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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2020 Contact: Sheri Shannon (202) 322-6898 media@shannonstrategies.com Sierra Club Endorses Alexsis Rodgers for Richmond City Mayor RICHMOND, Va. - Today, Richmond mayoral candidate Alexsis Rodgers received the endorsement of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, a grassroots-driven organization with over 20,000 members dedicated to a cleaner and more equitable future in the commonwealth. The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters.
“Receiving the endorsement of the Sierra Club is an incredible honor,” said Rodgers. “This is an organization with a track record of significant wins for climate and environmental protection that keep our communities safe. As mayor, I will work toward a sustainable future that safeguards the health of our communities, promotes clean energy, improves food security and expands access to green spaces for everyone.” “The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter is proud to endorse Alexsis Rodgers as the next mayor of Richmond,” said Joe Brancoli, chair of the Sierra Club Falls of the James Group. “We are facing multiple crises, including a climate emergency, that threatens the health and safety of families and communities. Richmond needs a champion who will prioritize environmental initiatives and climate justice. We are confident in Ms. Rodgers’ ability to build a resilient city in a sustainable and equitable way.” So far, Rodgers has received endorsements from Victory Fund, Run for Something, Virginia Justice Democrats, Our Revolution RVA, Generation Ratify VA, Dels. Dawn Adams, Lashrecse Aird and Jennifer Carroll Foy, and more than a dozen other Virginia elected officials, community leaders and business owners. Rodgers’ environmental policy priorities for the city include environmental justice and greenlining neighborhoods by increasing city-wide tree canopy coverage, creating more urban gardens and protecting natural assets such as the James River. Rodgers is also committed to making Richmond a clean energy leader through weatherization, sustainable infrastructure projects and a fleet of electric vehicles. “Richmond has incredible natural assets, unique green spaces and a strong community of environmental advocates,” said Rodgers. “We have to prioritize environmental initiatives and give climate change the attention it commands to build a healthier and resilient city that benefits every resident. Our lives depend on it.” ###
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 31, 2020 Contact: Sheri Shannon (202) 322-6898 media@shannonstrategies.com Alexsis Rodgers Aims to Dismantle Redlining in Housing Platform RICHMOND, Va. - Today, Richmond mayoral candidate Alexsis Rodgers announced her housing policy platform to improve the quality of life for residents.
“Every Richmond resident deserves an affordable place to call home in a safe, thriving community,” said Rodgers. “Due to the racial bias of Jim Crow laws, we have neighborhoods that were designed to fail. Intentional policy choices created concentrated poverty, inadequate infrastructure, underperforming schools and an environment that lowers health outcomes. All of this adds up to generations of wealth inequality based on your zip code.” “Richmond needs a bold leader who will be intentional about creating policies that prioritize and uplift our communities.” Rodgers’ platform includes a multi-faceted approach to tackle housing equity that includes:
Data shows that the overwhelming majority of eviction cases are from mega-landlords. According to RVA Eviction lab, 55 percent of the total units in the city are owned by large portfolio owners with more than 100 units. Those with fewer than five rental units own 20 percent of housing in Richmond. In many instances, eviction filings often act as a debt collection strategy for corporate landlords. Princeton’s Eviction Lab found that landlords use serial eviction filings and late fees as a legitimate source of revenue. “We’re looking at decades of destabilizing policies that have created this vicious cycle of economic security,” said Rodgers. “Richmond is losing residents to surrounding counties because of the lack of affordable and entry-level housing, as well as services we should be providing, like full-service grocery stores. Folks are hurting, and we’re just not doing enough.” “Whether you are a renter, homeowner or unhoused, you need to know your mayor cares,” added Rodgers. “My track record shows that I’m about action and not lip service.” To view Rodgers’ entire housing platform, visit https://www.alexsisrodgers.com/housing.html ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2020 Contact: Sheri Shannon (202) 322-6898 media@shannonstrategies.com Victory Fund Endorses Alexsis Rodgers for Richmond City Mayor RICHMOND, Va. - Today, Richmond mayoral candidate Alexsis Rodgers received the endorsement of Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing openly LGBTQ people who can further equity at all levels of government. Rodgers will be the first openly LGBTQ mayor of Richmond in addition to being the first woman elected to that seat.
“The best run city is one that is representative of all people,” said Rodgers. “Many of the rules that were set up to govern this country were designed to exclude people like me. Without the voices and experiences of LGBTQ individuals in elected office, our power structures will continue to fail us.” “I am humbled to receive the endorsement of Victory Fund and will continue to advance progressive policies that will uplift queer people in Richmond.” Since 1991, Victory Fund has worked with countless candidates across the country to make history by helping get them elected, including Delegates Dawn Adams and Danica Roem. When announcing Rodgers’ endorsement, Sean Meloy, senior political director for Victory said, “It is a powerful statement of your campaign’s viability.” Within the past month, Rodgers continues to add to her list of endorsements, including Run for Something, Our Revolution RVA, Generation Ratify VA, and more than a dozen community leaders, business owners and Virginia elected officials. Rodgers is the recipient of the 2020 Rodney Lofton Social Justice award for her work fostering healthy connections with the Black LGBTQ community in Richmond. Her record also extends to fighting for health care access, workplace protections, labor and housing rights for LGBTQ people across Virginia. “We will continue to see disparities and discriminatory practices in our institutions and communities if we don’t address the inequality of power,” Rodgers noted. “The current Black Lives Matter movement and mobilization to dismantle oppressive policies are led by Black and brown queer and trans women, yet we see little gains for these communities. It’s imperative that we center and advocate for underrepresented groups in a transformative way.” ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 2020 Contact: Sheri Shannon (202) 322-6898 media@shannonstrategies.com Alexsis Rodgers Announces Plan for New Transportation Department RICHMOND, Va. - Today, Richmond mayoral candidate Alexsis Rodgers announced her transportation policy platform, calling for the creation of a Department of Transportation.
“We’re long overdue in creating a department that houses all of the city’s transportation infrastructure under one roof,” said Rodgers. “It doesn’t make sense to continue piecemealing solutions when our transportation network depends on the city moving together in the same direction. It cannot be done in silos.” “As mayor, I will establish a Department of Transportation to ensure we are meeting all of the mobility needs for residents in an affordable, reliable and safe way.” Rodgers is proposing to house multiple divisions and programs responsible for our transit system within one department, including engineering and transportation, fleet management, Vision Zero, RVA Bike Share, street maintenance, paving and parking. Her platform also centers accessibility for persons with disabilities with additional investments for sidewalks, new service performance goals for CARE and CARE Plus and enhanced assistance to ensure all residents can get around the city, including to public parks. Rodgers wants broader community conversations about safety and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. “The way we view transportation and our transit system in Richmond is reflected in the way we move and operate,” said Rodgers. “The city spent $30 million to repave roads but only $2 million to fix or add sidewalks. We’re sending a message that car culture is more important than other modes of transportation, and reinforcing that message does more to divide the city than connect neighborhoods.” “I believe it’s important for the city to take a comprehensive approach that includes climate, housing, public health and historic inequities with our decision-making process.” Additionally, Rodgers’ transportation platform calls for:
### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 30, 2020 Contact: Sheri Shannon (202) 322-6898 media@shannonstrategies.com Alexsis Rodgers Unveils Environmental Policy Platform
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 28, 2020 Contact: Sheri Shannon (202) 322-6898 media@shannonstrategies.com Run for Something Endorses Alexsis Rodgers for Richmond City Mayor
Richmond Mayoral Race Draws National Attention FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 27, 2020 Contact: Sheri Shannon (202) 322-6898 media@shannonstrategies.com Delegates Aird and Samirah Join Alexsis Rodgers for ‘Weekend of Action’ RICHMOND, Va. - Richmond mayoral candidate Alexsis Rodgers was joined this weekend by Dels. Lashrecse Aird and Ibraheem Samirah to lead phonebanking activities for her campaign.
Volunteers completed 85 shifts last week making thousands of calls to Richmond voters. To date, the campaign has made nearly 10,000 calls. The campaign has full-time field organizers and nearly 250 volunteers working to engage voters. “Elections are won with a strong field game, and our campaign has an incredible team working to educate and mobilize voters,” said Rodgers. ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 15, 2020 Contact: Sheri Shannon (202) 322-6898 media@shannonstrategies.com Alexsis Rodgers Raises $100,000 in First Month of Campaign RICHMOND, Va. - The July 15 campaign finance report shows that Richmond mayoral candidate Alexsis Rodgers raised $42,354 this reporting period from June 12-30, bringing the total amount raised to $100,794.50 in the first month of her campaign. Rodgers continues to surge as a frontrunner in the election after her initial announcement for candidacy on June 6.
“We are running a true grassroots campaign, and people are taking notice,” said Rodgers. “Richmonders want a mayor who has a history of being on the front line fighting for healthcare access, public education, workers’s rights, affordable housing and community services.” “The current system is just not working for everyone, and folks are tired. We cannot afford more lip service,” Rodgers added. “Our campaign continues to grow because residents want a mayor who they can trust to tackle tough issues and put people first.” The campaign is already taking off with a strong organizing team with full-time staff over 200 volunteers dedicated to phone banking and virtual engagement during the pandemic. Last week, Rodgers announced more than 15 early endorsements from community and business leaders in Richmond, as well as local and state elected officials throughout Virginia. Additionally, Rodgers launched a town hall series to gain feedback on priority issues in the city. The first event focused on safe neighborhoods and policing in Richmond. The series is accessible in both English and Spanish. Rodgers, the Virginia state director for Care in Action - a policy and advocacy organization for two million domestic workers - is tapping into her roots as an organizer to mobilize her campaign and increase name recognition in every district across Richmond. Her legislative wins to expand Medicaid access and secure labor rights for domestic workers is proving to galvanize support. Voters are also responding positively to her vision to reinvest more money into public education. “Being a champion for the people means doing the work when there isn’t a photo op and showing up every day for the community you’ve been elected to serve,” said Rodgers. “This is not a popularity contest for me or a pit stop on my way to seeking a greater office. I am invested in Richmond because I want us to succeed.” ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 10, 2020 Contact: Sheri Shannon (202) 322-6898 media@shannonstrategies.com Alexsis Rodgers Wins Early Endorsements from Richmond Leaders, Local Government Officials
RICHMOND, Va. - Today, Richmond mayoral candidate Alexsis Rodgers unveils a slate of endorsements from Richmond business owners, community leaders and residents, as well as elected officials from state and local government. The list highlights Rodgers’ strength, expertise and capabilities as a trusted leader. “There is an electrifying movement happening right now that we cannot ignore, and the reckoning that has come to bear in Richmond will only prove fruitful with the right leader at the helm,” said Lacette Cross, pastor of Restoration Fellowship RVA and founder of Black Pride RVA. “We need a leader who has the knowledge, skills and passion to move this city in the right direction and will fight tirelessly for those who have historically been ignored. “I am endorsing Alexsis Rodgers as the next mayor of Richmond because she is the best person to make the equitable changes we desperately need in the city,” Cross added. “I am honored to receive incredible support in this race from a diverse coalition of community, business, and elected leaders,” said Alexsis Rodgers. “These individuals are fighting for healthcare, education, environmental justice, affordable housing and smart economic growth for our most vulnerable people. This is a big boost for our campaign and demonstrates the belief people have in bringing urgent, progressive change to Richmond.” The list of early endorsements include: Richmond-area Community Leaders Yanet Amado, Founder, UndocuRams Lacette Cross, Pastor, Restoration Fellowship RVA Aurora Higgs, LGBTQ advocate Chelsea Higgs Wise, Executive Director, Marijuana Justice Paulette McElwain, CEO, Virginia League for Planned Parenthood Joseph Papa & JS Fauquet, Community volunteers and advocates Amanda Pohl, 2019 candidate, SD-11 Genet Semere, Owner, C'est Le Vin Ruth Twiggs, Community activist Harrison Wallace, Environmental justice advocate Edwuan Whitehead, Community organizer Jennifer Wicker, Government relations professional and healthcare advocate Local and State Elected Officials Delegate Dawn Adams, HD-68 Delegate Lashrecse Aird, HD-63 Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin, Prince William Board of County Supervisors Councilmember Andria McClellan, Norfolk City Council Councilmember Selonia Miles, Dumfries Town Council Rodgers’ track record of securing policy wins for Virginia is evident by the amount of early support she’s receiving. She outraised both Mayor Levar Stoney and City Councilmember Kim Gray within the first week of announcing her candidacy, and easily garnered more than 2,500 signatures to get on the ballot. “This campaign is about people power and we are gaining momentum because Richmonders are demanding a city that works for all of us,” said Rodgers. ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2020 Contact: Sheri Shannon (202) 322-6898 media@shannonstrategies.com Alexsis Rodgers Calls on Mayor Stoney to Act on Police Violence RICHMOND, Va. - Richmond mayoral candidate Alexsis Rodgers released the following statement in response to incidents of police violence by the Richmond Police Department from this past weekend: “Nearly two weeks after the mayor apologized to protesters for being tear-gassed, we are still dealing with ongoing harassment and violence from the Richmond Police Department (RPD). This weekend, police officers drove through a crowd of people, striking protesters and causing injuries. Tear gas was fired again at demonstrators. “While activists are demanding justice for those killed by the police, the police are escalating violence. The city cannot treat this movement as an inconvenience. It must tackle the issue of police brutality. We are calling for a change in our criminal justice system, including the scope of policing in this country. “Although I recognize Stoney’s call for a new investigation from this weekend’s events, we still have unanswered questions about RPD’s use of chemical irritants on June 1. We need the city to take immediate action. “I am calling on the mayor, city council and police chief to collaborate and support the following actions:
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