Richmond city leaders kick off new collaborative budget process
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond city leaders are promising a more collaborative process and increased community input ahead of next year’s budget cycle.
On Thursday, Sept. 25th, Mayor Danny Avula, along with members of city council, hosted a kicked off event aimed at addressing the needs and priorities of the city.
Avula announced a new joint task force spearheaded by Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II, city councilmembers Katherine Jordan and Ellen Robertson. The group will allow more time for budget development and increased community engagement.
“We're looking forward to ensuring that our city budget reflects the needs, priorities and commitments to Richmond through leadership, collaboration, partnership toward balanced and responsible efforts that reflect community priorities, community input, and transparency,” said Councilmember President Cynthia Newbille.
Officials acknowledged past fractures within the government and community and emphasize the importance of spirited discussions about budget priorities.
“I think it's a great thing that we have spirited discussions about what should go into our budget,” Donald said.
Regarding funding, redevelopment, housing affordability and real estate tax rates remain top priorities.
Two ordinances were introduced during Monday’s city council meeting — one to maintain the current tax rate of $1.20 per $100 of assessed value, and another to lower it to $1.16.
Avula said the city is not fiscally strong enough to support a tax cut at this time.
“We need to make more investments in technology, figure out how we can actually improve the delivery of government services, and cutting back on our revenues right now is not, you know, what I would choose to do that,” Avula said.
However, councilmember Sarah Abubaker argued that cuts are necessary for everyone.
“Everybody is paying 30% more for meat, 20% more for eggs, 5% more for bread, that is not at the end of the day, the law is clear, and it says that the city should only take revenue in that is 101% more than their previous year,” Abubaker said. “Even with the assessment freeze, we will still get more revenue than we did this year.”
Budget meetings with city leaders will be established, with opportunities for public comment scheduled in December and the start of 2026.
