Local government doesn’t happen in a vacuum! Advancing a Thriving Richmond means working across federal, state, and regional levels to make sure that our city has the resources and partnerships it needs to get things done. The Office of Intergovernmental Affairs is responsible for fostering those close working relationships with policymakers, leaders, and partners.
Richmond at the General Assembly
One of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs' biggest tasks every year is advocating for Richmond's people and places during Virginia's General Assembly Session and as the Legislature and the Governor's Executive Administration do their work to champion changes to the Code of Virginia.
Want to follow along with our progress for the 2026 General Assembly session?
- Explore the General Assembly calendar and website to learn more about how our colleagues across Broad Street work.
- Check out our legislative priorities from the start of the General Assembly session (January 2026).
- See some of the priorities that made it through Crossover (February 2026).
- Hear from OIA Director Ruth Morrison at the end of the General Assembly session (March 2026).
- Explore where we stand at Sine Die, when the General Assembly's regular session concludes (posted April 2026).
Recent Updates
“The City of Richmond truly appreciates the Commonwealth’s continued commitment to investing in the priorities that matter most to our residents. The General Assembly’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and investing in the needs of working families has been critical and will benefit communities across the Commonwealth.
Richmond’s specific needs were prioritized in the new biennium budget, and we thank the Budget Conferees, House and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee members, and the full General Assembly for their shared support for Virginia’s Capital City.
We are especially grateful for the substantial funding dedicated to the Combined Sewer Overflow project, drinking water capital improvements, expanded resources essential for RPS, and the demolition of the Coliseum to make way for economic development. We are also grateful for the investments in housing, eviction‑prevention programs, and public health and human services in a moment when the federal government has destabilized and cut back on essential services our communities have long relied on.
These commitments will help Richmond advance long-term infrastructure needs, support families, and improve quality of life across our neighborhoods. We thank the General Assembly and the Administration for their partnership and for recognizing the essential role of a thriving Capital City for the future of the Commonwealth.”
The state passed a budget on June 29th! Here are some highlights for Richmond:
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We received the authority to let voters decide whether to increase funding for Richmond Public Schools buildings with a 1% sales tax increase. If successful, Mayor Avula would pair that increase with targeted tax relief on the Meals Tax and property tax, while still netting more money to support our kids.
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$20 million for our water treatment plant to keep the taps on.
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$15 million to make room for a thriving downtown by removing the Coliseum.
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$50 million for the James, thanks to water quality champion Delegate Carr. This money will help us to fix our combined sewer system and keep our river clean.
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Continued support for the Virginia Eviction Reduction Program, providing just-in-time direct money for individuals at risk of losing their home.
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Expansion of the Safer Communities Program, supporting efforts in the community to prevent gun violence and increase opportunity for youth.
And what about those new laws? Many of the bills the General Assembly passed this session went into effect on July 1st.
