2025 Year-End Remarks

Thank you for a remarkable 2025.

Voice !t began as a passion project following the 2025 Water Crisis, aimed at revealing what City Council was doing behind the scenes. Over the past year, Voice !t has grown into a resource that hundreds of Richmonders rely on to stay informed—and with your help in spreading the word, we will reach many more.

We have learned that there are few things Richmond City Council is not involved in. Their reach extends from rules regarding historic buildings and approving millions of dollars for major projects to authorizing housing developments, speed cameras, the plastic bag tax, transportation changes, and programs for people of all ages and circumstances — among many, many others.

We also witnessed just how many of our neighbors showed up at City Hall this past year to make their voices heard. Whether via email, virtual comment, or in-person testimony, we heard inspiring stories from across the community. The highlight for us was seeing how the appeals of residents directly influenced outcomes at City Hall on multiple occasions. Most recently, hundreds of residents mobilized “Against Anywhere, USA” and successfully called on the Planning Commission to advance the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan, fueling progress toward protecting the city’s character for years to come.

The most important point we want to emphasize is this: while Voice !t can inform and inspire, it is what the Richmond community does with that information that quite literally creates a city that works better for all of us.

As we look toward the year ahead, the goal of Voice !t remains unchanged: to provide the clarity and transparency necessary for a thriving Richmond. The landscape of our city is ever-evolving, and with each new challenge comes a fresh opportunity for civic engagement. We are committed to growing alongside this community, ensuring that as new policies emerge and new voices join the conversation, you remain equipped with the knowledge to shape our shared future. Together, we will continue to turn information into action, building a Richmond that reflects the needs and aspirations of all its residents.

Let’s keep showing up, speaking out, and building the city we all deserve.

Here is to another year of transparency, advocacy, and a stronger voice for every Richmonder.

Read more about the impact of “Against Anywhere, USA” here.