regional advocacy in protecting shared environmental resources and maintaining long-term investments in watershed restoration.
Defending Neighborhood Climate Resilience Grant Funding
In spring 2024, Southside ReLeaf led an action alert urging community members to contact the Richmond City Council to preserve funding for the Office of Sustainability’s Neighborhood Climate Resilience Grant program.
The City had proposed reducing the program’s funding from $250,000 to $150,000 despite community requests for funding exceeding $1.2 million. These grants support neighborhood-scale climate resilience projects aligned with RVAgreen 2050, Richmond’s climate equity framework.
The program helps fund projects such as:
Community and school gardens.
Tree planting and greening projects.
Energy efficiency initiatives.
Green workforce development.
Neighborhood resilience and sustainability efforts.
City officials and 2024 Neighborhood Climate Resilience Grant grantees gather for a group photo at the press event announcing the grantees.
Our advocacy emphasized that reducing local climate funding — particularly as federal funding opportunities become more uncertain — would weaken progress toward a more resilient and equitable city.
City Council ultimately voted to reduce the program for FY26, underscoring the continued need for community advocacy around environmental justice and climate investment priorities.
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.
State Policy Advocacy
Local Policy Advocacy
Our Policy Agenda
