RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond Mayor Danny Avula is now in his second year in office, but the 2025 water crisis and this year’s winter storms delayed his first State of the City address, which finally took place on Wednesday. That delay helped shape a historic night on Wednesday, March 25, as Avula took a different approach than past leaders by moving away from one lengthy speech. An estimated 400 people gathered at the Southside Community Center for the address. "This is the first state of the city ever held in a community center," said 9th district councilwoman Nicole Jones. "This is the most diverse corner of this entire city." Aside from the location, the format was also unique. Instead of speaking alone, Avula was joined by a variety of local leaders throughout the night. There was a focus on key issues like affordable housing, public safety and the city’s future. "One of our pillars is 'Thriving Neighborhoods' and [that] really focuses on 'How do we create as much housing as possible?'" Avula said. Over the past five years, Avula said Richmond has invested $121 million into affordable housing developments. "We are making great progress, but we still have a lot to do," he said. Public safety was another major focus, with Avula pointing to recent efforts by the Richmond Police Department, including the implementation of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. "Local law enforcement exists to keep the local community safe," he said. Avula added that violent crimes -- including homicides, robberies and assaults -- have decreased by 12%, while property crimes are down 14%. Looking ahead, he emphasized a broader goal for the city. "My hope for us here in Richmond is that we use this commemoration as a vehicle for repair, for relationship building -- that we model what it means to reckon with difficult history while imagining new possibilities for our city," Avula said. To watch the full address, click here. ...read more read less