Housing Opportunities Made Equal seeks funding to support Richmond's voucher holders

The Richmond City Council held a special meeting on April 21-22, 2025, addressing critical funding and staffing issues impacting local services. The meeting featured discussions on housing support and salary supplements for court staff, highlighting the city's ongoing challenges in these areas.

The first speaker, representing Housing Opportunities Made Equal, urged the council to restore funding for two essential programs that had been eliminated from the proposed budget. These programs support housing vouchers and investigate housing discrimination in Richmond. The speaker emphasized the importance of these services, sharing a poignant example of a mother who faced repeated discrimination while seeking housing with a voucher. The organization has been active in Richmond for over 50 years and argued that continued funding is vital for assisting residents and enforcing fair housing laws.

Following this, Ed Jewett, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, addressed the council regarding a proposed salary supplement for his deputy clerks. He pointed out that Richmond's circuit court is one of only three in Virginia that does not receive state funding, placing a financial burden on the city to support court operations. Jewett highlighted the disparity in salaries compared to neighboring jurisdictions, noting that starting salaries for his staff are significantly lower than those in Chesterfield County and other nearby areas. He reported losing several employees to better-paying positions, stressing that competitive salaries are essential for retaining skilled staff and maintaining effective court services.

The discussions underscored the pressing need for the city to address funding gaps in both housing support and court staffing to ensure continued service delivery to Richmond residents. The council's decisions in these areas will have significant implications for the community's well-being and the effectiveness of local governance.