From City Center to Neighborhood Streets: Richmond Council Moves Forward
- Voice !t Staff
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The Richmond City Council met on February 9, 2026, to move forward on projects that strengthen our neighborhoods and invest in our people. From expanding housing options to tackling public health challenges, these decisions reflect a commitment to a growing, vibrant Richmond.
Community Spotlight: Your Voice in Action
When residents speak up, the City listens. The legislative actions taken this week—ranging from specific land-use permits to multi-million dollar infrastructure investments—represent ongoing public dialogue.
Whether it is neighbors advocating for better pedestrian safety or local organizations partnering with the city for recovery services, your engagement is the engine of our progress.
Housing & Neighborhood Growth
The Richmond City Council is prioritizing Community Development by approving several projects that increase our housing supply and diversity.
Expanded Living Options: Council adopted special use permits for new homes across the city, including five single-family detached and six single-family attached dwellings at 3923 Grove Avenue.
New Multifamily Housing: A special use permit was approved for a new multifamily dwelling at 4400 West Broad Street, helping to meet the demand for high-density living in key corridors.
Mixed-Use Vibrancy: Council approved a mixed-use building at 2708, 2718, and 2720 Nine Mile Road, bringing together residential and commercial possibilities.
Supporting Our Students: A permit was amended to increase the capacity of a day nursery at a church on Seminary Avenue to 74 children, supporting local families.
Why this matters: Creating a variety of housing types ensures that more neighbors can find a place to call home right here in the city. How would a new mix of homes and local shops change the energy of your favorite neighborhood stroll?
Infrastructure & The "City Center" Vision
Richmond is thinking big about our physical footprint, focusing on the redevelopment of our downtown core and critical Public Safety infrastructure.
The City Center Project: Council declared over three acres at 500 North 10th Street as surplus, authorizing its transfer to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) for the transformative "City Center" project.
Coliseum Area Redevelopment: A cooperation agreement with the EDA was amended to facilitate the mixed-use development of the Coliseum parcel.
Diamond District Momentum: Council introduced a plan to transfer $14,700,000 to the EDA to keep the Diamond District redevelopment moving forward.
Bridge and Transit Improvements: Funding was accepted for two bridge replacement projects on East Richmond Road. Additionally, $325,040 was secured for a new pedestrian hybrid beacon at 24th and Main Streets to keep walkers safe.
Why this matters: Revitalizing downtown and fixing our bridges makes the city easier to navigate and more exciting to visit. What kind of new landmark or public space would you love to see rise in the heart of Richmond?
Health, Safety, and Fair Wages
The Council took significant steps to protect vulnerable residents and ensure city workers are treated with dignity.
Tackling the Opioid Crisis: Council accepted $619,950 for "Operation STOP" and authorized contracts with several local organizations—including ChildSavers, Daily Planet, and Health Brigade—to provide recovery housing, counseling, and harm reduction.
Vision Zero Safety: The city authorized a grant agreement with the U.S. DOT to support the Vision Zero program, aiming to eliminate traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
Supporting Our Workers: A resolution was adopted requesting over $1.1 million to ensure contracted janitorial workers earn the city’s minimum wage.
Emergency Preparedness: Council reviewed and managed emergency declarations related to the winter storms of late January to ensure the city remains responsive to seasonal hazards.
Why this matters: Investing in health services and fair pay builds a stronger, more resilient foundation for every resident. What does a "safe street" look like to you—is it better lighting, slower traffic, or more connected sidewalks?
In Closing
You don’t need to be a policy expert or a professional lobbyist to make a difference in Richmond. Whether it's showing up for a hearing on new housing or just staying informed about where your tax dollars go, you are the most important part of this process.
Democracy is built by showing up—and maybe having a slightly heated (but respectful!) debate over coffee afterward.