This Week at Richmond City Council: Mayo Bridge updates, Safer Streets, and Your Voice in Action
- Voice !t Staff
- Jan 23
- 4 min read
Community Spotlight: Your Voice in Action
When residents speak up, the City listens. During the latest Planning Commission meeting, four neighbors shared their insights on the future of the Mayo Bridge. This kind of direct community development ensures that major projects reflect the needs of the people who use them every day. Whether you are advocating for safer walkways or better public transit, your participation is the engine that drives our city forward.
Strengthening Community Health and Recovery
Taking a Stand Against the Opioid Crisis
The Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee is prioritizing public safety and health by recommending the acceptance of $619,950 from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority. This funding will establish "VCU Operation STOP" and "Operation STOP" special funds to combat the crisis head-on. To support those in recovery, the committee also recommended a contract with Atlantic Outreach Group to provide bed fee scholarships for recovery residence clients with opioid use disorder.
Protecting Our Youth and Families
The committee is focusing on the long-term well-being of our youngest residents by recommending a contract with ChildSavers to provide trauma-informed clinical counseling to youth whose families have experienced an overdose. Additionally, two recommendations were issued for The Daily Planet to fund recovery residence scholarships and vital opioid prevention education.
Expanding Outreach and Harm Reduction
To meet residents where they are, the committee recommended a contract with Health Brigade to fund harm reduction and outreach services. Further support is coming through the Richmond Behavioral Health Foundation, which will host community events and provide harm reduction supplies to create "Safe Zones" throughout our neighborhoods.
Why this matters: These investments create a stronger safety net, ensuring that a neighbor in crisis has a clear path to recovery and support. How could our community change if every person struggling with addiction had immediate access to a scholarship for a safe place to stay?
A City on the Move: Transportation and Safety
Modernizing Our Bridges and Pathways
Big changes are coming to our commutes! The Planning Commission unanimously approved the concept review for the Mayo Bridge replacement. Additionally, the commission is moving forward with grants to replace bridges over Gillies Creek and install a new pedestrian hybrid beacon at 24th and Main Streets. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee recommended approval for an agreement for the Gillies Creek Greenway Phase IV project.
Enhancing Rail and Bus Safety
The Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee is tackling traffic "bottlenecks" by recommending $3.2 million in federal and state funds for a railroad grade separation project on Broad Rock Boulevard. Meanwhile, the Planning Commission reviewed a presentation for the new Brauers Lane bus platform, while the Land Use committee moved forward with master agreements for the federal "Safe Streets and Roads for All" grant program.
Why this matters: Better bridges and dedicated bus platforms mean you spend less time in traffic and more time at home with your family. What would your daily commute look like if our streets were designed primarily for people and safety rather than just car speed?
Investing in Our Local Economy
Boosting Wages and Retirement
The Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee is championing fair pay by requesting $1,131,800 to increase contracted janitorial worker wages to match the City’s minimum wage by July 2026. Recognizing the dedication of long-term public servants, a new proposal suggests utilizing a portion of the annual budget surplus to provide additional financial support to retirees.
Redeveloping the Heart of the City
Exciting redevelopment is on the horizon for the City Center! The Finance committee forwarded recommendations to approve cooperation agreements for mixed-use developments at the Coliseum Parcel and 500 North 10th Street. To bring more high-tech jobs to the 6th District, the committee also recommended an incentive for PPD Development L.P. to establish a new bioanalytics facility.
Why this matters: A thriving downtown and fair wages for workers put more money back into the local economy, benefiting every small business in the area. If our City Center becomes a hub for new jobs and housing, how might that change the way you spend your weekends?
Planning for Tomorrow
New Leadership and Efficiency
The Planning Commission kicked off the year by re-electing Rodney Poole as Chair and Elizabeth Hancock Greenfield as Vice Chair. To keep the City’s finances organized, the Finance committee recommended moving the annual budget submission deadline to March 11, ensuring a more streamlined review process for the upcoming fiscal year.
Why this matters: Efficient government processes and steady leadership mean your tax dollars are managed with more precision and transparency. If you could set one priority for the City's new budget deadline, what would it be?
In Closing
You don't need to be a policy expert or a professional lobbyist to make a difference in our city—you just need to show up! Whether it's a bridge design or a neighborhood orchard, your perspective is what makes local government work. Democracy is built by showing up, and as we can see from this week's progress, we are building something pretty great together.