Guides
How to File a Public Records Request: FOIA and State Laws
How to file a public records request: federal FOIA vs. state laws, finding the records officer, a sample request letter, fees, deadlines, appeals, and MuckRock.
Local government directory
Richmond, VA: council, meetings and contacts
Richmond is the 96th largest city in the United States with about 237,257 residents. Here is who governs it, when they meet in public, and where the agendas are posted.
City government at a glance
- Form of government
- Mayor-council
- Governing body
- City Council — 9 members
- Regular meetings
- Formal meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber, second floor of City Hall
- City Hall
- 900 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219
- Main information line
- 804-646-7000 (RVA311)
- Population (2025 est.)
- 237,257 (2020 census: 226,610)
- County
- Independent city
- Planning body
- Richmond City Planning Commission
Virginia's capital has been an independent city since 1871; nine council members each represent one voting district.
Official links
The bodies that decide things in Richmond
| Body | What it decides | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| City Council | Ordinances, the city budget, zoning changes, contracts, police and fire funding | Official page |
| Richmond Public Schools board | School budget, boundaries, calendar, curriculum adoption, superintendent | District website |
| Richmond City Planning Commission | Rezonings, site plans, variances and long-range land use recommendations | City website |
Questions people ask about Richmond government
When does the Richmond City Council meet?
Formal meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber, second floor of City Hall Always confirm the date and location on the official agenda before you attend, because meetings can be cancelled, moved or continued.
How do I contact Richmond city government?
The main information line is 804-646-7000 (RVA311). City Hall is at 900 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219, and the official website is https://www.rva.gov.
How do I speak at a Richmond public meeting?
Find the agenda for the meeting, check the sign-up deadline (many cities close the list before the meeting starts), prepare remarks for the posted time limit — usually two or three minutes — and state your name, your district and your specific ask.
No debates for Richmond yet. If something is on the council agenda — a rezoning, a fee increase, a transit change — open the first debate and invite both sides.
Start here if you are new to this
Guides
How to Write to Elected Officials: Letters, Emails and Calls That Work
How to write to your congressman or city council: email, letter, and call templates, what staff actually do with your message, and a clear do/don't table.
Guides
How to Find Your Representatives by ZIP Code or Address
Find my representative by zip code: official tools for your U.S. House member, senators, state legislators and council district — and why ZIP codes mislead.
Guides
How to Start a Petition: Local and State Rules Explained
How to start a petition in your state or city: informal vs. legally binding petitions, initiative states, signature validation, and a step-by-step checklist.