Richmond, VA — Dr. Danny Avula announces he has the plan, the support, and the heart to be the affordable housing candidate for Mayor. Last week, Dr. Avula posted his commitments to invest significantly in housing for very low-income residents, a progressive plan with a clear vision for racial equity. Today, Dr. Avula announces the endorsements of Richmond Association of Realtors (RAR) and Home Building Association of Richmond (HBAR), showing community support to fulfill these commitments. The support of these organizations demonstrates their confidence in his policy solutions, his leadership and their eagerness to partner with him to significantly increase affordable housing in the city – one of Dr. Avula’s biggest policy priorities. Lastly, Dr. Avula announces the release of their first commercial, highlighting his deep personal commitment to a Richmond where everyone has a safe, affordable, stable home.
The support of these important organizations is scaffolded by a strong fundraising showing in the last reporting period. As of August 31st, Dr. Avula’s campaign had raised over $820,000 since he launched his bid for Mayor in mid-April, with almost $300,000 contributed in the last two months. These strong numbers demonstrate that many people are excited to invest in Dr. Avula’s vision of a healthy and thriving Richmond for all.
Dr. Avula’s commitment to deeply affordable housing and a healthy and thriving Richmond for all is driven not only by his public health background, but also the story of his daughter Arjanaé. This week, the campaign will release its first commercial on broadcast television and on digital channels. In the ad, Arjanaé talks about her experience growing up in public housing and finding a safe space with the Avula family.
Dr. Avula said, “As a longtime public health physician, I know that safe, affordable and reliable housing is one of the most important social determinants of health and a critical foundation of human dignity. In addressing the housing crisis, we need to see the people behind the crisis and what affordable housing means for individuals’ day-to-day lives. I want to live in a Richmond where racial equity and diversity are not just aspirations, but a part of the fabric of how we build communities. In order to make that happen, we must tackle this problem as the moral imperative that it is – with persistence, creativity and real resources. Having partners like HBAR and RAR are critical to achieving our affordable housing goals; we can’t do it without them.
“Finally, I am so incredibly proud of my daughter for having the courage to tell her story, and I am so honored and humbled that she chose to expand her sense of family to include us and ours to include her.”
