Committee approves ordinance to reallocate FY2027 grant lines, formalize grantmaker framework

The Education & Human Services committee voted to forward ordinance 20 26 1 6 9, which amends ordinance 2026‑063 (adopted 05/11/2026) to modify certain budget line names, reallocate reserve funds, and transfer remaining money to the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services to provide grants and manage procurement of related administrative services.

Dominic Barrett, senior policy adviser in the Office of the DCAO for Human Services, described a multi‑month request‑for‑proposals process that concluded with agreements for priority areas and selected grantmakers: CultureWorks for arts and culture; United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg for children, families and economic mobility; and Richmond & Henrico Public Health Foundation in the health category. Barrett said the new process keeps active city oversight while delegating day‑to‑day grantmaking to selected partners and includes annual reporting and performance obligations to the city.

Committee action: Chair Stephanie Lynch moved approval and Superintendent Kamras seconded. The clerk called the roll; the motion was recorded as approved, with Mister Andrew Breton and Chair Lynch recorded as voting ‘Aye.’ The ordinance will move forward to council as recommended.

Context and next steps: Staff said the RFP ran from December 2025 through a six‑month procurement process and that an information session for nonprofits is planned shortly after council consideration. The city will maintain oversight and receive annual outcome reports from grantmakers.