Alexsis Rodgers for Richmond Mayor
  • Home
  • Meet Alexsis
  • Endorsements
  • The Issues
    • Education
    • Environmental Justice
    • Housing
    • Transportation
    • Police Reform
  • Press
  • DONATE
  • Home
  • Meet Alexsis
  • Endorsements
  • The Issues
    • Education
    • Environmental Justice
    • Housing
    • Transportation
    • Police Reform
  • Press
  • DONATE

Press

Official Headshot

Working Families Party and Scott Barlow Endorse Alexsis Rodgers for Richmond Mayor

10/22/2020

0 Comments

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2020
Contact: Sheri Shannon
(202) 322-6898
media@shannonstrategies.com
RICHMOND, Va. - Today, the Working Families Party and Richmond School Board member Scott Barlow endorsed Alexsis Rodgers for mayor. Rodgers has also secured the endorsements of community and business leaders, including Tobias Estes, son of prolific Richmond community organizer and 2016 mayoral candidate Lillie A. Estes.

“The Working Families Party is the party of the multiracial working class, fighting for a nation that cares for all of us,” said Rodgers. “They’ve helped elect gamechangers like Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar and Kim Foxx, and I’m honored to have their support as I work to represent the working families in Richmond.”

Scott Barlow, School Board representative for the 2nd District said, “Alexsis Rodgers has invaluable experience as a political organizer, policy director, and leader in Richmond. She has a steadfast commitment to progressive values and an unwavering desire to help the most marginalized in our community. I’m supporting Alexsis, not only because I believe she espouses the values and political courage our city needs more than ever, but because she’s one of the most compassionate, effective, and empathetic leaders I know.”

The latest round of individual endorsements include:

Scott Barlow, 2nd District School Board member
Tobais Estes, Community advocate
Marquise Hunt, Social justice activist 
Conor Shapiro, President, Friends of William Byrd Park
Natasha Crosby, Realtor with Clocktower Realty Group
LaTasha Wyche, Randolph community leader

“I’m really excited about the coalition of support my campaign is building across the city,” said Rodgers. “Without collaborative leadership and community engagement, the city can never truly be one Richmond. This is the type of coalition building Richmond needs to tackle inequalities in our systems and create lasting change for our children, families and working people. I’m honored to receive the support of so many civic leaders and activists who are champions for people and the driving force behind progress in the city.” 

###

Alexsis Rodgers is a grassroots organizer, policy director and progressive champion for Richmond. A proven leader, Rodgers has dedicated her entire career to fighting on the front lines for economic security, better educational opportunities, quality health care, voting rights and equitable access throughout all of our systems. Currently, she serves as the Virginia state director for Care in Action where she champions for domestic workers and women of color, securing the first-ever labor rights for domestic workers in the state. Always an advocate for others, Rodgers is building a movement driven by people, not corporations. Learn more about her vision for Richmond at alexsisrodgers.com.
El Partido de Familias Trabajadores y Scott Barlow apoyan a Alexsis Rodgers para alcaldesa de Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. - Hoy, el Partido de Familias Trabajadoras y el miembro de la Junta Escolar de Richmond Scott Barlow apoyaron a Alexsis Rodgers para alcaldesa. Rodgers también ha conseguido el apoyo de líderes comunitarios y empresariales, incluyendo a Tobias Estes, hijo de la prolífica organizadora comunitaria de Richmond y candidata a la alcaldía de 2016, Lillie A. Estes.

"El Partido de las Familias Trabajadoras es el partido de la clase trabajadora multirracial, que lucha por una nación que se preocupa por todos nosotros", dijo Rodgers. "Han ayudado a elegir a gente revolucionaria como Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar y Kim Foxx, y me honra contar con su apoyo mientras estoy trabajando para representar a las familias trabajadoras de Richmond".

Scott Barlow, representante de la Junta Escolar del 2º Distrito dijo: "Alexsis Rodgers tiene una experiencia invaluable como organizadora política, directora de políticas, y líder en Richmond. Ella tiene un compromiso resuelto con los valores progresistas y un firme deseo de ayudar a los más marginados de nuestra comunidad. Apoyo a Alexsis, no sólo porque creo que ella defiende los valores y el coraje político que nuestra ciudad necesita más que nunca, sino porque es una de las líderes más compasivas, efectivas, y empáticas que conozco".

La última ronda de apoyos individuales incluye:

Scott Barlow, miembro de la Junta Escolar del 2º Distrito
Tobais Estes, defensor de la comunidad
Marquise Hunt, activista de la justicia social 
Conor Shapiro, Presidente, Amigos de William Byrd Park
Natasha Crosby, agente inmobiliaria con Clocktower Realty Group
LaTasha Wyche, líder de la comunidad Randolph

"Estoy muy emocionada por la coalición de apoyo que mi campaña está construyendo por toda la ciudad", dijo Rodgers. "Sin un liderazgo colaborativo y compromiso comunitario, la ciudad nunca podrá ser realmente una Richmond. Este es el tipo de coalición que Richmond necesita para enfrentar las desigualdades en nuestros sistemas y crear un cambio duradero para nuestros niños, familias, y trabajadores. Me siento honrada de recibir el apoyo de tantos líderes  cívicos y activistas que son defensores de la gente y la fuerza impulsora del progreso en la ciudad". 



​
0 Comments

Alexsis Rodgers Sets Richmond Record with Most Campaign Contributions Ever

10/16/2020

0 Comments

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2020
Contact: Sheri Shannon
(202) 322-6898
media@shannonstrategies.com
RICHMOND, Va. - Today, Alexsis Rodgers’ campaign for Richmond mayor sets the record for most individual contributions in election history with a total 2,593 contributions to date, twice the amount of the incumbent at 1,189 contributions. Rodgers’ campaign raised $98,283 during the last campaign finance reporting period and continues to boast the most grassroots support in the race with 862 total September donations, where 75 percent of donors contributed $100 or less. The incumbent on the other hand, only has 254 total donations, with less than half coming from grassroots-level contributions. 

Overall, Rodgers has the most individual contributions with six times the amount of grassroot support.

Total donations under $100 or less
  • Rodgers: 651 = $22,366
  • Stoney: 105 = $3,743
  • Gray: 77 = $5,150

“We have the most successful grassroots campaign because we do not take people for granted. As an organizer, I understand that people are the source of our political power. Without the community, we don’t make progress. People are the driving force that makes Richmond what it is, and our community can not give that power solely to corporations and the wealthy few. That’s why our campaign has the highest individual support in the race.

“The public health and economic crises are deepening Richmond’s divide along race and class lines. Richmonders and small business owners are tired of being passed over while the current administration focuses on wealthy corporate interests. We want real reform now. Folks want a bold leader that will work on issues collaboratively all year round - not weeks before an election. We simply cannot wait four more years under ineffective leadership.

“I believe in a Richmond that works for all of us, where people are at the center of our policy. I’m ready to keep fighting for all of us as the next mayor of Richmond.”

###

Alexsis Rodgers is a grassroots organizer, policy director and progressive champion for Richmond. A proven leader, Rodgers has dedicated her entire career to fighting on the front lines for economic security, better educational opportunities, quality health care, voting rights and equitable access throughout all of our systems. Currently, she serves as the Virginia state director for Care in Action where she champions for domestic workers and women of color, securing the first-ever labor rights for domestic workers in the state. Always an advocate for others, Rodgers is building a movement driven by people, not corporations. Learn more about her vision for Richmond at alexsisrodgers.com.
0 Comments

Alexsis Rodgers Receives Largest Wave of Endorsements of Any Richmond Mayoral Candidate

9/25/2020

0 Comments

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2020
Contact: Sheri Shannon
(202) 322-6898
media@shannonstrategies.com
0 Comments

Alexsis Rodgers Announces New Education Platform

9/22/2020

0 Comments

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
​September 22, 2020
Contact: Sheri Shannon
(202) 322-6898
media@shannonstrategies.com
Alexsis Rodgers Announces New Education Platform

RICHMOND, Va. - Today, Richmond mayoral candidate Alexsis Rodgers announced her education policy platform which focuses on creating a strong pipeline for college, career and life readiness. 

Rodgers released the following statement:

“Every student in Richmond should have a quality education, and it starts with fully funding our schools. Residents pay their fair share into the system, but the state hasn’t done its part over the last decade. I’ll use the connections and network I’ve built in the General Assembly to secure more funding at the State Capitol and advocate for common-sense tax reforms. I will also establish strategic, community-driven partnerships with corporations that operate in the city to ensure they are investing in our schools as part of the benefit of operating in Richmond. 

“We have to do everything we can to set up Richmond’s young people for success, including creating equitable access to Pre-K. I’m also advocating for language justice, utilizing school campuses to increase green space and using a trauma-informed approach to support the well-being of students and their families.

“Student success also depends on teachers and how they’re supported by city leaders. Richmond loses too many talented educators to the counties because we aren’t doing enough to keep them. Additionally, teachers of color have expressed experiences of discrimination and racism. Not only must teachers be heard without fear of blowback, solutions must center racial equity. All teachers and personnel need a living wage, resources, fair employment practices and professional development to be at their best. As a proud union member, I support collective bargaining rights for educators and all school staff.

“We have to close the inequities in learning within our school system and take a community-wide approach to public education. That includes doing more to increase collaboration and open up the lines of communication between City Hall, RPS, parents and community members. 

“Richmond needs a mayor that will use the full power of the office to move systems to get things done, and I’m that person to make change happen.”

Education Policy Platform

  • Invest early to close the learning gap for young children and support the RVA Basics program, with a dedicated point person for city-provided services for children ages 0-3.

  • Lead the fight to fully fund Richmond Public Schools so the state government meets its constitutionally-mandated commitment to a free public education. 

  • Ensure that teachers are supported by working with the Superintendent and RPS to  collect data regarding teacher retention across demographics, review exit surveys and identify opportunities to create the best work environment for all school personnel.  

  • Support collective bargaining rights for Richmond Public Schools staff that will ultimately benefit smaller class sizes, more robust staffing and enable teachers to make long-term careers at one school. 

  • Strengthen trauma-informed care and interrupt the school to prison pipeline by addressing adverse childhood experiences, expanding programs between schools, and replacing school resource officers with social workers, nurses and mental health professionals 

  • Utilize schools so they benefit all residents year-round, acting as park spaces, playgrounds and community centers during the summer.

  • Fight for language justice in our schools to reduce barriers for Latinx students and provide support for parents and caregivers with more Spanish-speaking interpreters.

  • Make the education compact work for all with a more collaborative and inclusive process that opens the lines of communication between City Hall, City Council, RPS stakeholders and community members. 

To view Rodgers’ entire education platform, visit www.alexsisrodgers.com/education. 



###

Alexsis Rodgers is a grassroots organizer, policy director and progressive champion for Richmond. A proven leader, Rodgers has dedicated her entire career to fighting on the front lines for economic security, better educational opportunities, quality health care, voting rights and equitable access throughout all of our systems. Currently, she serves as the Virginia state director for Care in Action where she champions for domestic workers and women of color, securing the first-ever labor rights for domestic workers in the state. Always an advocate for others, Rodgers is building a movement driven by people, not corporations. Learn more about her vision for Richmond at alexsisrodgers.com.
Alexsis Rodgers anuncia su nueva plataforma de educación

RICHMOND, Va. - Hoy, la candidata a la alcaldía de Richmond, Alexsis Rodgers, anunció su plataforma de política educativa, que se enfoca en la creación de una sólida vía de preparación para la universidad, la carrera, y la vida. 

Rodgers' publicó la siguiente declaración:

"Cada estudiante en Richmond debe tener una educación de calidad, y comienza con la financiación completa de nuestras escuelas. Los residentes pagan su parte justa en el sistema, pero el estado no ha hecho su parte en la última década. Usaré las conexiones y la red que he construido en la Asamblea General para asegurar más fondos en el Capitolio Estatal y abogar por reformas fiscales de sentido común. También estableceré asociaciones estratégicas, impulsadas por la comunidad, con corporaciones que operan en la ciudad para asegurar que están invirtiendo en nuestras escuelas como parte del beneficio de operar en Richmond. 

"Tenemos que hacer todo lo posible para que los jóvenes de Richmond tengan éxito, incluyendo la creación de un acceso equitativo al Pre-K. También estoy abogando por la justicia lingüística, utilizando los campus escolares para aumentar los espacios verdes y usando un enfoque del trauma para apoyar el bienestar de los estudiantes y sus familias.

"El éxito de los estudiantes también depende de los maestros y de cómo son apoyados por los líderes de la ciudad. Richmond pierde demasiados educadores talentosos para los condados porque no estamos haciendo lo suficiente para mantenerlos. Además, los maestros de color han expresado experiencias de discriminación y racismo. Los maestros no sólo deben ser escuchados sin temor a un revés, sino que las soluciones deben centrarse en la equidad racial. Todos los maestros y el personal necesitan un salario digno, recursos, prácticas de empleo justas, y desarrollo profesional para estar en su mejor momento. Como orgulloso miembro del sindicato, apoyo los derechos de negociación colectiva para los educadores y todo el personal escolar.

"Tenemos que cerrar las desigualdades en el aprendizaje dentro de nuestro sistema escolar y tomar un enfoque comunitario para nuestra educación pública. Eso incluye hacer más para aumentar la colaboración y abrir las líneas de comunicación entre el ayuntamiento, RPS, los padres, y los miembros de la comunidad. 

"Richmond necesita una alcaldesa que utilice todo el poder de la oficina para mover los sistemas para hacer las cosas, y yo soy la persona para hacer que el cambio suceda."

Plataforma de Política Educativa

Invertir temprano para cerrar la brecha de aprendizaje de los niños pequeños y apoyar el programa RVA Basics, con una persona dedicada a los servicios proporcionados por la ciudad para los niños de 0 a 3 años.

Liderar la lucha para financiar completamente las Escuelas Públicas de Richmond para que el gobierno estatal cumpla con su compromiso constitucional de una educación pública gratuita. 

Asegurar que los maestros reciban apoyo a través de trabajar con el Superintendente y RPS para recolectar datos sobre la retención de maestros en toda la demografía, revisar las encuestas de salida e identificar oportunidades para crear el mejor ambiente de trabajo para todo el personal de la escuela.  

Apoyar los derechos de negociación colectiva para el personal de las Escuelas Públicas de Richmond que beneficiará a las clases de menor tamaño, resultará en un personal más robusto y permitirá a los maestros hacer carreras a largo plazo en una escuela. 

Fortalecer la atención basada en el trauma e interrumpir el camino de la escuela a la prisión por abordar las experiencias adversas de la infancia, ampliar los programas entre escuelas y reemplazar a los funcionarios de recursos escolares con trabajadores sociales, enfermeras y profesionales de la salud mental.

Utilizar las escuelas para que beneficien a todos los residentes durante todo el año, actuando como espacios de parque, áreas de juego, y centros comunitarios durante el verano.

Luchar por la justicia del idioma en nuestras escuelas para reducir las barreras para los estudiantes Latinx y proporcionar apoyo a los padres y cuidadores con más intérpretes hispanohablantes.

Hacer que el pacto educativo funcione para todos con un proceso más colaborativo e inclusivo que abra las líneas de comunicación entre el ayuntamiento, el consejo de la ciudad, las partes interesadas de RPS, y los miembros de la comunidad. 

Para ver toda la plataforma educativa de Rodgers, visite www.alexsisrodgers.com/education. 

###

​
0 Comments

Alexsis Rodgers Outpaces Opponents with Highest Grassroots Support

9/16/2020

0 Comments

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16 2020
Contact: Sheri Shannon
(202) 322-6898
media@shannonstrategies.com
Alexsis Rodgers Outpaces Opponents with Highest Grassroots Support

RICHMOND, Va. - The September 15 campaign finance report shows that Richmond mayoral candidate Alexsis Rodgers has the greatest grassroots support with three times the number of donations $100 or less compared to top political opponents Mayor Levar Stoney and Councilmember Kimberly Gray. Additionally, Rodgers has not accepted any donations from corporations, staying true to running a people-powered campaign.

Total donations under $100 or less

  • Rodgers: 505 = $19,428
  • Stoney: 171 = $6,407
  • Gray: 129 = $9,331

“I’ve said from the beginning that we are running a grassroots campaign, and I meant it,” said Rodgers. “Everything we do is informed by the community and supported by individuals who are invested in seeing progressive change in Richmond. I believe every contribution to this campaign has equal value because it’d be my job as mayor to work for everyone, not just the wealthiest among us.”

So far, Rodgers has hosted town halls on community safety, the restaurant industry, environmental justice and housing where she answered questions from residents, listened to community concerns and provided an overview of her policy platforms.

Rodgers has also racked up national and local endorsements from Victory Fund, Run for Something, Sierra Club, New Virginia Majority, Virginia Justice Democrats, Our Revolution RVA, Generation Ratify VA, Dels. Dawn Adams, Lashrecse Aird, Jennifer Carroll Foy and Danica Roem, as well as more than a dozen other Virginia elected officials, community leaders and business owners.

“We’re working to shift how power works in Richmond so political systems work for those who have been left behind.”

###

Alexsis Rodgers is a grassroots organizer, policy director and progressive champion for Richmond. A proven leader, Rodgers has dedicated her entire career to fighting on the front lines for economic security, better educational opportunities, quality health care, voting rights and equitable access throughout all of our systems. Currently, she serves as the Virginia state director for Care in Action where she champions for domestic workers and women of color, securing the first-ever labor rights for domestic workers in the state. Always an advocate for others, Rodgers is building a movement driven by people, not corporations. Learn more about her vision for Richmond at alexsisrodgers.com.

​
0 Comments

Delegate Danica Roem Endorses Alexsis Rodgers

9/15/2020

0 Comments

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
​September 15, 2020

Contact: Sheri Shannon
(202) 322-6898
media@shannonstrategies.com
Delegate Danica Roem Endorses Alexsis Rodgers

RICHMOND, Va. - Today, Virginia Delegate Danica Roem (D-13th) endorsed Alexsis Rodgers for mayor of Richmond. The second-term state delegate made national headlines in 2017 after unseating a 26-year incumbent to become the first out-and-seated transgender state legislator in American history and first out trans elected official in Virginia.

Roem issued the following statement:
"Alexsis Rodgers has worked tirelessly for years to make Virginia a more inclusive commonwealth, especially for women. I'm proud to endorse her people-powered mayoral campaign that's focused on education, affordable housing and making Richmond a safer, more equitable city.
"I first met Alexsis in 2017 in her role as a board member of Emerge Virginia, when I completed Emerge's bootcamp program that trains Democratic women to run for office. I know her as a champion for people who need a hand up and as someone who leads from the frontlines.
"Whether it's her advocacy for domestic workers through her work at Care in Action or her successful fights to expand Medicaid and reproductive rights while working at Planned Parenthood, Alexsis never forgets that government is supposed to work for the people it serves -- no matter what we look like, where we come from, how we worship if we do or who we love.
"Alexsis shares my values of prioritizing infrastructure so Richmond can build up its transportation system instead of tear down its people; refusing donations from for-profit corporations so people know she's fighting for what's right instead whoever's the highest bidder; and increasing equity in housing and education because the city can't arrest its way to closing the achievement gap for Black and Brown city residents.
"Finally, as a fellow Victory Fund-endorsed candidate, I know Alexsis will protect and celebrate Richmond's LGBTQ community. She'll be pro-active about bringing LGBTQ-inclusive policies into City Hall and forging stronger partnerships with LGBTQ-led organizations throughout the city.
"I believe in Alexsis and her mission. I love our capital city and want to see it thrive. That's why I strongly encourage city residents to vote Alexsis Rodgers for mayor of Richmond when early voting begins this Friday, Sept. 18."
###

Alexsis Rodgers is a grassroots organizer, policy director and progressive champion for Richmond. A proven leader, Rodgers has dedicated her entire career to fighting on the front lines for economic security, better educational opportunities, quality health care, voting rights and equitable access throughout all of our systems. Currently, she serves as the Virginia state director for Care in Action where she champions for domestic workers and women of color, securing the first-ever labor rights for domestic workers in the state. Always an advocate for others, Rodgers is building a movement driven by people, not corporations. Learn more about her vision for Richmond at alexsisrodgers.com.

Delegada Danica Roem apoya a Alexsis Rodgers

RICHMOND, Va. - Hoy, la delegada de Virginia Danica Roem (D-13) apoyó a Alexsis Rodgers para alcaldesa de Richmond. La delegada estatal de segundo mandato capturó la atención de la prensa nacional en 2017 después de haber destituido a un titular durante 26 años para convertirse en la primera legisladora estatal transgénera en la historia de los Estados Unidos, y la primera funcionaria electa transgénera en Virginia.

Roem emitió la siguiente declaración:
"Alexsis Rodgers ha trabajado incansablemente durante años para hacer de Virginia una comunidad más inclusiva, especialmente para las mujeres. Me enorgullece respaldar su campaña para la alcaldía, impulsada por el pueblo, que se centra en la educación, la vivienda asequible y en hacer de Richmond una ciudad más segura y equitativa.”
"Conocí a Alexsis en 2017 en su papel de miembro de la junta de Emerge Virginia, cuando terminé el programa de entrenamiento de Emerge que entrena a las mujeres demócratas para presentarse a las elecciones. La conozco como una defensora de la gente que necesita ayuda y como alguien que lidera desde las primeras líneas.”
"Ya sea por su defensa de las trabajadoras domésticas a través de su trabajo en Care in Action o por sus exitosas luchas para expandir Medicaid y los derechos reproductivos mientras trabaja en Planned Parenthood, Alexsis nunca olvida que se supone que el gobierno debe trabajar para la gente a la que sirve, sin importar cómo nos vemos, de dónde venimos, cómo adoramos si lo hacemos o a quién amamos".
"Alexsis comparte mis valores de priorizar la infraestructura para que Richmond pueda construir su sistema de transporte en vez de derribar a su gente; rechazar las donaciones de corporaciones con fines de lucro para que la gente sepa que ella está luchando por lo que es correcto en vez de quien sea el mejor postor; y aumentar la equidad en la vivienda y la educación porque la ciudad no puede detener su camino para cerrar la brecha de logros para los residentes negros y morenos de la ciudad.”
"Finalmente, como candidata también apoyada por el Fondo de la Victoria, sé que Alexsis protegerá y celebrará a la comunidad LGBTQ de Richmond. Ella será proactiva acerca de llevar las políticas de inclusión de LGBTQ en el Ayuntamiento y forjar alianzas más fuertes con las organizaciones dirigidas por LGBTQ en toda la ciudad.”
"Creo en Alexsis y en su misión. Amo nuestra ciudad capital y quiero verla prosperar. Por eso animo a los residentes de la ciudad a votar a Alexsis Rodgers para alcaldesa de Richmond cuando comience la votación temprana este viernes 18 de septiembre."
###

​
0 Comments

Sierra Club Endorses Alexsis Rodgers for Richmond City Mayor

9/9/2020

0 Comments

 
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.”
###

0 Comments

Alexsis Rodgers Aims to Dismantle Redlining in Housing Platform

8/31/2020

0 Comments

 
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:
  • Working to fully fund Richmond’s eviction diversion program to keep our city’s most vulnerable residents off the streets and ensure landlords receive rent owed.
  • Rezoning the city to remove redline-era restrictions and increase community-driven development. 
  • Fixing Richmond’s broken permitting process by creating a user-friendly process that is accessible to everyone and does not favor individuals and businesses with more financial resources.
  • Doubling down on efforts to purchase abandoned or soon-to-be abandoned properties with the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust and other land use/housing nonprofit organizations to build more permanently-affordable homes. 
  • Reassessing existing tax abatement programs to ensure abatements don’t just go to the wealthy, multi-million properties.
  • Building trust with public housing residents and reinvesting in community engagement so residents are charting a new future of opportunities for their families.
  • Exploring a Property Tax Protection program to support long-term homeowners over age 60 in high-growth areas to keep them in their home, reduce gentrification and protect neighborhoods from predatory house flippers and developers.
Richmond has the second-highest eviction rate in the country, where nearly 30 percent of renters receive an eviction notice each year. The pandemic has only exacerbated the economic insecurity and housing instability for many people, especially those who lost their jobs and cannot afford rent payments. 
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

###

0 Comments

Victory Fund Endorses Alexsis Rodgers for Richmond City Mayor

8/26/2020

0 Comments

 
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.”
###

0 Comments

Alexsis Rodgers Announces Plan for New Transportation Department

8/21/2020

0 Comments

 
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:
  • Moving toward free public transportation to all so no one is denied access to jobs, education, child care or healthcare.
  • Conducting road diets to create safer streets for everyone, including additional protected bike lanes and more curb space for pedestrians.
  • Partnering with nonprofits to create a more dignified bus experience for riders with more benches, shelters and trash/recycling cans.
  • Advocating at the State Capitol to improve Richmond’s regional bus and rail transportation network 
  • Transitioning the city’s vehicle fleet to electric to make Richmond a clean energy leader.
To view Rodgers’ transportation platform, visit www.alexsisrodgers.com/transportation.html
###

0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Paid for and Authorized by Friends of Alexsis Rodgers 
Copyright 2020