Richmond City Council: Another Week, Another Snow ❄️
- Voice !t Staff
- Dec 12, 2025
- 3 min read
As Richmond gets hit with another round of winter snow, City Council is gearing up once again: this time preparing for a meeting pushed back to December 15, 2025. Even with the weather slowing things down, the agenda is packed with financial decisions, land use proposals, changes for our public spaces, and efforts to strengthen transparency in City Hall.
Fiscal & Economic Decisions
From major infrastructure dollars to youth program support, Council’s finance agenda is wide‑ranging next week, even if the snow forced us to wait a little longer.
On the table:
$15,000,000 infrastructure grant for CoStar facilities on South 5th and Tredegar Street
$728,695 proposed for Bike Lanes/Boulevard Street Conversions
$18,319 for firefighter training, equipment, and protective gear
$3,817 to support youth mentoring and substance misuse prevention
$284,175 transfer to support participatory budgeting
Renewal of the 28th CARE Program agreement with the Economic Development Authority
Consideration of FY 2024–2025 general fund surplus assignments
Request for Mayor to propose a real estate tax rate of $1.16 per $100 of assessed value for FY 2026–2027
Small numbers, large numbers, new investments this section is all about where Richmond chooses to put its dollars.
Why this matters: From public safety to transportation, youth support to business infrastructure, every funding decision reflects a value, what priorities do we want to see funded as Richmond invests?
Housing, Zoning & Land Use
Growth doesn’t stop for winter. A mix of new housing, renovation limits, and long‑term zoning adjustments sit on Council’s docket.
Key items this week:
Up to 28 new attached homes at Stony Point
Extended permit deadline for mixed‑use development at North Lombardy Street
Multiple new residential proposals across the city: Carlisle Avenue, 5th Avenue, North 32nd Street, Catherine Street, and Selden Street
No‑parking requirement proposed for 14 units on West Leigh Street
Introduction of penalties for demolishing buildings in historic districts
Request for departments to evaluate displacement mitigation programs
Several projects continued to 2026: Hawthorne, Commonwealth, Daytona, and Floyd Avenue
New builds raise big-picture questions about affordability, history, scale, and neighborhood identity and this week we see a little of each.
Why this matters: Housing decisions determine how Richmond grows and who gets to stay, how do we balance preservation, expansion, and affordability as our neighborhoods evolve?
Public Spaces, Transit & City Property
Even with snow on the ground, Council's work on shared space and mobility keeps the city moving. This section highlights where people walk, wait, ride buses, and gather, plus how land is bought, sold, or repurposed.
Included in next week’s decisions:
License agreement for FlixBus boarding and waiting space on East Main Street
Acquisition of two properties to create a new public park (South Harrison Street + Idlewood Avenue)
$25,000 AARP grant to design and build a bus boarding platform
First amendment to the Maymont Foundation operating agreement to allow the Maymont Foundation to continue operating Maymont Park in Richmond
Special‑use permit for a mixed‑use building with outdoor dining on South Meadow Street
Easements involving electricity distribution
City‑owned property at 8790 Strath Road may be declared surplus for sale
From transit access to new parkland, these decisions shape how we move through the city and how Richmond evolves physically over time.
Why this matters: Mobility and public space define everyday life, how should Richmond invest in transportation, parks, and property to build a city that works for all of us?
Government Transparency & Information
Snow may cover the streets but clear visibility in government remains a priority. This section focuses on public access to information, financial accountability, and legislative direction.
What Council is considering:
Creation of a new FOIA request library for public viewing
Ending fees for information already required in the open‑data portal
More detailed financial disclosures for boards/commissions with large spending authority
Endorsement of the 2026 Legislative Agenda for General Assembly requests
These efforts speak to transparency, making it easier to follow decisions, spending, and priorities.
Why this matters: Open access strengthens public trust, how transparent should city government be as we continue to watch and participate?
Wrapping Up: Snow Delays, But Democracy Doesn’t
Another week, another snowfall, but City Council’s work continues. From budget allocations to neighborhood development, public transit improvements to transparency reforms, this agenda shows just how many moving pieces shape our everyday lives in Richmond. Staying informed isn’t just a civic habit, it’s how we remain active participants in the direction our city takes.
And hey, if we have to trudge through a little snow to stay engaged, at least we can do it knowing what decisions are on the table. Self-governance pairs surprisingly well with winter boots.