‘Needs are humongous, resources are finite’: Richmond leaders want resident input on 2027 budget

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — With a March 11 deadline approaching for Richmond Mayor Danny Avula to deliver a proposed budget, Richmond leaders are beginning to gather public input on how the city should spend its money in fiscal year 2027.

Dozens of residents attended the city’s first community budget forum on Tuesday, Jan. 20, where officials asked a central question: How would you spend $3 million in your community?

"This is the first of many of these meetings, but I really hope this is a meaningful experience for you and represents a new way of doing things as a city," Avula said.

Avula was joined by Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Odie Donald, II, Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards and other city representatives.

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Officials encouraged participation by turning the meeting into an interactive exercise, allowing residents to take part in mock budgeting activities under time constraints.

"You kind of get to be the mayor for a day," Donald said.

Participants were given limited time to choose which projects deserved funding. Many attendees said public safety should be the city’s top priority.

Donald emphasized that the budget reflects the city’s priorities and choices, noting that $3 million is available for capital improvement projects.

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"Revenues have increased quite a bit," Donald said. "Everybody says, 'Man, the city’s got a whole lot more money. There’s a whole lot of growth.' Then you start looking at how much those employees cost -- you start looking at that wall."

He added, "The needs are humongous, but our resources are finite."

City officials say feedback from residents will be used during the budget-making process.

There will be five additional public forums in the coming weeks. A schedule can be found here.