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To approve the Mayor's appointment of Odie Donald II as a member of the Board of Directors of the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority for a term commencing on October 13, 2026, and expiring October 13, 2030.
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WHEREAS, pursuant to section 33.2-2901 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, is authorized to appoint five members of the Board of Directors of the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority for terms of four years from the date of appointment; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has communicated his desire to appoint Odie Donald II as a member of the Board of Directors of the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority, effective October 13, 2026;
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND:
That the Mayor’s appointment of Odie Donald II as a member of the Board of Directors of the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority for a term commencing on October 13, 2026, and expiring October 13, 2030, is hereby approved in accordance with section 33.2-2901 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. However, such appointment shall not become effective until the appointee takes the requisite oath of office administered by the City Clerk.
DATE: September 3, 2026
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: RJ Warren, Council Chief of Staff
THROUGH: Will Perkins, Senior Legislative Services Manager
FROM: The Honorable Cynthia Newbille, Councilmember 7th District
RE: To approve the Mayor's appointment of Odie Donald II as a member of the Board of Directors of the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority for a term commencing on October 13, 2026, and expiring October 13, 2030.
CNL-2026-0098
PURPOSE: To approve the Mayor's appointment of Odie Donald II as a member of the Board of Directors of the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority for a term commencing on October 13, 2026, and expiring October 13, 2030.
BACKGROUND: The Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority (RMTA) is an independent authority that operates toll roads, bridges, parking facilities, and other transportation-related infrastructure in and around the City of Richmond. The mission of the RMTA is to build and operate a variety of public systems and offer public services, especially transportation related, within the Richmond metropolitan area, each of which is operated and financed primarily by user fees.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: The Mayor submitted this appointment via letter to the City Clerk including an application from Mr. Donald. See attachment for full details.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL: This appointment supports implementation of the City's Master Plan (Richmond 300) by ensuring City representation on the governing board of the region's public transit provider.
The nomination supports Richmond 300's goals to:
• Expand access to reliable, safe, and convenient transportation choices for residents.
• Coordinate transportation and land use planning to support connected, walkable neighborhoods and activity centers.
• Strengthen regional partnerships to improve mobility, economic opportunity, and equitable access to jobs, housing, education, and services.
• Advance implementation of multimodal transportation investments consistent with the City's adopted transportation and land use policies.
This appointment also facilitates continued coordination between City Council, the City Administration, and RMTA on transportation planning and policy.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption.
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: September 28, 2026
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE: October 13, 2026
REQUESTED AGENDA: Consent
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Waived
AFFECTED AGENCIES: Department of Public Works (Department of Transportation)
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: None.
ATTACHMENTS: “Re: Richmond Metropolitan Transit Authority”
STAFF: Will Perkins, Legislative Manager, 804-646-5975