FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5.5.2025

RICHMOND PEOPLE’S BUDGET ANNOUCES SPRING 2025 VOTING RESULTS

Richmond, VA — Participatory Budgeting Steering Commission, with the support of Richmond City Council, are proud to announce the results of the inaugural cycle of the Richmond People’s Budget (RVAPB)—a historic initiative that marks the first participatory budgeting process in both the City of Richmond and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The RVAPB empowers residents to decide how to spend $3 million on capital improvement projects across the city. Launched in September 2024, the initiative invited all Richmonders aged 14 and older who live, work, or study in the city to participate.

Each of Richmond’s nine City Council districts was allocated a portion of the total funding based on factors like social vulnerability and community need. The district-level breakdown is as follows:

• Districts 1, 2, and 4: $200,000 each

• Districts 3, 5, and 7: $300,000 each

• Districts 6, 8, and 9: $500,000 each

During the idea collection phase from September through November, nearly 2,000 ideas were submitted both online and in person through library drop boxes, community events, and local markets. These ideas addressed a range of priorities including parks and green spaces, public safety, mobility, arts and culture, and environment and sustainability.

The Steering Commission received over 70 applications for the first-ever cohort of Budget Delegates. Three delegates per district were selected to review, refine, and develop project proposals for a ballot in each City Council District.

Between April 1–15, 2025, thousands of residents voted using Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), selecting their top three project choices for their district. Voting was available online and at multiple in-person polling locations across the city.

This groundbreaking process broadened civic participation to historically underrepresented groups—including youth, individuals without U.S. citizenship, those currently incarcerated, and residents who have not had their voting rights restored.

We are incredibly proud that over 5,000 community members participated in Richmond’s first-ever People’s Budget—a level of engagement that surpasses participation rates in many major U.S. cities conducting similar work. This milestone highlights Richmond’s commitment to innovation, equity, and true community-driven decision-making. Our city is leading the way in redefining what local democracy looks like, powered by the voices, ideas, and leadership of the people who call Richmond home.

Top Selected Projects by District:

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• District 1 (West End):  

• Expanding community garden at Humphrey Calder Community Center

• Improve pedestrian safety at Humphrey Calder Community Center  

• Installing water fountains at Humphrey Calder Community Center

• Improving pedestrian safety at Hamilton St. & Monument Ave

• Installing bus shelters near Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

• Improving pedestrian safety at Belmont Library  

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• District 2 (Central):  

• Plant trees in high-heat index areas in Jackson Ward, Carver, Newtown West & Scott’s Addition neighborhoods  

• Install bus shelters at Lombardy Kroger  

• Install trash cans in high-traffic areas (district wide)  

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• District 3 (Northside):  

• Plant trees in Northside neighborhoods (district wide)  

• Provide tech upgrades for community centers and libraries (Calhoun Community Center, North Ave Library and Ginter Park Library)  

• Renovate Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority Parklet (Gilpin Provisional project)  

• Improve pedestrian crossings at Brookland Park Blvd.

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• District 4 (Southwest):  

• Improve sidewalks throughout the 4^th District  

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• District 5 (Central):  

• Install pedestrian hybrid beacon, curb bump-outs  

• Study of low visibility intersections  

• District 6 (Downtown/Manchester):  

• Tree trimming, replanting & sidewalk restoration  

• Accelerate bus shelter installation & upgrades  

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• District 7 (East End):  

• Plant trees to increase urban canopy & shade  

• Upgrade bus stops with seating & shelters  

• Improve public lighting around parks for safety and visibility  

• Install bat houses at community gardens & parks  

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• District 8 (Southside):  

• Enhance bus accessibility along Richmond Highway & key corridors  

• Plant trees & native plants to combat urban heat islands  

• Implement neighborhood road and safety improvements  

• Beautify high-traffic bus stops  

• Improve garden & community center at Hickory Hill  

• Repair traffic barrier and improve safety at Broad Rock Community Garden

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• District 9 (South Central):  

• Improve sidewalks along Jahnke Rd.  

• Install trash cans at bus stops (district wide)  

• Enhance bus stops with seating & shelter at Broad Rock Blvd. and Warwick Rd.  

• Plant flowers & landscaping along the Midlothian corridor

• Install speed table on Alaska Ave for traffic calming

With Cycle 1 now complete, the RVAPB Commission and Team will release public-facing project trackers so residents can follow the progress of funded projects. In the months ahead, they will also evaluate community feedback and refine the process for Cycle 2.

For more information about the Richmond People’s Budget, visit: [https://www.rvapb.org/phases/vote]

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