Jan 14, 2026 - News
What Richmond-area governments want from state lawmakers this year
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Housing, education and infrastructure funding are among the top priorities for Richmond area governments this legislative session.
Why it matters: It's not just big business jockeying for lawmakers' attention when the General Assembly convenes, local governments get in on the action, too.
State of play: Here are some of the notable measures local governments are pushing for this year.
Richmond —
- Anti-rent gouging legislation is top of the list. If greenlit, it would allow Richmond to pass an ordinance capping how much landlords could increase rent annually.
- The city is also asking for $40 million for its water treatment plant, $200 million for combined sewer overflow help and funding for affordable housing.
- Plus, Richmond is advocating for updates to the state K-12 funding model to better reflect the Richmond Public Schools' needs as a higher-poverty school district.
- Its Board of Supervisors and school board are also lobbying lawmakers to adopt the school funding model Richmond wants, per its priority list.
- The county wants funding for its Powhite Parkway Extension, Fall Line Trail and to promote tourism.
- Plus, the county is pushing for money to help bolster its housing options and create more business-ready sites.
Henrico —
- Its school board wants money for school-based mental health professionals, to expand tutoring and for English learner services.
- Henrico is also lobbying for money for school safety, technology and to address aging facilities.
- Plus, like Chesterfield and Richmond, the county is pushing for the state to change its school funding formula, as recommended by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission in 2023.
Of note: The 2023 state watchdog report found that the method the state currently uses underfunds Virginia schools by about $1,900 less per student than the national average.