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DCAO outlines FY27 human services budget, highlights Caritas surge shelter, language access and opioid grants
Summary
DCAO Amy Popovich told the Richmond City Council the FY27 human services budget emphasizes staffing, a new homeless‑services FTE, continued support for the Caritas surge shelter (about 60 beds), expanded language access and a $700,000 opioid‑abatement RFA; council pressed for data on caseloads and language‑access costs.
Amy Popovich, the deputy chief administrative officer for human services, presented the administration’s FY27 human services budget to the Richmond City Council on April 6, describing the portfolio as the city’s “heart and soul” and outlining priorities across justice services, libraries, social services and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.
Popovich said the budget emphasizes staffing and service continuity rather than one‑time infrastructure spending. She highlighted a number of reclassifications and hires across the portfolio, including a new director of gun violence prevention and a deputy director of justice services. "The biggest thing I think that we've done ... is all of our new, awesome hires," she said, thanking staff and community partners.
Why it matters: Popovich framed the FY27 request as a sustaining budget for safety net functions — shelter, public assistance and language access — that council members said are critical to residents who rely on city services.
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