OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Richmond City Council Meeting April 14, 2026: Budget Hearings, Poet Laureates, and Public Testimony

City Council — Tuesday, April 14, 2026
BodyRichmond, Virginia
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, April 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:14:23

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

Good evening, everyone.

0:04

Good evening, everyone.

0:06

The formal meeting of the Richmond City Council will now come to order.

0:10

I will ask Madam Clerk or Mr.

0:13

Clerk if we could have our Spanish interpretation announcement.

0:18

Spanish interpretation is available in the council chamber.

0:21

Please see a representative at the rear of the room to receive the appropriate equipment.

0:25

Spanish interpretation is also available through Microsoft Teams for virtual attendees in need of this service.

0:30

La interpretación al Espanyol is disponible in a Camara del Consejo.

0:34

For favor, dirige a la representante, la parte posterior de la sala para receber el equipo correspondiente.

0:40

The interpretación al Espanyol también está disponible atravesado Microsoft Teams para todos los assistentes virtuales que necessiting estos servicios.

0:50

Thank you.

0:51

I would like to introduce our invocation speaker, Reverend Sherman Logan of First Unitarian Universalist Church.

1:02

After the invocation, we will have the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:07

Thank you, Reverend Logan.

1:11

May we pray.

1:14

Holy one of many names, spirit of life and love.

1:20

As evening settles and this day draws to a close, we pause to offer thanks for your goodness and for your mercy that has carried us to this hour.

1:35

As we gather to serve the people of Richmond, we remember the sacred trust place in its place.

1:43

The decisions made here ripple outward into homes, neighborhoods, and daily lives.

1:51

So we ask your blessings, not only upon what is decided, but how we arrive there.

1:59

Lest the conversations, less the disagreements, less the moments of clarity and the moments of challenge.

2:08

Grant that our words and action be maybe one, guided by integrity, shaped by compassion, and ground it in the spirit of unity.

2:18

Teach us to listen, not just to respond, but to understand so that we may find common ground and the courage to move forward together.

2:30

Give us open aesthetic hearts committed to the well-being of all.

2:35

Grant us wisdom to discern what is just and courage to act upon it.

2:42

And the many names that calls us towards love.

2:45

And in the spirit that binds us together as one human family, we offer this prayer.

2:52

May this be so.

2:53

Amen.

2:55

Thank you, Reverend Logan.

3:06

And to the Republic, which it stands.

3:09

One nation, unto God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

3:21

We will now uh deputy clerk have the emergency evacuation plan announcements followed by the public speaker guidelines.

3:34

Upon activation of the emergency alarm signal, all persons should immediately exit the building.

3:38

Please use the exits to the left or right front of the council chamber or the east or west stairwell outside the rear doors of the chamber.

3:45

Do not use elevators or escalators.

3:47

After exiting the building, security will direct everyone down 9th Street to the assembly area located inside the former public safety building parking lot.

3:55

Able persons should assist visually and hearing impaired visitors with exiting the building.

3:59

Individuals speaking during public hearings in the public comment period are generally allowed three minutes to speak.

4:05

Persons appearing before council are not allowed to campaign for public office, promote private business ventures, use language of a personal nature which insults or demeans any person, including comments directed at public officials or staff members that are not related to their official duties, or address or question staff members directly.

4:22

All questions are to be directed to the president of council.

4:25

Failure to adhere to the guidelines may result in speakers forfeiting any remaining time and further disciplinary action as necessary, which could include barring from attendance at future meetings of city council for a period of six months.

4:36

And Madam President, for the record, all members of council are in attendance this evening.

4:40

If there are individuals standing in the in the back of the chamber, unauthorized individuals, they are asked to be seated where seats are available.

4:48

Also, applause is only permitted during tonight's awards and presentation ceremony for this evening.

4:53

Thank you.

4:54

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

4:56

Um Chief of Staff Lawson, if you would come forward with a special recognition.

5:06

Thank you so much.

5:08

President Newville, Vice President Jordan, esteemed members of council, thank you for having me, Lassamaj Suriam, Chief of Staff, and I'm here on behalf of Mare Vula to present proclamations to our two new poet laureates.

5:24

We have Maurice Moflows Brown and Rosa Castellano.

5:37

These two talented individuals were announced on Saturday at the VizArts event, and they at that time were given the opportunity to read some of their poetry and begin to take on this mantle as poet laureates.

5:51

But we also wanted council to be able to formally receive their appointment and for the public to know more broadly for them to receive these proclamations here tonight.

6:01

So a little context, we have had poet laureates since 2020.

6:06

Thanks in enormous part to Patty Parks, whose dedication to the program got it off the ground, even in the middle of COVID.

6:12

And our first two laureates, Roscoe Burnham's and Joanna Lee, have been extraordinary advocates for the program, their artistic communities, and our city.

6:22

We've benefited from them for many years, and now we really looking forward to having the two of you.

6:29

So one's yours.

6:39

All right.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement████████████████16%
Education Funding██████████████14%
Procedural█████████████13%
Personnel Matters█████████████13%
Public Safety████████8%
Housing███████7%
Affordable Housing██████6%
Arts And Culture████4%
Fiscal Sustainability████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Richmond City Council Meeting April 14, 2026: Budget Hearings, Poet Laureates, and Public Testimony

The Richmond City Council held its formal meeting on April 14, 2026, beginning at 5:00 PM. The meeting featured the proclamation of two new poet laureates, multiple public comment periods, approval of consent agenda items and an expedited resolution, and a lengthy public hearing on the city’s proposed budget. Key topics included funding for Richmond Virtual Academy (RVA), the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, retiree cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), the Flock Safety camera contract, and tax relief for seniors and disabled residents. Budget-related ordinances were continued to the April 27 council meeting.

Special Recognitions

  • Mayor Danny TK Avula’s Chief of Staff presented proclamations to Maurice Moflows Brown and Rosa Castellano as Richmond’s third poet laureates, recognizing the start of National Poetry Month and the role of poetry in civic life.

Consent Calendar

  • The following items were approved unanimously (8-0-1, with Councilmember Gibson abstaining):
    • Ordinance 2026-057
    • Ordinance 2026-058
    • Ordinance 2026-061
    • Ordinance 2026-062
    • Ordinance 2026-072

Public Comments & Testimony (Pre-Agenda)

  • Karen Thomas (8th District): Described severe health problems caused by a sewage leak in her Section 8 home. She reported 11 emergency room visits, a hospitalization, and no response from landlord, Section 8, or health department until code enforcement determined the leak. She moved out in January 2026 and requested help.
  • Charlie Trocklow (5th District): Expressed support for the proposed code refresh, specifically smaller minimum lot sizes. He described how a lot split allowed his family to purchase an affordable home and created additional housing stock, arguing that greater flexibility would benefit the city.
  • Ralph Hodge (Reverend): Represented seniors and disabled citizens who were unenrolled from the real estate tax relief program after 12–18 years of participation. He noted that 2026 applications were not yet available and requested assistance for re-enrollment and grace.
  • Stephanie Starling: Spoke on behalf of her 83-year-old mother, Anna Tab, who received a tax relief recertification letter in February 2026 with a deadline of December 31, 2025. She called for the program to allow permanent enrollment or longer review periods.
  • Arla Hargrove (9th District): A disabled senior who had received tax relief for 18 years. She learned in March 2026 that she owed $400 more per month due to an alleged missing 2025 form. She claimed she never received the letter and had not received a 2026 form.

Councilmembers expressed concern and promised follow-up. Councilmember Trammell noted she had been asking about the forms since January. Councilmember Lynch stated she is working on an ordinance to adjust the timeline.

Agenda Amendments and Expedited Resolution

  • Several ordinances were continued to April 27 or May 11 meetings (items 3, 7, 8, 9).
  • An expedited resolution (2026-R014) authorizing RRHA to issue up to $8 million in multifamily housing revenue bonds for a 48-unit project at 115 North Jefferson Street was approved 8-0-1 (Councilmember Gibson abstained on expediting).

Public Hearing on Budget (Items 10-18)

Over 25 speakers addressed the council during the budget public hearing. Key themes and positions:

Richmond Virtual Academy (RVA) Funding

  • Multiple speakers (Dr. Cindy Robinson, Mrs. Lofton Pickens, Dee Winston, Adam Rose, Felicia Minor, Dr. Jacqueline Johnson Wilson, Aja Taylor, Dr. Candace Ben, Lori Hunter) urged full funding of RPS to keep RVA open. They cited RVA’s 100% graduation rate, full accreditation, low chronic absenteeism, and per-pupil cost half that of in-person schools. RVA serves less than 1% of RPS’s budget. Speakers described RVA as a lifeline for medically fragile, bullied, and disabled students.
  • Adam Rose called for a third-party audit of RPS spending. Felicia Minor stated her daughter’s dignity was compromised in person and that RVA provides necessary support.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund

  • Martin Wegbright (former Trust Fund board member), Janice Lacey, and others noted that a February 2026 ordinance requires 2.5% of real estate tax revenue ($11.7 million) be allocated to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The mayor’s proposed budget allocated $0 to the trust fund. They supported amendments by Councilmembers Gibson and Robertson to redirect $11.7 million to the trust fund.

Flock Safety Cameras

  • Several speakers (including William Allman, Cameron Concer, Johnny Fuller, Kyra, and others) called for pausing or eliminating the Flock camera contract. Concerns included data security (citing a lawsuit in Sacramento), surveillance of minority neighborhoods, lack of public awareness, and potential use by ICE. They urged reallocating funds to education, housing, and social services.

Retiree COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment)

  • Cheryl Nietzsche (retired police officer shot in 1984), Larry Globwell (retired firefighter), William Andrews, Barbara Starkey Good, Sylvester Henderson, Daisy Weaver, and Bill Pannley (RCOP) spoke in favor of a 1.5% COLA for Richmond Retirement System retirees. They noted that no COLA has been given in over 20 years, while VRS has provided multiple increases. They argued the pension fund is well-funded.

Contracted Custodial Workers

  • Priscilla Peebles and Latrice Gregory (SEIU 32BJ) expressed support for budget amendments raising wages for city-contracted janitorial workers, emphasizing their essential role and need for a living wage.

Other Supportive Comments

  • Sheree Shannon (South Side Relief) supported urban forestry and parks investments.
  • Lee Williams (Sierra Club) supported many amendments, including custodial wages, gas utility reduction, energy efficiency coordinator, and public utilities oversight.
  • Maria Deuster (Community Climate Collaborative) supported eliminating $500,000 in new gas business funding and a study for city-owned electric utility.
  • Joe Bran Coley (Sierra Club) commended amendments for people’s budget and street safety.
  • Casey Miller supported RPS funding, inspector general audit, family crisis fund, and custodial wages; opposed unfilled police vacancies.
  • Emma Clark supported study for city-owned power, criticized Flock, and urged audit of RPS.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved unanimously (one abstention).
  • Expedited resolution for RRHA bonds approved (one abstention on expediting).
  • All budget-related ordinances (items 10–18) were continued to the Monday, April 27, 2026 council meeting by a unanimous vote.
  • Councilmembers committed to following up on tax relief issues for seniors and disabled residents, and on the housing complaint from Karen Thomas.
  • Councilmember Lynch announced she is working on an ordinance to adjust the tax relief application timeline.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. Good evening, everyone. The formal meeting of the Richmond City Council will now come to order. I will ask Madam Clerk or Mr. Clerk if we could have our Spanish interpretation announcement. Spanish interpretation is available in the council chamber. Please see a representative at the rear of the room to receive the appropriate equipment. Spanish interpretation is also available through Microsoft Teams for virtual attendees in need of this service. La interpretación al Espanyol is disponible in a Camara del Consejo. For favor, dirige a la representante, la parte posterior de la sala para receber el equipo correspondiente. The interpretación al Espanyol también está disponible atravesado Microsoft Teams para todos los assistentes virtuales que necessiting estos servicios. Thank you. I would like to introduce our invocation speaker, Reverend Sherman Logan of First Unitarian Universalist Church. After the invocation, we will have the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you, Reverend Logan. May we pray. Holy one of many names, spirit of life and love. As evening settles and this day draws to a close, we pause to offer thanks for your goodness and for your mercy that has carried us to this hour. As we gather to serve the people of Richmond, we remember the sacred trust place in its place. The decisions made here ripple outward into homes, neighborhoods, and daily lives. So we ask your blessings, not only upon what is decided, but how we arrive there. Lest the conversations, less the disagreements, less the moments of clarity and the moments of challenge. Grant that our words and action be maybe one, guided by integrity, shaped by compassion, and ground it in the spirit of unity. Teach us to listen, not just to respond, but to understand so that we may find common ground and the courage to move forward together. Give us open aesthetic hearts committed to the well-being of all. Grant us wisdom to discern what is just and courage to act upon it. And the many names that calls us towards love. And in the spirit that binds us together as one human family, we offer this prayer. May this be so. Amen. Thank you, Reverend Logan. And to the Republic, which it stands. One nation, unto God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We will now uh deputy clerk have the emergency evacuation plan announcements followed by the public speaker guidelines. Upon activation of the emergency alarm signal, all persons should immediately exit the building. Please use the exits to the left or right front of the council chamber or the east or west stairwell outside the rear doors of the chamber. Do not use elevators or escalators. After exiting the building, security will direct everyone down 9th Street to the assembly area located inside the former public safety building parking lot. Able persons should assist visually and hearing impaired visitors with exiting the building. Individuals speaking during public hearings in the public comment period are generally allowed three minutes to speak. Persons appearing before council are not allowed to campaign for public office, promote private business ventures, use language of a personal nature which insults or demeans any person, including comments directed at public officials or staff members that are not related to their official duties, or address or question staff members directly. All questions are to be directed to the president of council. Failure to adhere to the guidelines may result in speakers forfeiting any remaining time and further disciplinary action as necessary, which could include barring from attendance at future meetings of city council for a period of six months. And Madam President, for the record, all members of council are in attendance this evening. If there are individuals standing in the in the back of the chamber, unauthorized individuals, they are asked to be seated where seats are available. Also, applause is only permitted during tonight's awards and presentation ceremony for this evening. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Um Chief of Staff Lawson, if you would come forward with a special recognition. Thank you so much.

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