What Richmond City Council Is Working On: Sidewalks, Sewer Fixes, Transit Expansions, and Home Repairs
- Voice !t Staff
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
This week, Richmond City Council and its committees moved forward a wide range of plans—from fixing sidewalks and sewers to expanding public transit and helping neighbors stay in their homes. Many of the proposals were recommended for approval at the upcoming June 23, 2025 Council meeting.
🚶♀️ Sidewalks and Bike Lane Improvements
German School Road – A new 600-foot sidewalk and safer crossings are planned for the area near Glenway Drive. The city expects to cover about $250,000 of the cost.
Carnation Street – Sidewalks will fill key gaps between Hioaks Road and Warwick Road, helping connect neighborhoods. Richmond will chip in $185,000 toward the $929,000 total.
Forest Hill Avenue – New crosswalks, flashing lights, and curb ramps are coming to help people cross more safely at several points along the road. The project will extend along Forest Hill Avenue from Westover Hills Boulevard to Taylor Avenue and 48th Street. The expected costs are close to $1.5 million with most of that coming from VDOT.
Franklin Street – Protected bike lanes are being considered between Belvidere and Lombardy Streets. Richmond is seeking state and federal support for the $2 million project, with the city contributing $250,000.
Why this matters: These sidewalk and bike projects will make Richmond safer and more connected for everyone getting around on foot or by bike.
🚌 Public Transit Expansions
New North-South Pulse Line – A new rapid bus route is being planned, aiming to open by 2031.
Western Pulse Extension – Another route extension is in the works to reach Parham Road by 2029.
Transfer Station Progress – Plans for a permanent downtown bus transfer station are moving forward, including grant applications and design steps.
Bus Stop and Lane Improvements – Benches are in, shelter reviews are ongoing, and 14th Street has been flagged as a top spot for future bus-only lanes.
Why this matters: These transit upgrades will improve how residents move across the city—faster, more reliably, and more comfortably. Are you on board?
🏗️ Infrastructure and Public Space Upgrades
Almond Creek Project – The city is entering a financing agreement to improve sewer lines and stabilize the creek near Almond Creek.
Library Upgrades at Ginter Park – Green infrastructure like native trees and drainage improvements will be added to the Ginter Park Branch Library, using $154,000 from the Storm Water Utility Fund.
Why this matters: These updates protect the city’s infrastructure and make public spaces more resilient.
🏠 Budget Update
General Fund Updates – The city is proposing updates to tax revenue projections, trimming some department budgets, and reallocating nearly $9.7 million to reflect current needs.
Why this matters: These actions keep projects moving and help the city stay financially nimble.
🔧 Home Repair and Preservation Programs
Critical Repairs – 40 homeowners got help with basic repairs using $1.5 million in federal funds.
Healthy Homes – 89 homes received moderate repairs through $2 million in ARPA funds.
Major Repairs – 12 homes have already received major upgrades, with 21 more underway through project:HOMES.
Rental Housing Preservation – $3 million went toward saving 279 affordable rental units.
Mobile Home Repairs – 36 units have been fixed so far, with 71 more in progress or planned.
🛑 Tenant Protection Programs
Eviction Diversion – So far, 82 households have received direct help through a $1 million program run by Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation.
Right-to-Counsel – A $500,000 legal aid program for renters facing eviction will launch on July 1.
Why this matters: These programs help people stay in their homes—whether by fixing what’s broken or keeping folks from getting pushed out.
🌱 Climate Resilience and Equity in Housing Access
Climate Resilience Grants – The city is looking to revise the current $250,000 set aside to support local projects that help communities deal with climate change. Interest was extremely high, with more than $6 million in proposals submitted—over 20 times the available funding.
Why this matters: These efforts aim to help communities adapt to climate change. But how much should the city give to these projects?
⚖️ Addressing Inequity in City Contracts
A recent study showed:
Just 3.4% of city contracts went to minority-owned businesses.
These businesses make up nearly 18% of the available market.
The study found evidence of discrimination within the public sector and recommended adopting an anti-discrimination ordinance among other measures.
Why this matters: Highlights gaps in city contracting and helps guide changes to promote fairness.
📝 Richmond Is Fixing Streets, Expanding Transit, and Helping Neighbors Stay Housed
This week’s City Council updates are packed with the kind of work that doesn’t make headlines—but does keep the city moving. From sidewalks and sewer lines to transit stations and tenant protections, these steps help shape daily life in Richmond.
Paying attention to what City Council does is one of the best ways we can speak up, stay informed, and stay in charge of our future.
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