New Councilmember Orientation Series 2025

Municipal Finance and Budgeting

Finance staff provided an overview of municipal finances, the operating budget and  5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget calendar, the annual audit, and current financial policies.                                               

State Audit

Finance staff provided an overview of the recommendations provided by the State Auditor, the Corrective Action Plan that was developed to address these matters, and the current progress on the plan. 

Purchasing and Procurement

Finance staff provided insight on state and local procurement laws, the types of procurements, contract processing timelines, the BidsOnline system used for soliciting proposals/qualifications,  and the City's Cal-Card program.

Richmond Department of Children and Youth

Staff from the Department of Children and Youth provided an overview of the departmental functions, including the community input and grant processes, current grantees, and future planned work of the department.

Human Resources and Risk Management

Human Resources Department staff provided an overview of 2024 activities, employee training and professional development opportunities, the union negotiations process, and the claims processes for both Worker's Compensation and General Liability claims.

Richmond Housing Authority (RHA) and Public Housing Authority Recovery and Sustainability (PHARS)

Richmond Housing Authority (RHA) staff discussed the status of the various RHA properties and the PHARS agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Housing Element, Law, and Project Pipeline

Staff from the Community Development Department provided information on the Housing Element, State laws regarding housing, and development projects that are under construction, being reviewed, and approved.

Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS) and Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP)

Staff from the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Community Crisis Response Program provided overviews on their respective programs and services, accomplishments, fiscal budgets, and goals for the upcoming fiscal year.