Richmond Residents Unite: Demand Greater Investment in Housing Programs

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBOT) - With just seven days left until the city council takes up the vote for the FY 2026 budget, members of the New Virginia Majority gather once more as they prepare to make their voices heard.

Their objective has two parts: they want to convince municipal officials to introduce a rental inspection scheme and secure extra resources for the family crisis initiative.

"The rationale behind requesting $9 million was that it could assist thousands of families rather than only a small portion," stated Peter Finn, a member of the New VA Majority.

The group asserts that the budget proposal dedicates merely one million dollars to the fund, an amount meant to assist individuals finding it difficult to cover essentials like rent or a mortgage.

According to the Eviction Lab In Richmond, the eviction rate stands at approximately 11%, placing it as the second highest nationally.

Maria Lopez states that she submitted her application for the funds during the period when she was unemployed.

"I held out hope that I could get some help, however, when I eventually got a phone call, it turned out there wasn’t any funding available," Lopez stated.

That's why people argue that more funds should be set aside for this purpose.

At the same time, they are advocating for a rental inspection initiative, asserting that this measure will aid in holding landlords responsible through curbing significant rent hikes and guaranteeing the maintenance of residential properties.

“There’s been mold issues where I’ve called and they tell me it’s not mold, it’s fungi,” Dream Boyd said.

On Monday evening, as part of the public commentary segment, a spokesperson for the Virginia majority presented a letter to the council outlining their demands. Following this, members of the group rose, brandished placards, and staged a silent protest.

"I would like to express my gratitude to each one of you here today, as well as those implicitly supporting us through their consent to what has been presented," stated Council President Cynthia Newbille.

Number 12 approached city officials seeking their thoughts on the resident's concerns but didn’t get a reply.

The city council is anticipated to cast their votes on the budget on May 5th.