Public Meetings - Richmond, Virginia

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The Public Safety Standing Committee convened on March 24, 2026, to consider several ordinances, receive public comments, and hear updates from the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA), the Civilian Review Board (CRB), and the Richmond Police Department (RPD). The meeting featured emotional testimony from citizens on retiree benefits, pedestrian safety, business closures, and first responder protection, as well as presentations on crime statistics, ambulance funding, and civilian oversight progress. Consent Calendar - Ordinance 2026-057: Accept $225,388 from the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for the Police Ceasefire Special Fund to support violent crime overtime, hire a gun violence analyst, and send officers to training. Chief Rick Edwards confirmed RPD has 604 sworn officers of an authorized 755. - Ordinance 2026-058: Amend the FY26 special fund budget by increasing anticipated revenues by $2 million from fines/fees collected from the safety camera program, creating a Safety Camera Program Special Fund. Chief Edwards noted the program costs $500,000 annually in personnel and supports the Vision Zero Action Plan. - Ordinance 2026-072: Accept $150,000 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) to create a new special fund for the Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) to implement a transcription service for radio transmissions. Jackie Krautz (Deputy Director, Technology Division) confirmed that communications officers can review AI-generated transcriptions for accuracy. - All three ordinances were moved in a block and approved unanimously (Ayes: Ms. Abu Baka, Chair Trammell). Public Comments & Testimony - Cheryl Nietzsche (retired Richmond Police Officer) spoke about the lack of a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees, noting she receives $96.34 per month and that a 1% COLA would add only 96 cents. She urged the committee to address the issue, citing a 2022 report that suggested no COLA until 2029 or 2030. - Kathy Burrell (9th District resident) described the fatal hit-and-run of her daughter, Lauren, on November 29, 2025, and the lack of charges against the driver. She called for stronger consequences for drivers in pedestrian fatalities, stating, "Mow my 126-pound daughter down with a 300-pound car is not an accident. It is a crime." Chair Trammell expressed sympathy and promised to investigate further with the city attorney and police chief. - Ezad al-Shami (Yemeni American Association president) criticized the city's enforcement actions under "Operation Vaporized," which shut down 47 vape shops. He argued that closures were inconsistent, lacked clear notice, and that businesses that made corrections remained closed without a clear path forward. He also stated that a meeting scheduled with the mayor was canceled after they requested to bring more than six representatives. He disputed claims that business owners lacked proper documentation, noting all required permits were obtained. - Brad Hughes (former Virginia State Police officer) recounted being struck by a distracted driver while assisting at a crash scene in 2014. He urged the city to increase fines and penalties for violations of the Move Over Law, referencing a July 2025 incident where four Richmond Fire Department members were injured on I-95. He noted current fines are $500 and a six-month license suspension. Discussion Items - Item 3 – Ordinance 2026-059: To amend city code to route emergency medical 911 calls for EMS to the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA). Tori Meade (Deputy Director, DEC) provided an overview of operational and fiscal impacts, noting that the current process adds about one minute to call handling and requires callers to repeat information. Chip Decker (CEO, RAA) spoke in support, citing that RAA is an accredited center of excellence and that data shows higher call-answering performance for medical emergencies under RAA compared to DEC. Councilmembers expressed support while noting the need for continued collaboration. The ordinance was moved to council with a recommendation to approve (Ayes: Ms. Abu Baka, Chair Trammell). - RAA Annual Report and Leasing Update: Chip Decker reported that RAA responded to 61,000 calls in 2025, with 43,000 transports and a 98.5% patient satisfaction score. He highlighted the budget challenge: $28 million in expenses, with only $18.9 million in expected revenue due to a payer mix dominated by Medicare/Medicaid (76% of transports) and 12% uninsured. He requested $10 million in subsidies but noted the proposed budget includes $7.6 million plus $1 million for purchasing two ambulances, while seven are needed. He explained that leasing ambulances costs $700,000 annually in interest, and that the city's shift to leasing has created inefficiencies. Discussion ensued about collection rates (23% of billed $88 million) and the impact of rising ambulance prices (14.4% increase). - Civilian Review Board (CRB) Progress Update: Manager Joe Lowry reported that the CRB, established by ordinance in 2022 and approved SOPs in September 2025, consists of eight members (four appointed by council, four by mayor). The board has completed training, reviewed its first case, and has three pending. Complaints are screened by a subcommittee; eligible cases go to the full board requiring a 6/8 vote. The board meets monthly at various locations and publishes agendas and minutes online. Plans include issuing summary reports within 60 days of case review, which will be shared with the city attorney and police chief before public release. The CRB has also conducted outreach via district meetings and has an active website. - RPD Update from Chief Rick Edwards: Violent crime is down 6% year-to-date; homicides down 36%, non-fatal shootings down 24%, and commercial robberies down 63%. Chief Edwards attributed the drop in commercial robberies partly to the closure of many vape shops. Property crimes are flat. He also discussed the March 7 car takeovers in the 1st District and a coordinated operation on March 21 that resulted in 11 stops, 10 misdemeanor arrests, one felony charge, and two vehicles towed for exhibition driving. He highlighted a new state law (Virginia Code § 46.2-865) allowing impoundment of vehicles used in exhibition driving for up to 20 days, with costs borne by the owner. The chief noted that such events can escalate to violence, as seen in a recent Virginia Beach incident where seven people were shot. Key Outcomes - Consent items (Ordinances 2026-057, 2026-058, 2026-072) were forwarded to the full council with a recommendation to approve (unanimous vote). - Ordinance 2026-059 (routing medical 911 calls to RAA) was forwarded to the full council with a recommendation to approve (unanimous vote). - The committee received updates from RAA, CRB, and RPD; no formal votes were taken on these items. - Chair Trammell directed staff to follow up with the city attorney and police chief regarding the pedestrian fatality case raised by Kathy Burrell and to explore potential policy changes. - The next meeting is scheduled for April 2026, with requested reports from DPW on graffiti and illegal dumping.

The Public Safety Standing Committee met on March 24, 2026, to consider several ordinances, receive updates from the Richmond Ambulance Authority and Civilian Review Board, and hear public comments on a range of topics including retired public safety employees' cost-of-living adjustments, pedestrian safety, business closures under Operation Vaporized, and enhanced penalties for the move-over law. The meeting was chaired by Councilmember Trammel, with Councilmember Abu Bakr also present. Consent Calendar - Ordinance 2026-057 (accept $225,388 from the Department of Criminal Justice Services): Funds will support RPD violent crime overtime, hiring a gun violence analyst, and officer training. Chief Rick Edwards noted a 10-day e2809cSpring Forwarde2809d program starting Friday for high-crime neighborhoods during RPS spring break. - Ordinance 2026-058 (amend FY26 budget by $2 million from safety camera fines/ fees): Creates a Safety Camera Program Special Fund to support program staff (1 FTE, 4 part-time officers reviewing footage) and the Vision Zero Action Plan. - Ordinance 2026-072 (accept $150,000 from Virginia Department of Emergency Management): Creates an NG 911 Additional Funding Special Fund to implement a radio transcription service using AI, with human review by communications officers. All three items were considered in a block. A motion to forward them to the full council with a recommendation to approve passed unanimously (Abu Bakr aye, Trammel aye). Public Comments & Testimony Public Hearing on Agenda Items: No speakers spoke for or against items 1, 2, or 4. For item 3 (ordinance 2026-059), Chip Decker (CEO, Richmond Ambulance Authority) spoke in support, citing data showing faster call processing and better outcomes when EMS calls are handled by RAA. Citizen Comment Period (non-agenda items): - Cheryl Nietzsche (retired Richmond police officer): Spoke about receiving only $96.34 per month in city retirement and urged a cost-of-living increase for all city employees, noting a 2022 report suggested no COLA until 2029 or later. - Kathy Burrell (9th district resident): Described the death of her daughter Lauren, fatally struck while crossing a street with four overhead lights; the driver was not charged. She called for legal consequences for drivers in pedestrian fatalities. - Ezad Al Shan (President, Yemeni American Association): Reported that 47 stores remain closed for months under Operation Vaporized, with minimal notice and unclear correction paths. He criticized the process as unfair and noted that the mayor canceled a meeting with 150 business owners. - Brad Hughes (first responder struck by distracted driver in 2014): Requested a city ordinance enhancing penalties under the move-over law, citing a July 2025 incident where four Richmond firefighters were injured on I-95. He proposed a $500 fine and six-month license suspension. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2026-059 (routing EMS 911 calls to Richmond Ambulance Authority): Chief Edwards and Chip Decker highlighted that RAA is an accredited center of excellence with national standards. Chair Trammel and Councilmember Abu Bakr expressed support, noting that current dual-processing causes delays (approx. 1 minute saved) and quality assurance risks. The committee approved forwarding to full council with a recommendation to approve (unanimous). - Richmond Ambulance Authority 2025 Annual Report & Fleet Update: Chip Decker reported 61,000 responses, 43,000 transports, 98.5% patient satisfaction, and the Governore28099s EMS Award. Financially, RAA bills $88 million annually but collects only 23% due to payer mix (76% Medicare/Medicaid). Leasing vs. purchasing: interest costs total $1 million over 5 years for ambulances and monitors. The requested FY27 subsidy is $10 million; the proposed budget includes $7.6 million from general fund plus $1 million in capital to purchase two ambulances (leaving a $2.4 million gap). RAA currently has 35 owned, 7 leased ambulances; 7 more are needed next year. - Civilian Review Board Progress Update: Manager Joe Lowry reported the board was established under Ordinance 2022-267, SOPs approved September 8, 2025. Eight members (4 appointed by council, 4 by mayor) have completed training including ride-alongs. To date, five meetings held, one case reviewed, three pending. Cases are reviewed by a subcommittee; full board findings require a 6-of-8 vote. Summary reports go to police chief and city attorney before public release. The board meets monthly, rotating locations citywide, and has a website. - RPD Crime Update: Chief Edwards reported year-to-date crime statistics: violent crime down 6%, homicides down 36%, non-fatal shootings down 24%, commercial robberies down 63% (partly attributed to vape shop closures). Property crime flat. Overall reductions build on a 12% drop last year. Chief also detailed enforcement against car takeovers: on March 21, a coordinated operation resulted in 11 stops, 12 traffic citations, 10 misdemeanor arrests, 1 felony charge, and 2 vehicles towed for exhibition driving under a new state law (Va. Code 46.2-286.5) allowing 20-day impoundment. Key Outcomes - Approvals: All four ordinances (2026-057, 058, 072, 059) were passed by the committee and forwarded to the full city council with recommendations to approve. - Commitments: Chair Trammel pledged to follow up with police chief and city attorney on pedestrian fatality consequences, COLA for retirees, and business closure processes. She also noted that upcoming reports (DPW on graffiti and legal dumping) may be expanded. - Next Steps: The Civilian Review Board will complete its first summary report and continue public outreach. RAA will negotiate fleet needs and potentially seek additional funding to cover leasing costs.

The Richmond City Council held a formal meeting on March 23, 2026, with all members present except Councillors Jones and Lynch. The meeting included an invocation, pledges, appointment approvals, a consent agenda, extensive public hearings on the FY27 budget, reconsideration of a consent item, and reports from council members. The public hearing on the budget drew over 30 speakers, with dominant themes of fully funding Richmond Public Schools (RPS), particularly the Richmond Virtual Academy (RVA), and opposition to the city's Flock surveillance camera contract. Consent Calendar - Items 1-9 (Ordinances 2025-258, 2026-003, 2026-042, 2026-051 through 2026-056) were initially considered as a block. One speaker, Marty Gary, spoke in favor of an honorary street sign for Sister Rosetta Tharpe (a consent agenda item). No speakers opposed. The consent agenda was adopted with one noted abstention: Councilmember Gibson abstained from Item 2 (Ordinance 2026-003) but voted yes on the others. However, the clerk later clarified that Item 2 required seven affirmative votes and had only received six, so it was rejected. Council then voted to waive rules and reconsider. After a new public hearing (no speakers), the council voted again: Gibson abstained, and the other six members voted aye, giving seven votes and adopting the ordinance. (Item 2 concerned surplus city property; Councilmember Jones expressed support, noting it supports community gardens and food access.) Public Comments & Testimony On the Consent Agenda: - Marty Gary (Shaco Records) spoke in favor of an honorary street sign for Sister Rosetta Tharpe, highlighting her Richmond ties and musical influence. On the Budget Papers (Items 14-22, Ordinances 2026-063 through 2026-071): Over 20 speakers addressed the council. Key positions included: - Support for RVA (Richmond Virtual Academy): Multiple speakers (parents, teachers, staff) urged full funding. Melvin Jones (parent) called RVA "a trailblazing, fully accredited K-12 virtual school" and a cornerstone of RPS's future. Dr. Jacqueline Johnson Wilson (parent of a student with disabilities) argued that eliminating RVA would violate IDEA and the least restrictive environment requirement. Dee Winston (parent) said RVA is not separate from RPS. Shalita Sally (parent of a medically fragile, aggressive child) emphasized safety for her son and other students. Sandra Porti (RVA virtual learning coordinator) distinguished RVA from temporary homebound instruction. Tamara Lofton Pickens (RVA instructional compliance coordinator) called RVA a fully accredited school (number 1322) and said the community has chosen RVA. Emma Clark (former RPS teacher, REA organizer) praised RVA's culture and academic model, noting it retains students. Dr. Candace Benn (RVA school counselor) described RVA as a safe haven for students who struggle in traditional settings. Emily Yen (Teamsters 322) urged full funding of RPS budget including RVA. - Opposition to Flock Surveillance Cameras: Multiple speakers condemned the $1.3 million proposed for Flock contract and license plate readers. Emily Grimes (7th district) said the money should go to community safety and schools. Lisa DeLeo (Huguenot teacher, REA) called for canceling the contract and auditing RPS. A speaker (anonymous) demonstrated that Flock cameras are publicly accessible (a YouTube video with 5 million views). Michael Rufferty (Polish-American) compared Flock to Gestapo surveillance. Selina Jimenez (Richmond resident) noted that 13% of law enforcement agencies share data with out-of-state agencies and 6% with federal agencies, and pointed to Charlottesville’s cancellation of Flock. Jaden White (resident) criticized AI flaws and privacy violations. Madeline McHelgan (7th district) said the budget prioritizes surveillance over community needs. - Support for Retiree Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): Tyrone Davis (retiree) requested a minimum automatic annual COLA of 1.5%, noting that many retirees served during low-salary periods. - Support for Office of Community Wealth Building (OCWB): Kai Banks (former AmeriCorps participant) shared how OCWB transformed her life. George Brown (former city ambassador) said OCWB programs have helped people gain employment. Anthony Ciani (LIUNA) praised the OCWB construction training cohort. Wes Smith (Virginia Manufacturers Association) highlighted manufacturing career pipelines via OCWB. - Support for Environmental Justice and Transit: Carolyn Pugh (Community Climate Collaborative) asked for continued funding of the Neighborhood Climate Resilience Grant Program, fare-free GRTC transit, and pedestrian/bike infrastructure. Maria Deuster (C3) requested reallocation of gas utility "new business" funds to residential energy assistance, and funding for an energy efficiency coordinator. - Concerns About RPS Budget and Audit: Several speakers (Egon Shroud, Lisa DeLeo, Chloe Tremper) called for a third-party forensic audit of RPS, citing questionable spending, over-budgeting on compensation, and lack of transparency. Egon Shroud (Westover Hills teacher) detailed RPS budget inconsistencies. - Other: Beth Hosett (RPS teacher) supported the superintendent’s proposed budget. Norissa Rahman (Equality Virginia) asked for a city fund to protect health care for vulnerable populations. Kai Banks (again) and others shared personal stories of impact from city programs. One speaker (unidentified) accused the city of facilitating genocide via connections to ICE and Israel. Another speaker criticized the budget’s housing investment as misleading. Discussion Items - Appointments: Council approved board appointment recommendations from standing committees on a unanimous vote. - Agenda Amendments: Items 10 (R2026-003), 11 (R2026-013), and 13 (O2025-282) were continued to April 27, 2026; Item 12 (O2025-215) was continued to April 13, 2026. - Budget Continuation: Council voted unanimously to continue all budget-related ordinances (Items 14-22) to the Monday, April 13, 2026 meeting, at which time the council will present its budget amendments. - Reconsideration of Item 2: After the initial vote failed, council voted to waive rules and reconsider, then adopted the ordinance. - Reports: Council members announced upcoming district meetings, community events, and safety reminders (e.g., free smoke alarms from fire department). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Adopted (with Item 2 initially failing, then reconsidered and passed). Councilmember Gibson abstained on Item 2. - Appointment Recommendations Approved unanimously. - Agenda Amendments Approved (four items continued to April 13 or April 27). - Budget Papers Continued to Monday, April 13, 2026, for a public hearing on council’s budget amendments (unanimous vote). - Ordinance 2026-003 (Surplus Property) Adopted after reconsideration (7-0, with Gibson abstaining). - Special Election Reminder: Vice President Jordan noted early voting for the constitutional amendment; election day is April 21, 2026. - Next Steps: Budget amendments will be discussed at the April 13 council meeting; additional community meetings on the budget are scheduled throughout the city.

The Richmond City Council met on March 23, 2026, with a quorum present (Councilmembers Jones and Lynch absent). The meeting included a public hearing on the consent agenda, a public hearing on the fiscal year 2027 budget, and reconsideration of a previously failed consent item. Multiple speakers addressed the budget, focusing on Richmond Virtual Academy funding, city surveillance (Flock cameras), retiree cost-of-living adjustments, and other community needs. Consent Calendar - Approved consent agenda items 1–9 with Councilmember Gibson abstaining on item 2 (Ordinance 2026-003) but voting in favor of the remaining items. Note: Item 2 initially failed and was later reconsidered – see Key Outcomes. Public Comments & Testimony - (Consent agenda) Marty Gary from Shaco Records spoke in favor of an honorary street sign for Sister Rosetta Tharpe, highlighting her musical legacy and her home at 2306 Barton Avenue in Richmond. - (Budget) Multiple speakers urged full funding for Richmond Virtual Academy (RVA), including Dr. Cindy Robinson Carney (principal, RVA), Dr. Jacqueline Johnson Wilson (parent of a student with disabilities), Dee Winston (parent), Shalita Sally (parent of a medically fragile child), Sandra Porti (virtual learning coordinator), and Tamara Lofton Pickens (instructional compliance coordinator). They argued RVA is a fully accredited K-12 school serving vulnerable students, not a "COVID project," and that eliminating it would violate least-restrictive-environment requirements for students with disabilities. - Speakers also opposed city funding for Flock automated license plate readers, citing privacy risks, potential abuse by ICE (including documented data sharing), easy hacking (a YouTube tutorial with over 5 million views), and disproportionate surveillance of Black, brown, and poor communities. They argued the $1.3 million increase for police contracts (including Flock) should instead fund schools, housing, and community safety. - Other speakers supported continued funding for the Office of Community Wealth Building (OCWB), fare-free transit, environmental programs (e.g., Neighborhood Climate Resilience Grants), and a cost-of-living adjustment (3% for FY27, with a minimum 1.5% annual COLA) for city retirees. City workers and union representatives (Felicia Boney, SEIU Virginia 512) praised the collective bargaining agreement and requested proper implementation of the reclassification poll. - Several speakers (including Egon Shroud and Chloe Tremper, teachers) called for a third-party forensic audit of Richmond Public Schools' budget, citing overspending on other compensation, lack of transparency, and a drop of over 1,100 students in average daily membership. Discussion Items - Council adopted agenda amendments to continue Items 10–13 to later dates: Items 10 (R2026 R003) and 11 (R2026 R013) to April 27, 2026; Item 12 (2025-215) to April 13, 2026; Item 13 (2025-282) to April 27, 2026. - Council discussed and voted on reconsideration of Item 2 (Ordinance 2026-003) regarding surplus city properties. The ordinance initially failed (6 affirmative votes, needing 7). Council voted to suspend rules (7-0, Gibson abstaining) to allow reconsideration. Councilmember Jones spoke in support, noting the property supports community gardens and urban agriculture. After a brief public hearing with no speakers, the ordinance passed 7-1 (Gibson abstaining). - The budget-related ordinances (Items 14–22) were continued to the April 13, 2026 council meeting for a public hearing on council's proposed amendments. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda: Items 1, 3–9 adopted. Item 2 (Ordinance 2026-003) initially failed (6 votes), then was reconsidered and adopted (7-1) after council suspended rules. - Budget-related ordinances (Items 14–22) continued to the April 13, 2026 city council meeting. - Council approved appointments from standing committees. - Minutes from the March 10 and March 11, 2026 meetings were approved. - Legislation for introduction (Items 1–5) was presented and will be available online on March 24, 2026.

On March 23, 2026, the Richmond City Council held a budget work session focused on the proposed FY2027 budget for the Finance and Administration portfolio, which includes Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, Information Technology, 311, Minority Business Development (MBD), and Risk Management. The session also covered constitutional officers: the Richmond Sheriff's Office, Commonwealth Attorney, City Treasurer, General Registrar, and Circuit Court Clerk. Council members asked questions in a single five-minute round, with the timer paused for responses. Meeting Protocol Council Chief of Staff RJ Warren explained the session protocol: each council member had five minutes to ask questions, with the timer stopping during responses. DCAO Jackson led the presentation and could call up department directors as needed. Budget Presentation by DCAO Jackson DCAO Jackson presented the FY2027 budget for the Finance and Administration portfolio, highlighting several accomplishments: - Procurement completed its first reverse auction, generating $1.7 million in savings over three years. - A transparency dashboard was launched, expanding access to contracting opportunities. - The Finance Department issued 70,000 real estate bills on time. - 57 business training classes were delivered and 173 new vendors registered. - 311 and IT advanced AI capabilities and cybersecurity. - Prevailing wage requirements were implemented. Proposed budget changes by department: - Budget Office: Modest decrease of $75,000 in personnel and $32,000 in operations due to efficiencies and vacancies budgeted at minimum salary. - 311: $198,000 increase in personnel to maintain service levels and support self-service options like a chatbot. - Finance: Right-sizing to stabilize core functions. 59 current vacancies. Actively recruiting for leadership and staff. Professional services contracted for fiscal health assessment and year-end closeout. - Human Resources: $111,000 increase in personnel and $309,000 increase in operations, primarily for a compensation study ($500,000 one-time investment) and benefit adjustments. New HR director onboarded in January. Vacancy rate at 13% (lowest since FY23), turnover declined to 9%. - Procurement: $461,000 increase in personnel, including two new positions, to strengthen oversight and address PCART audit findings. - Minority Business Development: Flat FTE (6), modest operating decrease driven by cost containment. Focus on implementing the disparity study, embedding equity in project planning, and improving coordination with procurement. - Information Technology: $3.3 million increase in operating costs, operating as an internal service fund. Investments address aging equipment, core infrastructure upgrades, and disaster recovery. - Risk Management: $90,000 increase in personnel and $79,000 in operations for actuarial projections and rising claims. DCAO Jackson emphasized that the budget reflects actions already taken to stabilize operations and improve processes, and that the portfolio is focused on continued stabilization, clearer reporting, and workforce investment. Council Discussion and Questions Councilmember Tramell asked about 311 integration with code enforcement and tracking of calls by district. DCAO Jackson confirmed separate departments but new integration underway. Reports and a dashboard are available; training for council members can be provided. Councilmember Robertson raised several issues: - Vacancies in Finance (59) and whether low salaries cause recruitment challenges. DCAO Jackson said the compensation study will provide insight and that positions are being reclassified as needed. - Clarification on non-general funds (internal service funds for IT, risk management, healthcare). - Implementation of disparity study: new software and training; a detailed framework can be provided. - Request for status of debt service payments on bonds for state benefits transfer. - Credit card fee waiver policy: process exists, information will be provided. - Reporting integration: a contractor has been hired to evaluate reporting needs across departments; no formal plan yet but an outline will be shared. - Incumbents rolling forward from budget to purchasing: information to be provided later. Councilmember Breton asked: - About 311 integration costs: personnel and IT costs for integration. - Finance software investments: CIP includes funds for RVA pay enhancements. - Temporary staffing: requests breakdown of temporary staffing per department; no direct correlation with vacancies. - Finance cuts: Director Shelton clarified only one customer service specialist cut, not three, as part of restructuring. - Risk management: operations increase due to claims payouts and administration. - Delinquent tax collection: new revenue director onboarded, plans will be brought forward in summer. - Commonwealth Attorney's Office: seven new staff positions for a Family Justice Center. Commonwealth Attorney Collette McEachin highlighted 19 reported incidents of strangulation/aggravated domestic assault in 2026, an 11% increase from last year. She urged council support. Councilmember Abubaker questioned: - Largest cost increases in procurement: construction-related capital expenditures from DPU and DPW. Director Almore noted reverse auctions are helping. - Top 10 vendors spending percentage: will be provided later. - MWBE measurable outcomes: training, vendor registration, revenue growth, profit, and bid wins are tracked. - 311 integration priority: DCAO Jackson said it was aligned with code enforcement software implementation, not chosen over other departments. - Confirmed that a memo on unspent GAP grant funds will be provided on March 31. Councilmember Gibson questioned: - Temporary worker spending: Finance budget shows $1.3M actual in FY24, $255K in FY26, zero in FY27. DCAO Jackson said goal is to fill vacancies rather than rely on temporary workers. CAO O'Donnell noted temporary services are still used for GAP grant backlog and year-end closeout planning. - Request for salary breakdown of filled and unfilled positions. - Payment registry compliance: City not in compliance with monthly publication since 2019. CAO O'Donnell said it is part of technology infrastructure roadmap; cost still under evaluation; meeting with OpenGov scheduled. - Severance payouts in pay plan ordinance: CAO O'Donnell defended as best practice to attract talent, citing ICMA standards. Councilmember Gibson expressed concerns and requested comparable reports. Councilmember Jones asked: - Reason for moving MBD to finance portfolio: better alignment with procurement, especially construction spending. - MBD role in small business development: still considered a one-stop shop, providing technical assistance and partnerships. Director Foster emphasized business development will remain primary. - MBD staffing: no increase needed; comfortable with current levels. Vice President Jordan commented: - Praised accomplishments and hiring of revenue director. Plans to increase revenue through enforcement and filling vacancies. - Requested clarification on third-party support for forecast capacity: consultants for reconciliation. - Joint contracting for Richmond Public Schools: Procurement Director Almore discussed consortium for common goods and emergency services. - Addressed low early voting turnout (2.6% vs Henrico 4.9%). Registrar David Levine explained unfunded special elections and insufficient state reimbursement; resources are stretched. Councilmember Jordan expressed willingness to support outreach funding. Key Outcomes - Council members requested additional information on various topics, including a breakdown of vacancies by salary, debt service schedules, temporary staffing reports, disparity study implementation framework, and payment registry compliance plans. The administration committed to providing these. - The Commonwealth Attorney's request for seven new positions for the Family Justice Center was presented; no vote was taken, but council members expressed support. - The Registrar highlighted budget pressures from unfunded special elections; council indicated willingness to consider additional resources. - No formal votes were taken during this work session; it was focused on information gathering and discussion.

The Richmond City Council held an informal meeting on March 23, 2026, to address consent agenda items, receive the FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) from the administration and external auditor, and later convene a closed session to discuss cybersecurity threats. Consent Calendar - The clerk reviewed agenda items, noting amendments, continuances, and waiver requests. Councilmember Robertson requested waiver of committee referral for items 5, 7, and 8 due to cancellation of a standing committee meeting; council consensus approved. - Items continued to April 27, 2026: Resolution 2026-R003 and several ordinances. Items 14–22 (budget-related) were continued to April 13, 2026, after the budget public hearing. - Councilmember Gibson noted she would abstain from item 2 (ordinance 2026-003). Public Comments & Testimony - Council discussed public comment duration. President initially proposed two minutes to accommodate many speakers. Councilmember Gibson preferred the standard three minutes. Seventeen individuals had signed up to speak. The final decision was to allow three minutes unless numbers grew significantly. Discussion Items - FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) - CAO Donald presented the report, noting it was late due to turnover in financial leadership, delayed component unit data, and implementation of new GASB standards. He emphasized accuracy over speed and stated the delay did not affect budget development. The city remains in compliance with state notification requirements. - Greg Miller (CLA) presented audit results: an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements, one material weakness related to reporting of EDA bonds, and six management recommendations (including staffing). The single audit is still in process. The audit was completed with no disagreements with management. - Councilmember Gibson questioned the discrepancy between the CAFR's property tax revenue ($595.8 million) and the budget's actual figure ($584.5 million) for FY 2025, a difference of about $10 million. She also requested a breakdown of the surplus calculation (estimated at $22 million, final $12.6 million). CAO Donald explained that the initial estimate was a compliance snapshot based on incomplete data; the final figure incorporated all component unit information. - Councilmember Albacher flagged a typo on page 15 of the ACFR regarding assessed value growth (stated as 7.5% when actual growth exceeded 200%). She also asked about improving processes with component units to avoid future delays. CAO Donald committed to earlier timelines and ramping up coordination. - Councilmember Breton requested a comparison of the assumptions used in the surplus estimate versus final data. CAO Donald agreed to provide bundled component unit submissions. - CAO Donald also noted that the Fire Department overspent its budget by $4.1 million, partly due to overtime, and that similar pressures existed in other departments. Key Outcomes - Council voted to go into closed session (motion by Councilmember Jones, second by Albacher) under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act to discuss cybersecurity threats. The motion passed with ayes from Breton, Gibson, Jones, Trammell, Albacher, and President Newbill. - After closed session, council voted to exit closed session and certified that only exempt matters were discussed. The motion passed unanimously. - CAO Donald agreed to provide: a breakdown of the surplus calculation (subject to further clarification), a written explanation of the property tax revenue discrepancy, and bundled component unit data for FY 2025.

On March 18, 2026, the Richmond City Council held its first budget work session focusing on the planning and economic development portfolio. The meeting was presided over by Council President Newbill and included presentations from City Administration, led by Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Donald and Deputy CAO Ebert. The session followed a structured protocol: a 20-minute presentation, followed by two rounds of five-minute questions per council member, with a clock pause for responses. The goal was to review the proposed FY27 budget for five departments: Housing and Community Development, Economic Development, Planning and Development Review, Office of Sustainability, and Office of Community Wealth Building. Discussion Items - Budget Overview & Protocol: Council Chief of Staff RJ Warren outlined the standard operating procedures, including the timeline for budget work sessions, the amendment process (deadline April 7, 2026), and the order of questions. The presentation was time-limited to 20 minutes, and each council member was allotted two rounds of five-minute questions. - Department of Planning and Development Review (PDR): Director Kevin J. Bonk discussed the department's budget, which decreased overall but is partially funded by building permit fees. Key topics included the zoning code refresh (to be completed in 2026), implementation of a new permitting software (Triple Unity), and concerns about staffing for property maintenance and code enforcement. Councilmember Breton and Vice President Jordan raised questions about the impact of the cannabis dispensary bill (expected to be signed by the governor) and whether the department has enough staff for enforcement. Director Bonk noted that proactive measures could be included in the third draft of the zoning code refresh. - Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD): Director Merrick Malone highlighted accomplishments: 48 households housed via federal programs, 379 individuals supported in emergency shelters, completion of 800 affordable housing units, and a request for a dedicated attorney to expedite affordable housing permits. The mayor allocated $450,000 for implementing the Jackson Ward Community Plan, focusing on Gilpin Court residents. Councilmember Gibson sought details on the $450,000 and performance measures for affordable housing, referencing the Equitable Affordable Housing Plan (adopted in 2022). Deputy CAO Ebert noted that homeownership targets are behind due to rising home prices post-pandemic. A publicly accessible affordable housing GIS map is under development. - Department of Economic Development: Director Angie Rogers reported on the department's work: services to over 200 businesses, a pilot “Buy Local” program supporting 453 businesses, approval of two tourism development financing projects (618 new hotel rooms, $150 million combined investment), and creation/retention of 347 jobs. The mayor added $250,000 for the facade improvement grant. Councilmember Robertson asked about revenue projections for the portfolio and specific growth nodes (Southside, medical/biotech). Councilmember Trammell inquired about the recently purchased Altria site (96 acres), with plans for park space and development of 50 acres. Discussion included grocery store attraction strategies, the need for capital infrastructure funds, and the return on investment for the Diamond District stadium (projected $418 million in additional revenue over 30 years). - Office of Sustainable Development: Director Laura Thomas presented on the 5-cent disposable bag tax, distribution of free reusable bags at community centers, and a forthcoming public dashboard tracking revenue and expenditures. Achievements included planting 1,174 trees (primarily in Southside) and partnering with the Office of Community Wealth Building to help eight residents earn solar energy credentials. The office has 8 FTEs funded by the general fund, plus additional positions funded by the USDA Cool the City grant. - Office of Community Wealth Building (OCWB): Director Capricia Spielman reported that the office connected with over 1,000 residents, providing food, health, and mobility resources, and helping residents obtain jobs starting around $20/hour. The Richmond Resilience Initiative (RRI) is not funded for a new cohort in FY27; the current cohort runs through 2027. The office is now aligned with the planning and economic development portfolio to support a joint economic mobility initiative (GEMS). - Equity and Needs Assessment: Councilmember Jones questioned how community input shaped the budget, noting that town halls drew about 1,000 participants. CAO Donald stated that a full report on public feedback will be released soon, and an equity impact assessment is being planned but not yet implemented. Councilmember Robertson and Jones emphasized the need for a clear plan for Southside growth, including a potential municipal grocery store. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the work session; the session was informational and for discussion. - Amendments to the FY27 budget must be submitted by April 7, 2026, with a public hearing on April 13 and final deliberations on April 15. - Follow-up questions from council members will be addressed in writing by council staff. Several members requested detailed projections, timelines, and performance measures for major projects (Diamond District, Coliseum site, Altria site, Southside corridors). - Direction to staff: Council staff will compile unanswered questions and provide responses. The next budget work session is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM, focusing on finance and administration.

The Richmond Planning Commission convened on March 18, 2026 (the official meeting minutes list the date as March 17, 2026) at 6:00 PM in the 5th Floor Conference Room of City Hall. The meeting lasted approximately 8 minutes. Commissioners approved previous meeting minutes, deleted one agenda item, and recommended a special use permit for City Council approval. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Three sets of minutes were approved: June 3, 2025 (5-0, 1 abstention), June 17, 2025 (5-0, 1 abstention), and March 3, 2026 (4-0, 2 abstentions). - Consent Agenda Item (Ordinance 2026-051): A special use permit for a home occupation within an accessory structure at 4021 Crutchfield Street was recommended for approval to City Council. The motion passed unanimously (7-0) with no public comments. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period for the consent agenda. There were no regular agenda items requiring a public hearing. Discussion Items - Virtual Participation: Commissioner Victor McKenzie Jr. joined virtually due to the birth of his child. A motion to allow his virtual participation passed unanimously. - Deletion of UDC 2026-02: The applicant withdrew the concept review for a proposed bus platform at North 2nd Street between East Broad and East Marshall Streets. The item was deleted from the agenda by a unanimous vote. - Council Action Update: Secretary Shaianna Trump reported that City Council had introduced one conditional use permit and two special use permit ordinances on March 10, 2026, which will appear on the April 7 Planning Commission agenda. Three special use permits and one rezoning were adopted. Additionally, she noted that the October meeting dates had been corrected from Monday to Tuesday in the printed schedule. Key Outcomes - All sets of minutes were approved with the stated abstentions. - UDC 2026-02 (bus platform concept review) was deleted from the agenda. - Ordinance 2026-051 (home occupation at 4021 Crutchfield Street) was unanimously recommended for City Council approval. - The meeting was adjourned at 6:08 PM.