In today's special mid-week newsletter, we cover Monday's upcoming Council meeting, including changes to the sound ordinance and a vote on the real estate tax rate, and more. As always, be sure to check out the bulletin board for updated public health guidance, events, and engagement opportunities.
Monday Council Meeting
Council will meet for its one regularly scheduled full meeting in the month of November on Monday at 6pm. The agenda includes consideration of papers dealing with two hot button issues. First, on the consent agenda Council will be voting on ORD. 2022-219, which would amend the City's "sound control" ordinance to make it more enforceable. You can check out an overview of the proposed changes here.
Second, as covered in last week's newsletter, Council will take up three papers relating to the real estate tax rate. The papers before Council would either 1) maintain the rate at $1.20 per $100 assessed value, 2) cut the rate to $1.16, or 3) cut the rate to $1.10.
Today, the Mayor announced that he, along with myself and five of my Council colleagues, is introducing legislation at Monday's meeting to provide tax relief in the form of a 5-cent rebate to all property owners in the City. You can watch the full announcement press conference here.
This is an important and timely first step, but it is not the last. I look forward to working with my Council colleagues and the administration to freeze assessments in the upcoming fiscal year, improve our budget and billing cycle, and to continue to explore other forms of targeted financial relief. We will also continue to advocate at the General Assembly in the upcoming session to reform our real estate tax code to protect our long term residents and businesses, and those who can least afford to pay.
Ahead of the vote on Monday, please continue to reach out to our office if you have questions or comments.
Robinson Street Safety Concerns
On Monday, my office was notified of yet another pedestrian fatality along the Robinson St corridor in the Fan. My heart goes out to the family, friends and neighbors of Mr. Barnett. Thank you to the residents and concerned members of the Second District community who have reached out since Monday to share your experiences and concerns with road safety in this area, and at this intersection in particular. I’ve already spoken with our Department of Public Works Director, the Chief Administrative Officer, and the Mayor about this area, and will continue fighting for more safe street interventions, funding, and policies both here specifically and across Richmond.
Sven Out Of Office
Sven, our Second District Liaison, will be out of the office starting tomorrow through the 23rd. In the interim, if you:
Have a City service related request: Be sure to log the request via RVA311 by calling 311, using the mobile app, or visiting RVA311.com. If you are looking for follow-up on a pre-existing 311 request, email the request number to kiya.stokes@rva.gov from tomorrow through the 15th, and amy.robins@rva.gov from the 16th to the 22nd, and copy katherine.jordan@rva.gov
Other City of Richmond inquiries: checkout the graphic below the bulletin for more resources and contact information.
Please note that the weekly newsletter will return in December after Sven's much deserved vacation and the Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving holidays. Till then, please be safe, good luck to all running the Richmond Marathon, and my deepest gratitude to all our veterans and their families.
Sincerely, Katherine
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Office Contact Katherine Jordan
Councilmember
Office: (804) 646-6532 Email Sven Philipsen
Council Liaison
Office: (804) 646-6532
Cell: (804) 201-5069 Email
RVA311
The quickest way to report a City customer service request or delivery of service issue is to use Richmond’s online web portal, rva311.com.
Flu shots are available for anyone 6 months and older, and you can make an appointment at any of RCHD's Flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics
For more information on testing options, the latest CDC guidance, and vaccinations, check out the RCHD's latest weekly update here.
Bulletin Board
Richmond Marathon: the Richmond Marathon is this weekend! Check out the full schedule, route, and street closure information here.
Conversations with the CA: Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin is hosting her fourth "Conversations with the Commonwealth" next Wednesday at 6pm at the Visual Arts Center. Check out more information here.
FDA Park Clean-up: the Fan District Association parks cleanup is coming up next Saturday. Check out more information and sign-up to volunteer here.
RVAgreen2050 Newsletter: check out the November edition, including updates on the Richmond Compost Initiative, ARPA funding, and more, here!
City Center Redevelopment: a "request for interest" has gone out for redevelopment of the City Center. Check out more information here.
Street Cleaning Schedule: the street cleaning schedule for the end of this year and beginning of next year has been posted to the DPW website.
Leaf Collection: it's that time of year! Check out DPW's leaf collection options and collection schedule in the graphic below the bulletin board, and on the DPW website.
Monuments Survey: the Black History Museum is seeking community feedback on their plans for the future of the Confederate monuments in their possession. Take the survey here.
City & Community Resources
Call 804-205-3501 to register for free community testing. Events are subject to change or cancellation. Locations are accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility support devices. Click here for non-community testing options.
