Richmond Daily Brief: School Board Shake‑Up, Tax Vote, and a Packed Weekend

Education

Richmond Public Schools leadership shifted this week with the appointment of Anne Holton to the School Board’s 6th District seat. The move comes as the board navigates major budget uncertainty and proposed cuts for the upcoming school year.

Holton brings decades of experience in public education and state government, along with deep local ties. Her appointment is expected to add stability during a tense budget season, with long-term implications for staffing, programs, and school resources citywide.

City Hall

Richmond City Council voted to keep the real estate tax rate unchanged, siding with the mayor’s administration after a contentious debate. While the rate itself will stay the same, many homeowners are still likely to see higher bills due to rising property assessments.

Supporters of the decision argued that lowering the rate would have forced difficult cuts to city services. Opponents countered that residents are feeling squeezed by housing costs and inflation. The vote underscores an ongoing tension at City Hall between revenue growth and tax relief.

Things to Do This Weekend

Richmond heads into Super Bowl weekend with a full calendar of events across the city. From theater and live music to museum programs and food-focused festivals, there’s no shortage of options for residents staying local.

Family-friendly daytime activities mix with evening performances and themed parties, offering something for nearly every age and interest. Cultural celebrations, special exhibits, and downtown events are expected to draw strong crowds through Sunday.

Looking Ahead

With education funding, housing affordability, and city finances all in focus, the decisions made this week are likely to echo well beyond February. As Richmond balances growth with affordability, residents can expect these conversations to continue into spring.

Sources

https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/03/anne-holton-joins-richmond-school-board

https://www.richmonder.org/siding-with-avula-council-rejects-push-to-lower-real-estate-tax-bills/

https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/05/richmond-weekend-events-super-bowl