Richmond launches town hall series for fiscal year 2027 budget input

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The city of Richmond is launching its fiscal year 2027 budget town hall series, providing residents with a forum to learn more about the budget process.

City officials announced on Friday, Jan. 16 that the town halls will be held in neighborhoods and community centers across the city, offering Richmonders a forum for shared community input on fiscal year 2027 budget priorities, along with their development and execution.

These tall halls will include city department representatives and will feature interactive sessions to help residents work through the budget process. The process includes how revenues are allocated, how funding decisions are made and how community input will be considered and incorporated into the proposed budget, according to a release.

“We want Richmonders to feel welcomed, informed, and comfortable engaging in open conversation about the City’s budget,” said Mayor Danny Avula in a press release. “These town halls are about walking through how the budget process works, answering questions, and creating space for residents to share their thoughts and ideas.”

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The city said that the annual budget supports public housing, infrastrastructure, schools, parks, neighborhoods services and more over a fiscal year period -- from July 1 to June 30.

The mayor submits a budget process to city council every March, with the proposal aligning funding with administrative and council priorities, city officials said. Once approved, the city can execute funds against those priorities.

Here's the town hall schedule:

• 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20 -- Lucks Field Community Center (1925 U St.)
  • Register for this town hall meeting here.
• Noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 -- location to be announced
• Time to be announced on Tuesday, Feb. 3 -- virtual town hall meeting
• 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17 -- location to be announced
• Noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21 -- closed youth session
• Noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 -- location to be announced

Registration is required for participation. Links to register will be added to the city's website and posted to the city's social media accounts as they become available.