A representative of the Chief of Staff’s office updated Richmond City Council on office renovations, staffing and legislative priorities.

“...we're really majorly focused on third floor construction of the offices, so getting plans, and timelines in place so we can make that move,” said Mister Slats, speaking for the Chief of Staff’s office. He told the council staff is also preparing for the upcoming budget season, coordinating a communications audit and supporting Richmond Peoples Budget engagement work.

Slats said staff is balancing short-term needs and longer-term planning: “...trying to find this really delicate balance between making sure council has and Dave, you've expressed this, is leading the conversation about what the future direction of this office looks like, but also, trying to make sure we're addressing short term needs as much as possible.” He said the job posting for a permanent chief-of-staff role is out, and the office is working to fill a vacancy created by Joyce Davis’s departure.

President Newbill emphasized adding the city’s legislative agenda with the General Assembly to the office’s workplan, and asked staff to ensure regular feedback from lobbyists and a clear communications path when council action is needed. Slats said weekly meetings with lobbyists are already occurring.

Several council members asked about when council and staff would be able to occupy renovated offices. Council Member Trammell asked for a specific update on when offices would be available; Slats said the item was on his list. City administration representative Willoughby said a follow-up meeting on the renovation timeline is scheduled and that the administration will provide a timeline after that meeting.

No formal action, vote or deadline for occupancy was adopted at the meeting. Council members and staff agreed to follow up with specific timelines once the scheduled meetings conclude.

The meeting adjourned after the agenda items were completed.