Public Meetings - Richmond, Virginia

The Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee met on April 16, 2026, to consider several ordinances and resolutions, including grants for violence prevention, a tax deferral program, and a presentation on anti-displacement programs. The committee approved most items unanimously and continued one ordinance for further amendments. Consent Calendar - Minutes of February 18, 2026: Approved without amendments. - Agenda Item 5 (Ordinance 2026-081): Continued to the May 20, 2026 meeting (motion approved). - Board Appointments: - Economic Development Authority: Reappointment of Jerome Crooks (CPA), appointment of Cynthia Cobbs (banking/lending/financial services), reappointment of Nathan Hughes (residential/commercial/mixed-use development). Vacancy for Virginia State Bar member continued to next quarterly cycle. - Participatory Budgeting Steering Commission: Reappointment of Samuel Davies and appointment of Maya Rogers (4th district resident) as non-voting alternate members. - Item 2 – Violence Prevention Grant (Ordinance 2026-078): Approved to accept $249,917 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for violence prevention services to newcomer, immigrant, and refugee youth. - Item 3 – Operation Ceasefire Grant (Ordinance 2026-079): Approved to accept $344,100 from DCJS for the Operation Ceasefire program (crime prevention and violence interruptor training). - Item 4 – Pump House Roof Replacement (Ordinance 2026-080): Approved to accept $500,000 from the U.S. National Park Service; the city has a matching $500,000 in the capital budget. - Item 6 – Affordable Housing Trust Fund Reporting (Ordinance 2026-082): Approved to add detailed reporting on loans awarded from the fund (including repayment status and defaults). - Item 7 – Leave Policy for Unclassified Employees (Resolution 2026-R013): Approved to request the CAO to amend the leave policy regarding maximum carryover and payout procedures. - Item 8 – Utility Revenue Refunding Bonds (Resolution 2026-R017): Approved to authorize issuance of up to $225 million in public utility revenue bonds to refund prior bonds. Public Comments & Testimony - Items Not on Agenda: No speakers. - Item 1 – Tax Deferral Program: Ken Martinez, Director of Revenue Administration, spoke in opposition. He expressed that the ordinance provides a deferral, not tax relief, and attaches interest and a lien. He estimated administrative costs of at least $1.7 million annually (20 additional FTEs) and noted complexity in applying payments and tracking liens. No public speakers supported the item. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Tax Deferral Ordinance (2025-282): Lead patron introduced the paper to allow owner-occupied homeowners with assessments increasing more than 5% year-over-year to defer taxes above that threshold at 2% interest, up to a $50,000 cap. Proposed amendments included delaying implementation to January 1, 2028, and forming an implementation committee to provide a plan and cost estimates by December 2026. Committee members raised concerns about the program being a loan, potential confusion for residents, and the need for well-defined committee composition. After discussion, the committee voted 3-0 to continue the item to the May 20, 2026 meeting to refine amendments. - Anti-Displacement Programs Inventory Presentation: Merrick Malone (Housing and Community Development), Rachel Heitman, and Megan Fields presented an inventory of city programs mitigating displacement. Key findings: 30 programs across 12 departments, over 77 employees, and $36 million in funding serving 18,000 households. The presentation highlighted lack of consistent eligibility criteria and the need for a unified portal. Next steps include updating the city’s strategic housing plan by end of 2026, with stakeholder engagement. Committee members expressed support and emphasized addressing systemic displacement factors, such as real estate industry practices, and ensuring coordination across departments. Key Outcomes - Item 1 continued to the May 20, 2026 meeting to incorporate expanded amendments. - All other agenda items (2,3,4,6,7,8) approved unanimously with recommendations to the full City Council. - Board appointments approved as recommended by the administration. - Presentation acknowledged with a directive to include references to original enabling legislation and to return progress updates as needed.

The Urban Design Committee met on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM to consider one regular agenda item and an update to the Urban Design Guidelines. The committee approved the conceptual location, character, and extent review for the removal of two dams and stream restoration in Bryan Park, and unanimously approved the sustainability section of the Urban Design Guidelines with minor revisions. Regular Agenda: UDC 2026-05 – Prime Park Dam Removal and Stream Restoration - The project involves removing two non‑compliant dams in Bryan Park (at 4308 Hermitage Road) to restore Upham Brook to a natural stream, improve ecological conditions, and enhance park amenities. - Presenters from the Department of Parks and Recreation, Hazen and Sawyer, and Water Street Studio described the project: removal of dams, construction of two bridges, planting 450 new native trees (91 trees to be removed, including 20 invasive/unhealthy), invasive vegetation removal, and installation of trails and educational signage. - The project will provide fish passage for over 5 miles of stream and up to 9 miles for some species. Community engagement included over 100 participants through pop‑up events and public meetings. - Committee members discussed the design, including concerns about the accessibility of cobblestones in gathering areas and the performance of decomposed granite. A condition was added to consider alternative materials for improved accessibility. - The committee also discussed the alignment of the Fall Line Trail and recommended that plans show the alignment on and adjacent to the site for the final application. Other Business: Urban Design Guidelines Update – Sustainability Section - Staff presented the proposed sustainability section, which consolidates goals from Richmond 300, RVA Green 2050, and other city documents into actionable guidelines for UDC review. - The section covers stormwater management, green infrastructure, urban heat mitigation, tree canopy, disaster resilience, and renewable energy. - Committee members engaged in a discussion about the scope of the UDC’s authority, the value of referencing external documents versus creating unique guidelines, and the practical use of the guidelines in conditioning projects. - Minor edits were suggested (typos, adding a section on material lifespan, removing overly specific interior recommendations). The section was approved as revised. Key Outcomes - Motion on UDC 2026-05 (Prime Park dam removal): Approved with conditions (6‑0 vote). Conditions require: (1) plans to show Fall Line Trail alignment, (2) dark‑sky‑compliant lighting, (3) signage addressing natural area and site history, and (4) consideration of accessible alternatives to cobblestones in gathering areas. - Motion on Guidelines Update – Sustainability Section: Approved unanimously by voice vote, with staff directed to incorporate minor edits and present the final version at a future meeting. - Next steps: The dam removal project will return for final application; the full set of updated guidelines will be consolidated for final UDC approval after all sections are reviewed.

Date: April 16, 2026 Time: Approximately 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, Richmond, VA The Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee met to consider eight agenda items, including a controversial tax deferral ordinance, multiple grant acceptances, board appointments, and a comprehensive presentation on anti-displacement programs. Several items were approved and forwarded to full Council, while one ordinance was continued to the May 20, 2026 meeting for further amendment. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered for items not on the agenda or for any public hearing items. Consent Calendar & Unanimous Actions - Minutes Approved: The minutes from the February 18, 2026 meeting were approved as presented without amendment. - Agenda Amendment: Agenda item five (Ordinance 2026-081) was continued to the May 20, 2026 meeting by unanimous vote. Board & Commission Appointments - Economic Development Authority: The committee voted unanimously to forward the following appointments to full Council: Jerome Crooks (reappointment, CPA resident), Cynthia Cobbs (resident, banking/lending/financial services), and Nathan Hughes (reappointment, residential/commercial/mixed-use development). The vacancy for a Virginia State Bar member was continued to the July 15, 2026 quarterly review cycle. - Participatory Budgeting Steering Commission: The committee voted unanimously to forward appointments of Samuel Davies (reappointment) and Maya Rogers (new, 4th district resident) to full Council. - Minority Business Commission: Staff reported no current vacancies following recent mayoral appointments. Discussion Items Item 1 – Ordinance 2025-282: Real Estate Tax Deferral Program - Purpose: To amend the city code to create a tax deferral program for owner-occupied residences valued at less than two times the median home value in Richmond. If annual assessment increases exceed 5%, homeowners could defer the excess at a 2% interest rate, up to a $50,000 cap (principal plus interest). The program is slated to take effect in 2028 to address anticipated large assessment increases. - Lead Patron (Councilmember, name not stated): Argued the program is a necessary tool to prevent displacement, designed with simple eligibility criteria (assessed value, owner occupancy, no delinquency) that are already housed in the Department of Finance. Noted amendments proposed: implementation date moved to January 1, 2028, and creation of an implementation committee to report back by December 2026 (interim plan) and February 2027 (final plan), including FTE/staffing breakdown, third-party contract costs, and performance metrics. - Opposition (Ken Martinez, Director of Revenue Administration): Outlined four main objections: - The program is a deferral, not tax relief, and attaches interest and a lien, which is complicated to administer. - It is not a core function of the finance department; staff are already burdened with existing exemption programs (e.g., OAPD). - Administrative costs are substantial: estimate of 20 additional FTEs (management analysts) at $67,000/year each, total at least $1.7 million annually, plus software costs. This estimate was based on 4–6 hours per application and a potential 12,000 participants. - Payment application rules (code section 26-3.1) create additional complexity when deferrals are not delinquent. - Committee Questions/Discussion: - Councilmember Lynch questioned the 20 FTE estimate, noting the entire finance department has only 19 management analysts. Martinez defended the estimate as based on comparable programs in Virginia Beach and Alexandria. - Councilmember Vice Chair Jones expressed concern that the program is a loan, not relief, and may confuse residents. She emphasized the need for clear disclosure. - Chair Robertson requested the amendments be strengthened with specific committee membership and approval requirements. The lead patron agreed to work on tighter language. - Outcome: The item was continued to the May 20, 2026 finance committee meeting by unanimous vote to allow further refinement of amendments. Item 2 – Ordinance 2026-078: Violence Prevention Grant for Newcomer/Immigrant/Refugee Youth - Action: Accepted $249,917 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. The general fund budget is amended by increasing estimated revenues and appropriating $117,257 to the YWCA Richmond and $132,660 to the Office of the DCAO for human services for violence prevention and intervention services. - Staff Explanation (Dominic Barrett, Senior Policy Advisor): No general fund dollars involved; it is a continuation of a state-funded initiative. - Outcome: Forwarded to full Council unanimously. Item 3 – Ordinance 2026-079: Operation Ceasefire Program Grant - Action: Accepted $344,100 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to create a new special fund for the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Funds support CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design) and violent interrupter programs. - Staff Explanation (Greg Hopkins, Director of Office of Gun Violence Prevention): The funding is a three-year, one-time grant; it is state general funds. - Outcome: Forwarded to full Council unanimously. Item 4 – Ordinance 2026-080: Pump House Roof Replacement Grant - Action: Accepted $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Interior National Park Service (earmarked by Senator Tim Kaine) to create a special fund for the Pump House roof replacement project. - Staff Explanation (Chris Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities): The total project cost is approximately $1 million; the city has the matching $500,000 in the capital budget from the James River Master Park Improvement Plan. The roof replacement is critical to protecting the historic building. - Outcome: Forwarded to full Council unanimously. Item 6 – Ordinance 2026-082: Affordable Housing Trust Fund Loan Reporting - Purpose: To require additional annual reporting on any loans awarded from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, including repayment performance and defaults, to ensure self-replenishment. - Staff Explanation (Maria Garnett, Council Policy Analyst; Merrick Malone, Director of Housing and Community Development): The amendment strengthens transparency if loans become a tool; it aligns with existing annual reporting requirements. - Outcome: Forwarded to full Council unanimously, with the full committee added as co-patrons. Item 7 – Resolution 2026-R013: Leave Policy Carry-Forward for Unclassified Employees - Purpose: Requests the CAO to amend the city’s leave policy to modify maximum carry-forward rules and allow a one-time payout of vacation leave balances during the transition to a new procedure. A written report on fiscal and operational impacts is due by June 30, 2026. - Outcome: Forwarded to full Council unanimously, with Councilmembers Tramble Jones and Lynch added as co-patrons. Item 8 – Resolution 2026-R017: Public Utility Revenue Refunding Bonds - Purpose: Authorizes the issuance of up to $225 million in public utility revenue refunding bonds to refinance portions of previously issued bonds. Allows the director of finance to sell the bonds as tax-exempt or taxable. - Outcome: Forwarded to full Council unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved and Forwarded to Full Council (unanimous): Items 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and the board appointment packages. - Continued to May 20, 2026 (unanimous): Item 1 (tax deferral ordinance) and Item 5 (separate agenda item). - Directives: - The lead patron of Item 1 will refine amendments (committee membership, approval process) before the next meeting. - Staff will include the original ordinance language in future reports to strengthen legislative-executive partnership. - The administration will consider Chair Robertson’s suggestion to incorporate findings from the independent fair housing displacement study into the anti-displacement strategic plan. - Next Steps: The anti-displacement inventory presentation will inform the update to the city’s equitable affordable housing plan, with a target completion by end of calendar year 2026 (with flexibility for quality).

The Richmond City Council held a budget work session on April 15, 2026, to review proposed text amendments and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) amendments for the FY27 budget. Council members discussed funding priorities, received clarifications from city administration, and deferred final decisions to a subsequent meeting on April 20. Public Comments & Testimony - Members of the public, including parents of students with disabilities, urged council to support funding for the Richmond Virtual Academy and other school programs. Council members noted the emotional pleas but no formal public testimony was transcribed. Discussion Items - Text Amendments: - Strike Severance Language: A proposal to remove new language from the pay plan that would allow up to one year of severance for senior executives. Council members questioned whether this would conflict with existing contracts; administration noted it would not affect previous agreements but would require further legal review. - Housing Trust Fund Language: An amendment to fix language ensuring the Affordable Housing Trust Fund receives agreed-upon funding. City administration expressed support, with clarification on bonding mechanism (pay-as-you-go model). - RPS Audit: A text and general fund amendment to allocate $175,000 for an independent third-party audit of Richmond Public Schools’ budget, contracted through the city auditor’s office. Councilmember Gibson argued the audit is needed due to inconsistencies in RPS budget submissions (e.g., a “typo” of 10 FTEs and unclear collective bargaining costs). - Richmond Virtual Academy: Initial cost estimate of $1.6 million from council staff was revised to $3.2 million based on RPS information. Councilmembers expressed frustration over conflicting numbers and demanded written documentation. It was clarified that if RPS is not fully funded, the virtual academy could be cut, but RPS controls allocation of funds. - Transportation and Security for After-School Programs: Initially requested at $700,000, the city and RPS refined the estimate to $428,000 for two security guards at all middle schools and associated transportation. Councilmembers requested detailed breakdowns by school and radius. - CIP Amendments: - Forest Hill Avenue Traffic Study: Originally $500,000, but Director of Public Works Bobby Vincent stated the study cost would be approximately $100,000 and work is already underway with VDOT. - Citywide School Safety Study Recommendations: Councilmember Breton proposed $500,000 for implementing safety projects identified in a study of eight high-injury-network schools. DPW indicated some work is already covered by existing budgets and grants. - Gas New Business Funding: Councilmember Jordan proposed eliminating $500,000 for new gas business, citing sufficient existing funds and city goals to transition from fossil fuels. Public Utilities Director Scott Morris confirmed no impact on rates or operations. - Transparent Street Safety Spending: Councilmember Breton requested a detailed breakdown of the $21 million in complete streets funding (paving, sidewalks, speed tables, etc.). DPW agreed to provide periodic presentations and a public dashboard. - TJ High School Football Field Lights: Councilmember Breton proposed $250,000 in FY28 to leverage matching grants for lighting. Councilmember Gibson called for a citywide inventory of school athletic facilities lacking lighting. - People’s Budget Alignment: Discussion on integrating participatory budgeting into the city’s process. CAO Odie Donald confirmed that the participatory budgeting group was moved under his authority and that alignment will be ongoing; previous distribution was criticized by Councilmember Trammell for inequity. - Commonwealth Attorney’s Budget: Commonwealth Attorney expressed concern over a reported $241,000 cut. Administration clarified it was a technical adjustment in personnel funding, not a reduction in positions or operations, and that a meeting with finance is scheduled. - Assessor’s Customer Service Representative: Council staff proposed transferring a vacant position from the council chief of staff’s office to the assessor’s office to handle walk-in inquiries. Assessor Richie McKeachin noted the position was lost during COVID and is needed to free appraisers from front-desk duties. - Other Updates: - City Auditor Riyadh Lee provided an update on ongoing audits: revenue refund compliance, procurement-to-payment, and fire department payroll processes. He highlighted the revenue refund audit as a priority. - Councilmember Trammell announced availability of tax relief application forms for elderly and disabled residents, thanking the CAO for expediting distribution. Key Outcomes - All formal decisions on amendments were deferred to Monday, April 20, 2026, to allow further analysis and documentation from city administration. - Deadline to request co-patronage of amendments extended to Thursday, April 16 at 5 p.m. - Council staff were directed to obtain written documentation from RPS on the cost breakdown for the Virtual Academy and the transportation/security program. - The assessor’s customer service representative transfer received apparent consensus and is expected to be approved on Monday. - Council will explore available funding sources, including the GAAP grant program, to support amendments. - No votes were taken during this work session.

The Richmond City Council held a budget work session on April 15, 2026, to review proposed text and capital improvement plan (CIP) amendments. No formal decisions were made; further discussion and voting were scheduled for the following Monday, April 20, 2026. The deadline for council members to submit co-patronage requests was extended to Thursday, April 16, at 5 p.m. Discussion Items - RPS Audit and Virtual Academy Costs: Council debated a proposed amendment to fund an independent audit of Richmond Public Schools (RPS) at a cost of $175,000. The amendment would require RPS to allocate $175,000 for a third-party audit contracted through the city auditor's office. Additionally, a significant discrepancy emerged regarding the cost of the Richmond Virtual Academy: council staff initially estimated $1.6 million, but RPS later informed them the actual cost is $3.2 million. Council members expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and requested written documentation from RPS justifying the higher figure. - Severance for Senior Executives: A text amendment seeks to strike new language in the pay plan that would allow up to one year of severance for senior executives at the discretion of the appointing authority. Council members questioned whether this would affect existing employment agreements, and city administration clarified that no current contracts would be compromised. - Affordable Housing Trust Fund: A text amendment aims to fix language to ensure the affordable housing trust fund receives funding as previously agreed. City administration expressed support and requested clarity on the final language. - Social Services FTEs: An amendment from Councilwoman Gibson requests five new full-time equivalent positions for the Department of Social Services, costing approximately $460,000. The city noted an 85% state reimbursement rate, reducing the city's share. - Transportation and Security for After-School Programs: Council discussed a $428,000 request for transportation and security at middle schools for after-school programs, down from an earlier estimate of $700,000. Council members requested documentation of the revised cost and an explanation of RPS's plan B if funding was not provided. - CIP Amendments: Several capital projects were reviewed, including: - Forest Hill Avenue traffic study (originally $500,000, but DPW stated $100,000 is sufficient and they are already working with VDOT). - West Over Hills Elementary School external facility redesign (funding cannot come from state/federal grants for public right-of-way; would need separate coordination with RPS). - Citywide school safety study recommendations ($500,000 to implement projects at eight schools identified in a prior study; DPW noted that some work may already be covered by existing grants). - Eliminating new funding for gas new business ($500,000 not needed in FY27 due to existing balance; funds cannot be repurposed for other uses per utility restrictions). - East End early childhood and child care center development (redirecting approximately $1.5 million from a previously allocated teen center fund; city budget director noted that CIP dollars cannot be used for general fund operations, so more detail is needed). - Splash pad at Broad Rock Sports Complex (request to restore a feature omitted from original park plans; cost not specified). - Lights for TJ High School football field ($250,000 commitment to leverage matching grants; council requested inventory of other schools lacking lighting). - Transparent street safety spending (amendment to provide granular breakdown of $32 million in complete streets funds; DPW offered periodic presentations and a dashboard). - Funding the People's Budget (participatory budgeting) in FY28 (five-year plan currently does not include the planned $5 million; council and administration discussed aligning processes). - Pedestrian crossings on Chamberlain Avenue (councilwoman Gibson proposed $100,000 for safety improvements; transportation director recommended waiting for a BRT study). - Bike parking on Brookland Park Boulevard (existing $50,000 line item for parking; transportation department already planning bike parking in that area). - Commonwealth Attorney's Office Budget: The Commonwealth Attorney raised concerns about a $241,000 reduction in the proposed budget. City administration explained it was a technical adjustment based on personnel calculations, not a cut, and that no positions were eliminated. Council members sought to restore the funding if needed and scheduled a meeting for further discussion. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken; all decisions on amendments were deferred to the council's next meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026. - Council directed staff to obtain written documentation from RPS regarding the cost of the Virtual Academy ($3.2 million) and the transportation/security costs for after-school programs ($428,000). - Council requested an inventory of schools lacking athletic field lighting and a list of schools included in the recent safety study (eight schools: McLenry, Patrick Henry, Swansboro Elementary, Thomas Boushall Middle, River City Middle, Richmond High School for the Arts, Lucille Brown Middle, Huguenot High). - The deadline for council members to co-patron amendments was extended to Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. - Council staff will continue to identify available funding sources, including the gap grant program, to support amendments. - The city assessor's request for a customer service representative (funded by a transfer from the council chief of staff office) appeared to have consensus and was expected to pass on Monday. - Councilwoman Trammell announced that tax relief application forms for the elderly and disabled are now available at city hall, following coordination with the CAO's office.

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.

This work session, held on April 13, 2026, was convened for Richmond City Council members to present and discuss their proposed budget amendments for the upcoming fiscal years. Each council member was allotted 10 minutes to explain their amendments, with opportunities for colleagues to ask questions. No public comment was heard. The session focused on a wide range of proposals covering public safety, housing, youth programming, infrastructure, and retiree benefits. A deadline of April 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM was set for members to indicate co-patronage of any amendment. The next work session for deliberation is scheduled for April 15, 2026. Discussion Items Councilmember Breton presented multiple amendments including: financing the Sports Backers land purchase with debt instead of the contingency fund; adding resources to 311 and liaisons for DPU and DPW; adding 10 inspectors to PDR (permits and enforcement); funding an energy efficiency coordinator; adding legal support for the city assessor (deferred); reinstating separate budget codes for forestry and transportation transparency; funding lights at Thomas Jefferson High School; creating management services guidelines; breaking out street safety spending (Complete Streets, Safe Streets for All) for transparency; dedicating a portion of Complete Streets to the People's Budget; funding the People's Budget with $5 million in FY28; supporting the Richmond Ed Fund for a teacher retention program; and making a citywide school safety CIP investment. Council Vice President Jurden proposed two amendments: funding two FTEs for planning department to implement Richmond 300 (funded through vacancies); and zeroing out $500,000 for Richmond Gasworks new business extensions, with interest in redirecting to affordability initiatives like Metro Care. Councilmember Gibson prioritized funding for: Richmond Virtual Academy (citing 20-30% special needs students and 100% graduation rate); social services FTEs (84.5% reimbursed); custodial contract wage increases to $20/hour (additional $500,000 needed); immigrant and refugee engagement with interpretation/translation services ($171,000); a study on transitioning to city-owned utilities ($100,000); text amendments on severance pay (opposing unfunded mandate and tying to tenure), aligning affordable housing trust fund language with ordinance, and requesting an RPS audit; and funding for a proactive audit FTE at City Hall ($130,000). Councilmember Robertson focused on housing and economic development: text amendment to clarify affordable housing trust fund allocation; adding $10 million to CIP for housing preservation; creating a neighborhood displacement prevention grant; funding a model inclusive neighborhood plan (targeting areas like South Side); coordinating homeless services into a one-stop; capitalizing on faith-based development opportunities; funding economic development for the central business district including a workforce hub; land acquisition funds; aligning CIP with small area plans; and a text amendment mandating performance metrics for all departments (removing "to be determined") before budget implementation. Councilmember Lynch presented amendments for: equipment for Randolph Community Center ($40,000); senior mail communication ($75,000); encumbering remaining CIP funds for Fonticello Park ($700,000-$800,000); a consultant to redevelop Clark Springs Elementary footprint for senior affordable housing and potential new high school; increasing the Family Crisis Fund (utility and rent assistance); $250,000 for asphalt alley dedicated funding; and dedicated funding for traffic safety plans (speed tables, bump outs). Councilmember Trammell urged support for: funding Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) to replace old ambulances (documenting unfulfilled promises from prior administration); a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for city retirees (none since 2016); and converting a proposed $1 million retiree bonus into permanent COLA funding. She also backed funding for Richmond Virtual Academy. Councilmember Alba-Backer presented: a text amendment to strike severance language; a 3.25% across-the-board salary increase for all employees; a traffic study for the Westover Hills/Forest Hill corridor ($half million); and reconfiguring the drop-off lane at Westover Hills Elementary ($500,000) to also serve as parking for Westover Park. Councilmember Jones submitted amendments for: a splash pad at Brock Sports Complex (repeat request); and $300,000 for programming at Southside Community Center (youth innovation, technology, arts, music). She emphasized the need to prioritize young people citywide. Council President Newbille proposed: $700,000 for transportation and security for RPS after-school programs; restoring a customer service representative in the assessor's office (funded via council staff vacancy); repurposing $538,287 originally allocated for an East End Teen Center (now addressed by other facilities) toward affordable, quality child care centers; joining Trammell on 1.5% COLA for retirees; and $800,000 for RAA to lease and purchase vehicles to reach full fleet complement. Key Outcomes - All council members presented their budget amendments and provided rationale. No votes were taken. - Council Chief of Staff RJ Warren set a deadline of April 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM for members to notify him if they wish to co-patron any amendment. - The next budget work session for deliberation and consensus-building is scheduled for April 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM, with city administration present to provide feedback. - Several members expressed support for common items: retiree COLA, ambulance authority funding, Richmond Virtual Academy, and affordable housing trust fund alignment.

The Richmond City Council held a budget work session on April 13, 2026, from approximately 6:00 PM to discuss proposed amendments to the FY2026-2027 budget. Council Chief of Staff RJ Warren outlined the process: each council member had ten minutes to present their amendments, with questions from colleagues not counting against their time. The deadline to co-patron any colleague's amendment was set for the end of business on April 14, 2026. The next work session for deliberation and consensus building was scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Discussion Items Councilmember Breton - Proposed multiple amendments including financing the Sports Backers land purchase with debt instead of the contingency fund, adding 10 inspectors to the Department of Planning and Development (potentially reduced to 8 if combined with Councilmember Jordan's planners), an energy efficiency coordinator, improved transparency in Department of Public Works spending via dedicated cost codes, funding for lights at Thomas Jefferson High School, breaking out street safety spending (Complete Streets and Safe Streets for All, totaling $32 million), dedicating a portion of Complete Streets to the People's Budget, placing $5 million into the People's Budget for FY2028, a donation to the Richmond Ed Fund to support the National Teacher Initiative, and a citywide school safety capital improvement plan. He noted that legal support for the city assessor was likely unnecessary this year. Council Vice President Jordan - Proposed two amendments: funding two full-time employees to implement the Richmond 300 Master Plan, with funding to come from current vacancies, and zeroing out $500,000 for the Richmond Gasworks new business line extensions because the program already holds over $45 million in unspent funds. He indicated ongoing dialogue with administration about alternative uses for the $500,000. Councilwoman Gibson - Emphasized transparency and public engagement. Proposed cuts from long-vacant positions in strategic communications and economic development to fund: preserving the Richmond Virtual Academy (citing its 100% graduation rate as a reason to continue funding), adding four FTEs for the Department of Social Services (including a clinical supervisor and benefit program supervisors), increasing janitorial staff wages to $20 per hour (approximately $500,000 needed), $171,000 for immigrant and refugee translation services, and $100,000 for a study on transitioning the city to owned utilities. She also submitted text amendments on severance pay (opposing unfunded mandates and lack of tenure requirements) and aligning budget language with the affordable housing trust fund ordinance. Additionally, she proposed $130,000 for an auditor FTE to proactively detect fraud. Councilwoman Robertson - Focused on housing and the central business district. Amendments included: a text amendment to clarify affordable housing trust fund allocations, $10 million added back into the CIP for preservation, a neighborhood displacement preservation grant modeled on the proponents grant, a model neighborhood inclusive plan (targeting areas like South Side facing gentrification), coordinated homelessness services, a faith-based development initiative, a special fund for rental inspection, a significant funding increase for economic development to jumpstart the central business district, a workforce hub, land acquisition funds, alignment of CIP with existing small area plans, and a text amendment requiring the administration to provide clear performance metrics by July 1, 2026, rather than listing "to be determined." Councilwoman Lynch - Proposed: $40,000 for equipment replacement at Randolph Community Center (a high-demand recreation program), $75,000 for a dedicated mailing line item for the Office of Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities (carried over from last year), encumbering remaining CIP funds (between $700,000 and $800,000) for Fonticello Park completion, funding for a consultant to explore redeveloping Clark Springs Elementary School site into senior affordable housing and a potential new high school, increased funding for the Family Crisis Fund, $250,000 dedicated to asphalt alleys, and dedicated funding for traffic safety plans citywide. Councilwoman Trammel - Presented three amendments: funding for the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) to replace aging ambulances, detailing that the administration had verbally committed to this funding in previous budget sessions but failed to follow through; a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment for city retirees (noting the last COLA was in 2016 under Governor Wilder); and supporting full funding for the Richmond Virtual Academy, echoing Councilwoman Gibson's concerns. Councilwoman Alba Baker - Submitted a text amendment to strike severance language from the budget, proposed a 3.25% across-the-board raise for all employees (arguing it was more equitable than pitting bargaining units against non-bargaining employees), a traffic study for Forest Hill Avenue from Jahnke Road to 47th Street (due to increased development and safety concerns), and $500,000 to reconfigure the drop-off lane at Westover Hills Elementary School to address parking and safety issues related to construction on Jahnke Road and new development. Councilwoman Jones - Proposed a splash pad at Broad Rock Sports Complex as a water-conservative alternative to pools, and $300,000 for programming at the South Side Community Center, emphasizing the need for youth engagement, technology, arts, and innovation to prevent boredom and teen takeovers. She urged the council to prioritize young people as residents first. President Newbill - Presented amendments: $700,000 for transportation and security for Richmond Public Schools after-school programs (noting it was previously an in-kind service), restoring a customer service representative position in the assessor's office funded by a council chief of staff vacancy, repurposing $538,287 originally allocated for an East End Teen Center (now served by other facilities) for affordable childcare centers, supporting a 1.5% COLA for retirees, and $800,000 to support the Richmond Ambulance Authority by leasing and purchasing vehicles. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken during this work session; it was a discussion and presentation session only. - Council members were asked to inform Council Chief of Staff RJ Warren by the end of business on April 14, 2026, if they wished to co-patron any amendments presented. - The next work session is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM, where council members will begin deliberations and seek consensus on the amendments, with city administration available to provide context and information.

This was a brief informal session of the Richmond City Council, convened at 12:45 PM on April 13, 2026. The meeting primarily involved a docket review by the clerk, during which several agenda items were continued to later dates. No public comments or substantive debates occurred. Consent Calendar - Items 1 and 2 (Ordinances 2026-057 and 2026-058) were recommended for approval by the Public Safety Standing Committee. - Item 3 (Ordinance 2026-060) was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission but was continued to the April 27, 2026 council meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - No discussion items were taken up. The docket review focused solely on procedural continuations. Key Outcomes - All budget-related papers (Items 10–18, Ordinances 2026-062 through 2026-071) were continued to the April 27, 2026 council meeting. - Regular agenda Item 7 (Ordinance 2025-215) was continued to the May 11, 2026 council meeting. - Regular agenda Item 8 (Ordinance 2025-231) was continued to the April 27, 2026 council meeting. - The informal session concluded with adjournment; the next regular meeting was scheduled for 6:00 PM the same day.