Public Meetings - Richmond, Virginia

The informal session of the Richmond City Council convened on the afternoon of April 13, 2026. All members were present except Councillors Gibson, Jones, Robinson, and Lynch. The meeting consisted solely of a docket review of pending ordinances and budget items, with several items continued to future meetings. No votes were taken, and no public comments or service delivery issues were discussed. Docket Review - Consent agenda items: Ordinance 2026-057 and Ordinance 2026-058 (Public Safety Standing Committee had recommended approval, but no action was taken during this informal session). - Ordinance 2025-231 (item 8) was continued to the April 27, 2026 council meeting. - Ordinance 2026-059 (item 9) was continued to the May 11, 2026 council meeting per the patron's request. - Budget-related ordinances (items 10 through 18, Ordinances 2026-062 through 2026-071) were all continued to the April 27, 2026 council meeting. Key Outcomes - No votes or final decisions were made during this informal session. - Several ordinances were continued to future council meetings: April 27, 2026 (items 8 and budget items) and May 11, 2026 (item 9). - The meeting adjourned with the next regular session scheduled for 6:00 PM the same day.

On April 9, 2026, the Richmond City Council Education and Human Services Standing Committee met with Vice Chair Jones presiding, Chair Lynch participating virtually via Microsoft Teams due to a family obligation, and Councilmember Breton present. A quorum was established. The committee heard public comment, approved board appointments, received presentations from the Human Rights Commission and the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, and discussed budget and policy priorities. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Cindy Robinson, Principal of Richmond Virtual Academy (RVA), spoke in full support of the school board's budget request. She noted that the proposed $257 million local allocation is a record investment but stressed that strategic excellence requires closing the final $3.8 million gap. She argued that RVA is a model of fiscal efficiency, educating scholars at nearly half the cost of brick-and-mortar schools, and that it is a revenue-positive asset that helps reclaim families lost to private schools or homeschooling. She urged the committee to "fully fund RVA, fully fund RPS." - Dr. Jacqueline Johnson Wilson, a parent of an RVA student, encouraged fully funding RPS. She highlighted that her son, who has complex health and behavioral challenges, benefits from RVA's virtual least restrictive environment with skilled specialists. She noted that RVA has a 100% graduation rate, low truancy, and per-pupil cost half that of in-person learning. She called for an independent audit to ensure funds are correctly assigned. - Mrs. Lofton Pickens, Instructional Compliance Coordinator at RVA, stated that RVA is an asset to RPS, not a detriment, and urged unity and equitable education. She also supported an independent audit. - Dr. Candace Ben, School Counselor at RVA, emphasized that RVA is not a COVID-era solution but a wake-up call for providing safe, virtual options for students with anxiety or non-traditional learning needs. She urged funding RPS and RVA. - Sandra Porti, Virtual Learning Coordinator at RVA, urged approval of the full proposed RPS budget. She clarified that homebound instruction (temporary, limited hours) cannot replace the comprehensive K-12 virtual program at RVA, which is a necessity for many families. Discussion Items - Approval of Chair Lynch’s Virtual Participation: Pursuant to Council Rules, a motion to approve Ms. Lynch’s participation via electronic means was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote. - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 12, 2026 meeting were approved as presented. - Boards and Commissions: The committee reviewed vacancies through August 2026. - Aging and Disabilities Advisory Board: One vacancy; application from Brianne Francart noted. - Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: One vacancy; application from Ms. Forboda continued to next quarter because membership in the garden could not be confirmed. - Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA): Three vacancies; reappointment of Anika Richburg and initial appointments of Christina Austin, Rosario Miller, and Katie Smithwick were recommended. - Richmond Public Library: One vacancy; reappointment of Brent Braves supported. - Social Services Advisory Board: One vacancy; applications from Elise Black, Trina Davis, Lacey Hancher, and Sharon Walton Darby. The board was continued to the next quarterly review (June 11, 2026) to seek better district balance. The committee forwarded recommendations for RBHA and Library appointments, and continued Lewis Ginter and Social Services. - Human Rights Commission Presentation: Chairwoman Samantha Galena and Vice Chair Emily Wolfteig presented the commission’s work. The commission’s mission is to safeguard civil rights under 13 protected categories. Three committees: Community Engagement, Research and Policy Development, and Intake and Investigation. In 2025, the Intake committee began drafting an enforcement ordinance to allow local enforcement of anti-discrimination laws (as permitted by Virginia Code). Over 70% of inquiries fall within city jurisdiction, with 30% involving employment, 30% law enforcement, 35% disability discrimination, and 24% sex and race discrimination. The commission is working with the mayor’s office and city attorney. They discussed the need for full-time staffing and the role of the ordinance in protecting vulnerable populations, including undocumented residents. Councilmember Jones asked about duplication with the city’s Office of Equity and Inclusion; staff noted close collaboration. Jones requested a list of commission members. - Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) Presentation: Director Elaine Perry and COO Deanna Crottner presented an overview. RHHD serves Richmond and Henrico jointly, with separate budgets. Key services: communicable disease control, chronic disease prevention, environmental health (food inspections), maternal/child health (WIC), and clinical services (STI, family planning). The districts have 115 staff (15 vacancies). They conducted a Community Health Assessment (CHA) in 2024 and are developing a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) focusing on mental health/substance use, community safety/violence prevention, and chronic disease. The CHIP includes metrics for blood pressure monitoring, nutrition access, and youth mental health. The budget slide showed 41% of funding for foundational services. Councilmember Jones asked about return on investment, highlighting resource centers as a blended funding success. Jones also inquired about the closed Southwood Resource Center; Perry noted they are seeking a clinic-capable space, possibly at a city building in Southside Plaza. Discussions included the importance of WIC and community health workers. - DCAO Updates: Amy Popovich announced that Anisa Smith (Office of Equity and Inclusion) was appointed by Governor Spanberger to the state LGBTQ advisory board. The city’s first LGBTQ community survey will launch April 20. After-school registration for elementary programs will be aligned on May 1, 2026, with 10% of slots reserved for new enrollees. The Office of Aging and Disabilities Services will host a Spring Fling event on April 23 at TB Smith. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve Chair Lynch’s virtual participation passed (voice vote). - Minutes of March 12, 2026 approved. - Motion to forward board appointments (RBHA reappointments and appointments, Library reappointment) to full council for approval, and to continue consideration of Lewis Ginter and Social Services applications to the next quarterly review (June 11, 2026), passed (voice vote). - Presentations received; no formal votes taken. - Action item: Councilmember Jones requested a list of current Human Rights Commission members. - The committee will next meet on May 14, 2026 (anticipated agenda includes workforce commission update and inclement weather shelter review).

The Education and Human Services Standing Committee met on April 9, 2026, at 6:45 PM. Committee members present included Vice Chair Jones, Councilmember Braxton, and Chair Lynch participating virtually via Microsoft Teams. The committee heard public comments on the Richmond Public Schools (RPS) budget, recommended appointments to several boards and commissions, and received presentations from the Human Rights Commission and the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Cindy Robinson, principal of Richmond Virtual Academy (RVA), spoke in full support of the school board's budget request, stating that RVA is a model of fiscal efficiency and a revenue-positive asset. She urged the council to fully fund RPS, including closing the final $3.8 million gap. - Dr. Jaclyn Johnson Wilson, a parent of an RVA student, encouraged fully funding RPS needs. She highlighted RVA's 100% graduation rate, low truancy, and half the per-pupil cost of brick-and-mortar schools. She called for an independent audit to confirm correct fund allocation. - Mrs. Lofton Pickens, instructional compliance coordinator at RVA, stated that RVA is less than 1% of the entire RPS budget and is an asset, not a detriment. She also called for an independent audit and urged inclusion of RVA in budget amendments. - Dr. Candace Spinn, school counselor at RVA, spoke about the importance of virtual options for students with anxiety and non-traditional learners, emphasizing that RVA is a safe place. She urged funding RPS, which includes funding RVA. - Sandra Porti, virtual learning coordinator at RVA, urged approval of the full proposed RPS budget to continue serving students. She clarified that homebound instruction is temporary and cannot replace RVA's comprehensive model. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes: The committee approved the minutes from the March 12, 2026, meeting as presented. - Boards and Commissions Appointments: Council Management Analyst Pamela Nichols presented a vacancy report. The committee recommended appointments for the Aging and Disabilities Advisory Board (Brianne Frankart), Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (reappointment of Anika Richburg, and new appointments for Rosario Miller and Katie Smithwick), Richmond Public Library (reappointment of Brent Braves), and Social Services Advisory Board (Sharon Walton Darby). The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden vacancy was continued to the next quarterly review (June 11, 2026) pending confirmation of eligibility. - Human Rights Commission Presentation: Chairwoman Samantha Galena and Vice Chair Emily Wolfteich presented an overview of the commission's work. They highlighted community engagement, research, and the development of an enforcement ordinance to allow the commission to enforce anti-discrimination laws. They reported that 70% of inquiries fall within city jurisdiction, with top categories including employment, law enforcement, disability, sex, and race discrimination. The commission is fully staffed with 12 members and is seeking to expand from part-time to full-time staffing. They discussed the potential role in protecting vulnerable populations, including undocumented immigrants, from discrimination. - Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) Presentation: Director Elaine Perry and COO Deanna Crottner presented on the health district's mission, services, and budget. They highlighted the community health assessment findings that identified mental health (including substance use), community safety and violence prevention, and chronic diseases as top priorities. The FY26 budget includes $1.2 million in 100% local funds supporting resource centers, adolescent health, communicable disease, violence prevention, and other programs. They discussed the need for a new clinic space on the Southside after the closure of the Southwood Resource Center, and the possibility of co-locating at a city building. Councilmember Jones requested metrics and goals for the community health improvement plan (CHIP), which is in draft form. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of the March 12, 2026, meeting. - Recommended appointments to four boards and commissions, with the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden vacancy continued to the next quarterly review (June 11, 2026). - Councilmember Jones requested a list of Human Rights Commission members, which will be provided by staff. - The committee received information from the Human Rights Commission and RHHD presentations; no formal votes were taken on those items. - The next EHS committee meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2026, at the same time and place, with anticipated agenda items including an update from the Future of Workforce Commission and a report on the inclement weather shelter review.

Note on Date Discrepancy: The official meeting minutes list the meeting date as Tuesday, April 7, 2026. However, the user instruction specifies the meeting took place on April 8, 2026. This summary uses the latter date as instructed, but the discrepancy is noted. The Richmond Planning Commission met on April 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall's 5th Floor Conference Room. Chair Poole presided. The meeting covered a consent agenda and two regular agenda items related to special/conditional use permits. All items were recommended for approval to City Council. The meeting adjourned at 6:54 PM. Consent Calendar - ORD. 2026-062 – Special use for 3313 Ellwood Avenue to allow up to one two-family detached dwelling and one dwelling unit in an accessory structure. Unanimously recommended for approval. - UDC 2026-05 – Concept review of Bryan Park dam removal and stream restoration at 4308 Hermitage Road. Referred to the April 16, 2026 Urban Design Committee meeting. The consent agenda was adopted unanimously with 7 ayes (Commissioner McKenzie joined mid-agenda). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the consent agenda hearing. - No public speakers for Regular Agenda Item 6 (nightclub). - For Regular Agenda Item 7 (special use on 34th Street), staff noted a letter of opposition from a nearby resident (Mr. Babick), but no one spoke in person or virtually. Discussion Items Item 6 – ORD. 2026-060 (110 North 18th Street – Nightclub Conditional Use) - Applicant Vinny Venuti sought a conditional use permit for Dream House, a cabaret theater in the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood. The permit would allow operation past midnight (up to 2 AM Wednesday through Sunday) and sale of alcohol after midnight, meeting the city’s nightclub definition. - Staff recommended approval, noting consistency with Richmond 300’s “destination mixed-use” designation. A key condition is a 548-day (18-month) probationary period; if no ABC or zoning violations occur, the applicant may amend to remove the condition. - Commissioners questioned inconsistencies between the management plan (stating occasional late events) and the ordinance (allowing regular 2 AM hours). Staff clarified that the ordinance’s hours section (12 midnight to 2 AM) overrides the management plan via a “notwithstanding” clause. - Mr. Venuti emphasized that Dream House is part of a community safety initiative (“Shockoe Shine”) and that he intends to serve only wine and beer, maintain security, and operate responsibly. He expressed need for occasional late hours (e.g., New Year’s Eve) without repeated permit amendments. - Commissioner White recused himself (1 recusal), Commissioner Robertson abstained (1 abstention). The motion carried 5 ayes (Knight, Poole, Greenfield, McKenzie, Rowe) and was recommended for approval. Item 7 – ORD. 2026-061 (1300 & 1302 North 34th Street – Special Use Permit) - The applicant sought a special use permit to retain two existing single-family attached dwellings and construct two two-family detached dwellings and a garage with an apartment above, totaling seven units on 0.18 acres (39 units/acre). The property is zoned R-5 (single-family residential), which does not permit two-family uses or for-rent garages. - Staff found the proposal aligns with Richmond 300’s “neighborhood mixed-use” designation and would not be detrimental to the community. - Commissioner White questioned lot dimensions and access easements. The applicant’s representative (Marisa Perez) and Mark Baker explained that lot widths would vary (21–22 feet) and that easements would be recorded during subdivision. They noted that the parking alley would be improved per a neighbor’s request. - A letter of opposition from a nearby resident cited parking and density concerns. The applicant responded that on-street parking is ample and that the density is respectful of the neighborhood context. - The motion to recommend approval passed unanimously (8 ayes). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (Items 4 and 5): Approved unanimously; Item 5 referred to UDC. - Item 6 (Nightclub, 110 N. 18th St.): Recommended to City Council with a 5-0-1-1 vote (5 ayes, 1 abstention, 1 recusal). - Item 7 (Special Use, 1300-1302 N. 34th St.): Recommended to City Council unanimously (8 ayes). - Council Action Update: The Secretary reported on March 23 City Council actions, including adopted special use permits and a continued item. Two new special use permits and one amendment are expected on the April 21 agenda. - Director’s Report: None provided. - Minutes Approvals: Minutes from July 1, 2025, July 15, 2025 (Commissioner White abstained), and March 17, 2026 were approved.

The Richmond City Council held a budget work session on April 7, 2026, beginning at approximately 2:30 PM. The session featured a presentation on the Human Services portfolio by DCAO Amy Popovich, followed by council member questions, and later a presentation on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) by CAO Odie Donald and Budget Program Manager Michael Nixon Garrison. No formal votes were taken, but several directives and commitments were made. Discussion Items - Human Services Portfolio Overview: DCAO Popovich presented the FY27 budget for the Human Services portfolio, focusing on four departments: Justice Services (including the Office of Gun Violence Prevention), Richmond Public Library, Social Services, and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (DNCS). She highlighted key accomplishments: reducing the juvenile detention center vacancy rate from 40% to 8% in six months, staffing new office leaders for equity, homelessness, opioid response, and gun violence, and opening the CARITAS SERGE shelter (60 beds) with regional support. She noted the transition of Office of Gun Violence Prevention under Justice Services and the upcoming RFP for outside agency grants. The DNCS budget includes one new FTE for Homeless Services (the only new position in DNCS) and operating increases for shelter continuation and rent. Library budget increases prioritize staffing over physical infrastructure. The Office of Language Access, led by Carla Ramos, reported 1,084 interpretations and 232 translations in the past year, with a value of roughly $62,000. - Council Questions on Human Services: - Councilwoman Jones requested an impact report on language access and after-school programming, and clarity on the new homeless services position scope. - Vice President Jordan asked about GRTC zero-fare sustainability. GRTC representatives stated they have not requested 1.5M from the city this year because they have identified other funding (surplus, CMAC, advertising) to continue zero-fare through FY27. They confirmed they will not return to fare collection. - Councilwoman Gibson pressed for unfunded social services positions requested by the department, stating she intends to fund them via amendments. DCAO Popovich agreed to provide a list promptly. - Councilman Robertson inquired about coordination of after-school programming, poverty reduction metrics, and concentration of services in Southside. Popovich noted the Social Vulnerability Index guides resource allocation. - Councilman Brenton asked about ADA accessibility planning and vacancies in Justice Services (currently 24). Popovich said vacancies are being reduced and will be reassessed. - Councilwoman Trammell raised urgent issues with the tax relief program: forms not yet printed (as of April 6), seniors being removed due to missing mail, and difficulty reaching finance. CAO Donald later responded, defending his responsiveness but did not resolve the form availability question. Council President directed follow-up. - Councilwoman Aubabacher asked about opioid abatement fund deployment. Popovich stated $700,000 is being distributed through a first-ever RFA, and the transition to a grant-making model is underway. - CIP Presentation: CAO Donald introduced Budget Manager Michael Nixon Garrison ("the Oracle") who presented the $805 million FY27 CIP. Breakdown: 76% from bonds/cash (utility fund), 18% general fund bonds, 6% federal/state/regional transportation. Key proposed projects: acceleration of John Marshall Courts building funding; $14.3M for city facility maintenance; $11M short-term debt for vehicle replacement; $14.3M for flood system maintenance (including dam removals); $54M for stormwater; $254M wastewater (with $180M for treatment plant); $237M water (with $130M for treatment plant); continued $21M/year for Complete Streets; funds for bridge replacements (Arthur Ashe, Lombardy, Manchester Canal); $4.4M for pedestrian safety intersection improvements; $10M/year for Equitable Affordable Housing Program; $1.6M for Creighton Court infrastructure; $5M for Browns Island improvement; $6.2M for parks maintenance; $250K/year for Percent for Art; funds for replacement of a metro aviation patrol plane (city's share); $1M for library upgrades; accelerated funding for RPS maintenance request; and $2.9M for fire training/equipment (burn tower). A new CIP GIS dashboard will be launched this fiscal year. - Council Questions on CIP: - Councilwoman Jordan asked about bike rack requests – DPW Director Vincent said they are typically installed with streetscape projects and can be requested through Public Works. - Councilwoman Gibson asked for granular detail on Vision Zero / photo speed enforcement programs ($2M/year in FY26 and FY27) and People's Budget ($1.7M unspent). CAO Donald offered a follow-up meeting to provide line-item breakdowns. Key Outcomes - Amendments Deadline: Council members were reminded that budget amendments are due by 11:30 PM on April 8, 2026. - Data Commitments: DCAO Popovich will provide: list of unfunded social services positions; maps of caseload origins and after-school programming data; total budget for language access across departments; impact report on after-school programming and coordination. Councilwoman Jones requested a comprehensive citywide after-school strategy. - GRTC Zero Fare: GRTC representatives assured that zero-fare service will continue in FY27 without requiring a new city appropriation, using surplus, CMAC, and advertising revenue. - Tax Relief Issues: Council President directed follow-up with the CAO to address the missing tax relief forms and senior outreach. No immediate resolution was reached. - CIP Transparency: The city will launch a CIP GIS dashboard this fiscal year to allow council and public to track projects. - No Formal Votes Taken: The session was informational; next steps include submitting amendments and further communication with staff.

The Richmond City Council held a budget work session on April 7, 2026, to review the proposed FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and related budget items. Administration officials, led by Mr. Donald, answered questions from council members on a wide range of topics including transportation safety, utility rates, affordable housing, public safety facilities, and downtown development. No formal votes were taken; multiple requests for additional information and follow-up were directed to staff. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were presented during this session. Discussion Items Vision Zero and Traffic Safety Funding - Councilmember Gibson expressed concern that the budget lacks sufficient detail to determine if funding is adequate to prevent traffic fatalities. She requested a dedicated work session to examine Vision Zero funding, including revenues from speed/red-light cameras and federal grants, and how those funds are allocated. - Councilmember Lynch noted that only $9 million of the $21 million Complete Streets allocation is available for new traffic calming projects after accounting for design and other commitments, calling it insufficient. Mr. Vincent (Public Works Director) countered that the city is leading in traffic safety, citing multiple funding sources (state, federal, geo-bonds) and that behavioral issues (e.g., impaired driving) limit what infrastructure can achieve. - Councilmember Breton requested breakdowns of the $21 million Complete Streets and $11 million Safe Streets for All funds, as well as the specific projects funded by the $6 million citywide traffic calming line item. People’s Budget and Fiber Optic Network - Councilmember Gibson asked whether any of the $1.7 million People’s Budget allocation had been spent. Mr. Donald stated that all funds have been allocated to specific projects and a status update was provided in a March 13 budget supplement, though no funds have been disbursed yet. He committed to reissuing the report. - Councilmember Gibson also questioned the $1.2 million fiber optic program, noting no future allocations through 2028. Mr. Donald explained that the program is being revamped and a detailed answer will be provided in writing. Utility Rates and Infrastructure - Councilmembers Lynch and Amelbacher pressed for the expected rate increases to fund the $254 million water plant and $237 million wastewater projects. Director Morris confirmed a 7% water rate increase and 6.95% sanitary sewer rate increase for the current year, projected to continue annually until projects are completed. Amelbacher asked for confirmation that this stays under the affordability index; Morris affirmed it does. - Councilmember Lynch sought clarification on the total funding available for traffic calming versus complete streets. Mr. Vincent explained that paving, alley maintenance, and other costs come from separate funds, but council members argued the overall allocation is still inadequate. Affordable Housing and CIP Alignment - Councilwoman Robertson asked for a policy to allocate CIP funds for infrastructure serving shovel-ready affordable housing projects. Mr. Donald acknowledged no such policy exists but said the administration plans to bring forward a process (similar to the mayor’s one-stop shop) within months. Public Safety Facilities - Councilmember Amelbacher questioned the low prior-year balances for fire station building maintenance ($400,000) and renovations (negative $200,000). Mr. Donald said overspending to complete work caused the negative balance and noted that fire station maintenance is now under a consolidated capital maintenance program. He committed to a total investment figure. - Councilmember Lynch asked about the John Marshall Courthouse: $15.7 million allocated for modernization, with a 60-day market study underway to evaluate long-term options (including potential lease). Mr. Donald confirmed ongoing discussions with the chief judge. Downtown Development - Councilwoman Robertson asked about funding for the Coliseum, Mayo Island, and Browns Island. Mr. Donald stated that GRTC/GRECA have funds earmarked for demolition ($40-70 million estimated), Mayo Island first phase should be complete by October 2026, and Browns Island’s final $5 million city contribution is in the CIP, with Venture Richmond having raised its share. Project completion expected by end of 2026. - Councilwoman Robertson also inquired about small area plans for Six Points and Bellemeade; Mr. Donald said he would follow up on whether CIP funds are allocated. Tax Relief and Senior Services - Councilmember Tremmel raised concerns about seniors being removed from tax relief rolls. Mr. Donald reported that the newly formed Transformation Office is reviewing why this is happening and will provide answers. He also noted monthly check-ins at Hickory Hill will help residents apply in person. Bond Capacity and Rainy Day Fund - Councilmember Breton asked about using short-term loans to replenish the Rainy Day Fund after financing the Sports Backers Stadium land transfer. Mr. Donald advised that bonding capacity is limited, and the city is pursuing a pay-go approach to preserve rating. He announced upcoming good news on bond activities later that day. Other CIP Line Items - Councilmember Jones requested lists of projects under Neighborhoods in Bloom ($6M), new curb/gutter and sidewalk programs (urban), and parks improvements ($10M). Mr. Vincent explained that those programs fund 200 maintenance and 100 CIP projects per year, prioritized by density and proximity to schools, churches, etc. The Southside Community Center project is in punch-list phase. - Councilmember Breton asked about the RPD airplane replacement. Mr. Donald said the current plane is past its life cycle and the cost is shared with other localities; a new airplane is needed for public safety. - Councilmember Amelbacher asked about city hall space utilization study. Mr. Donald confirmed it is underway and cited creating an emergency operations center as an example of improved use. Key Outcomes - Commitments for additional information: Staff will provide breakdowns of Complete Streets/Safe Streets for All spending, People’s Budget status, fiber optic network plans, traffic calming project lists, fire station maintenance totals, and a timeline for Hotchkiss Field reopening as a voting precinct. - Future work sessions: Councilmember Gibson’s request for a dedicated Vision Zero work session was acknowledged; Mr. Donald said the administration will work with council to schedule it. - Policy development: Mr. Donald committed to bringing a policy within months to align CIP funding with shovel-ready affordable housing infrastructure. - Tax relief: The Transformation Office will investigate senior tax relief issues; in-person assistance at Hickory Hill and City Hall will be promoted. - Bond news: Mr. Donald announced that later on April 7, 2026, the city would release positive bond activities to support rating improvement and future borrowing capacity. - State funding: Mr. Donald noted the city is lobbying for $50 million in state funds for combined sewer overflow and water treatment; final outcome pending state budget approval.

The Richmond City Council held a budget work session on April 6, 2026, starting at 5:45 PM. The session featured presentations on the human services portfolio and the capital improvement plan (CIP) for fiscal year 2027. Council members asked questions of administration officials and directed follow-up on several issues, including tax relief, zero-fare transit, and infrastructure investments. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment period was held; the meeting consisted of presentations and council member questions. Discussion Items Human Services Portfolio Presentation - DCAO Amy Popovich presented an overview of the human services portfolio, including the four departments: Justice Services (with Office of Gun Violence Prevention), Richmond Public Library, Social Services, and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (DNCS). Key highlights included new hires, reduction of juvenile detention center vacancy from 40% to 8%, and the transition of outside agency grants to a grant-making model. - Council members asked about language access, social services caseloads, after-school programming, tax relief forms, and the Southside Plaza lease. - Councilwoman Gibson requested details on unfunded social services positions; DCAO Popovich agreed to provide the list. - Councilwoman Jones asked about total budget for language access across departments; Ms. Ramos reported 1,084 interpretations and 232 translations performed. - Councilwoman Trammell raised concerns about seniors being removed from tax relief and lack of forms; CAO Donald later committed to investigating through the transformation office. Quasi-Governmental and Partner Agency Questions - Vice President Jordan asked about sustainability of GRTC zero-fare. Mr. Dillard and Ms. Torres explained current funding (surplus, CMAC, advertising) and that the administration did not include $1.5 million in the proposed budget, but they plan to continue zero-fare through other means. - Councilmember Lynch asked about library operating reductions; Director Feierstein cited delayed maintenance and holding a law librarian position. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Presentation - CAO OD Donald and Michael Nixon Garrison presented the $805 million FY27 CIP. Key investments: $14.3M for flood wall maintenance, $254M for wastewater (including $180M for treatment plant), $237M for water treatment, $21M per year for Complete Streets, $10M for equitable affordable housing, $5M for Browns Island, $1M for library upgrades, and acceleration of $15.6M for John Marshall Courts building. - Council members asked about Vision Zero funding, utility rate increases, fiber optic network, people's budget, and specific district projects. - Councilwoman Lynch pressed for detailed breakdown of traffic safety funding; Director Vincent explained that Complete Streets and state/federal grants support speed tables, pedestrian beacons, etc. - Councilman Breton asked about capacity for bond financing and replenishing the rainy-day fund. - Councilwoman Robertson inquired about aligning CIP with shovel-ready affordable housing; CAO Donald indicated a policy process would be brought forward. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the work session. - Council members directed staff to compile lists of specific projects and funding details, including: unfunded social services positions, total language access budget, after-school programming data, Safe Streets for All project list, and status of projects like South Side Regional Park and bike boulevard. - CAO Donald committed to providing a response on tax relief issues and to investigate why seniors are being removed from the program. - The administration will provide a more detailed breakdown of traffic safety funding and update on the John Marshall Courts building study. - Council members were reminded that budget amendments are due by 11:30 PM on April 7, 2026.

The Richmond City Council held an informal meeting on March 27, 2026, with a quorum present (Councilmembers Breton, Lynch, and Vice President Jerdon absent at the start). The meeting focused on reviewing the consent agenda, discussing the FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and audit results, and voting to enter a closed session to discuss cybersecurity threats. Consent Calendar - The council reviewed ordinances and resolutions on the consent agenda. Items 5, 7, and 8 (ordinances 2026-052, 054, 055) had their committee referral waived at Councilmember Robertson’s request because they were time sensitive and the finance committee meeting was canceled due to weather. These items were retained on the consent agenda. - Items 10 and 11 (2026-R003 and 2026-R013) were continued to the April 27, 2026 council meeting; items 12 and 13 were continued to later dates. - Budget-related items 14 through 22 (2026-063 through 2026-071) will be continued to the April 13, 2026 council meeting after the budget public hearing. - Councilmember Gibson stated she plans to abstain from voting on item 2 (ordinance 2026-003). Public Comments - The council discussed the time limit for the upcoming budget public hearing. The President initially proposed a 2-minute limit, but Councilmember Gibson advocated for retaining the full 3 minutes to give speakers ample time, noting that 17 people had already signed up. No public comments were delivered during this informal meeting. Discussion Items: CAFR and Audit Results - CAO Lincoln Donald introduced the FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). He noted the audit had been delayed due to turnover in financial leadership, late data from component units (including Richmond Public Schools), and implementation of new accounting standards (GASB 101 and 102). He emphasized that the delay did not impact budget decisions and that the city had complied with state notification requirements. The focus for FY 2026 is on timeliness. - Greg Miller of CLA, the independent auditor, presented the audit results. The city received an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements. One material weakness was identified regarding the reporting of Economic Development Authority bonds in the ACFR. Six additional recommendations were included in a management letter, including staffing recommendations for the finance department. The single audit over federal compliance is still in progress. - Councilmembers asked questions about materiality thresholds, estimation methods (allowance for doubtful accounts), and the relationship between ACFR figures and budget numbers. - Councilmember Gibson noted a discrepancy between the general property tax revenue figures: the budget (page 52) showed $584.5 million for FY 2025 actual, while the CAFR (page 11) showed $595.8 million—a difference of roughly $10 million. CAO Donald said he would look into providing a reconciliation. - Councilmember Gibson also requested documentation showing how the surplus was calculated (initially estimated at $23 million, later finalized at $12.6 million). Donald said he would examine the request but noted the initial estimate was based on incomplete data. - Councilmember Albacher flagged a likely typo on page 15 of the CAFR where the assessed value of taxable real estate was stated as growing from 14.6 billion to 44.6 billion, an implausible jump. This was noted. - Councilmember Brenton asked for a detailed comparison of the assumptions used in the initial surplus estimate versus the actual data received from component units. Donald offered to bundle and provide the component unit submissions to help explain the change. Key Outcomes - The council voted to enter closed session under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(19) to discuss briefings concerning specific cybersecurity threats to public safety and the city’s information technology system. The motion was approved with votes from members present: Brett (Breton), Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Albacher, Vice President Jared (Jerdon), and President Newbill. - After the closed session, council voted to exit closed session and certified that only exempt matters were discussed. The motion passed with votes from Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Trammell, Albacher, and President Newville (Newbill). - No other business was conducted. The informal meeting adjourned after the closed session.

The Richmond City Council held a budget work session on March 25, 2026, to review the proposed FY27 budget for the operations portfolio. DCAO Wiggins presented a high-level overview of the portfolio, which includes public safety, public works, parks, and other core services. Council members then asked questions and made comments on various topics, including staffing, infrastructure, and public safety initiatives. Discussion Items - Presentation of the Operations Portfolio: DCAO Wiggins highlighted key accomplishments, including the Richmond Fire Department (RFD) graduating two recruit classes to achieve full-time staffing, the Richmond Police Department (RPD) achieving a 10-year low in shootings and 7-year low in homicides, and the Department of Public Works (DPW) paving 165 lane miles and repairing 132 blocks of sidewalks. The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities is transitioning to the operations portfolio, having advanced from rank 58 to 16 in national park rankings. - Police Recruiting and Civilianization: Chief Edwards explained the strategy of civilianizing positions (e.g., chief of staff, crime analysts) to free sworn officers for fieldwork. He noted 604 sworn officers compared to an authorized 750, with 28 in training. Councilwoman Trammell expressed concern about staffing compared to neighboring jurisdictions and asked about recruiting efforts. Chief Edwards stated the department is not lowering standards and applications are up 20%. - Fire Department Staffing and Overtime: DCAO Wiggins noted RFD is nearly fully staffed after recent classes but attrition immediately occurs. Councilwoman Gibson flagged a $4 million overage in the FY25 CAFR; DCAO was unaware and promised to investigate. Councilwoman Jordan asked about the connection between staffing and overtime, which remains budgeted. - Public Works and Garbage Truck Leaks: Councilwoman Trammell reported citizens' complaints about leaking garbage trucks and asked for solutions. Director Vincent acknowledged the issue stems from older trucks and improper disposal, and he will ensure brooms are on trucks to clean spills. He noted DPW is adding sidewalk crews and spending $18-21 million annually on paving. - New Department of Transportation (DOT): Director Beno outlined the DOT’s focus on community engagement and quick-build projects for pedestrian safety. Councilman Breton requested after-the-fact transparency on spending categories. Director Vincent explained that the special fund (CBTA and state maintenance) covers most safety improvements, with $18 million projected annually. - DPU Customer Service and Utility Costs: Councilwoman Gibson questioned the reduction of 21 customer care FTE positions. Director Morris clarified those positions were converted to contractual services as part of a new customer service system. She also asked about the $47 million increase in utility expenses, attributed to rising gas and electricity costs. - Vision Zero Revenue: Councilwoman Gibson asked about speed camera revenue projections. Chief Edwards reported $4.1 million revenue as of Feb 28, 2026, with $1.6 million in expenses and a net surplus of $2.6 million. Projected year-end revenue is $5.4 million. No FY27 projection was provided. - Retiree Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): Councilwoman Trammell urged the administration to include a COLA for city retirees, noting none have been provided in 16 years. CAO O'Donnell acknowledged the concern but noted fiscal constraints. - Budget Alignment and FTEs: Councilwoman Abubacher noted that front-facing personnel in departments like libraries and animal control are flat or reduced while administrative positions see net increases. CAO O'Donnell explained that the general fund increased by only 3 net positions overall, and realignments are budget-neutral. Councilwoman Gibson asked whether any cuts affected currently filled positions; CAO O'Donnell said he would check. Key Outcomes - Council members requested detailed follow-up information: a side-by-side of out-of-school program offerings (Councilwoman Jones), a breakdown of speed camera revenue and vision zero spending (Councilwoman Gibson), a report on the $4 million fire department overage (Councilwoman Gibson), and clarity on DPU customer service FTE changes (Councilwoman Gibson). - No votes were taken during the work session. - Amendments to the budget are due two weeks from March 25, 2026 (April 8). - The next budget work session is scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026, covering CIP, human services, and city partners; the 4:00 PM Operations Department meeting is canceled that day. - Council members expressed appreciation for the operations portfolio staff and their service to the city.