“I thank Governor Northam for his leadership in calling for a special session of the Virginia General Assembly to address gun violence in our commonwealth. 

The governor is right – thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need action to bring common sense gun regulation to Virginia, and localities need the authority to protect their communities. 

Now is the time for EVERY ONE of our state lawmakers to stand up and be counted. We owe it to the families in Virginia Beach, to the family of 9-year-old Markiya Dickson and to every life lost in Richmond and across the commonwealth due to gun violence. 

Every Virginian deserves to go to work or play in the park or walk our streets without fear. It’s time for courage and accountability. November is coming.” 

Posted April 9, 2021

Mayor Levar M. Stoney today marked the first day of Teacher Appreciation Week by announcing a new partnership between the Richmond Fire Department and Richmond Public Schools to offer CPR certification to RPS teachers free of charge. 

The partnership is the result of a proposal by the Mayor’s Teacher Advisory Council (MTAC), a group of RPS teachers who provide insight into what attracts teachers to Richmond and what will keep them living and working here. The Virginia Department of Education requires all individuals applying for or renewing teacher licenses to be certified in CPR, which can cost as much as $150 per course. 

Mayor Stoney worked with Chief Melvin Carter of the Richmond Fire Department and Superintendent Jason Kamras of Richmond Public Schools to formalize a partnership that will allow RPS teachers to sign up for free training courses to be held monthly at RFD headquarters beginning in June. 

“Our teachers give selflessly of their love, time, talent, energy and resources,” said Mayor Stoney. “I’m pleased that collaboration across city agencies will allow us to alleviate this cost burden and further support our educators.” 

“Being able to respond swiftly in an emergency is a critical part of keeping our city safe,” said Fire Chief Melvin Carter. “The Richmond Fire Department is proud to be able to offer this life-saving training to the teachers who work so hard on behalf of our children.” 

“This is a great benefit for our teachers and we’re so grateful to the mayor and Chief Carter for making this happen,” said RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras. “It’s just another example of how we all get smarter when we listen to our teachers.” 

For more information please contact licensure specialist, Deborah Dailey at ddailey@rvaschools.net.
 

Mayor Levar M. Stoney today announced the appointment of Leonard Sledge as the city’s next director of Economic Development.

Sledge brings more than 13 years of experience in economic development to the position. Throughout his career, he has led construction, renovation and retention projects for universities and municipal governments.He has served as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Hampton and for the College of William and Mary. Most recently, Sledge served as the executive director of the Henry County Development Authority, which serves the southeast portion of the Atlanta metro region.

Sledge earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Morehouse College and a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree from Georgia Tech. He holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix. In 2019, he was named one of North America’s top 50 economic developers by Consultant Connect.
“The City of Richmond is growing and we need to make sure we pursue development that not only expands our tax base, but is community-oriented and expands opportunity for all of our residents,” said Mayor Stoney. “Leonard’s background in local government and his record of informed, principled decision-making indicate he’s the right person for the job.”

As the Director of Economic Development, Sledge will oversee the economic growth of the city, including business retention and attraction, real estate development and redevelopment, and small business development and support. He will oversee the administration of the City’s Enterprise and Opportunity Zones, as well as several economic development loan programs. He will report directly to Sharon Ebert, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Economic and Community Development. “I’m excited for the opportunity to work with this talented city team, civic-minded stakeholders and the community to help Richmond realize its economic development potential and move the city forward,” said Sledge.

“Mike Herring has been an outstanding Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond who has served the residents of our city with dedication and distinction for 13 years.

Mike’s keen and progressive legal mind, fairness and commitment to justice, both inside and outside the courtroom, has made Richmond a safer and more equitable place to live.

We will miss Commonwealth’s Attorney Herring’s steady and principled leadership in this critical law enforcement role, and I join the residents of the City of Richmond in honoring his public service and in wishing him well in the next chapter of his professional life.”