In a historic gathering on June 30, 2025, the Henrico County Board of Supervisors and the Richmond City Council convened to address a pressing issue: the provision of safe and clean water for their residents. This special meeting marked a rare collaboration between the two governing bodies, a significant step towards enhancing the region's water infrastructure.

Mayor Avila of Richmond opened the meeting by reflecting on the importance of this joint effort, emphasizing the need for a resilient water system following the January water outage that had affected countless residents. He introduced Dr. Scott Morris, the new Director of Public Utilities, who has been tasked with both immediate restoration efforts and long-term planning for the city's water treatment facilities. The mayor expressed optimism about the progress made so far and underscored the urgency of the discussions ahead.

The meeting aimed to foster dialogue on creating a water advisory group, which would consist of experts to explore feasible options for improving the water system. Mayor Avila highlighted that while the conversation would take time, it was crucial to act swiftly to secure state support for necessary improvements.

Council President Dr. Cynthia Neubal echoed the mayor's sentiments, thanking everyone for prioritizing this meeting. She noted that the Richmond City Council would reconvene on July 7 to delve deeper into the proposed regional water advisory concept. The collaborative spirit was palpable, with both leaders acknowledging the existing foundation of regional cooperation that has successfully addressed various community challenges in the past.

As the meeting progressed, the focus remained on the shared goal of developing a sustainable water system that would benefit both Richmond and Henrico County for generations to come. The discussions set the stage for future collaboration, with a commitment from both councils to work together in addressing the complexities of public utilities and ensuring the well-being of their communities.

This gathering not only marked a pivotal moment in local governance but also highlighted the potential for regional partnerships to tackle significant issues, paving the way for a more secure and reliable water supply for all residents.