In today's newsletter, we provide an update on the General Assembly session and the Fox playground, and invite you to join us at the Mayor's State of the City next Tuesday. As always, be sure to check out the bulletin board for updated public health guidance, information on DPU financial assistance, and more.
General Assembly Update
The General Assembly's 2023 legislation session is happening right now through February 25th, and there are a number of bills and budget items that are important for Richmond residents to keep an eye on. For a good overview of where we are nearly half way through the session, check out the presentation that the City's lobbyists gave to Council on Monday.
Some notable items include:
HB 2771/SB 1391: These two bills would exempt realtors who operate short-term rentals from local zoning regulations. I am adamantly opposed to this legislation, and am pleased to share that the City has formally adopted an opposition stance to the bill earlier this week. Thank you to everyone who has continued reach out to our office and our General Assembly delegation on this issue.
Delegate Jeff Bourne has introduced two items to support the City and RPS in the reconstruction of Fox Elementary School. One is HB2109, which would allow for the use of historic tax credits for the reconstruction of schools like Fox, and the other is a $15 million budget amendment to help fund the costs of recovery and reconstruction.
SB 780: Senator Morrissey's legislation that would allow Petersburg to hold a referendum to become a casino host City, and would block a second referendum in the City, passed out of Senate subcommittee yesterday.
You can view all of the legislative priorities that Council adopted last year for this session here, and you can stay up to date on all things General Assembly, including bill information, meeting livestreams, and more, via Virginia's Legislative Information Website.
State of the City
The Mayor will be delivering his State of the City address on Tuesday at 7pm at Main Street Station. The event is free, and open to the public. It will also be livestreamed on the City's YouTube page. I encourage you to attend or tune-in if you're interested in an update on major upcoming city-wide policy and budgetary initiatives.
Lastly, I want to share some fantastic news for the broader Fox community. As of today, the William Fox Elementary playground and field are back open to the public! A huge thank you to Superintendent Jason Kamras and our hardworking RPS staff for listening to the Fox community and making this happen.
You can access the space through the gate on Stafford. All of the old rules apply, including closing at dusk, and no dogs or league sports. Get out there, enjoy responsibly, and have a wonderful weekend!
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.
The COVID-19 Community Level in Richmond is MEDIUM
For more information on testing options, the latest CDC guidance, and vaccinations, check out the RCHD's latest weekly update here.
Bulletin Board
DPU Financial Assistance: Richmond DPU is now participating in the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), which helps Virginia residents pay their water and wastewater bills. The program will run through December 31, 2023, or until all funds have been distributed. More info here, and below the bulletin board.
Community Listening Session: RPS, the James River Parks System, and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay are hosting a listening session for the RPS community to provide feedback on what the environment means to them. It will be at Albert Hill Elementary this Saturday, from 1pm-3pm.
Historic Façade Grant Program: do you live in Jackson Ward? Historic Richmond has launched a grant program to provide up to $10,000 for eligible property owners to improve their facades, and you may be eligible. More info here.
Urban Forester: the City is hiring an Urban Forester! If you or someone you know wants to be a critical part of the City's work with the community to expand, protect, and preserve our urban tree canopy, this is the job! Check it out. Deadline to apply is January 31st.
Richmond Connects feedback needed: Richmond Connects is an equity-centeredprocess to identify and prioritize multimodal transportation projects and programs in the City of Richmond. An initial data-driven needs analysis has identified priority investment areas throughout the City. Take a look at a map of those areas, provide comments, and consider joining a focus group. More here. The feedback window closes February 6th!
Early Voting: all Richmond votershave until February 18th to vote early in the special election that will be held on February 21st. You can find more information on the candidates here, and more information on early voting options here.
Support Binford and Fox! come out and support the Binford PTA February 4th 6-9 p.m., at The Schoolhouse on Hawthorne, 3421 Hawthorne Ave. For more information and tickets. Fox Elementary PTA will be hosting a "Parents Night Out" February 24th from 6-9pm. Check out more info below the bulletin.
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.
