ADVOCACY

Accomplishments

• Sponsored a public forum and radio broadcast of House of Delegates candidates in fall 2009 with the League of Women Voters, Leadership Metro Richmond, Partnership for Housing Affordability and WCVE public radio.
• Celebrated the 90th year of Richmond First Club with a March 2009 Gala.
• Advocated for and supported bipartisan or nonpartisan redistricting in the 2010 General Assembly as a member of the Virginia Redistricting Coalition.
• Produced a Richmond Mayoralty Election Candidates Issues Forum
• Convened three forums on the Richmond Mayoral at Large ballot initiative in 2003
• Sought greater voter participation by urging the city to move its elections from May to November
• Polled local officials to determine the strength of support for relaxing the Dillon Rule to give localities more decision-making authority
• Conducted comprehensive studies of interlocal relationships in the region as early as 1981 and championed cooperation among political jurisdictions throughout greater Richmond
• Organized a foundation to support the regional Mathematics & Science Center, a joint venture of six area school divisions
• Negotiated for improvements in metropolitan area infrastructure projects, including the Richmond International Airport Deep Water Terminal, Richmond Expressway and numerous bridges and parks
• Advocated changing the structure of Richmond City government in 1948 from a cumbersome thirty-two member bicameral body to a nine member council with a mayor and city manager, and in 2003 to a strong mayor form of government
• Created the Annual School Partnership Award to recognize local businesses and organizations that developed innovative support programs to assist metropolitan area schools
• Established the Richmond Region Leadership Award for outstanding leadership and achievement, given to individuals who have made a difference in our community