In a vibrant gathering at Richmond City Hall, the Organizational Development Standing Committee convened on March 3, 2025, to discuss the Richmond People's Budget, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering residents to influence city spending. Civic Engagement Coordinator Leliana Delgado led the presentation, highlighting the program's goal to allocate $3 million from the fiscal year 2026 budget across the city's nine districts, allowing community members aged 14 and older to propose and vote on capital improvement projects.

Delgado explained that the Richmond People's Budget is rooted in participatory budgeting principles, which began in Brazil and have been adopted by various cities worldwide. The initiative encourages residents to engage directly in the budgeting process, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. The Steering Commission, composed of local residents, utilized the RVA 2050 social vulnerability map to guide funding distribution, ensuring that resources are directed to areas with the greatest need.

The process kicked off with an idea collection phase, where over 1,900 suggestions were gathered from the community. These ideas spanned various priorities, including public mobility, parks and recreation, environmental safety, health, and cultural initiatives. Following this, budget delegates—selected representatives from each district—refined these ideas into feasible project proposals. The voting phase is set to take place from April 1 to April 15, where residents will have the opportunity to rank their preferred projects for funding.

The committee also heard from VCU professors Dr. Brittany Keegan and Dr. Victor Tan Chen, who are evaluating the participatory budgeting process. Their preliminary findings indicate strong community enthusiasm, with 77% of survey respondents feeling their perspectives are valued. However, concerns about trust in local government and the need for broader outreach were also noted, particularly among historically marginalized communities.

Council members expressed excitement about the initiative, emphasizing its potential to enhance civic engagement and address long-standing inequities in city investment. They acknowledged the importance of securing funding for future cycles of the Richmond People's Budget and discussed strategies to improve outreach and participation, particularly in underrepresented neighborhoods.

As the meeting concluded, the council members reiterated their commitment to fostering a more inclusive budgeting process that reflects the voices of all Richmond residents. The Richmond People's Budget represents a significant step toward a more participatory and equitable governance model, promising to reshape how the city allocates resources and engages with its community.