Steering Commission Vacancy - Open Call for a Representative with a Disability

The Richmond People’s Budget has a vacancy on its Steering Commission for a representative that identifies as an individual living with a disability. Disabilities may be visible or non-visible and can include a physical, mental, developmental, sensory, chronic health, or other conditions that impact daily activities.

Your voice, lived experience, ideas, as an individual living with a disability matter. If you are, or know someone who is eligible please consider applying today!

Inclusion and Solidarity

"Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance." — Verna Myers

Steering Commissions are public accountability. It is ONE of the ways that we make sure that this program and outcomes are aligned with what people OUTSIDE the government want. They are also great mechanisms for marrying institutional knowledge with lived experience. When you have a diverse group of community members sharing their interest and perspectives coupled with thoughtful government employees it is amazing what can be accomplished.

This is an open invitation to come as you are to the party to govern the Richmond People’s Budget. But please don’t expect to be a wallflower. We want you to be on the dance floor.

What’s been inspiring RVAPB as of late?

Transparency with a side of accountability

The National Civic League, researchers and resource for all things civic engagement, recently published an article with the latest findings on public trust and accountability in participatory budgeting processes around the US. Check out this article, exploring the connection of trust between residents and government, as projects are proposed and delivered through the PB process model.

Key take aways:

• PB builds civic capacity

• Transparency needs to be paired with accountability

• Residents deserve real decision-making power

Engagement Opportunities

LGBTQ+ Community Survey

Have you hearddd? The City of Richmond Office of Equity and Inclusion has launched its first community survey! If you identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, share your thoughts on safety and inclusion!

Human Rights Commission Youth Representative

The City of Richmond Human Rights Commission is seeking motivated and civic-minded students to serve as Youth Commissioners. This is a unique opportunity for students in grades 10–12 enrolled in Richmond Public Schools to contribute to advancing equity, inclusion, and justice in our community.

Youth Commissioners serve a one-year term (September 1–August 31) and act in a non-voting capacity, providing meaningful input and perspective to the Commission’s work. If you are ready to make a difference and help shape a more equitable Richmond, we encourage you to apply. To learn more, send an email to Brittany.Rose@rva.gov or text 804-944-7291