Dear Friends,

Happy New Year 2020!

In January of 2020, I begin my fifth year as mayor and 25th year on the Richmond City Council.

Despite some high profile turmoil, notably the firing of city manager Carlos Martinez and the termination of Police Chief Allyn Brown, and the usual bickering among City Council members, 2019 was a pretty good year for Richmond. For more details, see 2019 Richmond Year End Review.

A preview of results of the 2019 National Community Survey are in, and the City of Richmond, as rated by its residents, continues to improve. Most significantly, “Overall Quality of Life” increased nearly 19% since 2017 and 123% since 2007. After backsliding slightly in 2017, “Overall Image” increased over 13% in the past two years, more than doubling since 2007.

Most ratings were similar to those of 2017. The issue of “reducing crime and disorder” remained the number one concern of residents, with 92% rating it essential or very important. Other issues of high concern included:

•Improving environmental quality 88%
•Improving the financial stability of the city 88%
•Improving street paving conditions 88%
•Addressing blighted properties 82%
•Increasing economic development activities 82%

Yours for a happy and properous 2020.


Mayor Tom Butt