Richmond City Council convened Monday to review the city’s spending and housing plans, with council members pressing for more clarity on the financial implications of several key proposals.

The evening’s consent agenda included approving or transferring millions in funding for various initiatives, such as a Free Rides to Work program, upgrades to Bellemeade Park and the modernization of the city’s stormwater asset inventory.

While these ordinances and others were unanimously adopted by council members, questions raised prior to the vote often centered on the financial cost of the measures to the city.

For Stephanie Lynch, 5th District, a $2 million allocation to study assets and assess redevelopment needs in Downtown as part of the Richmond 300 Master Plan raised questions about its cost.

“That is quite a big chunk of money to tell us what we may or may not do when we’ve studied that area over time, at least two, three times since I’ve been on council,” Lynch said. “It just seems like a really high price tag.”

The budget was briefly addressed by Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, who focused her questions on the affordable housing grants in the agenda, inquiring about the length of the grants, housing unit breakdowns and potential rent prices.

During the public comment period, community members expressed their thoughts on the city’s funding choices. Several residents voiced support for the Richmond People’s Budget Initiative, urging council members to include its $3 million allocation in the upcoming budget, citing its potential to build community trust.

Custodian Priscilla Peebles also raised a budget suggestion, urging officials to extend the city’s $20-an-hour minimum wage law to include contracted workers alongside direct city employees. 

 Priscilla Peebles, a custodian at the City’s Social Services building, spoke at the City Council meeting on Monday, March 24, addressing the issue of unfair wages for contract workers such as herself.
 

“I’m asking for something simple, something that every hard-working person deserves: a living wage,” said Peebles, a contracted cleaner for six years with the Department of Social Services. “It’s time for the city to amend the budget and extend the minimum wage to city contracted workers like me.”

Other agenda items approved included an acknowledgment and approval of the issuance of revenue bonds by the Economic Development Authority of Henrico County for Bon Secours Mercy Health, Inc. and its nonprofit affiliates, including $15 million for the Richmond Community Hospital. The Department of Social Services also was recognized and celebrated for its work as part of Richmond Social Work Month.

More financial discussions are expected in the coming months, as Mayor Danny Avula is scheduled to present his budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year during a City Council meeting Thursday, March 27.