The People's Budget Results, the Pulse, and the Flying Squirrels
Cheers RVA!
Today will be mostly sunny with a high of 81 and a low of 59.
the juice:
The Richmond People’s Budget has released the voting results of the first edition of the participatory budgeting process.
Over 5k community members voted using the ranked-choice system on how to spend $3 million of the city's budget.
Funds were allocated based on impact and equity, with districts 6, 8, and 9 each having $500k, with the following projects selected:
District 6 (Downtown, Manchester)
Tree trimming, replanting and sidewalk restoration — $250,000
Accelerate bus shelter installation and upgrades — $250,000
District 8 (Southside)
Enhance bus accessibility along Richmond Highway and key corridors — $90,000
Plant trees and native plants to combat urban heat islands — $100,000
Implement neighborhood road safety improvements — $80,000
Beautify high-traffic bus stops and intersections — $100,000
Improve the garden and community center at Hickory Hill — $30,000
Repair traffic barrier and improve safety at Broad Rock Community Garden — $50,000
District 9 (South Central)
Improve sidewalks along Jahnke Road — $250,000
Install trash cans at bus stops district-wide — $20,000
Enhance bus stops with seating and shelter at Broad Rock Boulevard and Warwick Road — $100,000
Plant flowers and landscaping along the Midlothian corridor — $20,000
Install speed table on Alaska Avenue for traffic calming — $20,000
Districts 3, 5, and 7 each had $300k allocated, with the following projects selected:
District 3 (Northside)
Plant trees in Northside neighborhoods district-wide — $100,000
Provide tech upgrades for community centers and libraries (Calhoun Community Center, North Avenue Library and Ginter Park Library) — $60,000
Renovate Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority Parklet (Gilpin Provisional project) — $30,000
Improve pedestrian crossings at Brookland Park Boulevard — $60,000
District 5 (Central)
Install pedestrian hybrid beacon, curb bump-outs and bike lane protections — $250,000
Study of low visibility intersections — $50,000
District 7 (East End)
Plant trees to increase urban canopy and shade — $100,000
Upgrade bus stops with seating and shelters — $80,000
Improve public lighting around parks for safety and visibility — $100,000
Install bat houses at community gardens and parks — $20,000
Districts 1, 2, and 4 each had $200 allocated, with the following projects selected:
District 1 (West End)
Expanding community garden at Humphrey Calder Community Center — $10,000
Improve pedestrian safety at Humphrey Calder Community Center — $45,000
Installing water fountains at Humphrey Calder Community Center — $25,000
Improving pedestrian safety at Hamilton Street and Monument Avenue — $65,000
Installing bus shelters near the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts — $30,000
Improving pedestrian safety at the Belmont Library — $20,000
District 2 (Central)
Plant trees in high-heat index areas in Richmond’s Jackson Ward, Carver, Newtown West and Scott’s Addition neighborhoods — $100,000
Install bus shelters at the Kroger located on Lombardy — $50,000
Install trash cans in high-traffic areas district-wide — $25,000
District 4 (Southwest)
Improve sidewalks throughout the 4th District — $200,000
Currently only $1.7 million in the city budget is allocated for the People’s Budget.
In the next phase, the RVAPB Comission and Team will release public-facing project trackers so residents can follow the progress of funded projects.
the pulp:
The Richmond City School Board voted 8-1 to extend Superintendent Jason Kamras’ contract for another four years, via the Richmonder. The board continues to navigate budget reductions, with Kamras’ most recent proposal cutting $13.8 million to compensate for the budget shortfall.
Henrico County recently purchased a small retail strip at West Broad Street and North Parham Road to secure the site for the western terminus of the Pulse line, which currently ends five miles east at Willow Lawn, according to Bizsense. The transfer station is expected to be equipped with shelter and restrooms, and is part of eight planned Pulse stops extending along West Broad Street.
The general manager of the Flying Squirrels politely turned down an offer to rebrand by comedian John Oliver, from the RTD. Oliver made the proposal to the 120 minor league organizations affiliated with MLB, noting some names were not so creative.
the vibe:
Have a versatile day RVA!
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