A regional trade association representing more than 470 real estate developers and professionals on Wednesday announced it is backing Levar Stoney’s campaign for Richmond mayor.

In a release, the Home Building Association of Richmond’s Multi-Family Housing Council lauded Stoney as the candidate most capable of hiring a strong administration that will work with Richmond City Council and the Richmond School Board to “move Richmond forward.”

“There’s no quick solution to the issues facing our city today – but we are confident that Levar Stoney will be a mayor that understands that our city’s successes are only as big as the coalitions we form to achieve them,” stated Andrew Clark, the organization’s director of government affairs.

The Multi-Family Housing Council comprises 45 of the homebuilders' member businesses. It is the first time the council has endorsed a mayoral candidate, according to the release. The body has also endorsed City Council candidates.

The endorsement comes days after the former secretary of the commonwealth received the backing of 32BJ Service Employees International Union, an arm of an international labor union with members in nine states. In the release, Stoney said he looks forward to working with the organization’s members if elected.

“I know that the homebuilders, like many folks in Richmond, are tired of fighting,” Stoney stated. “I am excited to begin working with them – as a collaborating partner, not an adversary – to take Richmond to the next level.”