The City of Richmond will celebrate a major People’s Budget and GRTC milestone with a community ride-along and dedication for the Lombardy/Kroger bus shelter.  

This project is:  

• The first shelter completed by People’s Budget Cycle One  
• The 90th shelter installed through GRTC’s Essential Transit Infrastructure (ETI) program  
• A significant achievement for resident‑driven investment across the City

The community‑selected shelter, a $50,000 project, was one of the top‑voted priorities in 2nd District, with nearly half of all district participants supporting its installation.  

"This shelter demonstrates how public infrastructure can reflect community priorities when residents are empowered to shape the City's investment decisions," said Jerome Legions, Richmond People's Budget founding Steering Commission member. "The People's Budget process ensures voices from every neighborhood directly influence improvements that matter."  

“Partnership has been critical to advancing bus stop improvements across our system,” said Adrienne Torres, GRTC Chief of Staff and Chief Development Officer. “Support from the City, our regional partners and the Commonwealth, including legislation passed in 2024, has helped strengthen the framework for investing in essential transit infrastructure and improving access for our riders.” 

The stop serves riders traveling toward Laburnum, Chamberlayne, and Westbrook corridors, strengthening a key connector between the 2nd and 3rd Districts.  

This project also supports the Department of Public Works’ Vision Zero Action Plan, which aims to reduce traffic fatalities to zero by 2030. Buses are a critical part of achieving this goal because they offer a safer way to travel. 

"The budget is a joint plan between the community, elected officials, and staff," said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. "This shelter is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when those partners align on the planning, transparency, and commitment necessary to get projects done for the betterment of Richmond." 

"What excites me most about this is seeing Richmond’s commitment to listening to residents and investing in their priorities come to life in a project that people can see, use, and enjoy,” said Councilmember Katherine Jordan. "I'm extremely grateful for all of the folks that gave their time and energy"  

Event Details

September 15, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:30 PM   

Ride‑along on GRTC Route, beginning at City Hall and concluding at the Lombardy Kroger shelter  

Schedule 

5:15 PM – Check‑in at City Hall  

5:30 PM – Board bus; rolling Q&A  

5:55 PM – Arrive at shelter  

6:00 PM – Remarks and placement of People’s Budget Completion Badge; cupcakes  

6:20 PM – Return to City Hall  

Media may interview project champions, People’s Budget Steering Commission members, City Council representatives, Office of Community Engagement staff, the Chief Administrative Officer, and GRTC personnel.  

Photos and video of the badge placement will be available.  

Residents can learn more about People’s Budget Cycle One, including project updates at rvapb.org. To stay current and learn more about how to participate in the People’s Budget, subscribe to "The People’s Purse" newsletter.

About the Richmond People’s Budget  

The Richmond People’s Budget is the City’s participatory budgeting program, allowing residents to propose and vote on capital improvements in their neighborhoods. Cycle One concluded in May 2025 with 33 funded projects across the city. Beginning in July 2026, the People’s Budget program became a part of the Chief Administrative Officer’s new Community Engagement initiative, which works across city government to create more transparent, accessible, and resident‑centered pathways for civic participation.  

About GRTC’s Essential Transit Infrastructure (ETI) Program  

Launched in 2022, ETI improves accessibility, safety, comfort, and dignity at bus stops through shelters, benches, ADA‑accessible landing pads, lighting, and other amenities.  

Media Contact:

Monica Annette Manney

Public Information Manager, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

Email: monica.manney@rva.gov