The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority is pursuing federal stimulus funds with the help of a Washington-based consulting firm and former Richmond Chief Financial Officer Harry E. Black. Black, a key aide to then-Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, is working as a part-time senior adviser for B&D Consulting. RRHA hired the firm in April to draft a plan to match potential funding opportunities with the authority’s needs and projects. The $12,000per-month contract is set to expire next month but is eligible to be extended.

The guest list for tonight’s inaugural gala honoring Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones swelled from initially fewer than 400 to about 1,200. Jones, a Democrat and former member of the House of Delegates, called the turnout proof that people of the region believe in the city’s potential. “Tonight is a celebration,“ he said in brief remarks to the crowd. “Let’s celebrate the fact that we love Richmond, and we’re going to build a better Richmond.“

The Richmond City Council could decide Monday between giving a 1 percent raise to city retirees and squirreling away funds to weather the stormy economy.