The City of Richmond released on Apr. 16 the outcome report from its first-ever budget town hall series, which took place in January and February. The sessions were held at community centers across the city and aimed to explain the budget process to residents while gathering their input for the upcoming fiscal year 2027 proposed budget.
The initiative sought to involve residents directly in local government decision-making by having them participate in exercises that simulated actual City Council discussions and budget negotiations. Residents learned about how revenues are allocated, how funding decisions are made, and how their feedback would be used in shaping city priorities.
Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II said, “We were proud to welcome more than 1,000 participants to our in-person and digital sessions. I truly believe we walked away more informed than we were before. City leaders learned a lot about where our residents want to see their tax dollars spent and our residents walked away with a deeper understanding of the budget process. This exchange truly represents how people-centered governance works.”
According to the outcome report, public safety and education emerged as top priorities among participants during mock budgeting exercises, with administrative services and infrastructure also ranking highly. Mayor Danny Avula said, “Events like these are at the very heart of local government. Conversations held in town halls and community centers across the City featuring voices which represent the diverse backgrounds of our residents; these are the voices our policymaking and our administration need to reflect. I’m grateful to have had the chance to listen, learn, and incorporate these findings into my proposed budget.”
The findings from these sessions influenced this year’s proposed FY2027 city budget now under consideration by council members. Education and public safety accounted for 39% of all resident mock allocations during the events; as a result, $257 million is designated for Richmond Public Schools along with additional investments intended for improvements in public safety training and equipment.
City officials thanked everyone who participated or provided feedback throughout this process. Additional information about this year’s proposed budget is available at go.rva.gov/fy27.
