In today's newsletter, we preview the last Council meeting of the year, recap our December District meeting, and more. As always, be sure to check out the bulletin board for updated public health guidance, events, and engagement opportunities.
December District Meeting Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Wednesday evening for our last Second District community meeting of the year!
We were joined by Delegate Carr for a General Assembly update, as well as Planning Department staff to discuss proposed zoning changes for short term rentals, accessory dwelling units, and parking minimums. We also heard from DPW staff to discuss leaf collection and street cleaning, traffic safety, and more. You can find a full recording of the meeting here.
If you are looking for more opportunities to either learn more about the zoning changes being discussed, or share your perspective on the three draft recommendations from the Planning Department, check out the comprehensive zoning changes site, and attend an in-person engagement meeting on Tuesday at 6pm at the Main Branch Library. The direct link to provide comment on these proposals can be found here.
Monday Council Meeting
Council will hold its last formal meeting of the year on Monday at 6pm. The agenda features consideration of a number of notable papers, including:
Three papers that will effectuate a five-cent real estate tax rebate for all real estate taxpayers, as covered in previous newsletters.
A budget amendment paper from the Mayor that proposes to allocate more than $17 million in certified surplus revenues from the previous fiscal year towards homeless services, public safety, traffic calming, and more. You can read more about the proposed investments here.
Finally, there will be a motion to amend Resolution 2021-R026, the paper containing all of Council's submitted amendments to the Richmond 300 Master plan. This paper would ask Planning Commission to incorporate the amendments as an appendix to the plan, and would then use those amendments as a starting point for the comprehensive amendments process in 2025. Since this paper has been on Council's docket for eighteen months without action, I and others believe that this compromise approach is the best path forward for memorializing the amendments, and allowing for a comprehensive and community-informed amendments process.
Following introduction of the amended language, our intent is to continue the paper to Council's January meeting for a vote, to avoid amending and voting on the paper in the same meeting. Once the language of the amendment has been finalized, we will share it out in subsequent newsletters. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Non-Departmental Grants
As a reminder, we're including the same information about the City's grant program that was included in our last newsletter. Reach out if you have any questions!
Do you know of or are a part of a local non-profit or public sector organization doing great work in the City? Now's your chance to apply for City dollars to help support that work.
Applications for the city’s General Fund non-departmental grants, which go to local organizations to fund community-oriented programming, are now available on the City website.
Eligible organizations may apply for the city to fund specific programming in three key priority areas: children, youth and education; housing, human services and health; and the arts and culture. This application continues to be the form for all quasi-governmental organizations to apply for city funding.
Request for Funding Applications for City General Funds must be
submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2022.
Have a wonderful and festive 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.
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
Zoning Changes: as a reminder, there's one more upcoming community engagement meeting being held to discuss proposed zoning changes to short term rentals, accessory dwelling units, and parking minimums on Tuesday at 6pm at the Main Branch Library. More info here.
General Assembly Survey: Delegate Jeff Bourne has put together a 2023 General Assembly session legislative priorities survey for constituents of the 71st District. Much of the 71st and the 2nd Council District overlap, and you can lookup your GA representation here.
Holiday House Tour: the Fan Holiday House Tour is this weekend! 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. Note that some areas already scheduled have been impacted by inclement weather. DPW will be circling back to those routes in the coming weeks.
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.
