title
To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as landlord, and Virginia Community Voice, as tenant, for the purpose of leasing certain real property located at 2015 Ruffin Road.
body
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 Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as landlord, and Virginia Community Voice, as tenant, for the purpose of leasing certain real property located at 2015 Ruffin Road. The Lease 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: October 15, 2025
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: The Honorable Dr. Danny Avula, Mayor
THROUGH: Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer
THROUGH: Amy Popovich, DCAO for Human Services
FROM: Christopher E. Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities
RE: Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond and Virginia Community Voice
ORD. OR RES. No.
PURPOSE: To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as landlord, and Virginia Community Voice, as tenant, for the purpose of allowing Virginia Community Voice, to lease certain real property commonly known as the old T.B. Smith Center, located at 2015 Ruffin Road. (8th District)
BACKGROUND: The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) and Virginia Community Voice (VACV) have fostered a strong collaborative relationship to provide services to the community. VACV, established in 2019, has built a strong reputation for equipping historically marginalized communities to shape their own futures while preparing institutions to respond more equitably. Recognized by leaders such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Representative Jennifer McClellan for advancing environmental justice and equitable access to green spaces, VACV now endeavors to expand its impact through the leased space at the old TB Smith building.
The organization plans to use this space to host programs that strengthen neighborhood leadership, support community healing, and advance equity through initiatives like RVA Thrives and the Community Voice Blueprint. These programs engage residents in identifying priorities such as housing, climate resilience, and youth leadership, while also training institutions in effective, inclusive engagement practices. VACV’s work in the space will also serve as a foundation for its broader vision of the South Richmond Center for Rest & Healing, a community hub designed to address health, wellness, and resilience needs in Southside neighborhoods. This effort is made possible through the continued partnership with PRCF, whose shared commitment to equitable community investment ensures that the old TB Smith site will become a vital resource for empowerment, healing, and neighborhood-driven solutions.
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: None.
CONSIDERATION BY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES: N/A.
FISCAL IMPACT / COST: Base rent will be two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per year.
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: November 10, 2025
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE: December 8, 2025
REQUESTED AGENDA: Consent
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation
AFFECTED AGENCIES: PRCF
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: None.
ATTACHMENTS: Lease 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