Richmond City Council Update: What You Need to Know
- Voice !t Staff
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
The Richmond City Council and city departments are making moves that impact your daily life—from property development and billing systems to water safety and public transparency. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and why it matters.
💰 Enhancements to Billing and Service Improvements
Richmond corrected a real estate billing error that sent over 33,000 bills to the wrong recipients—property owners instead of mortgage lenders. Though the bills were accurate, the misdelivery caused confusion. Fixes included retraining staff, updating procedures, and launching public outreach.
The city also upgraded its personal property tax system using RVA Pay, which now automates billing and eliminates credit card fees.
Residents now benefit from self-service tools, real-time account access, and improved customer service.
Why this matters: These changes make it easier to pay taxes, reduce the chance of future errors, and improve the overall experience for Richmond residents.
💧 Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Update
Water Safety and System Upgrades
Following a recent Boil Water Advisory caused by delayed maintenance, the Department of Public Utilities is implementing preventative maintenance, improving staff training, and launching long-term improvements. Changes include:
A new Engineering Services Division and added professional staff
A 50,000-unit Meter Replacement Program, with 9,000 meters replaced so far
Shortened billing adjustments and proactive leak inspections
Monthly and weekly reports for infrastructure and billing
A 10-year roadmap to modernize the Water Treatment Plant
Why this matters: These steps help ensure Richmond’s drinking water is safe, accurately billed, and supported by a modern, accountable system.
🏠 Housing Projects and Residential Development Approved
Council approved a range of housing initiatives across the city, including:
The acquisition and sale of land for affordable housing development at multiple sites, including Concord Avenue, Bellemeade Road, and Commerce Road
Approval of several small residential projects involving single-family homes, multi-family units, and accessory dwelling units on streets such as North 32nd, West Grace, South Lombardy, and Semmes Avenue
Several other housing proposals were continued to future meetings, including projects on Hawthorne Avenue, Snead Road, Westwood Avenue, Tyler Street, and West Grace Street
Why this matters: These housing developments expand Richmond’s housing stock and provide more diverse living options for residents throughout the city.
🏫 Education, Public Safety, and Health
Council approved:
A special use permit for a private school at 2000 North 29th Street
Multiple funding streams to address the opioid crisis, including Project Recover, peer support, and treatment initiatives
Why this matters: These actions expand educational access, support public safety, and invest in health services for residents.
🌳 Sustainability, Wages, and Transparency
Council also:
Accepted a $160,000 grant to maintain trees in historic cemeteries
Enacted a disposable plastic bag tax to reduce waste
Updated floodplain regulations to comply with FEMA guidelines
Initiated a study on a $20/hour minimum wage for city contractors
Introduced and waived to a later meeting $11,573.50 from the Library of Virginia for preserving historical records
Why this matters: These measures reflect Richmond’s focus on environmental sustainability, economic fairness and historic preservation.
That’s a Wrap!
Whether it’s replacing old water meters, fixing billing mistakes, approving new homes, or setting a plastic bag tax, every vote and update at Richmond City Council affects how our city runs—and how we live in it.
By staying informed, we assert our role in shaping Richmond’s future. And let’s be honest: understanding water utility systems may not be thrilling, but it’s part of running a city that works for all of us (and keeps the taps flowing).
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