Mayor Receives Final Report from Anti-Poverty Commission

~Staff to develop timeline in response to recommendations~

The Mayor’s Anti-Poverty Commission today presented its final report to the City of Richmond after close to two years of research, public input sessions, and committee work. The Commission offered what it termed “top-tier” and “second-tier” recommendations to begin to address a poverty rate (25%) in the city of Richmond that is over twice that of the metro area as a whole.

“The report rightly acknowledges that City government has limited resources and capacity to tackle this problem,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “That’s why the work of this Commission has been so important in that this report can provide a roadmap for us to create a comprehensive anti-poverty strategy involving all stakeholders. I believe we can make a meaningful difference over time if we all work together.”

The Anti-Poverty Commission is comprised of community advocates, academics, community leaders, members of the business sector and other stakeholders. The report focuses on topics such as job creation, education and workforce development, legislation and policy, and transportation needs.

Mayor Jones has indicated that he now wants staff to develop a timeline showing what can be done for the upcoming fiscal year, what recommendations are currently underway and what recommendations will take longer to implement. Commission Chairman Ellen Robertson plans to have the report presented to City Council on January 28 during their informal session. Throughout the budget process, the Mayor will also determine what things should be included in future budgets. The City Administration will be working closely with City Council on implementing recommendations of the report.

Click here to view the report.