In the heart of Richmond City Hall, a chorus of voices rose on September 8, 2025, as residents passionately urged the city council to prioritize housing justice and anti-rent gouging protections. The meeting, filled with personal stories and urgent pleas, highlighted the struggles many Richmonders face in an increasingly challenging rental market.

One of the most compelling testimonies came from a resident who emphasized the devastating impact of rent hikes, likening displacement to deportation. “Displacement through rent hikes tears apart families and erodes community,” she stated, calling for the council to adopt a trust policy similar to Arlington's, which would protect vulnerable residents from predatory landlords. Her message resonated with many, as she urged the council to choose dignity and housing stability over fear and instability.

Jana Hobbs, another resident, shared her own harrowing experience with rent gouging, detailing how her landlord forced her to move mid-lease and raised her rent significantly. “We live in a time where more protections for vulnerable communities are needed,” she said, advocating for the inclusion of anti-rent gouging measures in the state legislative agenda. Her heartfelt appeal underscored the emotional toll that housing insecurity takes on families, as she expressed her longing to return to her beloved neighborhood.

Casey Miller, a renter in the Seventh District, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that 56% of Richmond residents rent their homes. She pointed out that rising rents are outpacing wages, pushing families out of neighborhoods they have called home for generations. “Housing is a human right,” she declared, urging the council to stand up for renters and prioritize anti-rent gouging legislation. Miller's remarks also touched on the misallocation of public funds, questioning why money set aside for affordable housing was being diverted to other projects.

The meeting also addressed broader issues of community safety and immigrant rights. Lisa DeLeo, a teacher and member of the New Virginia Majority Solidarity Committee, called for protections for the immigrant community, emphasizing the need for policies that prevent collaboration with ICE. “We must prioritize protecting affordable housing as well as immigrant communities,” she urged, highlighting the interconnectedness of housing rights and community safety.

As the meeting progressed, residents expressed their frustrations over a lack of action from the council regarding illegal group homes in their neighborhoods. Rich Prado shared his distress over a nearby group home housing violent offenders, questioning the city’s accountability in ensuring community safety. His plea for urgent action underscored the complexities of local governance and the pressing need for effective oversight.

The evening concluded with a sense of urgency and determination among the speakers. Richmonders are calling for a government that prioritizes the needs of its residents, advocating for fairness and stability in housing. As the council considers these heartfelt testimonies, the future of housing justice in Richmond hangs in the balance, with residents hopeful for meaningful change.