On October 15, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula announced the launch of the Mayoral Action Plan (MAP), which outlines a detailed approach to achieving the city’s goals. The plan is structured around the Mayor’s “Seven Pillars of a Thriving Richmond,” providing specific objectives, performance metrics, and expected outcomes to guide city government operations.
“When I arrived at City Hall, I didn’t want to just talk about ideas, I wanted to set a clear vision for the kind of city we could build together,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “The Mayoral Action Plan turns that vision into action. It brings clarity, accountability, and transparency to how we serve Richmonders. This is our roadmap to a city that is effective, equitable, inclusive, and forward-looking – a city where all people and places thrive.”
The seven pillars highlighted in the MAP include efficient city governance, adequate neighborhood housing, support for families and children, an inclusive economy, protection of individual rights, sustainable urban development, and community storytelling. These pillars represent the administration’s focus on equity, responsible management, and long-term planning.
Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald noted the city’s focus on following through with the plan. “It’s an honor to support Mayor Avula’s vision and desire for a culture of delivery through the Mayoral Action Plan,” said CAO Odie Donald. “The MAP isn’t just a document, it’s how we frame our government to get things done, together. Every department will align its work to the Mayor’s 7 pillars and MAP goals, track progress through shared data and dashboards, and connect with residents every step of the way. People first, people always – that’s not just a value, it’s how we work.”
Shannon Paul and Thad Williamson contributed to the development of the plan. “The Mayor is elected to shape government in the direction the people want and vote for,” said Thad Williamson, Senior Policy Strategist. “The MAP is the bridge between that vision and how staff, led by the Chief Administrative Officer, will get it done.”
“The MAP reflects what’s possible when everyone – city staff, residents, agency partners, organizational partners – pull together towards a shared vision,” said Shannon Paul, Deputy Director. “We all have a role to play in building a Thriving Richmond.”
With the release of the MAP, the next steps include creating departmental action plans based on citywide goals and developing a public dashboard for transparent progress tracking, which is expected to be available in 2026.
