Richmond’s proposed $3 billion budget for 2026 drew scrutiny this week, as City Council members and residents attended a series of meetings to push for changes and raise concerns.

Monday evening’s council meeting saw residents pack the City Council Chamber to comment on the budget proposed by Mayor Danny Avula.

“We deserve a chance to thrive, not just survive,” said Kyrie Fields, an armed security officer at the Broad Rock and Hull Street libraries, as he addressed council members.

Fields’ plea called for extending the $20 hourly minimum wage for City employees to include contract workers, a sentiment echoed by more than 50 other attendees who raised similar concerns.

Contract workers and allies from the local chapter of the Virginia Service Employees  International Union, Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities (RISC), and local educators spoke out during nearly two hours of public comment.

Requests included fully funding Richmond Public Schools, supporting the mobile home repair program and Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and restoring funding to the Office of Community Wealth Building and other services.

“No member of our community should be considered voiceless or invisible,” RISC Co-President Marvin Gilliam said. “Long-term solutions are necessary and our neighbors are currently living in need and need our help today.”

The large turnout occurred between budget work sessions Monday and Wednesday, where council members raised more questions about the city’s plans and discussed their own ideas for the budget.

 Community members fill the Richmond City Council Chamber during a public comment session on the proposed 2026 City budget.
 

Drafted Council proposals include over $3 million in personnel reductions, a $16 million reduction in capital project cuts, almost $21 million in additional spending and amendments to Avula’s budget.

Many of the amendments seek to partially or fully restore funding of programs and positions reduced in or absent from Avula’s proposal.

City officials emphasized the need for caution to navigate the economic challenges ahead. Additional hurdles include the cancellation of a $12 million federal water treatment plant repair grant and a Mayo Island redevelopment project that could result in a $7.5 million payback if not completed.

With the finalized budget due by Thursday, May 15, the lack of time to submit and examine amendments, which were first discussed Wednesday, continued to be an issue across both budget sessions. As a result, council members occasionally clashed with officials and each other.

“We have a few weeks to do what has taken you months,” Ellen Robertson, 6th District, said during a discussion with Interim Chief Administrative Officer Sabrina Joy-Hogg. 

The final budget work session will be held Monday, April 21, with council amendments due to be submitted to the city attorney by 5 p.m. and a proposed public comment period set for 6 to 7:30 p.m.