What Richmond City Council Did This Week: September 22, 2025
- Voice !t Staff
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
This week’s City Council meetings were shaped by powerful public input on housing. Residents across Richmond raised their voices on issues ranging from public housing redevelopment to stronger anti-gouging protections, underscoring how deeply the housing crisis is felt in our city.
🌟 Community Spotlight: Housing Voices Lead the Conversation
Local tenants, supported by the Richmond Housing Justice Collective, called on Council to adopt three anti-displacement measures designed to keep residents in their homes.
In a show of grassroots organizing, Gilpin Court residents collected 515 petition signatures in just over a week opposing the privatization of public housing and the displacement of long-time neighbors.
Why this matters: These collective efforts show how Richmond residents are shaping the conversation on housing — not just responding to decisions, but influencing them.
Stay tuned for next week’s special edition Community Spotlight post, where we’ll dive deeper into these organizing efforts and what they could mean for the city’s housing future.
New Housing and Community Spaces Approved
Council approved plans for up to 180 new multifamily homes and a clubhouse on Snead Road, along with a grant agreement to help build affordable housing at the same site. It also gave the green light to add tennis courts on Westwood Avenue and approved a mixed-use building on North Lombardy Street.
Why this matters: New housing and community spaces can make neighborhoods more vibrant and meet growing local needs.
Projects Still on the Horizon
Not everything was decided yet. Plans for new single-family homes on 2nd Avenue and proposed real estate tax rate changes were pushed to the October 14 meeting. A plan for new homes on Fenton Street was withdrawn.
Why this matters: Continued or withdrawn projects show where more discussion is needed — and where final decisions are still to come.
Budget Updates and Infrastructure Investments
Council approved the budget for downtown services through June 2026 and accepted $8,719 from HUD for the Rady Street Apartments project. It also accepted more than $4.38 million from VDOT to support the Fall Line Trail – Kanawha Plaza Multi-Use Trail and created a new Disposable Plastic Bag Tax Special Fund with $200,000 from state tax revenue.
Why this matters: These decisions support city services, housing, and transportation projects that shape how Richmond grows and functions.
Expanding Health Services and Addressing the Opioid Crisis
Council approved a lease amendment with Challenge Discovery Projects, Inc. to offer outpatient behavioral health services on Jefferson Avenue. It also voted to join opioid-related settlements against several pharmaceutical companies, including Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Parties.
Why this matters: These steps strengthen mental health support and help the city recover funds to address the opioid crisis.
Improving Transparency and Accountability
A new ordinance will require the mayor’s proposed budget to include a side-by-side comparison with agency budget requests. Council also accepted the results of the 2023 Disparity Study on minority business enterprises.
Other proposals — including more detailed economic interest disclosures, a FOIA request library, and expanded open data requirements — were continued to October 22.
Why this matters: Clearer budgets and better data on disparities help create a more open and equitable local government.
Honoring Community Leaders
Several street blocks were renamed in recognition of local figures, including Reverend F. Todd Gray, Dr. Lois Bias, Bishop Alfred L. Nicholson, Curtis T. “Bubba” Johnson, Jack Green, Ted Santarella, and Dr. Joan Belle Christian.
Why this matters: Honoring community leaders helps preserve Richmond’s history and celebrates those who shaped it.
What’s Coming Up Next
The Public Safety Committee recommended approval of $250,000 in state funding to buy and install radio repeater equipment for the Department of Emergency Communications. A proposal to update towing and storage fee limits was postponed until November 25. Another proposal would transfer $2 million from delinquent tax sales into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, with a hearing on November 10.
Why this matters: These upcoming decisions involve major investments in communications, infrastructure and affordable housing.
Final Thoughts
Richmond City Council’s September meetings covered a lot of ground — from new housing and health services to funding for trails and wastewater projects. Some big decisions are still ahead, but every vote shapes how the city works for its residents.
Staying informed isn’t just about knowing what happened — it’s how we make sure Richmond’s government stays accountable to the people it serves.
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