Tom Butt
Architect, Recovered Politician, Historic Preservationist and Author
This web page started as a political campaign resource in the early 1990s. After 28 years on the Richmond City Council and eight years as elected mayor, I termed out in 2023, having served longer continuously than anyone in Richmond history. I have now reverted full-time to the architectural profession.
I started the blog TOM BUTT E-FORUM in 2000 to fill in the gaps and misinformation from traditional journalism. Although I have transitioned away from the predominantly community and political content , I have continued the E-FORUM, and the Archives are probably the best resource available for Richmond political history 2000 – 2023.
Latest E-FORUM Articles
VISITORS WELCOME — Next Rotary Meeting Friday, January 30, 2026 | Ric
Next Club Meeting Our next meeting will take place at the Richmond Golf Club (address below) on Friday, January 30, 12:30pm. Rosalind Welch Richmond Community Foundation For 25 years, RCF Connects has been a quiet but powerful force for change...
Design Review Board Caves on Marina Point
With all the distractions at the City Council related to the mayor’s antisemitism, the media has no time to cover other important items such as the progress on approval of the horrible Marina Point project. On January 14, 2026, the Richmond Design Review...
TOM BUTT E-FORUM : Visitors Welcome — Next Rotary Meeting Friday, January 23, 2026 | Ou
Crabfeed Update We are ready for an amazing crab feed this Saturday, January 24 at 6 PM. Parking will be limited at Salesian so please carpool or use a ride-share service if possible. Tickets can be purchased on our website until noon on Wednesday, January 21. If you...
The Craneway — Both an Opportunity and Albatross for the City
Because these things are discussed by the City Council in closed session, no one really knows what is going on other than the City retaining a consultant to provide a building condition assessment. When Eddie Orton purchased the Ford Building from the City of...
Law Firm Threatens AIA Members Opposed to Ballroom
Back in December 2025, I signed on to a letter from members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Historic Preservation Committee to Trump’s latest Ballroom architect, Shalom Baranes...
VISITORS WELCOME:– Next Rotary Meeting Friday, January 9, 2026 | Namu
Next Club Meeting Happy New Year!! Our next meeting will take place at the Richmond Golf Club (address below) on Friday, January 9, 12:30pm. Namungoona, Uganda Childrens Art Center Rotarian Tom Herriman Namungoona Childrens Art Center provides free...