RICHMOND, Va. – Mayor Danny Avula of Richmond unveiled his proposed $3 billion budget for the fiscal year 2026, outlining the city’s priorities while navigating rising costs and an uncertain federal outlook. The budget, presented to city council members, is designed to reflect the city’s vision while avoiding any new tax hikes.
Avula emphasized the goal of balancing essential investments with fiscal responsibility. “This year, we are building a budget at a time when we as a city face rising costs and there’s a very uncertain federal landscape,” Avula said. The mayor’s proposal aims to prioritize public services and city infrastructure without overburdening taxpayers.
One of the key highlights of the proposed budget is an $18.6 million allocation for city employee salaries, technology upgrades, and police vehicles. According to Avula, the administration worked closely with leaders across various city departments to identify and address community needs while aligning with the city’s broader priorities.
“Our focus is on ensuring our community’s needs are met through creative solutions and smart investments,” Avula stated during his presentation.
Additionally, the budget outlines funding for improvements to the city’s 311-call center, affordable housing initiatives, and transportation services, such as the Greater Richmond Transit Center (GRTC), which is slated to receive attention under the new fiscal plan.
However, not all sectors received the funding they were hoping for. Non-profit organizations, which had previously received $13.4 million in the fiscal year 2025, will see a significant reduction in funding under the new proposal. For the upcoming fiscal year, the city is allocating just $9 million to non-profits, a cut of more than 30%.
Another contentious issue is the allocation for the Richmond Police Department, which has historically budgeted for 725 officers. Under the new proposal, the department will receive enough funding to add only 60 new officers to its current roster of 590, bringing the total to 650 officers.
Perhaps the most significant pushback came from Richmond Public Schools (RPS). The school district had requested nearly $30 million in additional funding, but the proposed budget includes just $9.6 million. RPS Chair Shavonda Fernandez voiced her concerns, stating, “While we are grateful for the $9.6 million, we must recognize that it’s just not enough. Our schools have shown improvement, and if that doesn’t demonstrate the need for more investment in our children, I don’t know what does.”
Fernandez pointed to improved student performance, including higher credit scores and a significant drop in absentee rates, as evidence of the district’s positive momentum. She vowed that the district would continue to advocate for more funding to meet the needs of students and ensure continued academic success.
Despite the pushback from certain sectors, Mayor Avula remains focused on creating a budget that reflects the city’s shared values and priorities. “This is about making strategic investments where they matter most, while ensuring fiscal discipline and a commitment to the future of Richmond,” he concluded.
As the city council deliberates on the proposed budget, it remains to be seen how adjustments will be made to address the concerns of those most affected by the funding shortfalls.
