Election Day is three weeks away, and this year, it’s a five-way race for Richmond’s next mayor.
Richmond voters will decide between City Councilmember Andreas Addison, physician Danny Avula, former councilmember Michelle Mosby, community advocate Maurice Neblett, and nonprofit founder Harrison Roday.
The candidates responded to questions from BizSense about their priorities for Richmond, how they’ll support business growth and economic development, and other topics that will shape the city’s future.
Each day this week, we’re presenting their responses, with candidates presented in alphabetical order.
Today’s candidate is Maurice Neblett, a community advocate whose efforts have included a campaign to preserve the Virginia Union University-owned Richmond Community Hospital building. The 34-year-old VUU alum has a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice.
Previous candidate Q&As appear at the end.
Richmond BizSense: What are your economic development priorities for Richmond? How do you plan to support business growth in the city?
Maurice Neblett
Maurice Neblett: My top priority is building an economy that works for all Richmonders. To do this, we need to create better-paying jobs and make sure everyone, especially those in historically marginalized communities, has access to the resources and opportunities they need. I will streamline bureaucratic processes to cut unnecessary red tape and offer more support to local businesses, whether it’s helping them get started or assisting them in scaling up.
I also plan to encourage partnerships between local universities, businesses and trade organizations to create sustainable career training programs. It’s not just about creating jobs but ensuring people have the skills and support to secure stable, long-term employment. And as part of my vision, we will make affordable homeownership a reality for more residents by developing micro-communities that offer a strong foundation for our city’s future.
RBS: What do you see as the No. 1 challenge holding back Richmond’s growth potential? How do you plan to address it?
MN: The biggest obstacle holding Richmond back is the unequal access to opportunity across our city. Too many people are left behind when it comes to jobs, housing and education. That inequality isn’t just unfair, it’s limiting our city’s growth.
To unlock Richmond’s full potential, we must make sure that everyone, regardless of their ZIP code, has access to opportunity. That means investing in underrepresented communities with job training programs, resources for entrepreneurship, and expanding access to true affordable housing and affordable homeownership. Building micro-communities will provide residents with more than just housing; it will create sustainable neighborhoods where businesses can thrive, and residents can feel secure.
RBS: Are you satisfied with the plan for the Diamond District development? Do you support the plan to redevelop the City Center area and replace the Coliseum?
MN: While the Diamond District project has its merits, I believe it needs to go further to ensure it truly benefits all Richmonders, not just developers and newcomers. The focus should be on creating real opportunities for current residents, particularly those who’ve lived in the area for years. I’m committed to making sure that these developments include true affordable housing, create jobs for local residents, and provide opportunities for small businesses to succeed. This is how we can ensure balanced growth that preserves the unique character of our neighborhoods.
As for the Coliseum, I fully support its redevelopment. It’s a vital piece of Richmond’s identity, and a modern, multi-use facility in that prime location will attract events that bring people into the city, keeping money here and generating jobs. But just like the Diamond District, it must benefit all Richmonders. We need to make sure this redevelopment includes spaces for community events and opportunities for local businesses, so everyone shares in the prosperity.
RBS: To be clear, are you advocating for a new arena to be included as part of the City Center project?
MN: Yes, I do advocate for considering a new arena as part of the City Center project, but it’s not just about constructing something new. I believe in working collaboratively with City Council, community members, and stakeholders to explore the best options, whether that means renovating the Coliseum or developing a new facility.
My goal is to make sure that whatever we do aligns with Richmond’s historic values and cultural significance. I see Navy Hill as a potential centerpiece for the city, just like the Diamond District, both a major attraction and a reflection of Richmond’s unique identity.
RBS: How will you address recent increases in real estate tax assessments in the city? Is more tax relief needed for small businesses and residents?
MN: Yes, more tax relief is absolutely needed, especially for long-time residents and small businesses who are feeling the pressure of rising real estate assessments. Without immediate action, we risk pushing people out of their homes and seeing local businesses close their doors.
My plan is to create fair tax policies that prevent displacement, with targeted relief for those hit hardest by rising costs. Richmond should be a place where people can afford to live and build a future, whether they are renters, first-time homebuyers or small business owners. Part of this will also involve making affordable homeownership a reality for more Richmonders by developing micro-communities that offer stability for families and opportunities for growth.
RBS: Are you satisfied with the current approach to encouraging housing affordability in the city? What would you do differently to address Richmond’s declared housing crisis?
MN: I’m not satisfied with the current approach to housing affordability because it isn’t reaching everyone who needs it. Too many Richmonders are being priced out of their homes, and the existing policies aren’t addressing the true scope of the housing crisis. We need true affordable housing, not just symbolic efforts. I will push for a strategy that ensures more homes are built in every part of the city, and that we use city-owned land to develop housing for people across all income levels.
Additionally, we must create stronger protections for long-time residents at risk of displacement and provide meaningful support for both renters and first-time homebuyers. Building micro-communities will play a key role in offering affordable homeownership opportunities and creating vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods for all.
RBS: Do you support how City Hall has been responding to issues surrounding meals tax collections, the finance department, and permitting and plan reviews? What else needs to be done?
MN: There’s definitely room for improvement in how City Hall handles these processes. I’ve heard from too many small business owners, especially minority-owned businesses, that the system is slow, confusing and inefficient. That’s unacceptable. I’m committed to cutting the red tape and making it easier for businesses to thrive in Richmond.
That means fully staffing and training city departments to reduce delays and simplifying tax collection and permitting processes. We need to support our local businesses, not burden them with unnecessary obstacles. This streamlining will also support initiatives around affordable homeownership and housing developments, making sure they aren’t held back by bureaucratic hurdles.
RBS: You’ve said that you would not retain the current chief administrative officer if elected. How will you keep leadership changes from disrupting city initiatives that are already underway?
MN: Leadership changes are sometimes necessary to bring new ideas and fresh energy to the table. However, I know how important continuity is, especially for city initiatives that are already in progress.
My focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition, with new leadership working closely with the current team to keep Richmond moving forward. We’ll maintain momentum on key projects like housing, economic development and community investment. I’ll make sure we’re not only continuing the good work that’s already been started but also bringing in new perspectives to ensure we’re addressing Richmond’s most pressing issues like building true affordable housing, creating micro-communities and expanding opportunities for all residents.
Links to previous Q&A’s: