Policy Record

Andreas knows first-hand how city government works, and more importantly, when it doesn’t. He is ready to start on Day One building stronger neighborhoods and commercial corridors centered around transit, expansion of greenspace, walkability, and small business growth.

  • Created Technology Zone program to encourage tech job growth and investment.

  • Raised Business Professional Occupational License (BPOL) tax threshold from $100,000 to $250,000 to support Richmond's smallest business owners. More than 50% of businesses that paid BPOL taxes in 2023 did not have to pay in 2024.

  • Eliminated parking requirements to reduce burdens on businesses and communities.

Local Economy:

  • Advocated for the creation of CVTA, including a regional dedicated funding stream for GRTC and prohibiting localities from reducing operating contributions to GRTC in future years.

  • Continued fare-free transit on GRTC.

  • Helped deliver a 40% raise for GRTC drivers to increase recruitment and retention and lower wait times for riders.

Mass Transit:

  • Vision Zero traffic safety program oriented around equity and sustainability - created a new position dedicated to Vision Zero work within DPW.

  • Made it illegal to park in a bike lane.

  • Pedestrian and bike infrastructure investments.

  • Passed legislation to jumpstart planning process for the Richmond Connects Multimodal Transportation Plan.

Safe Streets for All Omnibus:

  • Requested creation of Dept. of Multi-Modal Transportation.

  • Requested infrastructure plan to support North/South BRT routes.

  • Requested the creation of a Transit Oriented Development zone to create housing and commerce hubs centered around mass transit on the Southside Corridors of Hull St., Midlothian Turnpike, and Richmond Highway.

  • Tripled Street Paving Budget: 70% of roads have been improved with a goal of 80% by 2024.

Infrastructure:

  • Secured more than $15M for the City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

  • Proposed $5 million from the Fiscal Year 2025 budget to support Right to Counsel for all Richmonders facing eviction.

  • Re-zoned the western end of the Pulse corridor on Broad Street to allow for denser, transit-oriented development.

  • Supported multifamily development to increase density and housing stock.

  • Chaired City Council Committee on Land Use, Housing, and Transportation.

  • Served on City Planning Commission, advocating for new infill and affordable housing projects citywide.

Housing:

Transparency & Accountability:

  • Created Participatory Budgeting Commission so residents have a say in how public dollars are invested.

  • Created Public Utilities Commission to increase transparency and accountability.

  • Helped create Civilian Review Board.

  • Started NextUp program at Albert Hill Middle School.

  • Worked with Senator McClellan to create the School Modernization Commission.

  • Increased the RPS budget by 15%, or $22 million invested in our classrooms and approving the funding to create three new state-of-the-art modern schools.

  • Visits every RPS school in the 1st District once a month during the school year.

Education:

Sustainability/Environmental Justice:

  • Established the Department of Public Utilities Commission to oversee the city’s transition away from natural gas.

  • Opposed burn tower at Hickory Hill.

  • Requested scorecard for new projects to ensure they adhere to RVAGreen2050 and Richmond300 goals.

  • Delivered public defender pay parity.

  • Enabled City employees to participate in the Virginia Retirement System to improve recruitment and retention in City Hall.

  • Delivered raise for first responders.

  • Supported collective bargaining, project labor agreements, and prevailing wage.

Standing with Workers: