New Councilmember Orientation Series 2023

Municipal Finance and Budgeting

Finance staff provided an overview of municipal finances, the current (FY22-23) adopted budget and Capital Improvement Plan, the State Audit Corrective Action Plan, the budget calendar that guides the budget process, and the guiding fiscal policy that was adopted by the Richmond City Council.                                               

Housing Element

Community Development staff discussed the purpose and goals of the Housing Element, as well as the status and various components of it. Additionally, Richmond's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) was also discussed.

Richmond Housing Authority (RHA) and Public Housing Authority Recovery and Sustainability (PHARS)

Richmond Housing Authority (RHA) staff discussed the status of the various RHA properties and the PHARS agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Economic Development Vision and Plan

Staff from the City Manager's Office, Economic Development provided an overview of the current goals, the action plan, accomplishments and the importance of investing into the city's economic engine.

City staff retention, accountability, and goals

Human Resources Department staff provided an overview of recruitment strategies, new hires and internal promotions, employee accountability and departmental goals, challenges, and accomplishments.

Residential Development Projects

Community Development Department staff provided an overview of the various housing development that are currently under construction, have been approved for construction, and those that are still under review.

Department of Children and Youth

Staff from the Department of Children and Youth provided an overview of the departmental functions, including the community input and grant processes, current grantees, and future planned work of the department.

Risk Management and General Liability

Risk Management staff provided an overview of the city's Workers' Compensation process as well as that General Liability claims process.

State Audit Corrective Action Plan

Staff provided an overview of the recommendations provided by the State Auditor, the Corrective Action Plan that was developed to address these matters, and the current progress on the plan. 

Environmental Manager Samantha Carr provided an overview the current Environmental Health Initiatives team, an overview of their duties as well as recent and current projects.

Staff from the Finance Department provided insight on state and local procurement laws, the BidsOnline system used for soliticing proposals/qualifications, contract timelines, the types of procurements, and the City's Cal-Card program.