Richmond daily local headlines: school budget, FY27 preview, transit tweaks, pothole blitz
Richmond, VA – March 4, 2026 – Schools set a $550M budget, City previews FY27 housing and safety spending, plus transit and pothole updates.
Top local headlines
1) Richmond Public Schools budget moves forward
The Richmond School Board approved a $550 million budget for fiscal year 2027, pushing the plan into the next phase of city and state funding decisions. The budget package includes wage and benefit items tied to union agreements and keeps funding in the plan for the Richmond Virtual Academy after a board vote.
District leaders also warned that final numbers still hinge on state budget choices and how much local funding is ultimately provided, meaning cuts discussed earlier this season could return if revenues come in lower than expected.
2) City budget preview emphasizes housing stability and safety
Mayor Danny Avula and city leaders previewed parts of the upcoming FY27 proposal ahead of the full budget release on March 11. The early outline highlights expanded affordable housing funding, support for public-housing redevelopment planning, and anti-displacement tools such as eviction diversion and right-to-counsel support.
The preview also calls for courthouse renovation and safety improvements, framing the package as a mix of neighborhood stability investments and public-safety infrastructure.
3) GRTC trims some service as it works through a driver shortage
GRTC has temporarily adjusted some bus service to better match available operators, with riders most likely to notice changes at night and on weekends. The goal, according to the agency, is fewer last-minute trip cancellations while staffing rebuilds through ongoing training classes.
4) Pothole ‘blitz’ gets a public kickoff
City officials are launching a three-week pothole repair blitz, with a public demonstration scheduled Wednesday at Forest Hill Avenue and Bliley Road. Residents are being asked to report problem spots through 311 so crews can prioritize repairs.
Sources
- https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-03-03/rps-jason-kamras-percival-hedgepeth-stanley-avula-rea-public-schools
- https://www.rva.gov/press-releases-and-announcements/news/mayor-avula-city-leaders-partners-outline-fy27-budget
- https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/03/02/grtc-adjusts-bus-routes-amid-driver-shortage/
- https://www.rva.gov/press-releases-and-announcements-public-works/news/press-invitation-city-officials-kick-major
