Richmond City Council Formal Meeting - May 11, 2026
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting - May 11, 2026
The Richmond City Council held a formal meeting on May 11, 2026, lasting from approximately 6:00 PM to past 10:00 PM. Key actions included approval of the consent agenda, adoption of the FY2027 budget with amendments, and denial of a special use permit for outdoor events at Lavender Hill. Public comment focused on surveillance (Flock cameras), affordable housing funding, sidewalk repairs, and support for the Richmond Virtual Academy.
Consent Calendar
- Adopted unanimously: ordinances 2026-074, 2026-094, 2026-095, 2026-097, and resolution 2026-R003 (supporting an energy efficiency program).
- Maria Deucer, Carolyn Pugh, Annika Shun, and Lori Hunter spoke in favor of the energy efficiency resolution, citing high energy burdens and the need for interdepartmental coordination.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Flock Cameras (Budget Items): Multiple speakers (Michael Weish, William Mallman, Aurora Britt, Nicole Yakam, Omante Consello, Cameron Concer, Jack, Mary Donahue, B. Chambers, Annalie Volker, Scott O'Boe, Patrick, and others) urged the council to defund Flock Safety cameras, citing privacy violations, misuse by police, data breaches, and the risk of federal access. Speakers presented documented abuse cases and argued that funds should be redirected to sidewalks, housing, and community safety.
- Affordable Housing Trust Fund: RISC members (Reverend Derek Star Redwine, Deacon Janice Lacey, Steve Salzburg, Marty Wrigbright, Brenda Hawkins, Dennis Holly, Pastor Ralph Hodge) urged approval of the budget amendment dedicating $11.7 million to the trust fund. They criticized the mayor's omission and emphasized the need for dedicated, law-mandated funding for low-income households.
- Richmond Virtual Academy: Students (Kia, Elijah Kersey), parents (Jasmine Jackson Kercy, Felicia Minor, D. Winston, Latasha Smare), teachers (Tamara Lofton Pickens), and advocates (Dr. Jacqueline Wilson, Mariah White) pleaded with council to fund RVA, citing safety, health, and educational needs. They noted that only 3.2 million of unallocated GAP grant funds could support the school.
- Sidewalk Safety: Maya Dora and Lori Hunter (also for energy) highlighted dangerous sidewalks, trip hazards, and the lack of pedestrian infrastructure, especially for students and disabled residents.
- Retiree COLA: A retiree (unidentified) thanked council for a one-time payment but stressed the need for a permanent cost-of-living adjustment.
Discussion Items
- Budget Amendments: Council members Gibson, Trammell, Jones, Jordan, Robertson, and Breton discussed the budget process, transparency, and unmet needs. Gibson noted the $11.7 million Affordable Housing Trust Fund amendment was a key oversight win. Trammell and others expressed disappointment that Richmond Virtual Academy funding was not secured, blaming the superintendent and the mayor's budget. Robertson praised collaborative work on the budget.
- Special Use Permit (Lavender Hill): The council debated a proposal for outdoor events at 1705 Commonwealth Ave. Neighbors (Sydney Bragg, Adam Young, Victoria Young, Story Hinckley, Nicholas Feb, Amanda Murphy, Rachel Fab, Debbie Bragg, Krista Mathis, Ryan Oliver, Nancy Oliver, Vince Lovejoy, Lee Stanfield, Christine Smetna) opposed the 52-event/120-person permit, citing noise, parking, and quality of life. Supporters (including pastor James Henry Harris, Megan Rollins, Will Rollins, Michael Rabin, and others) highlighted the business's community value and good-faith efforts to compromise. Council members Jones and Robertson noted the applicant's struggles with process and suggested a reduced amendment (20 events with ≤50 people, 10 with ≤100), but no formal amendment was introduced. The council voted to deny the original 52-event permit.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: All items adopted unanimously (8-0).
- Budget Items (14-22): Approved by a vote of 7-0 (President Newbill abstained). The budget includes $11.7 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, funding for the Department of Transportation, and other priorities. Richmond Virtual Academy funding was not included; council members vowed to continue advocacy.
- Special Use Permit (Lavender Hill): Denied by a 7-1 vote (Jones voted no? Wait, roll call: Breton no, Gibson no, Jones no, Robertson no, Trammell no, Abubacher no, Jordan no, Newbill abstain. So 0 for, 7 against, 1 abstain - not adopted). The applicant may reapply with a revised permit.
- Boards and Commissions: One appointment referral to committee; remaining appointments approved.
- Future Action: The council received new legislation (items 1-11) for introduction.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. Good evening, everyone. Good evening. Welcome. The formal meeting of the Richmond City Council will now come to order. We will have the invocation offered by Pastor Carla Pratt Keys of the Ginter Park Presbyterian Church. Madam President, before we do that, I do need to read the announcement regarding Spanish interpretation services at this meeting. Oh, yes, please. Thank you. 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 the service. Thank you. We will now have the invocation by Pastor Carla Pratt Keys, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Welcome, Pastor. Thank you. As we prepare to pray, I invite you and you to sit as comfortably as you can in your chair. And close your eyes if you feel comfortable doing that. Take a deep breath in and let it out. And then rub your hands together for a moment. Just warm them up. And put your warm hands over your beating heart. These bodies of ours. Here is where God's story and our stories intersect. God comes to us right here and is present in our bodies. And in everyone in this great city of ours. Young and old, well healed and historically disenfranchised. Fifth generation Richmonders and newly arrived immigrants. God will be with us. Wherever we lay our heads down tonight, on a favorite pillow, or a park bench, or a hospital bed, or a prison cot. Notice your heartbeat and the rise and fall of your chest. Breathe in God's mercies. Breathe out God's mercies to the city we love and serve. Breathe in God's mercies. Breathe out God's mercies from Hopkins Road to Laburnum Park, from Church Hill to Willow Lawn, and all along the James River. May your mercies, your justice, your compassion, and your wisdom be reflected in the dialogue and decisions of this council tonight. In your holy name we pray. Amen. Amen. Thank you. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. If we could have the emergency evacuation plan and public speaker guidelines shared at this time, 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.
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