Mayor Avula's top priorities for Richmond in 2026

Here's what else to expect from the city this year, per Avula:

💰 Finance department improvements: Think billing, invoicing and collections working reliably and on time.

• Avula says he's also considering whether to replace the RVA Pay site, which he called "not good enough."
• This week, the city launched upgrades to its RVA Business Portal to make it easier for local businesses to pay (and review) their taxes online.

🏠 Progress on affordable housing, which includes public housing redevelopment.

• That took a major step forward last month with approval of the joint governance agreement that allows the city, Gilpin residents and RRHA officials to collectively steer the redevelopment of Gilpin Court.
• Avula also mentioned incentivizing developers with tax benefits that keep apartments affordable for those making 60% or below the area median income.

🏗️ Getting better at developing the land the city has, which will help bring in more tax revenue for city services.

• Expect to see movement in 2026 with the Coliseum being torn down and a developer picked for the mixed-use development atop GRTC's transit hub.
• The city is also looking at investing in South Richmond, including along Hull Street, Richmond Highway and Midlothian Turnpike.

🔭 City Hall's Observation Deck reopening to the public for the first time since 2019.

What we're watching: What parts of this actually happen and which ones don't.