Council adopts budget after heated public testimony over mobile‑home repairs, eviction relief and process concerns

The Richmond City Council adopted a package of budget ordinances (Ordinances 2025‑57 through 2025‑63) after an extended public hearing and council debate that centered on mobile‑home repair funding, the Family Crisis Fund for eviction prevention, a right‑to‑counsel pilot and the council’s role in the budget process.

Public testimony was dominated by residents and organizers who urged the council to add money to a mobile‑home repair program and to expand the Family Crisis Fund and eviction diversion supports. "I'm asking for a million dollars in the 2026 budget for mobile home repairs," RISC member Beverly Bryant told council; multiple speakers said the mayor had earlier promised funding that did not appear in the published budget. New Virginia Majority lead organizer Peter Finn repeated requests for larger allocations to the Family Crisis Fund and said his group supported the $1,000,000 amendment then on the table while continuing to press for more.

Security officers and contract workers also testified. Kyrie Fields, a security contractor, urged the council and contracting staff to require living wages and allow unionization in upcoming procurement for the city's security contract, saying low wages and lack of benefits undermine stability for low‑paid city contractors.

Councilmembers…