Richmond · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Richmond public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 State Legislative Agenda: Housing Powers and Tenant Protections
The city is asking Richmond's state legislators for more tools to fight displacement, protect renters, regulate short-term rentals and deal with vacant property. Key asks include the long-term owner occupancy program (which needs a constitutional amendment) and powers to crackdown on predatory lenders and 'rent-a-banks.'
Church Hill and Meadow Street special-use proposals
The commission recommended approving a 12-child day nursery on 4th Avenue and two new houses on North 36th Street, though three neighbors spoke against the Church Hill project.
Code Refresh draft three debate
Three speakers weighed in on the zoning rewrite: critics say draft three gutted the original transformative upzoning, while one urged a middle path emphasizing design standards and transit-oriented development.
Southside engagement gaps
Multiple members demanded dramatically expanded outreach on the Southside before Draft 3 is finalized — including direct contact with every household in the 8th and 9th Districts — and a breakdown of where the 5,000 engaged residents live.
Occupancy limits for unrelated households
The current code caps unrelated housemates at three; Draft 2 proposed eight. Draft 3 may move the limit out of zoning entirely and let the building code decide based on bedrooms. Members split — some want to keep three, others say four or five is realistic.