We’re in the midst of a busy civic season, which means it's an integral time to use your voice. Not everyone has time to attend council meetings or feedback workshops, but you might have time for these online surveys, which are just as important.

Here are three options to help warm up your community voice:

Balance the budget

➡️ Take the surveyby Saturday, Feb. 28.

Mayor Danny Avula is set to introduce the next city budget in March. Nothing’s set in stone yet. This prioritization survey will let the city know which departments you think deserve the most attention in the 2027 fiscal year.

Pro tip: Need a refresher on how the budget system works? Richmond’s CAO Odie Donald II recorded a Virtual Budget 101 for a little YouTube homeschooling.

Weigh in on the future of parks

➡️ Take the surveyby Friday, March 6.

Richmond INSPIRE is reworking the city’s outdated 1970s parks and recreation vision plan. At this point, a 90%-complete draft is on the table, and you can answer three quick questions to help it move forward.

Pro tip: The full plan is a 300-page draft, but there’s also a much more digestible 13-page summary. Click “previous” at the bottom of the page for the full draft.
Incentive: Participants who complete the survey will be eligible to win a $50 gift card.

Advocate for pedestrian + road safety

➡️ Take the surveyby Tuesday, March 31.

Contribute your feedback to the next Regional Safety Plan, developed by PlanRVA to help establish policies and actionable strategies to address pedestrian and road safety concerns.

Keep in mind: Safety Corridors are defined by PlanRVA as stretches of roadway identified for focused improvements due to a higher risk of crashes and dangerous conditions.