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To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Sublease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as sublandlord, and UGK Community First Corp., as subtenant, for the purpose of subleasing a portion of certain real property located at 1400 Oliver Hill Way. (6th District)
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THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. That the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, be and is hereby authorized to execute a Sublease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as sublandlord, and UGK Community First Corp., as subtenant, for the purpose of subleasing a portion of certain real property located at 1400 Oliver Hill Way. The Sublease Agreement shall be approved as to form by the City Attorney and shall be substantially in the form of the document attached to this ordinance.
§ 2. This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon adoption.
City of Richmond
Intracity Correspondence
DATE: February 20, 2026
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: The Honorable Dr. Danny Avula, Mayor
THROUGH: Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer
THROUGH: Tanikia Jackson, DCA for Finance and Administration
THROUGH: Letitia Shelton, Director of Finance
THROUGH: Meghan K. Brown, Director of Budget & Strategic Planning
THROUGH: Amy Popovich, DCAO for Human Services
FROM: Christopher E. Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities
RE: Sublease Agreement between the City of Richmond and UGK Community First Corp.
ORD. OR RES. No.
PURPOSE: To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Sublease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as sublandlord, and UGK Community First Corp, as tenant, for the purpose of allowing UGK Community First Corp., to lease certain real property commonly known as the Annie Marie Giles Community Resource and Training Center, located at 1400 Oliver Hill Way. (6th District)
BACKGROUND: UGK Community First (UGK-CF) is a Richmond-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2020 to address food insecurity and provide economic opportunities in the culinary industry. Born out of The Underground Kitchen’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UGK-CF recognized the urgent need for nutritious, chef-prepared meals and meaningful support for displaced food industry workers.
Through its core programs-Future Foodies, From Scratch, and Smart Soul Food-UGK-CF delivers healthy, culturally responsive meals while offering education in nutrition, cooking, and food sustainability. These programs empower children, families, and seniors in underserved communities and create pathways for chefs and industry professionals, particularly women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Extending the existing sublease at the Annie Marie Giles Community Resource and Training Center will allow UGK-CF to continue its operations, by hosting community-based feeding and educational programs, and deepen partnerships with local residents and organizations. The location currently serves as a hub for preparing and distributing meals, hosting culinary training, and furthering UGK-CF’s mission to build a healthier, more equitable food system across Richmond.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: After introduction, the proposed ordinance will be referred to future Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee meeting for discussion, where the public is encouraged to attend to provide comments. After the committee’s recommendation to the City Council, Council will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed ordinance.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL: Richmond 300
CONSIDERATION BY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES: N/A.
FISCAL IMPACT / COST: Subtenant shall pay to Landlord fifty dollars ($50.00) per month in arrears to reimburse Sublandlord for Sublandlord’s payments to utility providers for basic utilities.
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: February 23, 2026
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE: March 10, 2026
REQUESTED AGENDA: Consent
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Governmental Operations Standing Committee
AFFECTED AGENCIES: PRCF
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: Ordinance No. 2020-221
ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A - Sublease Agreement
STAFF: Christopher Frelke, Director, PRCF - (804) 646-1128
Nissa Richardson, Deputy Director, PRCF - (804) 646-5619
Daniel Hazlett, Senior Management Analyst, PRCF - (804) 646-7506