Richmond officials outline Mayor Ulloa—Y2026 budget; council members press for more time, data

Interim Chief Administrative Officer Sabrina Joy Hogg presented Mayor Ulloa—Y2026 proposed revenue and operating budget to the Richmond City Council during a budget work session, laying out a $1.1 billion general-fund plan and a five-year forecast that, she said, shows expenditures outpacing revenues and a growing structural gap.

Hogg said the proposed budget depends on projected general-fund revenue growth of $54.6 million (5.5 percent), driven primarily by real-estate tax revenue. She warned the council that a change in the city—s assessment cycle means a de facto assessment "freeze" for tax year 2027 and urged strategic planning now to prepare for constrained revenue in that year. "This year's budget is a budget built on resiliency," Hogg said.

Council members responded with repeated requests for more time, clearer detail and public access to supporting documents. Council member Gibson said the timing and distribution of materials left members and residents without adequate time to review and scrutinize the mayor's proposals: "This is not how we govern," she said, urging earlier presentation and public posting of Q&A and supporting data.

Why it matters: Hogg described near-term budget choices (raise revenue, increase efficiencies, reduce expenditures) as necessary to preserve core services. She highlighted constraints unique to Richmond, including a high share of tax-exempt property (state buildings, universities, hospitals) that she said reduces local taxing capacity and a misalignment of the reassessment calendar with the fiscal year that the city is correcting by moving to a biennial assessment cycle. "One penny of the dollar in the tax rate is equal to about $4,200,000 in general fund revenue," Hogg said, pointing to the fiscal leverage of small tax-rate changes.

Key details from the presentation and council discussion

- Revenues and forecast: Hogg said general-fund revenues are projected to grow by about $54.6 million in FY2026, producing a $1.1 billion general fund. Real-estate tax…