Richmond solar deal collapses as new investigation opens
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Mayor Avula formally pulled the plug on Richmond's embattled solar deal Friday night after learning of a potential relationship inside a city department that he said could jeopardize the legitimacy of the project.
Why it matters: The revelation came after a last-ditch effort to revive part of the 25-year deal had already failed. Now the scrutiny is only growing, with a new City Hall review on top of the inspector general's probe.
Driving the news: Avula told City Council on Friday in an 8:04pm email obtained by Axios that he'd learned "late this afternoon" of a possible relationship that didn't affect the deal's terms but would "absolutely color the public perception" of it.
- He said the uncertainty raised too many concerns to continue pursuing the project and directed the CAO to investigate.
- Meanwhile the RTD reports a part-time city sustainability staffer worked for Secure Solar Futures during negotiations, though its CEO says the staffer wasn't involved in the talks.
The intrigue: Less than two hours earlier, City Clerk Candice Reid told members that Council lacked the majority needed to put reconsideration on Monday's special meeting agenda.
- That means the revival effort was already procedurally blocked when Avula formally withdrew his request.
Behind the scenes: The administration and Council supporters had spent days last week trying to address concerns and build support, four people with direct knowledge of the discussions told Axios.
- The push centered on flipping councilors Ellen Robertson and Nicole Jones, two of last week's "no" votes viewed as potentially open to reconsideration, multiple sources said.
- Neither responded to Axios' requests for comment.
Catch up quick: The initial deal with Secure Solar would've installed and maintained privately owned solar panels on 39 city buildings, while Richmond would use public dollars to buy the electricity they generate, per city documents.
- Council rejected it 5-4 last week over concerns about termination costs, insurance, roof repairs and more — potential long-term expenses that could eat into the projected millions in energy cost savings.
- Missing an Oct. 1 deadline tied to federal tax credits then knocked 22 buildings out.
- The remaining 17 — which include the Main Library, community centers and police precincts — face an Oct. 6 vendor deadline.
What we're watching: "We're taking the time to find out more about the questions that are being raised," Avula spokesperson Mira Signer told Axios on Saturday, adding that the city "will know more soon."