What Richmond City Council Did This Week – September 8, 2025
- Voice !t Staff
- Sep 12
- 4 min read
After stepping away for the month of August, the Richmond City Council returned for a meeting that touched nearly every part of city life—from housing and local businesses to public safety, funding, and government transparency. As you read, think about where you stand on these Council decisions—because we’re not just bystanders. This is our community, and our voices matter.
⭐️ Community Spotlight ⭐️
At this week’s meeting, community members from across Richmond districts stepped forward to share their concerns and ideas:
1st District 🏠 – Morgan spoke about unallocated bike lane funds.
2nd District 🏘️ – Fern and Victoria urged protection for immigrant communities, while Jana requested a Local Anti-Rent Gouging Authority bill.
3rd District 🏡 – Wanda opposed speed cameras, and Melvin raised concerns about water damage to his home.
4th District 🏙️ – Rich addressed an alleged illegal group home operation.
7th District 🏢 – Kasey echoed calls for an Anti-Rent Gouging Authority bill.
8th District 🌆 – Lisa also spoke on protecting immigrant communities.
9th District 🛣️ – Kimberly highlighted problems with speeding and aggressive driving on German School Road.
While residents raised issues ranging from housing affordability and immigrant protections to traffic safety and neighborhood concerns, Council’s agenda focused heavily on development approvals, land use, and funding decisions.
Housing and Development
Council considered more than a dozen development proposals across the city:
Approved projects included a mixed-use multifamily building on Jahnke Road, and student housing on School Road
Several smaller projects, like new housing on North 20th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 31st, and Georgia Avenue, also received approval.
Other proposals, such as those on Snead Road, Hanover Avenue, Grove Avenue, and Lombardy Street, were pushed to later hearings.
Why this matters: These decisions shape Richmond’s neighborhoods—what kinds of homes and businesses are built, and where growth happens.
Community Spaces and Recreation
Plans for tennis courts at Westwood Avenue were revised and delayed.
Council approved a new restaurant on Marshall Street and a lodginghouse on Leigh Street.
A proposed nightclub on East Marshall Street will be considered in October.
Why this matters: Recreation, dining, and nightlife decisions affect daily life in our neighborhoods and bring new energy—or new challenges—to community spaces.
Real Estate Transactions
City-owned land on Belmont Road was approved for sale.
Multiple parcels were transferred to Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity to support affordable housing.
A major land deal on Strath Road was delayed until November.
Why this matters: How the city uses its land influences whether it supports community needs, nonprofit housing, or private development.
Oversight and Public Safety
The Civilian Review Board officially adopted policies and procedures.
Council also created a new Restitution Payments fund using money from delinquent tax sales, amounting to $5.8 million.
Why this matters: Oversight and accountability measures build public trust and direct resources toward restitution when needed. What do you think—how should Richmond prioritize and allocate this money?
Funding and Grants
Council introduced several funding measures:
HUD funds for the Rady Street Apartments.
$4.38 million from VDOT for the Fall Line Trail – Kanawha Plaza project.
$125,000 for the Help Me Help You program.
A new Plastic Bag Tax Special Fund for environmental programs.
Two proposals to set the city’s 2026 real estate tax rate at either $1.16 or $1.20 per $100.
Why this matters: Funding and tax choices directly impact housing, transportation, environmental efforts, and city services.
Health, Equity, and Human Services
Richmond moved forward with opioid settlement agreements with multiple companies and with Purdue Pharma/Sackler Parties.
Council reviewed the Behavioral Health Authority’s contract for 2026–2027.
The city accepted the Minority Business Enterprise Disparity Study and requested an action plan, with updates every five years.
Why this matters: These steps affect public health, fairness in city contracts, and services for Richmond residents.
Honoring Local Leaders
Streets will be renamed to honor community figures including Reverend F. Todd Gray, Dr. Lois Bias, Bishop Alfred L. Nicholson, Curtis T. “Bubba” Johnson, Jack Green, Ted Santarella, and Dr. Joan Belle Christian.
Why this matters: Street names keep local leaders’ contributions alive in our everyday lives.
Transparency and Open Data
Council introduced proposals to:
Require detailed disclosure forms for city boards and commissions.
Create an online FOIA request library.
Eliminate fees for open data requests and publish more datasets.
Why this matters: Transparency makes it easier for residents to stay informed and hold local government accountable.
Upcoming Public Hearings
September 22, 2025: Continued housing and development projects.
September 16, 2025: Planning Commission hearings on the Fall Line Trail, Abner Clay Park, and utility easements.
September 17, 2025: Finance and Economic Development Committee review of youth, taxation, and environmental programs.
September 11, 2025: Education and Human Services Committee review of opioid settlements and behavioral health.
October 7 & October 14, 2025: Hearings on housing, nightclubs, short-term rentals, and more.
November 10, 2025: Strath Road land conveyance hearing.
Why this matters: Public hearings give Richmond residents a chance to speak up before decisions are finalized.
Final Thoughts
This meeting touched on nearly every corner of city life—housing, recreation, funding, oversight, and transparency. Some decisions were made, others were delayed, and plenty more will be debated in the weeks ahead.
Following Richmond City Council may not always be exciting, but it’s how we make sure the city reflects our needs and voices. Because if we’re not watching, someone else is making the calls for us.
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