Dean Mirshahi

Richmond

Reporter at VPM

@8News Digital Reporter [email protected]

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Articles

Richmond City Council fires Inspector General James Osuna

20 hours ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Richmond’s inspector general, James Osuna, was fired Monday by the City Council after nearly six years on the job. Osuna’s office is overseen by the council and acts as the city’s government watchdog, investigating claims of waste, fraud and abuse. 8th District Councilor Reva Trammell told VPM News that Osuna notified her of his firing after he met with councilors during Monday’s informal meeting.
Richmond City Council signs off on $3B FY26 budget

2 days ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

The Richmond City Council passed a spending plan for the next fiscal year, giving Mayor Danny Avula his first budget with a few changes. The $3 billion spending plan includes the 2026 fiscal year operating budget — which runs from July 1 through June 30, 2026 — and the capital improvement plan for long-term projects in FY26–FY30. But Monday night’s vote wasn’t unanimous; the budget passed 6–2.
On the agenda: Richmond final budget vote, Chesterfield and Hanover school boards

3 days ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Below are details on upcoming public meetings in the City of Richmond and Albemarle, Chesterfield and Hanover counties. RichmondCity Council6 p.m. Monday Council chambers, 2nd floor, Richmond City Hall301 N. 9th St.Councilors are set to vote on Mayor Danny Avula’s inaugural $3 billion spending plan for the city, which includes the 2026 fiscal year operating budget and capital improvement plan for FY26–FY30.
City audit finds Richmond Retirement System paid $550K to dead people

5 days ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

The City of Richmond’s retirement system paid out more than $550,000 to 44 deceased retirees over nine years, a new audit found. Most of the money has not been recovered. City Auditor Riad Ali on Friday released an audit of the Richmond Retirement System, which administers the benefits and pensions of former city employees. The new city audit found, among other issues, inadequate oversight of the retirement system, outdated operating procedures and incomplete death audit reports.
Trump’s AmeriCorps cuts end Virginia community service grants

1 week ago | whro.org | Dean Mirshahi

This story was reported and written by VPM News. President Donald Trump’s administration ended grants for at least 16 community service programs in Virginia as part of sweeping AmeriCorps funding cuts, abruptly shutting down projects and forcing layoffs.
Trump’s AmeriCorps cuts end Virginia community service grants

1 week ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

President Donald Trump’s administration ended grants for at least 16 community service programs in Virginia as part of sweeping AmeriCorps funding cuts, abruptly shutting down projects and forcing layoffs. The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency — the Elon Musk-led team Trump tasked with slashing the federal government’s budget and workforce — recently ordered AmeriCorps, the federal agency for community service and volunteerism, to terminate nearly $400 million in grants.
On the agenda: Richmond finance department, water treatment plant, Albemarle budget

1 week ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi |Keyris Manzanares

Below are details on upcoming public meetings in the City of Richmond and Albemarle County. RichmondOrganizational Development Standing Committee4 p.m. Monday Council chambers, 2nd floor, Richmond City Hall301 N. 9th St.Sheila White, Richmond’s finance director, is set to update the panel on tax rebates after the city sent people property tax rebate checks with the wrong names on them.
Richmond City Council OKs money for legal assistance, Family Crisis Fund

2 weeks ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

The Richmond City Council settled on changes to Mayor Danny Avula’s $3 billion proposed budget for the next fiscal year, setting aside more money to help people cover bills and pay for projects voted for by residents. Many of the councilors’ proposals, like $6.9 million more for Richmond Public Schools, didn’t make it into the final budget amendments sent to City Attorney Laura Drewry by a Monday deadline.
On the agenda: Richmond budget amendments, real estate taxes, Chesterfield zoning

2 weeks ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Below are details on upcoming public meetings in the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield and Albemarle. RichmondCity Council1 p.m. Monday Council chambers, 2nd floor, Richmond City Hall301 N. 9th St.The council is expected to discuss their proposed changes to Mayor Danny Avula’s spending plan for fiscal year 2026. City Council6 p.m. MondayCouncil chambers, 2nd floor, Richmond City Hall301 N. 9th St.The council is scheduled to formally introduce budget amendments to Avula’s FY26 budget.
Richmond nonprofits fear budget cuts will end youth programming

2 weeks ago | vpm.org | Dean Mirshahi

Richmond nonprofits fear a funding reduction by the city will force cuts to out-of-school programs credited with helping reduce youth violence. Mayor Danny Avula’s budget for fiscal year 2026 proposes $500,000 for the Positive Youth Development Fund — a 50% cut from last year’s budget of $1 million. Avula’s FY26 budget proposal reduces funding available for nonprofits by $4.1 million compared to last year’s budget.

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