Today, Mayor Danny Avula outlined key investments in Pillar One: A Thriving City Hall , highlighting how the FY27 proposed budget strengthens the workforce that delivers essential services and supports the Mayor's goal of building a high-performing City Hall . 

The FY27 proposed budget includes an estimated $263.5 million citywide investment related to collective bargaining, representing an increase of approximately $22.1 million over FY26. This estimate includes salary adjustments, negotiated market-based compensation changes, personnel costs, and operational expenses associated with labor agreements. 

Mayor Avula is funding all collective bargaining commitments and providing raises for police, fire, and other union-represented employees beginning July 2026, along with equivalent adjustments for non-union employees performing the same work. 

Pillar One focuses on transforming Richmond’s local government into a model public-sector organization that stewards resources effectively and consistently meets community needs. A City Hall that gets results starts with investing in the people who keep Richmond running every day. 

Some of the key FY27 proposed investments supporting a Thriving City Hall include: 

• Sworn police and fire personnel will receive an average compensation increase of approximately 6.73%, which includes negotiated pay adjustments and step increases effective July 2026;
• Union-represented employees across other collective bargaining units will receive a 3.25% salary increase, consistent with their agreements, effective July 2026;
• Non-union employees performing work similar to union-represented positions will also receive a 3.25% salary increase effective July 2026;
• For other non-union employees, the proposed budget delays a 3% cost of living adjustment until January 2027. 

“Richmond’s success depends on the people who show up every day to keep our city running — from firefighters and police officers to the employees who maintain our infrastructure, support our neighborhoods, and deliver essential services,” said  Mayor Danny Avula . “If we want a City Hall that gets things done, we have to invest in the people who make that work possible.” 

These investments are part of a broader strategy to strengthen City Hall’s ability to deliver results for Richmond residents while building a workforce that reflects Richmond’s commitment to service, accountability, and excellence. 

This preview is part of a series of early looks at how the FY27 proposed budget advances the Mayor’s vision for a Thriving Richmond, including  Thriving Neighborhoods ,  Thriving Families , Thriving Economies , and a Thriving City Hall. 

Mayor Avula will present the full FY27 proposed budget publicly on March 11 at 3:00 p.m . and submit it to City Council for review and deliberation.

For more information about the FY27 budget process, visit FY27 Budget Season | Richmond