Council appoints Foster Curtis as inspector general amid criticism of prior report and litigation

Richmond City Council voted unanimously to appoint Foster Curtis as the city’s inspector general after a brief public introduction and no registered opposition.

Curtis thanked the council and described his team’s mission to investigate fraud, waste and abuse in city government. "We have a dedicated group of investigators ... dedicated to rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse within the city," he said.

Separately in public comment, Brian Prince of Corruption Free RVA alleged that a 2024 inspector general report concerning the Office of Elections contained factual contradictions and that efforts to submit corrective evidence were denied. Prince said the initial report cost about $600,000 and warned that the city’s legal defense posture could cost taxpayers "upwards of $1,000,000 or more" as litigation continues. "At this point, continued silence is not cost neutral," Prince said.

Council expedited consideration of the appointment and then adopted Resolution 2026 R001 naming Foster Curtis inspector general; no members of the public spoke for or against the appointment during the public hearing on the resolution.