RISC Update August 2026
RISC has announced the dates for its four major assemblies in the 2026-2027 program year.
Community Problems Assembly Mon, Nov 9, 2026
Rally Assembly Tues, Mar 16, 2027
Nehemiah Action Assembly Tues, April 13, 2027
Celebration Assembly Mon, June 7, 2027
RISC celebrated major wins at the March 2026 Nehemiah Action Assembly for Affordable Housing and Gun Violence issues and made progress on Mental Health.
Affordable Housing: The Affordable Housing Trust Fund has an annual income stream equal to 2.5% of the Real Estate tax revenue -- $11.7 million this year and $64 million over five years. RISC celebrated with Mayor Avula and Council member Gibson for their work. These are structural gains, won because RISC showed up with the power of large numbers of organized people and because of our sustained persistence!
Gun Violence: The City of Richmond formally contracted with the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR) to conduct the Problem Analysis – the essential first step toward implementing an evidence-based gun violence intervention strategy such as the Gun Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS). RISC celebrated with Mayor Avula and his staff this step towards reducing gun violence in March 2026 at the Nehemiah Action Assembly -- action which we have urged the city to pursue for six years.
Mental Health: RISC continues its work with Chesterfield County officials to press them to implement a mental health navigational tool for Elementary School parents so that they may receive the mental health care that their children need.