Tuesday, June 3, 2025

The council approved the $644 million city budget for next fiscal year after reviewing spending plans across all departments. The budget moves forward for final adoption at a future meeting.

The council approved annual assessment rates for the Hilltop neighborhood landscaping district in a 6-1 vote, with Cesar Zepeda voting no. The district provides landscaping, irrigation repairs, and graffiti removal funded by property owner assessments. A similar 3% increase for Marina Bay property assessments for landscape and lighting maintenance was approved unanimously.

The council approved 11 routine items on consent, including a revised $43 million state grant for Metrowalk Phase 2 affordable housing project and $34,058 for 96 defibrillator battery packs with maintenance plan. Other items included recognizing Gun Violence Awareness Month and setting the pension tax rate at 0.14%.

Discussion of a cost-sharing agreement where the Rent Board administers city housing laws was continued to a future meeting. The board currently pays the city $2.3 million in overhead costs since 2016, which officials say makes collaboration difficult.

The council discussed studying a law to limit corporate ownership of residential properties as Richmond faces rising housing costs from investor purchases. Staff also presented required vacancy data showing 165 vacant positions out of 808 total jobs, a 20% vacancy rate.