RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- More solar panels could be installed on 39 Richmond-owned buildings under ordinances proposed by Mayor Danny Avula's administration during a special meeting on Monday. During a special meeting held by the city council the morning of Monday, Sept. 21, Avula's administration i ntroduced ordinances proposing the installation of rooftop solar panels at 39 city-owned buildings, according to a release. City leaders said the proposal is part of the 25-page Mayor's Action Plan (MAP) and will reduce energy costs and increase renewable energy. The initiative is projected to save the city over $19.4 million in electricity costs over 25 years, yielding roughly $260,000 in savings during the first year alone, per city officials. RELATED: Richmond proposes cost-saving solar panels across city-owned buildings “As a father, a pediatrician, and Mayor, I believe our local government has a responsibility to build a more sustainable Richmond for generations to come," Avula said in a release. "I’m excited for the practical way this program helps us do our part to address the climate crisis, lower our energy costs, and be smart with taxpayer dollars. The due diligence that we’ve put into building this out over the past few months will be worth it." The proposed ordinances also support the RVAgreen 2050 initiative, the city's Climate Equity Action Plan, according to a release. “Exploring the installation of solar panels on these city-owned buildings represents an important opportunity to advance Richmond’s sustainability goals while taking a thoughtful look at the long-term value of our public assets," said Laura Thomas, the city’s Director of the Office of Sustainability, who leads the RVAgreen 2050 initiative, in the release. “By evaluating how renewable energy can be incorporated into our facilities, we can identify opportunities to reduce energy costs, strengthen resilience, create local clean energy jobs, and support a more sustainable future for our city. This potential project reflects our commitment to finding innovative solutions that benefit Richmond residents for years to come.” City Council must still consider and approve the proposed installations. Additional project details, including final site assessments, system capacity, implementation timelines, contracting arrangements and projected financial savings, will also be provided as the ordinance advances. ...read more read less