In today's newsletter, we provide an update on real estate tax rebates, announce our April Second District community meeting, and more. As always, be sure to check out the bulletin board for upcoming events, City resources, and engagement opportunities.
Real Estate Tax Rebates
As you may recall, Council passed legislation last year to issue a one-time real estate tax rebate to all property owners in the City. Rebates are being distributed to property owners in the form of mailed checks, which began to be sent out in March, and in some cases as direct credits to real estate account holders with the City. All checks are expected to be delivered by April 14th.
If you are an eligible property owner (owned property in the City as of June 30th of last year) and by April 14th you have not received either a credit or a check, please inquire with the Finance Department by calling 311. If you have any other questions about the program, check out Finance's informational page.
April Second District Community Meeting
Save the date! Our next Second District community meeting is coming up on Wednesday, April 19th at 6pm. We will be focusing specifically on the City budget, including the Mayor's proposal, Council submitted amendments, and Second District specific priorities.
We are currently planning on this meeting being virtual. You can access the Zoom link here, and check out the Facebook event for updated agenda information and to RSVP here.
Council Week Ahead
I want to highlight a number of important Council meetings coming up next week, including:
City Council's Next Budget Work Session will be held on Monday at 1:00pm. An in-depth review of the Mayor's budget proposal, which was introduced March 6th, can be found here. You can find more info on the work session meeting here.
City Planning Commission meets on Monday at 1:30pm. Of note, they will consider City Council's submitted appendix amendments to the Richmond 300 Master Plan, as well as proposed changes to the TOD-1 zoning District. You can view the full agenda here.
The Governmental Operations Committee will meet on Wednesday at 1pm. The committee, which I chair, will be receiving presentations from the Department of Public Utilities on proposed utility rates and the rate-setting process, as well as from City staff on City facilities. There will also be consideration of the Mayor's proposed amendments to a newly re-formed History & Culture Commission. You can view the full agenda here.
The Land Use, Housing & Transportation Committee will meet on Thursday at 2pm. The agenda includes consideration of a paper that myself and Councilor Lambert have introduced to repeal the prohibition on a roundabout at the Laburnum and Hermitage intersection. You can check out our previous newsletter from earlier this year if you want to learn more on this paper.
The Public Art Commission meets on Thursday at 3:30pm. The agenda is not yet uploaded, but you can check back early next week for updates here.
Last but certainly not least, a huge shout-out to the Second District's very own VCU Men's Basketball team for not only their A-10 regular season title, but also for winning it all in the A-10 tournament! Good luck to VCU in their NCAA tournament first round matchup today at 2pm against St. Mary's! If you want to support the Rams in-person, there will be a watch party at the Commons Theater, located inside the University Student Commons on the 900 block of Floyd Avenue on VCU’s campus. More info on how to watch the game live here.
Have a wonderful weekend, and go Rams!
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.
For more information on testing options, the latest CDC guidance, and vaccinations, check out the RCHD's latest weekly update here.
Bulletin Board
Business of Climate Event: next Thursday from 11am to 1:30pm the Richmond Chamber is convening "The Business of Climate," a discussion on how climate change threatens our region's economy now and into the future at the Science Museum. You can register here.
Monument Avenue 10K: Get your tickets for this year's 10K, taking place on Saturday, April 22nd. Tickets and more info here.
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.
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.
