Richmond Daily: Housing budget preview, downtown protest, roadwork outlook
Richmond, VA – March 1, 2026 – Avula previews a $23M housing push, VDOT posts lane-closure outlook, protesters rally downtown, and Spiders fall at Loyola.
Top story: Budget season and housing
Mayor Danny Avula offered an early preview of Richmond’s next budget, saying he plans to propose more than $23 million in housing-related investments aimed at building new affordable units and helping current residents stay in their homes. The full spending plan is expected March 11, as the city heads into a tighter cycle with real estate tax assessments scheduled to be frozen next fiscal year.
The outline includes a proposed $11.7 million for the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund (used for grants and loans tied to affordable housing creation and preservation), plus money for tax relief programs for older adults and people with disabilities. Avula also highlighted funding tied to eviction prevention and tenant support, and said the city wants to keep momentum on major redevelopment efforts that will require careful resident transition planning.
Civic action downtown
On Saturday afternoon, a couple dozen people rallied near the Maggie Walker statue to protest the overnight U.S. strikes on Iran. Organizers described the gathering as part of a coordinated set of demonstrations across the country, with speakers urging opposition to escalation and a return to diplomacy.
Traffic and roadwork: Plan extra time
VDOT’s Richmond District weekly traffic alert flags potential delays from Feb. 28 through March 6, with work zones and lane closures that can shift day to day depending on weather and crews. If you’re driving I-64, I-95, I-295, or major state routes around the metro, checking 511Virginia before you leave can save real time.
Quick hits
Weather watch: Forecasters are calling for a mild weekend, followed by a colder start to the week with a chance of a wintry mix that could create slick spots, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Spiders fall in a close one: Richmond men’s basketball lost 69–66 at Loyola Chicago on Saturday, with AJ Lopez leading the Spiders with 23 points.
Looking ahead
A local TV roundup of March events points to a packed early-spring schedule, including awards and performances downtown and touring shows at major venues. As always, double-check venue policies and start times before heading out, especially on nights when weather could complicate travel.
Sources
https://www.richmonder.org/ahead-of-march-budget-plans-avula-outlines-23-million-in-proposed-housing-investments/
https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond-protest-us-strikes-iran-feb-28-2026
https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/news-events/news/richmond-district/richmond-district-weekly-traffic-alert-february-28-march-6-2026.php
https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/02/28/first-alert-forecast-mild-sunny-saturday/
https://www.wtvr.com/sports/loyola-chicago-richmond-recap-feb-28-2026
https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/03/01/whats-happening-rva-this-march/
