March City Beat

by Brigette Kelly 03.2022

Senior Tax Relief Program

The City of Richmond's Department of Finance currently has two exemption options available for citizens who are either: age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled.

The deadline to apply for the Tax Freeze or Tax Relief program is March 31.

Redistricting

The Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting process began in early October and will include nearly twenty public meetings and discussions, public hearings, engagement sessions, with a final public hearing in April.

Child Care Subsidy Program

Virginia families now have until May 31 to apply for the Child Care Subsidy Program which provides financial assistance to parents paying for child care.

The program was expanded this year to allow parents to seek money for childcare. Applications for the program were extended to this month.

Noise Ordinance

The City is looking at revisiting and possibly amending the noise ordinance. There was a discussion about it at the January Government Operations meeting. 

Gun Violence

The senseless deaths and social disruptions brought about by gun violence has to be addressed. Last year council secured $1.5 million from American Rescue Plan funds that will go to gun violence prevention.

Covid Update 

All of Richmond and Henrico Health District (RHHD) COVID-19 testing events will no longer require an appointment in order to get tested. This change affects the Richmond Raceway CTC and other RHHD run events.

RHHD also holds community-based COVID-19 testing events in partnership with community organizations. 

To find a walk-in testing clinic or to make an appointment, click here or call 804-205-3501. (https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/)

Photo Speed Ticketing

Speed monitoring devices have been proposed throughout school and construction zones. In the future, the city may expand photo speed enforcement in residential neighborhoods, on bridges, and in city parks. 

GRTC Seeks Bus Drivers

GRTC is hiring bus drivers, operators, and maintenance staff. Sign-on bonuses of $5,000 to new full-time operators, and $8,000  is being offered to full-time mechanics. Applicants need a Virginia driver's license. GRTC will train new drivers and help them earn their CDL (commercial driver's license). To apply visit https://richmond.com/news/local/grtc-still-30-employees-short-of-full-strength-as-bus-service-cuts-officially-go-into/article_d4ac913e-9454-5df3-b411-e3c05b44c0bd.html#tncms-source=login 

Editor’s note

Each month Third District Council woman Ann-Frances Lambert will let her constituents and all other Richmonders know what City Council is doing for them.