Interim Chief of Staff Matthew Slats told the Organizational Development Standing Committee that his office is focused on preparing council workspace, supporting the upcoming budget season and improving communications and staffing capacity.

"The primary things that we're working on at the moment, one, we're really majorly focused on third floor construction of the offices," Slats said, listing construction planning and timelines, budget‑season preparation, a communications‑channel audit and ongoing community engagement through Richmond People's Budget.

Slats said the office is conducting a staffing review, has posted the permanent chief‑of‑staff role, and is working to fill vacancies created by the departure of staff including the role previously held by Joyce Davis. He said staff are balancing short‑term operational needs with council direction about the long‑term office structure.

Council members used the update to add items for tracking. Council Member Robertson requested that the administration provide a timeline and outline for a review and analysis related to the recent water emergency and recommended a detailed presentation to the council and the public. Vice Chair Jeredon and others suggested the Governmental Operations Committee meeting on Jan. 22 as a possible opportunity for that update.

Slats also noted that communications staff have transferred materials for the new council and that a communications audit will be used to improve outreach. The engagement team continues work on Richmond People's Budget, he said.

No formal votes were taken. Council members asked for follow‑up on the office renovation schedule and specific dates for moving into council offices; Slats said staff would meet with administration and provide a timeline when available.

Ending: Slats closed by inviting questions and follow‑up; council members flagged legislative agenda coordination with lobbyists and ongoing committee work as near‑term priorities for staff support.