Tom Butt
Architect, Recovered Politician, Historic Preservationist and Author
This web page started as a political campaign resource in the early 1990s. After 28 years on the Richmond City Council and eight years as elected mayor, I termed out in 2023, having served longer continuously than anyone in Richmond history. I have now reverted full-time to the architectural profession.
I started the blog TOM BUTT E-FORUM in 2000 to fill in the gaps and misinformation from traditional journalism. Although I have transitioned away from the predominantly community and political content , I have continued the E-FORUM, and the Archives are probably the best resource available for Richmond political history 2000 – 2023.
Latest E-FORUM Articles
Architects call on Shalom Baranes Associates, the new White House East
Architects call on Shalom Baranes Associates, the new White House East Wing ballroom designer, to decline Trump’s commission By Daniel Jonas Roche • December 11, 2025 • Architecture, East, News, Professional Practice The...
OM BUTT E-FORUM: Rotary Auction — Do Not Miss — Only 3 Days Away!
This really fun event with great auction items funds the Richmond Rotary community projects for the entire year. Hope to see you there! https://richmondcarotary.org/holiday-auction/ Want to receive TOM BUTT E-FORUM delivered to your...
White House Ballroom
I signed on to the following letter from members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Historic Resources Committee December 8, 2025 Mr. Shalom Baranes, FAIA Shalom Baranes Associates Architects 1010 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Suite 900 Washington, DC...
Marina Point to be Reviewed by Richmond Design Review Board December
One of the worst projects to be proposed in Richmond in recent memory is Marina Point, just east of the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Center, fronting on San Francisco Bay and the Bay Trail. This is the former “Richmond Rivera” site where voters rejected a...
Regional Measure 3 – Address Bridge Congestion or Street Improvements?
When I was chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), Regional Measure 3 (RM3) was being drafted. As chair, I was granted some additional and substantial informal influence over determining the allocation of funding. With the...
Rotary Auction — Do Not Miss
This really fun event with great auction items funds the Richmond Rotary community projects for the entire year. Hope to see you there! https://richmondcarotary.org/holiday-auction/ Want to receive TOM BUTT E-FORUM delivered to your...