City Council Update: What Happened at the Richmond City Council Meetings -March 24 & 27, 2025

The Richmond City Council made several important decisions in their meetings on March 24 and 27, 2025, that will affect our daily lives. Here’s a quick look at the key points and what they mean for you.

March 24, 2025: Big Investments in Our City

Better Infrastructure and Transit:

• Richmond will receive $1.5 million for stormwater improvements, which means better drainage and less flooding.

• $2 million will also go toward fixing and improving downtown roads and transportation. This could make your commute smoother.

• A new “Free Rides to Work” program, funded by a $371,000 grant, will help qualified residents travel to work for free. This could be a great help for qualified residents who rely on public transit.

Affordable Housing and Community Projects:

• The City Council approved more funding for affordable housing projects to provide more homes for Richmond residents.

• $150,000 will be used to create an outdoor classroom at Bellemeade Park, and $2 million will fund improvements at Whitcomb Community Park. These projects will create more green spaces and educational areas for the community to enjoy.

Public Safety:

• The Council expressed support for using photo speed monitoring devices at busy intersections, which could help reduce speeding and make streets safer.

Support for Healthcare:

• Richmond Community Hospital will receive $15 million in funding to help improve healthcare services in the city.

Upcoming Decisions:

• On April 28, 2025, the Council will discuss land-use changes and future housing and office developments in a public hearing.

March 27, 2025: Budget and Community Funding

City Budget:

• The City Council is in the process of finalizing the budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, which starts on July 1, 2025. This budget covers everything from funding city services and public schools to utilities.

• One of the biggest focuses of this budget is on improving Richmond’s public infrastructure. The Council is planning to fund critical projects like road repairs, school upgrades, and utility improvements to ensure the city runs smoothly for everyone.

• The budget will also include support for essential city services, like public safety and community programs. This means that basic services you rely on—like police, fire departments, and trash collection—are covered in the upcoming budget.

• The Council is also planning a pay raise for city employees, aiming to keep Richmond competitive and ensure workers are fairly compensated.

Capital Improvement Projects:

• The budget includes a program of proposed capital improvement projects (CIP) for the next several years, helping guide investments in long-term infrastructure improvements. This means future projects could improve everything from city roads to parks, and even new public buildings.

Federal Funds for Housing:

• On top of the local budget, the Council is discussing how to allocate nearly $14 million in federal funds for housing and community development programs. These funds will help support low-income residents and contribute to affordable housing projects around Richmond.

Upcoming Financial Decisions:

• On April 14, 2025, there will be a public hearing on major financial decisions, including the issuance of bonds for school and utility projects. These bonds will help fund large-scale improvements and construction projects that will impact everything from local schools to public utility systems.

Richmond City Council Meetings - In Summary:

The City Council is making decisions that affect many aspects of our lives—from improving our roads and parks to creating more affordable housing and improving public transit. These changes may take time, but they’re steps toward a better Richmond. The new city budget will be key in ensuring our city’s growth and development continues in a way that benefits all Richmond residents.

Staying informed and involved in City Council meetings helps us have a say in how our city develops. So, let’s keep an eye on the decisions being made, and continue to assert ourselves as active citizens in Richmond’s future!

For more information on the Richmond City Council, please visit the city's website.