Richmond City Council: April 2025 Round-Up (Yes, It Will Affect Your Rent, Roads, and Plastic Bags*)
- Voice !t Staff
- May 2
- 3 min read
Updated: May 3
Wondering what our local government has been up to? This month's Richmond City Council meetings tackled everything from school funding and housing to wage increases and culvert repairs (yes, that’s a real thing). Here’s a breakdown of the key decisions that could impact your day-to-day life — and why staying informed is more powerful than you think.
💰 Budget Talk Gets Real
Council held a public hearing on the proposed FY 2026 city budget — and the community showed up. Residents and advocates spoke on a wide range of funding concerns, including:
More money for Richmond Public Schools, plus calls for an independent audit of how RPS spends that money.
Support for higher wages for city employees, especially those making under $150k.
Requests to keep funding for HOME of Virginia (housing equity), public safety, and Rental Inspection Districts.
Students from the UBU 100 program passionately backed continued funding for youth empowerment.
Pushback against a stipend for Richmond Gas Works new business program.
Calls for climate action with support for RVAGreen 2050 and sustainability jobs.
Requests to raise contracted employee pay to $20/hour.
Why this matters to you: This budget determines everything from school resources and public safety staffing to whether your trash pickup is on time. If you want better services or more equitable programs — this is where the decisions get made.
💸 More Budget Talks Coming
More budget meetings are scheduled — so expect further debates over spending priorities on April 28 and May 5.
🏠 Affordable Housing Projects Moving Forward
Several properties — like on Concord Ave., Bellemeade Rd., and Fendall Ave. — were considered for affordable housing development, including permanent homes for people experiencing homelessness.
Why this matters: With Richmond’s housing crisis continuing, these moves offer real, long-term shelter options for low-income residents and families on the brink.
💊 Combating the Opioid Crisis with Local Grants
Council approved multiple grants from opioid settlement funds to nonprofits like CARITAS, Atlantic Outreach, OAR, and Saint Luke Legacy Center. These will fund Peer Recovery Specialist training and community-based support services.
Why this matters: These programs help people battling addiction get trained support — and in many cases, a path to meaningful recovery and employment.
🏗️ Infrastructure Fixes – Grindall Creek Culvert Replacement
Richmond secured over $4.2 million in state funding to replace the Walmsley Blvd. culvert — improving safety and reducing flood risks. No city funds are required!
Why this matters: Safer roads and fewer potholes (yes please) — and with no cost to local taxpayers.
🧱 Union Contracts Approved — Wage Increases Coming
New collective bargaining agreements were approved for city workers represented by Teamsters Local 322 and SEIU Virginia 512. They include:
3.25% wage increases each year through 2028
More paid leave, better training support, and guaranteed holidays
Estimated cost: $20 million over 3 years
Why this matters: Higher wages for public employees = better retention and service delivery, and sets a precedent for worker negotiations across the city.
🗃️ Transparency & Plastic Bag Tax
Council introduced and referred:
A law requiring a side-by-side comparison of agency budget requests and the mayor’s proposed budget.
A new plastic bag tax — part of a citywide push for environmental responsibility.
Why this matters: You'll now know more clearly how your city’s money is spent — and get nudged toward reusable bags at checkout.
📍 Planning for the Future: Six Points Neighborhood & Special Use Permits
Council approved a review of the Six Points area plan, aiming to revitalize blighted properties, improve traffic safety, and expand neighborhood-friendly businesses.
Meanwhile, City Council received requests for special use permits for new housing, schools, and outpatient care facilities — most involving converting or building on existing lots. In each case, city staff recommended approval.
Why this matters: These changes can lead to more affordable housing, local jobs, and improved access to care — right in your neighborhood.
📣 Your Voice = Your Power
From pay raises and rehab programs to school funding and road repairs — Richmond City Council’s decisions affect how we live, work, and raise families. And yes, even your plastic bags got council time.
Because when you know what’s happening at City Hall, you’re not just watching history — you’re helping shape it.
And hey — if they’re going to spend our money, we might as well know where it’s going... and make sure it's not just into potholes and paper bags.
*Correction: originally stated "Trash Bags." Certain types of bags such as trash bags are exempt. This applies to single-use plastic bags at check-out.
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