The Richmond City Council held a formal meeting on September 8, 2025, addressing pressing issues surrounding affordable housing and police reform. The meeting began with public comments highlighting the urgent need for action on the city’s housing crisis, which has left many residents unable to afford rent.

Regina Largent, a long-time Richmond resident, shared a personal account of her nephew's struggle to find affordable housing, emphasizing the dire situation faced by many families in the city. She noted a significant shortage of 16,000 affordable housing units, calling for the city council to take more decisive action to address this crisis. Largent criticized the council for neglecting existing ordinances aimed at improving housing availability.

Several speakers, including Ralph Hodge and Alex Krieger, echoed Largent's concerns, urging the council to prioritize funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. They expressed strong support for compensating individuals wrongfully convicted, such as Mr. Grimm, but opposed using funds from the affordable housing budget for this purpose. Hodge pointed out that the funds were meant to support affordable housing initiatives and should not be diverted.

Councilwoman Robertson acknowledged the speakers' concerns and reiterated the importance of addressing the housing crisis. She noted that the need for affordable housing continues to grow, with the number of required units likely exceeding previous estimates. Robertson committed to working with the administration to ensure that the city adheres to its obligations regarding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue and action on these critical issues, as council members recognized the necessity of addressing both housing and justice system reforms to better serve the Richmond community. The council plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings, emphasizing the need for accountability and effective solutions to the city's challenges.