Moving Forward, Stronger Together

Strategic priorities of the Adopted FY 2024 Budget: Affordable housing

We are committed to providing affordable housing opportunities so that our city remains inclusive to all. We believe housing is a basic human necessity that can reduce intergenerational

Poverty

and increase economic mobility.

Public safety

We are making our communities and neighborhoods safe and clean by upgrading and modernizing police and fire stations, funding traffic calming strategies, and increasing street lighting.

Well-managed and efficient government

We lead by example, achieving responsive, accountable, and innovative government. Our goal is to evolve into an Employer of Choice that attracts talented and motivated individuals, responds to the concerns of its employees, invests in professional development, ensures accountability, and offers diverse benefit options and competitive compensation.

Thriving community

We invest in our community by focusing on sustainability, enhancing access to libraries and cultural centers, making park improvements, and funding nonprofit organizations that support cultural diversity and inclusion.

Youth and education

We are committed to our youth by increasing funding to Richmond Public Schools, expanding out-of-school time youth programming, and funding new school construction and facility upgrades.

This budget acknowledges and addresses some of our current challenges brought on by inflation and higher interest rates, which impact many priority areas from housing, employee salaries, and construction costs of city facilities and schools. However, we will continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our residents as we embrace the challenges of our future. Highlights include:

 $21.1 million increase in local contribution for Richmond Public Schools.

 $200.0 million for school construction and $15.0 million to rebuild Fox Elementary.

 $50.0 million for Affordable Housing over the next five years.

 $1.75 million in new funding for homeless services and an emergency shelter.

 $800,000 for the Eviction Diversion Program.

 $21.0 million for traffic calming, sidewalks, and Complete Streets.

 $8.5 million for citywide parks improvements.

 $800,000 to expand hours at Richmond Public Libraries.

 $2.0 million for the Enslaved African Heritage Campus in Shockoe Bottom.

 $6.0 million for the Southside Community Center.

 $14.5 million for an 8.0% General Wage Increase and $18.00 per hour minimum wage for city employees.

 $5.7 million for a step increase and 3.0% step plan adjustment for police officers and firefighters.

 $500,000 for a language incentive for employees.

 $650,000 for employee tuition assistance program.