Richmond city services and jobs under threat in shutdown
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Richmond officials say that the government shutdown could jeopardize millions of dollars in aid for residents who rely on federal programs for food, housing and heat in the upcoming colder months.
The big picture: The shutdown is entering its 20th day and shows no signs of wrapping up soon.
State of play: City Hall's warning, released Friday, is part of its early assessment of the shutdown, showing how deeply Richmond relies on federal funding — and how quickly disruptions could hit.
Threat level: More than 100,000 Richmonders, according to the review, depend on Social Services and its largely federally funded programs like SNAP, TANF and LIHEAP, which help families buy food, afford childcare and heat their homes.
- Also at risk: Affordable housing programs, 13 active road and bridge construction projects, upgrades to the city's aging natural gas pipelines and a portion of fire department salaries.
- Plus, Mayor Avula warns that a prolonged shutdown could squeeze local nonprofits and groups that will likely step in to "help fill the gap."
Meanwhile, nearly 400 city jobs (about 12% of the workforce) are tied to federally funded programs, per the review.
- Most affected departments have "short-term contingency plans" to keep the staffers and programs running, but the longer the shutdown goes on, the greater the city's "financial strain."
- The city says it could weather three months with moderate disruptions, but a six-month shutdown would trigger citywide service cuts.
By the numbers: More than $100 million could be at risk if the shutdown drags on, per the city's calculations.
- The majority of that funding is tied to public utilities projects, but social services and housing programs have the highest likelihood of being affected.
Zoom out: The shutdown is also sidelining state employees and Richmond nonprofit staff whose work depends on federal dollars.
- At the same time, food banks are seeing demand surge, WTVR reports.
What we're watching: City officials are finalizing a 60-day plan outlining how to fill funding gaps and minimize impact to essential services.
What they're saying: Avula said he navigated the 2018 shutdown — which at 35 days was the longest in U.S. history — as director of Richmond's and Henrico's health districts.
- "I say this not to minimize the moment, but to remind you: we've navigated this before — and we will again," he added.