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This month feels like a big one for our city. So, I wanted to take a moment in a special mid-month edition of our newsletter to share a quick note from me to you. We’ll be back at the end of the month with our regular issue.
Right now, two things are top of mind for me: the launch of our Mayoral Action Plan (MAP) and the continued analysis of how a federal government shutdown could impact Richmonders.
I want to begin by acknowledging that this moment brings a sense of unease. The federal government shutdown creates uncertainty. I know many of you are already wondering how this could affect city services and programs, and about the impact the shutdown might have on you and your family. One thing I want to say is that while your unease is justified, this isn’t uncharted territory. We’ve been here before. Back in 2018, I led the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts through a 35-day shutdown. More recently, we came within hours of one during March’s federal government budget negotiations. I say this not to minimize the moment, but to remind you: we’ve navigated this before—and we will again.
The City of Richmond is actively monitoring and assessing the potential impacts across city government. I’m in daily communication with Chief Administrative Officer Donald and our teams in Budget, Finance, Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Deputy Chief Administrative Divisions. They are doing the work right now to understand how the federal government shutdown may affect service delivery, funding streams, and operations. My commitment is to stay as transparent as possible and to keep you informed as we learn more. If the shutdown extends, we may need to lean on our state partners for support—and we’ll cross that bridge together if we get there.
We also know this shutdown isn’t just about government operations—it’s about people. In Richmond alone, more than 54,000 residents rely on SNAP and over 3,000 families depend on TANF to meet their basic needs. Last year, those benefits translated to nearly $90 million in food and basic needs spending across our local economy—almost all of it federal funding. If those programs experience delays or reduced funding, it could create pressure on local resources and on the community organizations that help fill the gap.
The same is true for energy assistance, which helps thousands of Richmond households keep the heat on during colder months. In the last fiscal year, $3.9 million in federal fuel assistance supported residents through the heating season. With new federal funding temporarily on hold, we’re keeping a close eye on what that may mean as we head further info cooler weather.
And while child care subsidies will continue using existing funds for now, new federal allocations are paused—something that could eventually affect providers if the shutdown continues for an extended period.
What’s happening in Washington has very real consequences—tens of thousands of Virginians could lose access to critical services, including life-saving health care. So yes, there’s urgency. But there’s also resolve. Our job here in Richmond is to stay focused, keep communication lines open with federal and state partners, and above all, make sure Richmond residents continue to get the services they count on.
We didn’t plan for the release of the Mayoral Action Plan to overlap with the government shutdown, but as they’re unfolding together, I’m reminded that the point of strategic planning like the MAP is to guide us through both uncertainty and progress. That kind of grounding in our mission, and our vision and pillars is essential when things around us feel unpredictable.
We launched the MAP formally on Wednesday, October 15, with an opportunity for city workers to gather and commit to this long-term plan. You can watch the full launch of the MAP on our YouTube channel and read the full document at go.rva.gov/map. I’ll be sharing much more about this document and the progress we’re making on our goals in the months and years to come, so I hope you’ll join me in learning about the pillars and values directing that work.
I remain so hopeful about Richmond’s future, and I’m grateful for each of you as you show up daily for your families, neighbors, and co-workers. Together, I know we’re moving toward a Richmond where every person can thrive.
-Danny
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