Councilmember Kristen Nye Larson Calls for Virtual Summit/Increased Public Comment for Richmond’s Future

Statement from Councilmember Kristen Larson:

Richmond is struggling with finding a path forward in response to national and local racial inequalities and the ensuing protests and riots.

Today, I am calling for the first of several special meetings of the city council to occur virtually beginning Monday June 29th. The purpose of these special meetings will be to begin the conversation of a new policy agenda for Richmond.

Our city leaders need to come together in a public way to discuss the following and much more:

• Public Safety Reform
• Integrated Emergency Service Response
• Removal of Racist Symbols
• New Approach to Public Budget Input Processes

I am hopeful that my colleagues will join me in supporting a new dialogue with the goal of finding consensus on issues that are important to our citizens. The result of these meetings will be to promptly and formally introduce new policies that will help guide our city’s future.

I am also asking for my colleagues on city council to waive the rules to allow for additional citizen input during our next virtual city council meeting, scheduled for Monday June 22nd at 6 p.m. We need to encourage safe and constructive input from our city residents and provide an outlet for them to communicate with us about their concerns and vision for our city’s future.

Richmond has been my home for 15 years and the only home my children have ever known. I love this city and want us all to work together to lay out a framework for our future. Please join me to help make this happen.