Richmond directs staff to study 'safe walk zone' for 23rd Street, pairing enforcement with outreach and engineering

The Richmond City Council voted Tuesday to direct staff to study a proposal for a 'safe walk zone' along the 23rd Street corridor, asking for a multi‑pronged plan that pairs narrowly tailored enforcement with outreach, diversion and engineering measures.

Councilmember Brown, who introduced the item, said the measure would "prioritize enforcement of existing laws in areas where minors are present" while complying with SB 357, which requires enforcement be based on observable conduct rather than appearance. Brown described the corridor as historically vibrant but currently afflicted by visible street‑level prostitution and unsafe public conduct that affects students and families.

The council action instructs the city manager and city attorney to return with a legally compliant ordinance and implementation approach; an amendment adopted during debate directed staff to consult the district attorney's human-trafficking division, the Family Justice Center, community-based organizations and public-works staff on engineering solutions such as lighting and traffic-calming, and to evaluate non‑law‑enforcement diversion programs like the Office of Neighborhood Safety model. The motion also requested an annual public review of enforcement outcomes and an administrative mechanism to adjust zone boundaries if activity shifts.

Several neighborhood residents, faith-based groups and outreach organizations testified in favor of the study and urged immediate steps to improve lighting and outreach. Cordell Henler said he had filed police reports after observing suspected trafficking and voiced full support for the item; Victory Outreach representatives described outreach and recovery programs and urged coordination.

Councilmembers stressed the need for a balanced approach. Several members emphasized that engineering and social-service interventions should accompany enforcement to avoid simply displacing activity. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with Vice Mayor Robinson absent.

Next steps: Staff will return with a proposed ordinance or implementation plan that incorporates legal review, enforcement protocols built on observable conduct, outreach/diversion options, engineering recommendations and a schedule for public reporting.