title
To designate the 1000 block of East Clay Street in honor of Bill Martin.
body
THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. Designation of Street Block for Honorary Name. The 1000 block of East Clay Street shall be designated in honor of Bill Martin, pursuant to this ordinance.
§ 2. Effect of Designation. The designation of the street block made pursuant to this ordinance shall be honorary only, shall not replace the existing name of the street, and shall have no effect on the address of any property with an address on the designated street block. The sole effect of designation pursuant to this ordinance shall be to authorize the placement of commemorative signs in accordance with this ordinance memorializing the designation in honor of the named person.
§ 3. Administration of Ordinance. The Department of Public Works shall implement this ordinance by installing, as soon as practicable after the adoption of this ordinance, and maintaining commemorative signs in accordance with this section. The commemorative signs shall be clearly distinct from the street signs used to identify the street block in question such that a reasonable person could not conclude that the commemorative signs reflect the actual name of the street. The commemorative signs (i) shall be affixed to a sign pole installed at each end of the block designated in section 1 of this ordinance for the purpose of fulfilling the requirements of this section or to any existing sign identifying the road designated in section 1 of this ordinance located at each end of the block designated in section 1 of this ordinance and (ii) shall bear the name of the person set forth in section 1 of this ordinance.
§ 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon adoption.
DATE: March 2, 2026
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: The Honorable Dr. Danny Avula, Mayor
THROUGH: Al Wiggins, Jr., Deputy Chief Administrative Officer - Operations
THROUGH: Bobby Vincent, Director, Department of Public Works
FROM: The Honorable Dr. Danny Avula, Mayor
RE: Street Designation in honor of Bill Martin
ORD. OR RES. No.
PURPOSE: To designate the 1000 block of E. Clay Street, in honor of Bill Martin.
BACKGROUND:
William “Bill” J. Martin, long-time Director of the Valentine Museum, came to Richmond in 1994 to work at the Valentine after the institution experienced failed expansion at Valentine Riverside (now the American Civil War Museum). Martin invested his time and talents in revitalizing the Valentine and was named director just a year later in 1995. He elevated untold stories that spoke of Richmond’s history in a way that represented all Richmonders.
During his tenure at the Valentine Museum, Martin cultivated numerous community history series like Controversy/History and Richmond History tours. He championed the Richmond History Makers award program, facilitated renovations of the campus, fostered deeper collaboration with Richmond Regional Tourism, and advocated for downtown growth. Aside from his work at the Valentine, Martin was an advocate of the LGBTQ+ community, a lover of the Richmond arts scene, and at his core, a storyteller.
An honorary street sign will not only commemorate Martin’s contributions to Richmond but also highlights the importance of storytelling through community voices.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Bill Martin was nominated by Brantley Tyndall at Sportsbackers and Meg Hughes, Acting Director of the Valentine Museum. In addition, Historic Richmond and VCU Health have written letters of support.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL: NA
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: April 13, 2026
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE: April 27, 2026
REQUESTED AGENDA: Consent
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation
AFFECTED AGENCIES: Department of Public Works
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: None
ATTACHMENTS: NA
STAFF: Lawson Wijesooriya, Chief of Staff