Richmond City Council Update: What’s Happening at Richmond City Council? A Quick Breakdown That Hits Home
- Voice !t Staff
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 19
Ever wonder what all those city council meetings are actually about? Good news—we’ve dug into the latest updates so you don’t have to. From tourism wins and budget tweaks to big bucks for infrastructure and even street art, here’s what Richmond City Council’s been working on and how it impacts your everyday life.
Tourism is Booming – and So is Richmond’s Wallet
In 2023, Richmond saw nearly 18 million visits.
Visitors spent over $900 million in the city alone, supporting over 8,600 local jobs. That money helps pay for things like road repairs, public safety, and city services you use daily.
Big events like karate tournaments and art conferences also brought millions into our economy.
Why it matters: The more people who visit and spend here, the more money flows into the city, easing the tax burden on locals and boosting job opportunities in everything from hospitality to transportation.
Budgeting in Real Time – Big Decisions, Big Impact
City Council is adjusting the budget for 2026.
They're weighing $20.9 million in possible new spending and considering cuts of $8.2 million.
They’re also working to balance funding for schools, public safety, and city operations.
Why it matters: These choices affect everything from school programs to the number of potholes on your block. This is your tax money at work, so these talks decide what gets funded—and what doesn’t.
Real Estate Assessment Freeze – What That Means for Your Taxes
Starting in 2026, property assessments will be aligned with the city’s fiscal year.
As part of this transition, 2027’s assessments will be “frozen” based on 2026 values.
This shift helps the city make more accurate budgets and gives homeowners more time to plan before their tax bills arrive.
Why it matters: A more stable system can mean fewer surprises in your property tax bill—and better planning for city services.
Collective Bargaining = Raises and Reforms
City workers now have the power to negotiate wages, hours, and conditions.
This affects over 75% of Richmond’s workforce, including police, firefighters, and city admin staff.
Raises and pay adjustments are locked in through 2027, with an estimated price tag nearing $350 million by then.
Why it matters: Happy, fairly paid city workers = better public services. From quicker emergency response to smoother permit processing, this shapes your daily interactions with city systems.
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): Investing in Richmond’s Future
Richmond’s five-year capital plan includes $870.4 million in projects—think new schools, better roads, community centers, and even fire trucks. Major highlights:
$212M for new schools
$426M for better transportation
$88M for affordable housing and revitalization projects like Brown’s Island and Mayo Island
Why it matters: These projects are literally building the Richmond of tomorrow. Better schools, safer streets, and greener spaces mean a better quality of life for everyone.
New Ordinances, Murals, and Murals That Matter
City Council introduced ordinances to support opioid recovery programs, repair infrastructure, and change the real estate tax rate to $1.16 per $100 value starting in 2026.
They’re also investing in the arts: a new mural project by local artist Skrimpz will beautify streets and improve traffic safety near schools.
Why it matters: Whether it’s fighting addiction, fixing roads, or making neighborhoods feel more vibrant, these are real changes you’ll see—and feel—right in our community.
TL;DR Richmond’s Putting Our Dollars to Work
Every budget line, mural, and tax rate tweak has a ripple effect on our everyday lives — from how safe our streets are to how much we pay in taxes and what kind of future we’re building for our kids. Richmond City Council decisions might feel distant, but they shape the sidewalks we walk, the schools our children attend, and the services we rely on.
At Voice !t, we’re here to make those decisions make sense — clear, relatable, and rooted in how they affect you.
Because when we understand what’s happening in our city, we don’t just live in Richmond — we lead it.
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