The Richmond City Council meeting on July 28, 2025, focused on pressing issues surrounding housing and public safety, with significant public commentary highlighting community concerns.

During the public comment period, community organizer Warren Campbell urged the council to prioritize anti-rent gouging legislation in the upcoming 2026 General Assembly. He emphasized the ongoing housing crisis in Richmond, which has persisted for over two years, and called for measures to protect renters from excessive rent increases. Campbell noted that Richmond has a high percentage of renters and is ranked second in the nation for evictions, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Sylvia Davis, a resident of Gilpin Court, expressed her frustrations regarding the lack of support and communication from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA). She shared personal experiences of inadequate responses to safety concerns and called for more transparency and accountability in housing management.

Another speaker, Jane Stallings, raised alarms about the potential failure of Richmond's water system due to increased water draw-offs for economic development, warning that this could jeopardize residents' access to drinking water.

Aaron Woloshen and Madeline McElgin also voiced concerns about the quality of rental housing in the city, highlighting issues such as poor maintenance and the need for stronger oversight of landlords. McElgin specifically criticized the proposal to transfer management of Gilpin Court to the Richmond Development Corporation (RDC), arguing that it would diminish accountability and worsen conditions for residents.

The meeting underscored the community's demand for action on housing stability and public safety, with residents calling for legislative support and greater oversight to protect vulnerable populations in Richmond. The council's next steps will be crucial in addressing these pressing issues.