The Richmond City Council adopted its consent agenda on Nov. 11, 2025, which included item 10: a $2,000,000 allocation to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Dozens of residents, faith leaders and advocates urged the council to not only approve the allocation but to follow the city’s ordinance that dedicates expiring tax-abatement revenues to the trust fund and to ensure 30% of the fund’s dollars reach households at 30% of area median income (AMI) and below.

Reverend Marvin Gilliam, pastor at Mount Carmel Baptist Church (7th District), described the $2 million as “a meaningful step” but told council the work must continue: “Each week our congregations see the faces behind the billing. The need is urgent and growing,” he said. Multiple speakers — including Martin Gregbreich and pastors from several districts — cited eviction statistics and argued the fund should have substantially more resources if previous ordinances had been followed.

Several commenters asserted that funds designated for the trust fund have been diverted in the past. Jana Hobbs and others told council that roughly $22 million intended for the trust fund from expiring tax abatements has not been placed in the fund; speakers demanded clarity and adherence to the ordinance. Councilmembers acknowledged the concern and several pledged additional oversight and follow-up reporting on the trust fund’s receipts and expenditures.

Councilmembers and the administration signaled support for affordable-housing work. During the public-comment period and subsequent discussion, Council Member Jones said the administration is “100% supportive of affordable housing” and that staff are working on approaches to meet commitments. The consent agenda, including the $2 million allocation, was adopted by roll-call vote.

Next steps: advocates asked the council to provide line-item transparency on the trust fund and to ensure legally dedicated revenue streams are honored. Councilmembers asked administration to report back with details on how the trust fund will be spent and how future revenue streams will be protected.