Richmond City Council Meeting: November 10, 2025
- Voice !t Staff
- Nov 14
- 4 min read
Richmond City Council’s November 10 meeting highlighted residents’ concerns about housing, utilities, and basic living conditions alongside Council decisions on development, transparency, funding, and city programs. The night made clear that Richmond’s future is shaped not only by the votes cast, but by the community voices insisting on being heard.
🌟 Community Spotlight: Residents Speak Up 🌟
Public comments at this meeting offered a clear window into what Richmonders care most about: housing, fairness, climate, and accountability.
District 1: Maria, representing the Community Climate Collaborative, urged the creation of an energy efficiency program to make homes more sustainable.
District 2: Copeland highlighted the need to address the tree removal permit process within the city’s Code Refresh.
District 5: Kwesi called for adding the anti-rent gouging authority bill to Richmond’s legislative agenda.
District 6: Martin raised concerns about the Department of Public Utilities’ billing process.
District 7: Amoree, with New Virginia Majority, also requested the inclusion of the anti-rent gouging authority bill.
District 9: Keisha spoke on the housing conditions at Southwood Apartments.
District N/A: Anna spoke about the affordable housing crisis and the need for anti-rent gouging protections.
While the Council’s formal agenda centered on housing approvals, transparency measures, and funding decisions, community voices reminded officials of the daily realities behind those policies: rent burdens, energy costs, and accountability in basic services.
Why this matters: The contrast between public comments and Council actions highlights the ongoing gap between policy and lived experience. How can the city more directly translate residents’ concerns into the next round of tangible solutions?
Housing and Development Shape the City’s Future
Housing took center stage as Council approved new single-family and multi-family projects across several districts. Other proposals across the city were continued for additional review.
Council also advanced major housing investments:
$2 million was transferred into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
A grant agreement was approved for affordable housing at 3940 Rosedale Avenue.
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority was authorized to issue up to $94 million in bonds to fund three developments: Rady Flats ($40m), Joyfield at German School Road ($45m), and a project on Commerce Road ($9m).
Why this matters: These choices shape who can afford to call Richmond home and what our neighborhoods will look like in the years ahead. Could this wave of new development bring us closer to a Richmond that values both growth and belonging?
Transparency and Access to Public Data
Council continued several proposals to make local government more open to public oversight. These include requiring more detailed financial disclosures for board and commission members, creating an online FOIA request library, and expanding the city’s open data portal.
Why this matters: Openness allows residents to understand how power works and to question it when necessary. Could a culture of transparency help Richmond build the trust and accountability needed for a more responsive government?
Economic Development and Partnerships
Council approved and introduced several initiatives aimed at strengthening the local economy:
Renewed collaboration on the Enterprise Zone Program to attract business investment.
Approved tourism projects on Myers Street and Roseneath Road.
Approved a lease with Richmond Community ToolBank for use of city storage space.
Introduced acceptance of $15 million from the Commonwealth to support CoStar facility infrastructure downtown.
Introduced the Commercial Area Revitalization Effort Program (CARE) to continue neighborhood business growth.
Why this matters: Development decisions define who benefits from economic growth and where it takes root. What kind of local economy are we choosing to build: one that lifts communities or one that leaves them behind?
Transportation and Mobility Improvements
Council advanced several transportation-related measures:
A proposed FlixBus stop at 1500 East Main Street.
Acceptance of $728,695 from VDOT for bike lanes and street conversions.
A $25,000 AARP grant to build a bus boarding platform improving accessibility.
Approved  EV charging stations at 3100 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Why this matters: How people move determines how they live, work, and connect. Will these transportation investments create the kind of city where everyone can get where they need to go — safely and affordably?
Code Updates, Safety, and Community Services
Council also approved updates focused on everyday quality of life:
Approved a new Residential Rental Inspection Program was established to strengthen housing safety.
Approved nightclubs at 16 East Marshall Street and 1407 East Cary Street
Approved towing and storage fee limits were adjusted for vehicles removed from private property.
The city considered acceptance of $18,319 from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs to support firefighters.
$3,817 from the National Recreation and Park Association was considered for acceptance for youth substance misuse prevention.
Why this matters: Local enforcement and safety standards reveal what a city values most in protecting its people. Do these choices move Richmond toward a future rooted in fairness, care, and shared responsibility?
Parks, Land Use, and Civic Involvement
Council introduced new measures expanding community participation and public space:
The city will consider acquiring 313 South Harrison Street and 1112 Idlewood Avenue to create a public park.
Dozens of new housing and mixed-use projects were introduced for upcoming Planning Commission review.
A proposal to dedicate $284,175 for participatory budgeting would give residents a direct voice in how funds are spent.
Why this matters: Parks and civic engagement shape how residents experience belonging and voice in their city. What would it look like if every Richmonder felt empowered to influence how their neighborhoods grow and thrive?
Looking Ahead
Upcoming reviews and committee schedules for major items:
Governmental Operations Committee on December 8
Continued review of open data reforms, financial disclosure updates, and FOIA library proposals.
Finance and Economic Development Committee on November 19
CoStar infrastructure funding for future consideration.
CARE Program funding to support neighborhood business growth.
Committee will consider the Mayor’s request to set a real estate tax rate of $1.16 per $100 of assessed value.
Committee will consider the proposal for participatory budget funding
Why this matters: Budget and policy choices define the city’s priorities for years to come. As the next cycle begins, will the direction Richmond sets today align with the community’s long-term hopes?
Closing Thoughts
City Council work may not make headlines every week, but it determines how public funds are used, how communities evolve, and how power circulates.
Staying informed isn’t a spectator act: it’s the first step toward shaping a Richmond that reflects its people and our shared vision for what comes next.