Richmond City Council Update – May 24, 2025

This week's City Council roundup is packed with ideas: more affordable housing, greener streets, job-creating investments, and safer intersections.

The answers aren’t simple. But here’s one thing we know for sure: this information doesn’t mean anything if the public doesn’t know about it. That’s why this blog exists—to break it down, make it accessible, and spark real conversation about what kind of city we’re building together.

🏠 Affordable Housing: Help for Renters and Homebuyers

The City is going all-in on housing solutions.

• Up to $30,000 in down payment assistance is available for qualified buyers via Federal Entitlement Funding

• 64 families have already bought homes thanks to this help.

• Over 2,800 affordable rental units are in development across Richmond

💡 Why it matters: Richmond is making it easier to stay in the city, buy a home, or find affordable rent—especially for families struggling with rising costs.

🌳 Greener, Cooler Neighborhoods

Climate change is real, and the city’s response includes trees—and lots of them.

• 1,750+ trees will be planted across the city.

• 17% of all residential properties across Richmond are highly vulnerable to flooding, trees reduce storm-water runoff.

• Vulnerable neighborhoods like Fairfield and Oak Grove are getting priority because of high heat and low shade.

• Free tree giveaways and food forests are part of the plan.

• The Richmond Urban Forest Master Plan is in progress.

💡 Why it matters: More trees mean cooler streets, better air quality, and less flooding. This is environmental justice with shade.

🛣️ Safer Streets & Smoother Rides

Richmond is investing $21 million in making streets safer and more walkable.

• The city's data shows that 58% of serious crashes happen on just 16% of roads.

• The city is investing $1.5 million into new traffic signals, pedestrian crosswalks, and raised intersections to make roads safer for walkers, cyclists, and drivers.

• The percentage of roads in Richmond deemed in good or better condition jumped from 35% to 75% in the last 7 years!

• Speed studies show 85-95% of drivers stay within the designed speed limit, but 5-15% exceed it—often because roads were originally built for faster traffic.

• Hundreds of speed tables have been installed across the city to slow traffic in pedestrian zones and school areas.

• Areas like Carytown, Church Hill, and Woodland Heights— have recorded hundreds of crashes in recent years— according to VDOT.

💡 Why it matters: Whether you're walking the dog, riding a bike, or pushing a stroller, these changes could literally save lives.

🏗️ Big Economic Development Projects

There’s serious money moving through Richmond.

• $3.6 billion in capital investment and 3,200 new jobs have been announced since 2022.

• Richmond has added approximately 7,800 private sector jobs since 2019 (pre-pandemic), with weekly average wages rising by 25.6%.

• Major contributors to this growth include companies like CoStar, Allianz Amphitheater, Haleon, and VPM, all helping fuel the city’s economic momentum.

💡 Why it matters: These projects bring jobs, beautify neighborhoods, and breathe new life into long-neglected areas.

🚓 Public Safety, Substance Use, and Infrastructure

A host of resolutions are targeting public health and safety and were forwarded to Council for consideration later this month:

• A study of speed monitoring cameras that each cost $3,629 per month, which includes equipment, maintenance, and services—the city says there is no fiscal impact but does not specify how the cameras would be funded.

• $100,000 in funding will equip Sheriff's vehicles with cameras.

• $1.5 million is going toward wastewater treatment upgrades.

• Grants will support opioid recovery programs, including peer recovery specialists.

• A study is underway to ensure contracted city workers (like janitors and security guards) get Richmond’s $20/hour minimum wage.

💡 Why it matters: These aren’t just bureaucratic buzzwords—this is about clean water, safer streets, and treating people with dignity and fairness.

🗺️ Planning for the Future: Parks, Libraries & Homes

The Planning Commission approved:

• Green upgrades at Hull Street Library and Belmont Elementary.

• Final plans for the Brown’s Island Improvement Project.

• New residential developments in neighborhoods like Semmes Avenue, North 32nd, and Grace Street.

Up for Council consideration next week:

• Richmond needs to update its flood maps to stay in line with FEMA rules, so residents in new flood zones can still get federal disaster aid if needed.

💡 Why it matters: These projects will shape how we live, learn, and relax in our neighborhoods for years to come.

🧠 In Summary: City Hall Doesn’t Have to Be a Mystery

From affordable housing and tree planting to safer streets and new jobs, Richmond City Council is making decisions that directly shape our daily lives.

Get informed, stay curious, and don’t forget about local government. Because when we understand what’s happening at City Hall, we’re not just watching change—we’re part of it. Even if all you do is read the summary (we won’t tell).

For more information on the Richmond City Council, please visit the city's website.