RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Earlier today, Mayor Danny Avula unveiled a $3 billion budget proposal that prioritizes education, public safety and housing affordability -- all without raising taxes. According to a release from the City of Richmond, the balanced budget was achieved, even as the city faced a $50 million budget gap, rising costs and the economic uncertainty from Washington. The release said the proposal reflects "the Mayor's vision of a healthy and thriving city with abundant opportunity, where everyone's rights are protected, and no one is left behind." “My team and I have built a balanced, $3 billion budget that reflects our shared priorities. It is a fiscally responsible plan that does not raise taxes,” Avula said. “And I believe that, despite the challenges we’re facing, despite the uncertainty surrounding us, we can be optimistic about our City’s future. Because I know that each of you – Councilmembers, City staff in the audience, Richmonders watching from home – are dedicated to this place you – and I – love deeply.” Click here for the full budget proposal. Below are the key aspects of the budget proposal: 2025.03.27-Budget-OnePagerDownload Avula highlighted challenges such as Richmond's small footprint, tax-exempt properties, aging infrastructure, and school funding responsibilities impacting the budget. To address these, a new Transformation Manager position will focus on process improvements. The mayor also warned of a tighter budget next year and emphasized the importance of economic development efforts like the Diamond District and City Center to boost revenues. City Council will review the proposal before final adoption this spring. The budget also proposed increasing the Mayor's salary from $130,725 to $175,000, which still lags behind the adjusted cost of living over the past 20 years. This proposed salary aligns with the median pay for Deputy Directors and is below the median for Department Directors. If approved, the Mayor would be the 61st highest-paid City employee. Additionally, following a change in state law, the City Council voted to raise councilmember salaries by $20,000, bringing their annual compensation to $45,000 starting July 1, 2025. ...read more read less