Richmond City Council: January 2013

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

RESCHEDULED: Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille to hold meeting in the East End 7th Voter District

Friday, January 25, 2013

Councilwoman Michelle R. Mosby to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in South Central 9th Voter District: Public Input needed

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Friday, January 25, 2013

Councilwoman Michelle R. Mosby to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in South Central 9th Voter District: Public Input needed

All South Central 9th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Michelle R. Mosby, Richmond City Council, South Central 9th Voter District, will hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting in the South Central 9th Voter District. The meeting will include Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer. The meeting is free and open to the public and all South Central 9th Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

This will be an interactive meeting to receive public input on budget priorities in creating the upcoming Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Richmond Government Budget, which will be established by Richmond City Council in May of 2013. During this meeting, participants will be provided hand-held devices to vote on issues that are important to them.

This Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting is very important in helping to identify which Richmond Government programs and services are important to South Central 9th Voter District residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. The current 2013 Fiscal Year Richmond Government Budget is $1,429,628,466.

The meeting will include presentations, discussions and input regarding the following areas:

Operation Service Priorities

• Streets and sidewalks in your Neighborhood

• Public Transportation

• Recycling Opportunities

Police and Safety Priorities

• Police Protection in your Neighborhood

• Quality of Animal Care and Control

Human Service Priorities

• Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities in your neighborhood

• Social Services

• Public Health Services

• Public Education

Economic Development

• Employment Opportunities in your neighborhood

• New Businesses

WHEN Thursday, February 7, 2013

6:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE Richmond Public Schools

E.S.H. Greene Elementary School

1745 Catalina Drive

Richmond, Virginia 23224

WHO The Honorable Michelle R. Mosby, Richmond City Council

South Central 9th Voter District

Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilwoman Michelle R. Mosby, Richmond City Council, South Central 9th Voter District, at 804.646.5497 (tel); or michelle.mosby@richmondgov.com (email)

Background - Richmond Government Budget ________________________________________

As Richmond Residents, we pool our resources in order to own and operate our local government and decide what public services we want to invest in; the priority (investment levels) for these services; and, how we pay for them. Examples of our services include the management, oversight and delivery of such things as clean/safe water; streets/parks; laws; firefighting/rescue; trash/sewage removal; police/courts; public transportation; and, our children’s education. Together, we own, operate, use and benefit from these services on a daily basis.

Funding for our services and enforcement of laws comes from state, local and federal sources, including fees and taxes (like the Richmond Real Estate Tax.)

In order to set the investments levels we want for these services, Richmond City Council establishes an official annual Richmond Government Budget in May of each year for the upcoming Fiscal Year.

The Richmond Government Budget is based on a Fiscal Year that runs July 1 to June 30 annually and the City operates on a two-year fiscal plan (Budget) that includes the Richmond General Fund, Richmond Capital Improvement Plan, Richmond Special Funds, Richmond Enterprise Funds, Richmond Internal Service Funds, the City Government contribution to Richmond Public Schools; and, additional state, federal, and other funds provided to Richmond Public Schools.

The Richmond Government Budget is typically amended every year. Thus, every year a proposed (draft) Richmond Government Budget (Fiscal Plan) is submitted to Richmond City Council by the Mayor, who is responsible for administering local government services. Council then reviews, analyzes, amends and establishes a new official Richmond Government Budget based on the priorities of residents.

Richmond City Council budget deliberations begin each August and intensify the following year, culminating in nearly 20 public meetings, hearings and work sessions from March through May.

The Richmond Government Budget takes the form of Ordinances that are approved by Richmond City Council each May for an upcoming Fiscal Year.

BACKGROUND - RICHMOND REAL ESTATE TAXES _______________________________________

We, as residents, have determined that a fair way to help pay for some of our local government services is for Richmond real estate owners to annually contribute funds based on a percentage of the value of the real estate they own in the city. Therefore, each year the fair market value of real estate in the city is assessed and an annual Richmond Real Estate Tax Rate is set. The rate is the percentage, based on $100 of value, that each real estate owner will contribute to help pay for government services in the city.

Our Richmond Real Estate Tax funds are the largest single local funding we use to help pay for our public services. Richmond real estate owners contribute their share annually, based on the value of their real estate and the tax rate, which is set by June 15 annually. For example, if a person owns $100,000 in real estate and the tax rate is $1.20 per $100 of assessed property value; their share is $1,200 for that year.

Beginning calendar year 2011, our Richmond Real Estate Taxes were divided into two collections a year instead of all at once and market valuation data was lagged one year. Payments are now due as follows: Half by January 14 and half by June 14.

Richmond City Council ______________________________________________________________

Mission - The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget.

Vision - Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

- E N D -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Time Change for upcoming Richmond City Council Public Safety Standing Committee meeting

Councilman Parker C. Agelasto to hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in the Central 5th Voter District: Public Input needed

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Councilman Parker C. Agelasto to hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in the Central 5th Voter District: Public Input needed

All Central 5th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman, Richmond City Council, Central 5th Voter District will hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting in the Central 5th Voter District. The meeting will include Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer. The meeting is free and open to the public and all Central 5th Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

This will be an interactive meeting to receive public input on budget priorities in creating the upcoming Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Richmond Government Budget, which will be established by Richmond City Council in May of 2013. During this meeting, participants will be provided hand-held devices to vote on issues that are important to them.

This Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting is very important in helping to identify which Richmond Government programs and services are important to Central 5th Voter District residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. The current 2013 Fiscal Year Richmond Government Budget is $1,429,628,466.

The meeting will include presentations, discussions and input regarding the following areas:

Operation Service Priorities

• Streets and sidewalks in your Neighborhood

• Public Transportation

• Recycling Opportunities

Police and Safety Priorities

• Police Protection in your Neighborhood

• Quality of Animal Care and Control

Human Service Priorities

• Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities in your neighborhood

• Social Services

• Public Health Services

• Public Education

Economic Development

• Employment Opportunities in your neighborhood

• New Businesses

WHEN Wednesday, February 6, 2013

6:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE Virginia War Memorial

621 South Belvidere Street

Richmond, Virginia 23220

WHO The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman

Richmond City Council, Central 5th Voter District

Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Parker C. Agelasto, Richmond City Council, Central 5th Voter District, at 804.646.6050 (tel), or parker.agelasto@richmondgov.com (email)

Background - Richmond Government Budget ________________________________________

As Richmond Residents, we pool our resources in order to own and operate our local government and decide what public services we want to invest in; the priority (investment levels) for these services; and, how we pay for them. Examples of our services include the management, oversight and delivery of such things as clean/safe water; streets/parks; laws; firefighting/rescue; trash/sewage removal; police/courts; public transportation; and, our children’s education. Together, we own, operate, use and benefit from these services on a daily basis.

Funding for our services and enforcement of laws comes from state, local and federal sources, including fees and taxes (like the Richmond Real Estate Tax.)

In order to set the investments levels we want for these services, Richmond City Council establishes an official annual Richmond Government Budget in May of each year for the upcoming Fiscal Year.

The Richmond Government Budget is based on a Fiscal Year that runs July 1 to June 30 annually and the City operates on a two-year fiscal plan (Budget) that includes the Richmond General Fund, Richmond Capital Improvement Plan, Richmond Special Funds, Richmond Enterprise Funds, Richmond Internal Service Funds, the City Government contribution to Richmond Public Schools; and, additional state, federal, and other funds provided to Richmond Public Schools.

The Richmond Government Budget is typically amended every year. Thus, every year a proposed (draft) Richmond Government Budget (Fiscal Plan) is submitted to Richmond City Council by the Mayor, who is responsible for administering local government services. Council then reviews, analyzes, amends and establishes a new official Richmond Government Budget based on the priorities of residents.

Richmond City Council budget deliberations begin each August and intensify the following year, culminating in nearly 20 public meetings, hearings and work sessions from March through May.

The Richmond Government Budget takes the form of Ordinances that are approved by Richmond City Council each May for an upcoming Fiscal Year.

BACKGROUND - RICHMOND REAL ESTATE TAXES _______________________________________

We, as residents, have determined that a fair way to help pay for some of our local government services is for Richmond real estate owners to annually contribute funds based on a percentage of the value of the real estate they own in the city. Therefore, each year the fair market value of real estate in the city is assessed and an annual Richmond Real Estate Tax Rate is set. The rate is the percentage, based on $100 of value, that each real estate owner will contribute to help pay for government services in the city.

Our Richmond Real Estate Tax funds are the largest single local funding we use to help pay for our public services. Richmond real estate owners contribute their share annually, based on the value of their real estate and the tax rate, which is set by June 15 annually. For example, if a person owns $100,000 in real estate and the tax rate is $1.20 per $100 of assessed property value; their share is $1,200 for that year.

Beginning calendar year 2011, our Richmond Real Estate Taxes were divided into two collections a year instead of all at once and market valuation data was lagged one year. Payments are now due as follows: Half by January 14 and half by June 14.

Richmond City Council ______________________________________________________________

Mission - The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget.

Vision - Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

- E N D -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Councilman Charles R. Samuels to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in North Central 2nd Voter District with Mayor: Public Input needed

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Councilman Charles R. Samuels to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in North Central 2nd Voter District with Mayor: Public Input needed

All North Central 2nd Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd Voter District, will hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting in the North Central 2nd Voter District that will Include Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. The meeting is free and open to the public and all North Central 2nd Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

This will be an interactive meeting to receive public input on budget priorities in creating the upcoming Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Richmond Government Budget, which will be established by Richmond City Council in May of 2013. During this meeting, participants will be provided hand-held devices to vote on issues that are important to them.

This Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting is very important in helping to identify which Richmond Government programs and services are important to North Central 2nd Voter District residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. The current 2013 Fiscal Year Richmond Government Budget is $1,429,628,466.

The meeting will include presentations, discussions and input regarding the following areas:

Operation Service Priorities

• Streets and sidewalks in your Neighborhood

• Public Transportation

• Recycling Opportunities

Police and Safety Priorities

• Police Protection in your Neighborhood

• Quality of Animal Care and Control

Human Service Priorities

• Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities in your neighborhood

• Social Services

• Public Health Services

• Public Education

Economic Development

• Employment Opportunities in your neighborhood

• New Businesses

WHEN Wednesday, January 30, 2013

6:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE Science Museum of Virginia

2500 West Broad Street - Richmond, Virginia

WHO The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd Voter District

The Honorable Dwight C. Jones, Mayor of Richmond, Virginia

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Charles R. Samuels, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd Voter District, at 804.646.6532; or by email, at charles.samuels@richmondgov.com.

Background - Richmond Government Budget ________________________________________

As Richmond Residents, we pool our resources in order to own and operate our local government and decide what public services we want to invest in; the priority (investment levels) for these services; and, how we pay for them. Examples of our services include the management, oversight and delivery of such things as clean/safe water; streets/parks; laws; firefighting/rescue; trash/sewage removal; police/courts; public transportation; and, our children’s education. Together, we own, operate, use and benefit from these services on a daily basis.

Funding for our services and enforcement of laws comes from state, local and federal sources, including fees and taxes (like the Richmond Real Estate Tax.)

In order to set the investments levels we want for these services, Richmond City Council establishes an official annual Richmond Government Budget in May of each year for the upcoming Fiscal Year.

The Richmond Government Budget is based on a Fiscal Year that runs July 1 to June 30 annually and the City operates on a two-year fiscal plan (Budget) that includes the Richmond General Fund, Richmond Capital Improvement Plan, Richmond Special Funds, Richmond Enterprise Funds, Richmond Internal Service Funds, the City Government contribution to Richmond Public Schools; and, additional state, federal, and other funds provided to Richmond Public Schools.

The Richmond Government Budget is typically amended every year. Thus, every year a proposed (draft) Richmond Government Budget (Fiscal Plan) is submitted to Richmond City Council by the Mayor, who is responsible for administering local government services. Council then reviews, analyzes, amends and establishes a new official Richmond Government Budget based on the priorities of residents.

Richmond City Council budget deliberations begin each August and intensify the following year, culminating in nearly 20 public meetings, hearings and work sessions from March through May.

The Richmond Government Budget takes the form of Ordinances that are approved by Richmond City Council each May for an upcoming Fiscal Year.

BACKGROUND - RICHMOND REAL ESTATE TAXES _______________________________________

We, as residents, have determined that a fair way to help pay for some of our local government services is for Richmond real estate owners to annually contribute funds based on a percentage of the value of the real estate they own in the city. Therefore, each year the fair market value of real estate in the city is assessed and an annual Richmond Real Estate Tax Rate is set. The rate is the percentage, based on $100 of value, that each real estate owner will contribute to help pay for government services in the city.

Our Richmond Real Estate Tax funds are the largest single local funding we use to help pay for our public services. Richmond real estate owners contribute their share annually, based on the value of their real estate and the tax rate, which is set by June 15 annually. For example, if a person owns $100,000 in real estate and the tax rate is $1.20 per $100 of assessed property value; their share is $1,200 for that year.

Beginning calendar year 2011, our Richmond Real Estate Taxes were divided into two collections a year instead of all at once and market valuation data was lagged one year. Payments are now due as follows: Half by January 14 and half by June 14.

Richmond City Council ______________________________________________________________

Mission - The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget.

Vision - Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

- E N D -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

A statement by The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson Regarding the safety of Richmond Public Schools Norrell Elementary School

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Wednesday, 23 January 2013

A statement by

The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson

Councilwoman, Gateway 6th Voter District

Regarding the safety of Richmond Public Schools Norrell Elementary School

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- "Norrell Elementary School is safe. We base our trust that it is safe on extensive testing, studies, reports and results documented by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Department of Health, the Richmond Department of Public Utilities, the Richmond Department of Public Works, and an independent environmental consultant (France Environmental).

We asked that Norrell Elementary School be tested and it was, thoroughly. It passed all the tests for safety and there are no environmental hazards at the school, none whatsoever. We have reams of documented proof from nearly every respected environmental agency that Norrell is safe.

Throughout this process, our parents and children have come to the table, asked questions, and have received factual information regarding the safety of the school in order to help guide their decisions regarding its use. There are, however, some out there who are neither parents nor that have children attending the school who are expressing concern. I invite those individuals to come to the table, become informed, review the reports, and get the facts.

Since the children attending Norrell Elementary School are members of our families living the Northside 6th District, I will be holding a special meeting for any concerned citizens in order for them to be informed on the facts as they take up their special charge of advising our children in the Gateway 6th District. We want our community dialogue to be open and honest and for our parents and children to have factual information and not be told what is not true.

If the community determines it wants to make decisions based on perception and false fears, rather than factual information, then we shall say so. If we desire closing schools where testing has been done, then let's do that. But please, let's not make claims that are unfounded or make decisions that are not based on facts.

By all information sources, Norrell Elementary School is safe.

CONTACT For more information, please contact The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th Voter District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com;

- E N D -

Friday, January 18, 2013

Councilwoman Robertson invites everyone to come out for important Richmond-Henrico Turnpike Community Cleanup

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission upcoming meeting schedule

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission upcoming meeting schedule

All Richmond Residents invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission upcoming meeting schedule listed below.

The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission holds monthly meetings regarding its work and ongoing projects in helping to preserve and present the history of slavery in Richmond. The upcoming scheduled meeting dates are listed below and are typically scheduled to be held the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 4:00 p.m., at the same location (note: meeting dates are subject to change). These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The agenda for these meeting typically include the following:

·Welcome

·New Business

·Updates

·Committee Reports

·Charette

·Upcoming Events

·Closing Remarks/Adjournment

WHEN 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Thursday, July 11, 2013 (second Tuesday due to first Tuesday holiday)

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Thursday, December 5, 2013

WHERE Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building

701 N. 25th Street (In Richmond’s Historic East End)

WHO The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission; Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates - 70th Voter District

The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council East End 7th Voter District, Member, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission

CONTACT For more information, please contact:

The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond Slave Trail Commission (Member, Virginia House of Delegates -70th Voter District) at 804.698.1070 (tel), or deldmcquinn@house.virginia.gov (email)

The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council East End 7th Voter District, Member, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, at 804.646.3012 (tel); or cynthia.newbille@richmondgov.com (email)

Background ____________________________________________________________________________

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission

One of Richmond City Council's more than 55 official boards, task forces and commissions that it has created and that assists with providing oversight of certain projects and priorities, the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission is a government entity of Richmond City Council that was established by Resolution Number 98-R 102-107, adopted July 13, 1998, as amended by Resolution No. 2000-R111-109, adopted July 24, 2000, as amended by Resolution No. 2003-R132-123, adopted July 14, 2003, as amended by Resolution No. 2003-R155-141, adopted September 8, 2003, as amended by Resolution No. 2004-R125-131, adopted June 28, 2004.

The purpose of the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission is to assist Council with oversight and assistance in helping to preserve and present the history of slavery in Richmond. The Commission meets monthly and includes 17 members that are appointed by Council to serve for three year terms. The composition of membership is as follows:

The Commission shall be composed of seventeen (17) members. Such persons shall be appointed by the Council and shall serve for terms of three (3) years. The membership of the Commission shall include at least one (1) member of City Council, not less than three (3) members of the “Hope in the Cities” organization and a representative from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. Any appointed Council members shall be given the first option of serving as the Chair of the Commission in order of their appointment. Five members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for meetings.

Over the years, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission has worked on a number of important projects, which have included:

· 2011

Unveiling of 17 Richmond Slave Trail Markers located throughout the Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond, marking sites that help tell the historic journey, human impact, and the role Richmond played in the tragic history of slavery.

The Richmond Slave Trail Markers will serve to recognize the regrettable time in our nation’s history when parts of the United States allowed the enslavement of fellow human beings and an estimated 8 percent of U.S. families owned slaves just before the U.S. Civil War. The site of the event and location of one of the 17 markers, Lumpkin's Slave Jail was the largest slave-holding facility in operation in Richmond, Virginia from 1840 until the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865. During that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. The Confederate Army surrendered Richmond, the Capital of the Confederacy, on April 3, 1865.

Following shortly after the end of the U. S. Civil War, which ended in Virginia on April 9, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States of America Constitution was adopted on December 6, 1865. This amendment officially abolished slavery. A precursor for this amendment was the Emancipation Proclamation, an Executive Order signed by President Abraham Lincoln, on January 1, 1863, which proclaimed the freedom of slaves living in states under Confederate control.

· 2009

Development of the conceptual Richmond National Slavery Museum

Richmond City Council provides annual staff assistance and financial support for the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission. Council staff support includes providing fiscal management, public information, writing, publication creation, graphic design, special event and project management, promotions and fundraising. Additional staff support is provided by the Richmond City Administration through the Richmond Department of Economic Development, which includes project engineering and management.

· 2009

Development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program, Signage and

Commemorative Site: Lumpkin’s Slave Jail

· 2008

Discovery of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail historic foundation and architectural

artifacts.

· 2008 – 2009

Phase II Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment: which

included engineering and storm water engineering

· 2007

Richmond International Unveiling of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue on Friday, March 30, 2007, erected at 15th and E. Main Streets. Included design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza and erection of the statue. This project was part of a global initiative placing three statues in three countries. Dedicated to slavery reconciliation, the installation of the statue represents nearly 10 years of work between the City of Richmond, Virginia, USA (North America), Liverpool, England (Europe), and the Republic of Benin (Africa). A statue was erected in Liverpool in 1989 and the Republic of Benin in August 2005.

· 2006

Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment

Lumpkin's Slave Jail was the largest slave holding facility in operation in Richmond, Virginia from 1840 until the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865. During that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. Owned by Robert Lumpkin, the jail was a place that tens of thousands of African men, women and children were "stored" before being transported to slave owners living in states where slavery was legal. Following Lumpkin's death shortly after the Civil war, his common law widowed wife Mary Lumpkin, who was African-American, inherited the estate. In 1867, she leased the jail to Reverend Nathaniel Colver, who established a school for freed slaves at the site. Founded by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society and the National Theological Institute, the school grew into what is now Virginia Union University.

· 2003

Acquisition of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue. For three quarters of the 18th Century, Virginia (North America), Liverpool, England (Europe), and the Republic of Benin (Africa) represented one of the largest global commercial trade triangles of enslaved Africans. Liverpool's shipbuilding industry provided the vessels that sailed to the Kingdom of Dahomey, now the Republic of Benin, where Africans were loaded on ships and transported to the Americas, with Richmond, Virginia being one of the major recipients.

Support

Richmond City Council provides annual staff assistance as available and financial support for the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission. Council staff support includes providing fiscal management, public information, writing, publication creation, graphic design, special event and project management. Additional staff support is provided by the Richmond City Administration through the Richmond Department of Economic Development, which includes project engineering and management.

Council financial support is provided through appropriations in the Richmond City Budget. This includes appropriations in the Richmond City Budget Capital Improvement Plan, Non-Departmental budgets and Departmental budgets. Funding is predicated on requests made by the Commission and as determined by Council.

Examples of Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission financial investment support, per Fiscal Year (FY), include:

• FY 2011- $6,000

For general Commission support

• FY 2010- $6,000

For general Commission support

• FY 2009 - $75,000

For general Commission support ($30,000 - spent $5,124) and for development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program; signage and commemorative site; Lumpkin’s Slave Jail; development of conceptual National Slavery Museum; and, paid sponsorship for Symposium at the University of Richmond for the Civil War Sesquicentennial.

• FY 2008 - $370,000

For general Commission support ($30,000 - spent $7,748) and for Phase II of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment, which included $155,000 for earthmoving and $35,000 for engineering and stormwater engineering (floodplain and proximity to I-95 berm) and $150,000 for archaeological services to hire a vendor.

• FY 2007 - $511,000

For general Commission support ($11,000) and design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza; erection of the statue; and, the International Unveiling of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

• FY 2006 - $35,000

For Richmond Slave Trail Brochure Creation/Printing Phase I of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment

• FY 2003 - $119,000

For acquisition (purchase) of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue and freight

from the United Kingdom

Additional financial, staff and archeological support has also been provided by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods, and a number of corporate, nonprofit and individual financial sponsors.

- end -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

Councilman Chris A. Hilbert's schedule of meetings to be held in Northside 3rd Voter District in 2013

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Councilwoman Reva Trammell to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in Southside 8th Voter District

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Councilwoman Reva Trammell to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in Southside 8th Voter District

All Southside 8th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Reva M. Trammell, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Southside 8th Voter District, will hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting in the Southside 8th Voter District. All Southside 8th Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

This will be an interactive meeting to receive public input on budget priorities in creating the upcoming Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Richmond Government Budget, which will be established by Richmond City Council in May of 2013. During this meeting, participants will be provided hand-held devices to vote on issues that are important to them.

This Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting is very important in helping to identify which Richmond Government programs and services are important to Southside 8th Voter District residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. The current 2013 Fiscal Year Richmond Government Budget is $1,429,628,466.

The meeting will include presentations, discussions and input in the following areas:

Operation Service Priorities

• Streets and sidewalks in your Neighborhood

• Public Transportation

• Recycling Opportunities

Police and Safety Priorities

• Police Protection in your Neighborhood

• Quality of Animal Care and Control

Human Service Priorities

• Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities in your neighborhood

• Social Services

• Public Health Services

• Public Education

Economic Development

• Employment Opportunities in your neighborhood

• New Businesses

Councilwoman Trammel personally holds individual monthly meetings that include information on her goals and accomplishments, a thematic agenda, special guests, and free parking. The meetings are free and all of Richmond’s Southside 8th Voter District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend.

WHEN Thursday, January 24, 2013

6:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE Satellite Restaurant & Lounge/Crab House

4000 Jefferson Davis Highway - Richmond, Virginia

WHO The Honorable Reva M. Trammell, Councilwoman

Richmond City Council, Southside 8th Voter District

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilwoman Reva Trammell, at 804-240-5050 (mobile); or, 233-7382 (home), or via email, at reva.trammell@richmondgov.com

Background - Richmond Government Budget ________________________________________

As Richmond Residents, we pool our resources in order to own and operate our local government and decide what public services we want to invest in; the priority (investment levels) for these services; and, how we pay for them. Examples of our services include the management, oversight and delivery of such things as clean/safe water; streets/parks; laws; firefighting/rescue; trash/sewage removal; police/courts; public transportation; and, our children’s education. Together, we own, operate, use and benefit from these services on a daily basis.

Funding for our services and enforcement of laws comes from state, local and federal sources, including fees and taxes (like the Richmond Real Estate Tax.)

In order to set the investments levels we want for these services, Richmond City Council establishes an official annual Richmond Government Budget in May of each year for the upcoming Fiscal Year.

The Richmond Government Budget is based on a Fiscal Year that runs July 1 to June 30 annually and the City operates on a two-year fiscal plan (Budget) that includes the Richmond General Fund, Richmond Capital Improvement Plan, Richmond Special Funds, Richmond Enterprise Funds, Richmond Internal Service Funds, the City Government contribution to Richmond Public Schools; and, additional state, federal, and other funds provided to Richmond Public Schools.

The Richmond Government Budget is typically amended every year. Thus, every year a proposed (draft) Richmond Government Budget (Fiscal Plan) is submitted to Richmond City Council by the Mayor, who is responsible for administering local government services. Council then reviews, analyzes, amends and establishes a new official Richmond Government Budget based on the priorities of residents.

Richmond City Council budget deliberations begin each August and intensify the following year, culminating in nearly 20 public meetings, hearings and work sessions from March through May.

The Richmond Government Budget takes the form of Ordinances that are approved by Richmond City Council each May for an upcoming Fiscal Year.

BACKGROUND - RICHMOND REAL ESTATE TAXES _______________________________________

We, as residents, have determined that a fair way to help pay for some of our local government services is for Richmond real estate owners to annually contribute funds based on a percentage of the value of the real estate they own in the city. Therefore, each year the fair market value of real estate in the city is assessed and an annual Richmond Real Estate Tax Rate is set. The rate is the percentage, based on $100 of value, that each real estate owner will contribute to help pay for government services in the city.

Our Richmond Real Estate Tax funds are the largest single local funding we use to help pay for our public services. Richmond real estate owners contribute their share annually, based on the value of their real estate and the tax rate, which is set by June 15 annually. For example, if a person owns $100,000 in real estate and the tax rate is $1.20 per $100 of assessed property value; their share is $1,200 for that year.

Beginning calendar year 2011, our Richmond Real Estate Taxes were divided into two collections a year instead of all at once and market valuation data was lagged one year. Payments are now due as follows: Half by January 14 and half by June 14.

Richmond City Council ______________________________________________________________

Mission - The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget.

Vision - Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

- E N D -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

Monday, January 14, 2013

A statement by The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Northside 3rd Voter District

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Monday, 14 January 2013

A statement by

The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert

Councilman, Northside 3rd Voter District

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) – "I am disgusted and outraged in learning about the total destruction of all the trees at the planned Washington Redskins Football training site in our city. Richmond residents deserve much better than this complete and utter failure to protect one of our city's most valuable resources, our urban forest.

This incident is shocking and calls into question the entire management of this project and I want to get to the bottom of it.

I demand a full report on how this was allowed to happen and the specific steps that will be taken immediately to resolve and remedy this loss. This is to include a full one for one replacement, meeting the same measurement caliper of those taken down."

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Chris A. Hilbert,

Richmond City Council, Northside 3rd Voter District, at 804.646.6055 or chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com.

- E N D -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

A statement by The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, North Central 2nd Voter District

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Monday, 14 January 2013

A statement by

The Honorable Charles R. Samuels

Councilman, North Central 2nd Voter District

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) – "This weekend I drove past the Redskins training site to see how construction was moving along. I was shocked when I saw that every single tree on the property had been removed. This was not the intent of the City, nor was it the agreement I had made with the Administration regarding the development of this site.

The agreement between the Administration and myself was that, while there would be a one-for-one tree replacement for any tree that had to come down, as many trees as possible would remain; including those surrounding a portion of the vita course on the west side of the property.

While I do not believe the trees were torn down at the direction of the Administration, I am gravely concerned about the communication efforts that preceded the trees coming down, as clearly our agreement between the Administration and Richmond City Council was not honored or communicated to the construction workers.

Trees are an integral part of our urban neighborhoods and my goal is to repopulate the city with appropriate trees, not to remove old-growth trees merely for development. I am sorry this situation has developed and will work to find a solution."

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Charles R. Samuels, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd Voter District, at 804.646.6532; or by email, at charles.samuels@richmondgov.com.

- E N D -

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Councilwoman Robertson to hold Eastview Neighborhood Community Revitalization Meeting

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force meeting on Thursday canceled

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Richmond City Council congratulates new Richmond Public School Board members

From The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Thursday, 3 January 2012

From The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) – "To the citizens of Richmond, Virginia and especially the citizens of the inspirational Gateway 6th District, members of Richmond City Council, and Mayor Dwight C. Jones, I am honored to serve again as the Vice President of Richmond City Council.

January 2, 2013, was a special occasion and is one to be celebrated for many reasons -- first, because we are fortunate to be Americans and second, because we are citizens of Richmond, Virginia.

The past nine years, because you asked and I willingly accepted, have afforded me the opportunity to serve as chair of several Richmond City Council Standing Committees, regional committees, and to serve on many other boards and commissions. I am honored to have had Richmond City Council’s support to serve three consecutive terms as Council Vice President.

The City of Richmond is a GREAT place to serve. I welcome our new council members and pray their stay will be rewarding and fulfills their desires for the constituents and the City.

The year 2013 marks a new beginning and one with promising opportunities. We have already opened the doors to two new Richmond Public Elementary Schools south of the James River. This includes Oakgrove-Bellemeade in the Gateway 6th District and Broad Rock in the Southside 8th District. Richmond Public Schools' Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School is also under construction and a new public high school will be next. In the face of economic stagnation, fiscal turmoil, and federal grid lock, Richmond is witnessing an urban revolution. Our accomplishments are many and deserve mentioning so we do not forget our successes while we focus on the future.

The work remaining to be done allows little time for rest and demands commitments that are beyond a part-time duty and the needed resources that are beyond the abilities of many of our citizens, especially the working middle class and people of poverty.

The next four years demand that Richmond City Council and the City stop delaying the implementation of the Mayor's Anti-Poverty Commission Report, which includes a blueprint for creating jobs and establishing efficient regional public transportation.

In moving forward, we must support the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in order to eliminate blighted buildings. In too many neighborhoods there are at least one or two blighted buildings on almost every block. We also must rebuild our public housing communities so that they are economically inclusive and include all the needed supporting amenities that Richmond citizens deserve and are due.

A system of economic equality is fair, it is just, and it demands a balanced playing field if it is to establish prosperity for all citizens. During the past four years, significant proportions of tax dollars have leveraged economic development in the City. We are grateful to our business partners, our schools of higher learning, and our government agencies and staffs. But, beginning now, in 2013, our priorities must be equitable, fair and just. Our children, people earning less than a living wage, those who don’t own property and small businesses are not receiving a fair share of the tax dollars and representation in the City.

As Vice President, my top priority is to make “the future of our children’s education” number one. Second, poverty and the consequences that are created by injustice in public policy must no longer be tolerated. Richmond will never reduce poverty and homelessness until every child is achieving excellence in education, the poor are healthy and earning at least a living wage and economically inclusive neighborhoods replace “projects.” These must be our first priorities. Richmond City Council, the Mayor and the Richmond School Board must budget to achieve desired educational outcomes, communities with amenities and jobs and business opportunities for every one desiring to work.

Time is not on our side. When I found out yesterday that Richmond City Council President Charles Samuel decided to excuse me off serving as a chair of any Richmond City Council Standing Committees, my heart was at first troubled. But, after a moment of reflecting on the authority of my life, I welcome this major reduction in service demands that were denied me as a window of opportunity to refocus my energy on the things most important to me.

Today, I am seeking advisors regarding the Richmond Alternatives to Incarceration Citizen Advisory Board. I welcome the Richmond Public School Board Members and look forward to a renewed relationship to join forces to make “achieving excellence in public education” our number one priority to ensure we “win the war waged against our children and our future generations.” As Vice President, I am here to serve full-time to make these and many other significant accomplishments a reality so that our citizens will be healthy and live prosperously in the City of Richmond.

I look forward to working with the Mayor, Richmond City Council, Richmond Public School Board and citizens for the next four years. Thank you and it is an honor to serve you."

CONTACT For more information, please contact The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th Voter District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com;

- E N D -

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission to hold meeting

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Wednesday, 2 January 2013

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission to hold meeting

All Richmond Residents invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission will hold a meeting. The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission holds meetings regarding its work and ongoing projects in helping to preserve and present the history of slavery in Richmond. The meetings are typically scheduled to be held the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 4:00 p.m., at the same location. These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The agenda for these meeting typically include the following:

• Welcome

• New Business

• Updates

• Committee Reports

• Charette

• Upcoming Events

• Closing Remarks/Adjournment

WHEN Thursday, January 3, 2013; 4:00-5:30 p.m.

WHERE Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building

701 N. 25th Street (In Richmond’s Historic East End)

WHO The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission; Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates - 70th Voter District

CONTACT For more information regarding the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, please contact The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond Slave Trail Commission (Member, Virginia House of Delegates -70th Voter District) at 804.698.1070, or deldmcquinn@house.virginia.gov

Background ____________________________________________________________________________

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission

One of Richmond City Council's more than 55 official boards, task forces and commissions that it has created and that assists with providing oversight of certain projects and priorities, the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission is a government entity of Richmond City Council that was established by Resolution Number 98-R 102-107, adopted July 13, 1998, as amended by Resolution No. 2000-R111-109, adopted July 24, 2000, as amended by Resolution No. 2003-R132-123, adopted July 14, 2003, as amended by Resolution No. 2003-R155-141, adopted September 8, 2003, as amended by Resolution No. 2004-R125-131, adopted June 28, 2004.

The purpose of the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission is to assist Council with oversight and assistance in helping to preserve and present the history of slavery in Richmond. The Commission meets monthly and includes 17 members that are appointed by Council to serve for three year terms. The composition of membership is as follows:

The Commission shall be composed of seventeen (17) members. Such persons shall be appointed by the Council and shall serve for terms of three (3) years. The membership of the Commission shall include at least one (1) member of City Council, not less than three (3) members of the “Hope in the Cities” organization and a representative from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. Any appointed Council members shall be given the first option of serving as the Chair of the Commission in order of their appointment. Five members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for meetings.

Over the years, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission has worked on a number of important projects, which have included:

• 2011

Unveiling of 17 Richmond Slave Trail Markers located throughout the Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond, marking sites that help tell the historic journey, human impact, and the role Richmond played in the tragic history of slavery.

The Richmond Slave Trail Markers will serve to recognize the regrettable time in our nation’s history when parts of the United States allowed the enslavement of fellow human beings and an estimated 8 percent of U.S. families owned slaves just before the U.S. Civil War. The site of the event and location of one of the 17 markers, Lumpkin's Slave Jail was the largest slave-holding facility in operation in Richmond, Virginia from 1840 until the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865. During that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. The Confederate Army surrendered Richmond, the Capital of the Confederacy, on April 3, 1865.

Following shortly after the end of the U. S. Civil War, which ended in Virginia on April 9, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States of America Constitution was adopted on December 6, 1865. This amendment officially abolished slavery. A precursor for this amendment was the Emancipation Proclamation, an Executive Order signed by President Abraham Lincoln, on January 1, 1863, which proclaimed the freedom of slaves living in states under Confederate control.

• 2009

Development of the conceptual Richmond National Slavery Museum

Richmond City Council provides annual staff assistance and financial support for the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission. Council staff support includes providing fiscal management, public information, writing, publication creation, graphic design, special event and project management, promotions and fundraising. Additional staff support is provided by the Richmond City Administration through the Richmond Department of Economic Development, which includes project engineering and management.

• 2009

Development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program, Signage and

Commemorative Site: Lumpkin’s Slave Jail

• 2008

Discovery of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail historic foundation and architectural

artifacts.

• 2008 – 2009

Phase II Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment: which

included engineering and storm water engineering

• 2007

Richmond International Unveiling of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue on Friday, March 30, 2007, erected at 15th and E. Main Streets. Included design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza and erection of the statue. This project was part of a global initiative placing three statues in three countries. Dedicated to slavery reconciliation, the installation of the statue represents nearly 10 years of work between the City of Richmond, Virginia, USA (North America), Liverpool, England (Europe), and the Republic of Benin (Africa). A statue was erected in Liverpool in 1989 and the Republic of Benin in August 2005.

• 2006

Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment

Lumpkin's Slave Jail was the largest slave holding facility in operation in Richmond, Virginia from 1840 until the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865. During that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. Owned by Robert Lumpkin, the jail was a place that tens of thousands of African men, women and children were "stored" before being transported to slave owners living in states where slavery was legal. Following Lumpkin's death shortly after the Civil war, his common law widowed wife Mary Lumpkin, who was African-American, inherited the estate. In 1867, she leased the jail to Reverend Nathaniel Colver, who established a school for freed slaves at the site. Founded by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society and the National Theological Institute, the school grew into what is now Virginia Union University.

• 2003

Acquisition of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue. For three quarters of the 18th Century, Virginia (North America), Liverpool, England (Europe), and the Republic of Benin (Africa) represented one of the largest global commercial trade triangles of enslaved Africans. Liverpool's shipbuilding industry provided the vessels that sailed to the Kingdom of Dahomey, now the Republic of Benin, where Africans were loaded on ships and transported to the Americas, with Richmond, Virginia being one of the major recipients.

Support

Richmond City Council provides annual staff assistance as available and financial support for the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission. Council staff support includes providing fiscal management, public information, writing, publication creation, graphic design, special event and project management. Additional staff support is provided by the Richmond City Administration through the Richmond Department of Economic Development, which includes project engineering and management.

Council financial support is provided through appropriations in the Richmond City Budget. This includes appropriations in the Richmond City Budget Capital Improvement Plan, Non-Departmental budgets and Departmental budgets. Funding is predicated on requests made by the Commission and as determined by Council.

Examples of Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission financial investment support, per Fiscal Year (FY), include:

• FY 2011- $6,000

For general Commission support

• FY 2010- $6,000

For general Commission support

• FY 2009 - $75,000

For general Commission support ($30,000 - spent $5,124) and for development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program; signage and commemorative site; Lumpkin’s Slave Jail; development of conceptual National Slavery Museum; and, paid sponsorship for Symposium at the University of Richmond for the Civil War Sesquicentennial.

• FY 2008 - $370,000

For general Commission support ($30,000 - spent $7,748) and for Phase II of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment, which included $155,000 for earthmoving and $35,000 for engineering and stormwater engineering (floodplain and proximity to I-95 berm) and $150,000 for archaeological services to hire a vendor.

• FY 2007 - $511,000

For general Commission support ($11,000) and design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza; erection of the statue; and, the International Unveiling of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

• FY 2006 - $35,000

For Richmond Slave Trail Brochure Creation/Printing Phase I of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment

• FY 2003 - $119,000

For acquisition (purchase) of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue and freight

from the United Kingdom

Additional financial, staff and archeological support has also been provided by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods, and a number of corporate, nonprofit and individual financial sponsors.

- end -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place