Danny Avula

But VPM News' Demir Shahi reports that doesn't mean the city won't use the technology in the future.

On Saturday, Mayor Danny Avula announced that Richmond was not going to re-up its deal with Flock when their contract ends next July.

Police can access more than 100 Flock license plate readers in the city.

On Tuesday, Avula said a decision hasn't been made whether Richmond will look for a new vendor to replace Flock, but he said it was still on the table.

Avula and Police Chief Rick Edwards say they believe the tool helps solve crimes.

They also said there's been growing concern among residents about the technology, particularly around how it could be misused by law enforcement.

Avula said he could support an ALPR system with a closed network for Virginia, where the state would manage its data and issue its own rules.

Demir Shahi, VPM News.

Richmond will not renew its contract with Flock Safety for automatic license plate readers.

Mayor Danny Avula announced the decision in a video posted to Instagram Saturday.

Flock's cameras have been a source of controversy nationally and locally due to concerns about data privacy.

Richmond's contract ends June 30th, 2027.

In a press release, the city's director of revenue said this option is only for a small group of properties that are well beyond a workable and reasonable time frame for compliance.

Here's Richmond Mayor Danny Avula speaking Monday.

We are not using this as a tool to drive displacement of our residents.

We want to make sure that we work with them to resolve their delivery taxes and keep them in their homes.

VPM News reporter Keyris Manzanares has more.

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula says he's focused on prioritizing the city's workforce, affordable housing, and cost of living challenges.

But during a budget kickoff meeting Tuesday, Avula and other leaders alluded to a tough budget cycle as the city comes off its real estate tax freeze.

We're in the midst of a open collective bargaining period.

From the VPM Newsroom in Richmond, I'm Kim Strother.

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said the city will review its relationship with flock safety.

The automatic license plate readers have faced intense criticism nationally over privacy concerns.

On Saturday, Avula announced plans to look into Richmond's deal with flock and get resident feedback.

I think that the shift in public sentiment around Flock, which has been particularly acute in the last couple of months, is a sign that we need to reevaluate our relationship with Flock.

Avula did take immediate action.

He ordered police to cut down how long it keeps ALPR data from 21 days to a week.

State officials recently released the results of the Virginia Hunger Study, which measures food insecurity among households.