The City of Richmond has announced a series of Budget Town Halls to gather community input on priorities for the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget. The events are designed to give residents insight into how the city’s budget is developed and executed, and to provide opportunities for public engagement.
The town halls will take place in various neighborhoods and community centers across Richmond. City department representatives will be present, and sessions will include interactive activities that explain the allocation of revenues, funding decisions, and how resident feedback will be incorporated into the proposed budget.
Mayor Danny Avula stated, “We want Richmonders to feel welcomed, informed, and comfortable engaging in open conversation about the City’s budget. These town halls are about walking through how the budget process works, answering questions, and creating space for residents to share their thoughts and ideas.”
Richmond’s annual budget funds essential services such as public safety, housing, infrastructure, schools, parks, and neighborhood services for the fiscal year running from July 1 to June 30. Each March, the Mayor submits a proposed budget to City Council for review. Once approved by Council, these funds are used according to established priorities.
Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II commented on the initiative: “Together, as taxpayers and as administrators, we own, operate, use, and benefit from these services on a daily basis. Our goal is to make this process transparent, accessible, and fun so that Richmonders can participate in a variety of formats. The sessions are as much about listening as they are explaining; by simulating the full process for all to understand, we can open the floor to more productive and impactful dialogue about how taxpayer dollars can and should be spent.”
Registration is required for participation in each event. Registration links will be posted at go.rva.gov/engage as they become available. Residents who cannot attend in person may join a virtual session or complete an online survey starting January 20.
Further details on locations and times are available at go.rva.gov/engage.
Media interested in attending should contact michael.hinkle@rva.gov.
