What Richmond City Council Did This Week — and Why It’s Closer Than You Think (June 27, 2025)
- Voice !t Staff
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
From sidewalks to sewer systems, and from housing to public health, the Richmond City Council moved forward on a wide range of decisions this week. Here's the breakdown of what passed, what’s pending, and what’s coming next.
🏠 Housing: Approved and In Progress
City Council adopted and continued multiple proposals for new housing across Richmond:
A mixed-use building with 14 units on Jahnke Road (4th District)
Multifamily and single-family homes on Hawthorne Avenue (3rd District)
Multifamily dwellings on Hanover Avenue, Hunt Avenue, West Main Street, and Ingram Avenue
Attached and detached homes in the 1st and 9th Districts
A two-family home on Tyler Street
Outdoor dining at a restaurant on South Colonial Avenue
New residential buildings on Grace Street, Sylvan Court, North 18th, 28th, 30th, and 32nd Streets
Why this matters: These proposals and approvals shape where and how Richmond grows—and how much housing is available near you.
💰 Budget, Grants & Public Investments
Council approved several financial changes and funding decisions:
A transfer of $96K from The Literacy Lab to children's mental health and family services
Over $4 million in adjusted revenues and a $9.7 million increase in appropriations across city agencies
A $250K fund transfer to support neighborhood climate resilience grants
$1.3M from VDOT for “Complete Streets” (safer, more accessible roadways)
Funding for guaranteed income pilots through the Richmond Resilience Initiative
Why this matters: These changes affect how your tax dollars are spent—and which services and neighborhoods get supported.
🏛️ City Code & Government Operations
Council considered and adopted amendments to city laws, including:
Changes to water/gas disconnection policies to match state law
New rules to allow reverse auctioning for city purchases
A proposed change to staffing rules giving the Council Chief of Staff more authority to appoint key employees was postponed to July 28
Why this matters: These updates aim to make city operations more responsive and legally aligned.
🌿 Infrastructure & Environment
Approved agreements included:
A grant to improve green infrastructure at Ginter Park Library
Sewer system upgrades and stream restoration at Almond Creek
Why this matters: These projects help protect your water, roads, and environment—now and for the future.
💊 Health & Safety Services
Council greenlit several initiatives:
A continued partnership with the City Sheriff to expand opioid treatment
A new agreement with the Richmond-Henrico Health District
Why this matters: These programs aim to improve health access and support recovery services in the city.
🏫 Schools, Sidewalks & Street Safety
Council backed a plan to:
Form a work group with Richmond Public Schools to develop a long-term funding formula
Apply for VDOT grants for sidewalks along German School Road, Carnation Street, and Forest Hill Avenue
Add protected bike lanes on Franklin Street
Expand the study and installation of photo speed monitoring devices in high-risk areas
Why this matters: These moves support safer travel for kids and adults—and more predictable school funding.
📅 What’s Coming Next?
Council continued many land use decisions to July 28. It also introduced new ordinances that will be reviewed in mid-July, including:
A proposed six-story mixed-use building on Hull Street
A rental inspection program to ensure quality housing
Rezoning for future developments in Church Hill and beyond
A $39M federal grant for natural gas pipeline repair
Why this matters: Big projects are still on the table—and public hearings are your chance to speak up.
🧠 Quick Recap
This week, Council juggled everything from sidewalks to sewer lines, housing to health care. It's not glamorous work—but it’s the stuff that shapes your everyday life. Staying informed about City Council isn’t just “being in the know”—it’s how we, the people, stay in the driver's seat.