Richmond City Council took major steps on housing Monday, approving a new rental inspection program and transferring $2 million to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support long-term affordable housing and neighborhood stability.

The money, drawn from the city’s Delinquent Tax Sales fund, will go toward housing initiatives aimed at improving quality, affordability and access for residents.

“This investment represents the heart of what it means to build a thriving city,” Mayor Danny Avula said in a statement after the transfer’s approval. “Every dollar we put toward affordable housing is a commitment to stability, opportunity and equity for Richmond families.”

The vote followed public comments urging city officials to address housing challenges and provide solutions for residents.

Many comments came from members of the religious group Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities (RISC), who celebrated the transfer but called for more consistent support of the AHTF as residents continue to struggle.

“The need is urgent and growing,” RISC Co-President Marvin Gilliam said as dozens of RISC members sitting in Council Chambers held signs urging officials to “Follow the Law.”  “This tool works when funded faithfully.” 

RISC has long called for consistent funding of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and has at times criticized city officials for not adhering to the policy set when the fund was established. Questions also arose recently after money initially designated for the fund was used to help cover the city’s restitution payment to Marvin Grimm for wrongful imprisonment. 

These concerns and others shared by other RISC members and residents were acknowledged by Council members. 

“We’ve got a lot of work to do; we’ve had a lot of work to do,” 6th District Councilor Ellen Robertson said as she thanked residents and advocates present. “Promises have been made, and we expect promises to be kept.” 

The Residential Rental Inspection Program drew strong support from residents and members of Richmond for All, New Virginia Majority and the Legal Aid Justice Center before it was approved. 

City officials said additional amendments will be introduced in the coming months to refine the program, which would let tenants, residents and housing groups request that certain areas be designated as Rental Inspection Districts. 

Council members and residents present also agreed on the need for anti-rent gouging measures, and a draft version of the city’s legislative agenda for the 2026 General Assembly session includes support for legislation letting localities establish “a program to limit abusive rent increases” among their policy positions. 

Council members also approved $94 million in housing revenue bonds for the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority as well as higher fees for vehicles towed off private property. 

Other agenda items, including the proposed sale of city-owned property at 8790 Strath Road and the creation of an online library for Freedom of Information Act requests, were postponed to meetings in December and early 2026. 

Nearly 100 members of Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities attended the Richmond City Council meeting Monday, Nov. 10 in support of a $2 million allocation to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The group also urged the city to follow the law and ensure the funds are used for their intended purpose. (Julianne Tripp Hillian)