A Winter Storm, County Speed Cameras, and What to Watch at City Hall in 2025
Cheers RVA!
Happy New Year! The winter school break continues for one more day with all public schools in the Richmond area closed, and the mayor has declared a state of emergency for the city.
A winter storm warning remains in effect until Tuesday morning, with a mix of rain and snow expected today, with potentially more snow in the evening as temperatures drop down to the low 20’s. Stay safe out there!
the pulp:
City Council has sworn in three new members and has unanimously chosen Cynthia Newbille to be President of the council. Newbille has represented the 7th district on the council since 2009.
Chesterfield County has announced that 13 speed-cameras will be in operation in school zones by winter of 2025. The cameras will operate with similar rules to the ones in Richmond, with an initial 30-day grace period and citations issued for traveling 10+ mph above the speed limit.
the dive:
Jon Baliles has written an article for the Richmonder regarding what we will be talking about at City Hall in 2025.
Baliles notes the City’s general fund budget has grown by 65% in the past eight years, from $542 million to $885 million, and yet the former CAO Lincoln Saunders has said the next budget is already facing a $27 million deficit.
Mayor Avula has stated he would like to implement the Gun Violence Intervention program, an initiative former Mayor Stoney refused to adopt.
Baliles also expresses a hope for more community outreach:
Another topic I hope is widely discussed is the new Mayor establishing real and regular outreach to the community and its neighborhoods. It could come in the form of a newsletter, regular press discussions, a podcast, following FOIA laws (instead of building walls), and being seen regularly in the community (Twitter and showing up for photo ops don’t count).
Read the full article here.
the vibe:
Have a steady day RVA!
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