What Richmond City Council Did This Week: Gas Lines, Zoning Changes, and a Dose of Winter Shelter Support
- Voice !t Staff
- Aug 2
- 4 min read
The Richmond City Council packed a lot into its July 28 meeting. After a relatively quiet July, residents showed up with specific concerns—especially around transparency in the redevelopment of public housing. And Council responded. This meeting showed what can happen when residents speak up. Here’s a breakdown of what was decided, why it matters, and how it could affect your everyday life.
Community Voices Spotlight: Richmond Residents Push for a Seat at the Table
At the July 28 City Council meeting, Richmond residents made their voices heard, speaking out during public comment to demand greater transparency, accountability, and inclusion in decisions about the future of their community. Their collective advocacy came as Council introduced Resolution No. 2025-R034, signaling a turning point in how redevelopment conversations are being handled.
What the resolution does: It tells the City Attorney to officially inform the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) that the City Council must review and approve any final agreement about how Gilpin Court will be redeveloped.
Why this matters: This resolution was not just a procedural move—it was a direct response to the community’s request for a say in its own future. Residents spoke, and the City is responding by reinforcing Council’s role in overseeing the process. Their input is shaping the path forward.
Major Federal Funding Secured for Gas Infrastructure
Richmond City Council accepted two major federal grants totaling over $54 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The funds—$15.7 million and $39.1 million respectively—will go toward repairing, replacing, and rehabilitating natural gas pipelines and related equipment throughout the city.
Why this matters: Safe and modern pipelines mean fewer leaks, lower maintenance costs, and a safer city for everyone.
Supporting Richmond’s Economy—from Local Entrepreneurs to Media Expansion
The city raised the threshold for Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) taxes from $250,000 to $500,000. This change means small businesses earning under $500,000 are now exempt from this tax.
Why this matters: More local entrepreneurs get to keep more of their earnings, helping Richmond’s small business economy thrive.
The Council also approved a performance agreement with VPM Media Corporation to support the development of their new headquarters at 13 East Broad Street through city grant funding.
Why this matters: It brings more jobs, investment, and media activity to downtown Richmond.
City Invests in Housing Support and Homeless Services
The Council approved a budget amendment to transfer $309,000 to support CARITAS’ Surge Shelter Operations during the winter months. This funding helps ensure emergency shelter is available during cold weather.
Why this matters: When temperatures drop, these shelters can be life-saving for Richmond’s most vulnerable residents.
Richmond also accepted $2,119 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and amended the city budget to allocate $83,930 to St. Joseph’s Villa for rapid rehousing services.
Why this matters: This helps get people experiencing homelessness back into stable housing faster.
Zoning Approvals Shape Future Housing
Council authorized special use permits for more than a dozen properties, including approvals for:
Two-family and single-family dwellings in various neighborhoods
A six-story mixed-use building on Hull Street
Up to seven attached homes on Ingram Avenue
A commissary kitchen at 9221 Forest Hill Avenue
Rezoning industrial sites to support transit-oriented and business development
Continued use of a telecom facility on North Hopkins Road
Why this matters: These decisions shape what our neighborhoods look like, from housing supply to business opportunities.
Land Use: Definitions and Protections
An ordinance was adopted to formally define “retail sales of tobacco and hemp” as a specific use in the city's zoning laws.
Why this matters: Clear zoning definitions help avoid legal gray areas and give businesses guidance on where they can operate.
The city also granted a conservation and open-space easement on part of Mayo’s Island to local and state conservation agencies.
Why this matters: It protects green space from development and preserves it for public use and environmental benefits.
Updates to City Employee Rules and Procedures
Several resolutions and ordinances were passed to:
Adjust residency requirements for certain city employees
Change committee assignments for Council members
Support pedestrian safety improvements on Patterson Avenue
Approve a new procurement method for the Canoe Run Park CSO Storage Tank
Reinforce Council’s oversight in future Gilpin Court redevelopment agreements
Why this matters: These changes influence how local government functions day-to-day and how resources are managed in your community.
Continued Ordinances: What’s Still on the Table
Several ordinances were continued to September, including:
Housing developments across neighborhoods like Jahnke Road, Snead Road, and Hanover Avenue
A proposal to establish a Civilian Review Board
An ordinance to require side-by-side budget comparisons
A proposed residential rental inspection program
Why this matters: These issues are still under consideration, and community feedback can influence their outcomes.
What’s New: Upcoming Proposals
Council also introduced a wide range of new ordinances, including proposals to:
Approve new housing on Main Street, North 20th, 21st, and 22nd Streets, and Georgia Avenue
Authorize a nightclub and a restaurant on Marshall Street
Create student housing on School Road
Sell city-owned properties to developers and nonprofits, including a deal with Habitat for Humanity for affordable housing
Why this matters: The future of these ordinances will impact everything from nightlife to neighborhood character to housing affordability.
Summary: Yes, That Was a Lot
From millions in federal funding for infrastructure to zoning changes that shape how Richmond grows, your City Council made big moves this week. And hey, if you've made it this far into the post, give yourself a gold star—or at least a second cup of coffee.
🗣 Staying informed on Richmond City Council means staying empowered. When we know what decisions are being made, we’re better equipped to speak up and shape our city’s future.
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