On November 5^th, 2024 we will have a chance to use the full weight of the electoral process to determine who will represent us on the Richmond City Council for the next four years.

In an effort to help level the playing field, Radio Free Richmond has extended an offer to all seven candidates for the Council to post their own words to let you, the voters, know their positions on what they believe to be the important issues.

THIS IS FREE PUBLICITY.

The candidates have also been invited to post guest editorials on the issues of importance.

RFR will post a new candidate statement every couple of days.

RADIO FREE RICHMOND DOES NOT ENDORSE CANDIDATES—THEY OFFER A PLATFORM FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO EXPRESS IDEAS ON ISSUES OF VALUE TO THE COMMUNITY

Greetings Richmond Residents and Readers,

My name is Jamelia Brown, and I’m running for Richmond City Council District 1 because our city deserves bold leadership with a fresh perspective. While I will proudly represent District 1, every decision I make will focus on building a stronger, more unified Richmond where all residents benefit. This campaign is about lifting our entire city through vision, action, and a deep understanding of our challenges. I am deeply committed to this community and will work tirelessly to ensure its prosperity.

My life’s work has been driven by a commitment to serving our community and the insight and tools to tackle our most pressing issues head-on. As an anti-human trafficking advocate with Community Violence Solutions, I’ve witnessed the devastating effects of violence and exploitation in our city. At Shelter, Inc., I played a pivotal role in helping our unhoused residents secure permanent housing and, more recently, provided counseling services to participants of the former Castro Encampment, supported by the state-funded Encampment Resolution Fund-2. Also, as a Career Specialist at Treasure Island Job Corps, I had the privilege of preparing young adults for high-paying trade union jobs. These roles have given me the grit and the understanding needed to represent the diverse populations of Richmond. While I have held other impactful roles in human services, I am highlighting these experiences because they align with the urgent needs our community is currently facing—I’ve been on the front lines, addressing the very issues that affect our residents every day. This has prepared me to be the council member our city needs—someone ready to lead with empathy, action, and a deep connection to the people of Richmond.

Safety is one of my top priorities. I was awarded the 2024 Moms Demand Action, Gun Sense distinction for my commitment to gun violence prevention and governing safer streets. Also, safety looks like tackling sideshows and blight that continue to plague our neighborhoods. We must unify with coalitions and residents to enhance preventative measures, boost community engagement, and create real solutions for the real problems our communities face. From implementing traffic calming measures to supporting violence reduction programs, I will fight to make every Richmond neighborhood safe to live, work, and raise a family.

Economic growth is at the heart of my platform. I want to create opportunities for current and future residents by supporting small businesses, revitalizing unused spaces, and expanding job training programs. We can ensure that Richmond thrives economically and that every resident has a chance to succeed. I will also push for equitable economic development, focusing on affordable housing and a greater emphasis on our workforce development that benefits all of Richmond.

My campaign is built around S.E.E. a Better Richmond—that stands for Safety, Engagement, and Economic Resilience. These three pillars are the foundation of my vision for Richmond. Safety ensures we all live in secure communities; Engagement empowers us to work together toward common goals; and Economic Resilience guarantees that our growth is inclusive and sustainable. I have the academic background and collaborative leadership skills to make informed decisions. With a Doctorate in Social Work, I know the value of data-driven policies and understand how to balance community needs with strategic planning.

Beyond my professional life, I am a mother of four remarkable young people. My experience as a mother has shaped my passion for creating a city where every child can thrive—where they can grow up safely, with access to the resources and opportunities they deserve. Being a mother drives me to fight harder for our community because I want the Richmond we build today to be a city that our children and future generations will be proud to call home.

This election is about more than just representation—it’s about action. I’m not just asking for your vote; I’m asking for your partnership. Together, we can build a Richmond where everyone thrives, your voice is heard, and where the safety and prosperity of our community are priorities. We don’t need one person with all the answers—we need leadership that empowers you, the residents, to help create lasting change.

Thank you for your trust and support,

Jamelia Brown
Candidate for Richmond City Council District 1