After Avula proposes ‘modest’ real estate tax relief, 3 Council members push for more

August 4, 2026 - 20:52

Three members of the Richmond City Council are calling for a more aggressive reduction in the city's real estate tax rate, arguing that the mayor's recent proposal does not go far enough to help homeowners struggling with rising assessments. The push comes as the city's tax rate remains unchanged since 2008, a fact that critics say has left residents bearing an increasingly heavy burden.

Mayor Levar Stoney's administration recently floated what it described as a "modest" relief package, which would trim the rate slightly to offset some of the jump in property values. But Council members Katherine Jordan, Andreas Addison, and Reva Trammell are now saying that plan is insufficient. They are advocating for a deeper cut, one that would actually reduce the total tax bill for the average homeowner, not just slow the increase.

The debate is heating up ahead of the budget vote. Supporters of the larger cut point out that the city has seen a surge in revenue from new development and record-high assessments. They argue that returning more of that money to residents is both fiscally responsible and politically necessary. Opponents, however, warn that a significant rate reduction could strain funding for schools, public safety, and infrastructure projects that are already under pressure.

Council members are expected to hold a public hearing on the matter next week. The final budget must be approved by mid-May, and the outcome will hinge on whether the council can find a compromise between the mayor's cautious approach and the push for a more substantial break. For now, homeowners are left waiting to see exactly how much relief is actually coming their way.