Hello, RVA First District!

Happy New Year, First District! We've got a few updates for you:

👋🏾 A Fond Farewell

Our longtime District Liaison, Whitney Brown, will be transitioning to a new role as a Council Policy Analyst. Her last day in the office will be February 6, 2026 (she will still attend our February District Meeting). Over the past four years, Whitney has been a steady force in First District work, and she will be truly missed!

As we prepare for this transition, our office may be without a liaison for a short period. Whitney will do her best to support a smooth handoff, and we appreciate your patience during this time.

🧹 Street Cleaning Reminder

Street cleaning in our neighborhood resumes today! Please be sure to move your vehicle to avoid towing. "No Parking" signs will be enforced.

🛍️ Plastic Bag Tax Now in Effect

As of January 1st, Richmond’s 5¢ plastic bag tax is now active at grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores citywide. This small shift supports a big goal: reducing waste and funding local sustainability projects. Make it a habit—keep reusable bags in your car, bag, or desk to avoid the fee and protect our environment.

🔗 Learn more about the tax and its benefits here.

👀 Heads up: We’ve received reports of some stores charging for paper bags or charging more than 5 cents per bag. We’re currently looking into whether these practices align with the City’s plastic bag tax ordinance or if they’re independent retailer decisions (like those made by Aldi). Stay tuned.

💰 Real Estate Tax Reminder

This is a reminder that the 2026 First Half Real Estate Tax Bill payments are due January 14, 2026. The Department of Finance offers several payment options, which are listed here. Please note that our office does not process tax payments and cannot troubleshoot payment issues directly. For the quickest assistance, we recommend submitting a ticket through 311 or RVAPay. If you continue to experience issues, feel free to email us your ticket number and we’re happy to help escalate it with Finance on your behalf.

🌳 Richmond INSPIRE Draft Vision Plan Now Open

The 90% draft of the Richmond INSPIRE Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities Plan is now live for public review! This vision outlines goals for accessible, inclusive, and well-maintained park spaces across the city.

📅 Share your thoughts by March 6th

📝 Comment directly on the plan and complete a quick survey: View the Draft Plan & Engage Here

📅 First District Meeting

Remember to join our office at our next First District Meeting on February 25, 2026, from 6 pm to 8 pm, location TBD.

Currently, the agenda includes:

• First District Updates
• Ryan Rinn from the Department of Parks and Recreation will be in attendance to discuss Richmond INSPIRE -- the City’s first Parks & Rec master plan in a generation.
• Q + A

Not able to join us? The meeting will be recorded and posted on our YouTube channel.  Please register to attend and to submit questions in advance here

• In the “First District Focus” section, you’ll also find:
• An update on the Zoning Code Refresh
• An update on Council legislation, including the FOIA Library
• The latest on SUPs in the District

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Be mindful of these other upcoming deadlines and important reminders:

• Don’t forget to check out the latest edition of Mayor Avula’s “Hey, Richmond” newsletter—a roundup of City updates, programs, and stories. Read the newsletter and sign up here.

• DPU Street Work is scheduled across the First District. As always, completion timelines are weather-dependent. Stay informed on these and other utility-related updates by signing up for CivicReady or following @DPUStreetNews. For a map of current street projects, click here.

• The City is accepting applications for its Healthy Homes Rehabilitation Program, designed to help eligible residents make critical repairs that improve the safety, accessibility, and longevity of their homes. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will remain open until all funds are disbursed; therefore, interested residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. More information about the Healthy Homes program, including the application, can be found here.

• The Code Refresh Draft Two maps and use regulations are now live! Residents are encouraged to leave comments on both the maps and the use regulations using the interactive versions below. We recommend you access these via desktop for the best user experience. You can read more in the Planning Department's recent newsletter.

Draft Two Map (Interactive)

Draft Two Zoning Regulations (Interactive)

Draft Two Map (PDF)

Draft Two Zoning Regulations (PDF)

November 2025 Open House Boards (PDF)

While our office values the feedback and concerns regarding the Code Refresh, Council cannot act on them at this time. The most effective way to voice your opinion is to share it directly with Planning at  richmond300@rva.govand/or by leaving your comments on the draft zoning maps. The comment period is open until February 15, 2026, and keep in mind that the proposed changes are not imminent and are still in draft form.

Public Engagement Opportunities:

• Zoning Advisory Council Meeting: Wednesday, January 14, 2025, from 4-6:30 pm

Thanks to those who were able to attend the previous open houses. We will keep you updated on other upcoming public engagement opportunities.

• Save the date! Our next district meeting is on February 25, 2026, from 6 pm to 8 pm at TBD. Please register to attend and submit questions in advance here.

• The City of Richmond’s Gap Grant Program is one of seven programs collectively known as RVA Stay. The Gap Grant Program provides a one-time income-based grant in the amount of $1,200 to qualifying applicants. Applications are currently being accepted through December 31, 2025. $3.9 million worth of grant funding will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Please review the Gap Grant Program eligibility requirements to learn more about the program.

Thank you for being an engaged part of our district. We look forward to sharing more updates with you soon.