It's Budget Season in RVA
"Join us in shaping Richmond's future by getting involved in the city budget!"
SHHHHHHH…We are hunting for your pwiowities.
As February comes to a close and we approach March, the City of Richmond moves into a crucial time of year - Budget Season. This is the culmination of a years worth of priority setting, strategic planning, and budget creation by the Mayor and Administration, which is then presented to City Council and the public for final approval. Now is the time to get involved!
So what is a City Budget?
When the RVAPB team talks to community about the city budget, we find that most people’s eyes glaze over with the complexity and size of what they are seeing. When it comes to a $3 Billion budget, the amount of numbers and various expenses are difficult to understand and make sense of. Even in our own lives, budgets make us uncomfortable and they can be a little scary, especially when there are limited resources.
Instead of anxiety and uncertainty, we want you to think about a budget in a different way. A budget is actually a story about Richmond’s future. A story that collects the values, hopes, and dreams of city residents and turns them in to reality.
So, the next time you see a budget, hold back those fears and think about what can be possible. There will be some hard choices. You may not get everything you want. In the end, you are creating your future.
Budget Timeline
Here is a timeline of the budget season this spring.
Looking back to look forward - FY2026 Budget
The best way to know where the City is going, starts with looking back at what happened in the past. Take a look at the Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget (July 2025 - June 2026) to get acquainted with where your tax dollars are being invest.
How to get involved
There are a bunch of ways to get involved in this years budget season! This is a testament to the administration’s commitment to community collaboration.
Town Halls
The City of Richmond is excited to host two interactive Budget Town Halls on February 28 (this Saturday). These gatherings are designed to be a space where residents can learn how the City’s budget works, discover the real cost of the services we all rely on, and most importantly, share your ideas for community funding priorities.
Register for a Budget Town Hall
Budget 101 Video
Can’t make a Town Hall, click on the image below to listen to a recording with CAO Odie Donald.
Priority Surveys
How would you prioritize City of Richmond Services? Here is your chance to tell the city what you think.
Lastly - A Gift for you.
Want to know how your tax dollars are spent? Click on the image to get your very own taxpayer receipt.
Our Thanks
Thanks for checking out the Richmond People’s Budget Newsletter. Forward this newsletter to someone you know would appreciate this content!
