Disparities between Richmond’s high and low-income districts revealed in People’s Budget
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — 8News is digging deeper into the disparities between neighborhoods in Richmond when it comes to the city's People's Budget.
The Richmond People’s Budget revealed which types of community projects it’s putting nearly $3 million toward.
District one residents voted to use their $195,000 toward:
- Expanding community garden at Humphrey Calder Community Center — $10,000
- Improve pedestrian safety at Humphrey Calder Community Center — $45,000
- Installing water fountains at Humphrey Calder Community Center — $25,000
- Improving pedestrian safety at Hamilton Street and Monument Avenue — $65,000
- Installing bus shelters near the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts — $30,000
- Improving pedestrian safety at the Belmont Library — $20,000
But lower-income areas like district eight received $450,000 toward:
- Enhance bus accessibility along Richmond Highway and key corridors — $90,000
- Plant trees and native plants to combat urban heat islands — $100,000
- Implement neighborhood road safety improvements — $80,000
- Beautify high-traffic bus stops and intersections — $100,000
- Improve the garden and community center at Hickory Hill — $30,000
- Repair traffic barrier and improve safety at Broad Rock Community Garden — $50,000
Some of these initiatives are similar to those chosen in higher-income districts, there are simply more projects.
Richmond City councilmember Reva Trammell, who represents District Eight, said even more money should be allocated to put other businesses in place residents need.
“We're right off Richmond Highway behind the Deluxe Motel. Seven motels and no grocery store. You think a grocery store is going to come over here and see this stuff,” Trammell said. “Did you see any sidewalks coming through here? Do you see the drainage? Years of neglect?"
8News reached out to the city to see if there's any wiggle room in the recently passed budget to get the additional money Trammell said she's advocating for.
