Richmond City Council Roundup: Proposals Made Amid a Second Water Crisis
- Voice !t Staff
- May 31
- 4 min read
Richmond City Council had a packed week. From proposed housing developments and utility rate increases to updates on city trees and infrastructure audits, councilmembers and committees reviewed dozens of items.
As Richmond experiences yet another water crisis this week, it's more important than ever to pay attention to what’s happening at City Hall. This post is based on the agenda from the May 27, 2025, Richmond City Council meeting—at the time of writing, the city has not yet released official updates on which proposals were approved or rejected.
This blog was created in direct response to the first water crisis earlier this year, out of the urgent need for public understanding and civic accountability. That’s why we’re breaking down what was proposed—because staying informed is a powerful form of participation.
🏠 Affordable Housing Proposals Take the Stage
On May 27, the Richmond City Council reviewed several proposals related to affordable housing:
5015 Snead Road Project: A grant agreement was proposed to support affordable housing development in the 9th District. (Continued to June 23)
Concord Avenue Acquisitions: A proposal would allow the city to acquire properties in the 8th District for future affordable housing.
Bellemeade Road & Commerce Road: Proposed declaring city-owned land surplus to make way for housing, while keeping stormwater easements.
Why this matters: These proposals aim to expand affordable housing options in different parts of Richmond.
🏘️ Zoning and Special Use Proposals for New Housing
Several special use permits were proposed to allow new residential units:
Projects include new single-family homes, two-family dwellings, accessory units, and multifamily developments across districts 2, 3, 5, and 7.
Some proposals were scheduled to be amended or continued to future meetings.
Why this matters: These changes could lead to more housing availability if approved in the future.
🔧 Proposed Gas Rate Increases and Infrastructure Spending
The Governmental Operations Committee reviewed a financial plan for Richmond Gas Works:
A 5.25% rate increase was mentioned for FY 2026 across all customer types, raising the minimum charge to over $17 per month for residents.
$234 million in capital improvements are planned, with grant funding covering 85% of replacement costs.
Why this matters: If adopted, gas bills could go up, and large infrastructure upgrades would be funded to support future service.
👷 In-House Construction Crew Plan
Richmond Gas Works presented a plan to expand internal work crews over the next 9 years:
The plan proposes growing from 2 to 18 in-house construction crews.
A cost comparison showed internal crews may be less expensive than contracting the work.
Why this matters: The city is exploring long-term cost savings and self-sufficiency in managing utility infrastructure.
🚓 Public Safety and Substance Use Recovery Proposals
City Council reviewed proposals to support safety and health services:
Funding proposals totaling $100,000 were introduced for installing camera equipment in City Sheriff vehicles.
Grant contracts were proposed to fund opioid recovery services through the Richmond Ambulance Authority and Health Brigade.
Why this matters: These efforts focus on improving law enforcement transparency and supporting residents struggling with substance use.
💰 Budget and Grant Amendments Under Review
Multiple financial proposals were on the May 27 agenda, including:
Accepting outside grants for racial equity, tree maintenance, and opioid recovery.
Adjusting Council District Funds in the 6th and 9th Districts.
Proposals to accept $1.5 million in funds for wastewater treatment upgrades.
Why this matters: These proposed changes aim to bring outside money into Richmond and adjust funding for key city services.
🌳 Urban Forestry Division: Tree Inspections, Costs, and Planning
The Public Works Committee reviewed the state of Richmond’s urban forest on May 28:
Over 2,300 tree inspections were completed in FY 2025, with average wait times of 57 days for pruning and 140 days for removal.
Richmond maintains over 76,000 trees and has been a “Tree City USA” for 33 years.
The cost to plant one tree rose from $340 in 2019 to $523.45 in 2025.
Why this matters: Trees improve neighborhoods and help manage heat, but high costs and long wait times make maintenance a challenge.
📋 City Audits: Improvements Still In Progress
Audit reports from the Department of Public Utilities showed ongoing work:
Areas under review include billing systems, warehouse inventory, graffiti removal, and streetlight maintenance contracts.
Many recommendations are still “in progress” or recently submitted.
The Department of Public Utilities currently has 42 open audit recommendations, with only 1 recommendation closed during this quarter.
Why this matters: Fixing internal systems helps ensure Richmond’s resources are being used effectively and transparently.
🛍️ Other Proposals: Plastic Bags, Pay Equity, and More
Additional considerations on the agenda included:
A plastic bag tax ordinance.
A study on requiring janitorial and security contractors to pay the City’s $20/hour minimum wage.
Honorary street designation of the 300 block of North 32nd Street for Reverend Dr. Edward Daniel McCreary, Jr.
Honorary street designation of the 2100 block of Edwards Avenue for Harold Thomas
Why this matters: These proposals affect local wages, environmental efforts, and how we recognize community leaders.
Final Thoughts: Why This Blog Exists (and Why It Still Matters)
As this week’s water crisis continues to unfold, we’re reminded once again why paying attention to local government matters. These council meeting agendas are packed with proposals that touch every corner of life in Richmond—from how much we pay for gas, to how long it takes a tree to be pruned, to how public funds are managed.
This blog exists because the last water crisis showed us how much slips through the cracks when we aren’t watching. The city hasn’t yet released which proposals were passed, but knowing what’s on the table is the first step toward accountability.
We can’t prevent future crises if we’re not informed. Let’s keep watching, keep asking, and keep showing up—even if it’s just by reading and sharing. That’s how we assert ourselves as citizens.
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