“I am excited to have made it to this point in the budget process, and I’m grateful for everyone continuing to roll up their sleeves and stay engaged in the work. Throughout these discussions, I’ve seen a shared focus on meeting Richmond’s needs responsibly and making the most of every public dollar.  

This week’s progress reflects a lot of hard work between Council and the Administration to advance critical priorities through a redesigned process, and productive and professional discourse. The Council asked many good questions and our administration worked tirelessly to provide the information they need for decision-making. This matters because it shows we can come together, make smart choices, and keep delivering for Richmond residents.  

We found budget-neutral ways of addressing some suggested amendments, worked together to reallocate the GAP grant to fund other amendments, and adjusted minor revenue and expenditure forecasts to add a few needed positions for shared priorities. 

We look forward to working through the remaining steps in the budget process and delivering a responsible budget for a thriving Richmond.”  

• For more information about the FY27 budget process, visit FY27 Budget Season
• Budget in Brief: (A Brief) Roadmap to a Thriving Richmond

The City of Richmond Department of Finance announced today the delivery of the 2026 personal property tax bills. Property owners should expect to receive their bills beginning today, April 20, 2026. 

The City of Richmond offers a convenient and secure online payment option through the enhanced RVAPay system, the City’s official payment portal. RVAPay allows residents to pay their personal property tax bills conveniently and securely. Taxpayers must create a RVAPay account to pay online at rvapay.rva.gov. There are no service fees for payments made through the RVAPay portal.  

In-person and mail-in payment options are also available. Additional details are included with each bill. 

“We want to make this process as seamless as possible for our residents,” said  Director of Finance Letitia Shelton . “We encourage all taxpayers to review bills promptly and to take advantage of the convenience RVAPay provides. As always, our team is standing by to help with any questions or concerns you may have.” 

Questions about personal property tax bills, payment options, or other related matters may be directed to the City’s 311 Customer Service Center by dialing 3-1-1 from anywhere inside of the City (or 804-646-7000 outside the City limits) or by visiting rva311.com. Customer service representatives are available to assist during normal business hours. 

Personal Property Tax payments are due Friday, June 5, 2026 .

“It’s never fun getting a bill in the mail,” said  Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II , “That’s why it is imperative that we ensure accuracy and simplicity in process. Ultimately, these resources fund the essential City services that we all benefit from: public safety, infrastructure, community programs, and so much more. Our responsibility is to make the process for our taxpayers seamless.”  

The City of Richmond thanks residents and businesses for their continued cooperation and prompt attention to their tax obligations.  

Richmond Police Department detectives have identified the male who died in the apparent drowning on Saturday in the James River as Pramanik Rukunuzzaman, 21, of Henrico County.

On Saturday at approximately 5:11 p.m., officers were called to assist units from the Richmond Fire Department Water Rescue Team in the 500 block of Tredegar Street for a report of a person submerged in the river.

RPD Swift Water Rescue located the adult male, Rukunuzzaman, in the river and transported him to the north bank to attempt life-saving measures. He was transported to a local hospital where on Saturday he succumbed to his injury.

The Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

Detectives with the RPD Major Crimes division are continuing to investigate this incident but at this time it is being investigated as an accidental drowning.

Anyone with information about this death investigation is asked to call Major CrimesDetective M. Gouldman at (804) 646-3915 or call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 app may also be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. (Canvass) | 11:00 a.m. (Provisional Ballots)
Location: Training Center B (Voter Registration)
2134 W. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, Virginia

The Richmond City Electoral Board will meet, subject to recess and reconvening, beginning on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to canvass the returns and ascertain the results of the April 21, 2026, Special Election for the Proposed Constitutional Amendment, pursuant to Va. Code § 24.2-671. General election matters may also be discussed.

The Electoral Board will also meet, subject to recess and reconvening, beginning on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., to determine the qualifications of each person, if any, who submitted a provisional ballot for the April 21, 2026 election, pursuant to Va. Code § 24.2-653.01.

It is anticipated that the Board will enter a Limited Access/Closed Session to fully consider the qualifications of provisional voters beginning on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Attendance at this meeting shall be limited to appropriate staff, the Electoral Board, individuals whose provisional ballots are being considered (with legal counsel, if present), and one authorized representative of each political party. Authorized representatives must be qualified voters in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Meeting Agenda

Two Additional Persons Charged in North 18th Street Double Homicide Investigation

Following grand jury indictments, two additional persons have been charged in the investigation of the North 18^th Street double homicide incident.

Antoine Hockaday, II, 27, of Henrico County, surrendered at the Richmond Justice Center on April 10 without incident. He has now been charged with accessory after the fact in a murder. His booking photo is attached.

Xavier Thomas, 27, of Petersburg, was taken into custody in a regional jurisdiction on April 15. He has now been charged with possession of a firearm by a non-violent felon. His booking photo is not yet available.

On Saturday, February 21 at approximately 2:47 a.m., a Richmond Police Department officer on patrol in Shockoe Bottom observed a large crowd engaged in apparent confrontations in the 00-block of North 18^th Street. The officer responded and found an adult female, Genesis Jones, 23, of Petersburg, down and unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Additional officers arrived and found an adult male, Dominic Jackson, 42, of Henrico County, down and unresponsive. He had also suffered apparent gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

In addition to Jones and Jackson, seven other adults were shot and transported to local hospitals. Hockaday was one of the individuals injured during the incident. Two other individuals injured during the incident were charged in March for their role in the shootings.

Additional charges against those involved in this incident are possible.

Anyone with further information about these shootings is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Sergeant M. Gouldman at (804) 646-3915 or call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.