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Referendum Ballot Order 31

Referendum Ballot Order 31

This page is published by the City of Richmond to provide factual information about the local sales tax referendum appearing on the November 3, 2026 ballot. It does not advocate for or against approval of the referendum, and nothing on this page should be read as a recommendation on how to vote.

Information about Richmond Public Schools facility conditions and the division's Facilities Modernization Plan is included for context and is provided by Richmond Public Schools. That planning process is separate from the referendum, and priorities identified through it are subject to adoption by the RPS School Board and appropriation by City Council.

Overview

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, Richmond City voters will be asked whether the City should be authorized to levy an additional local retail sales tax of up to 1 percentage point. If voters approve the referendum, the Richmond City Council could then adopt an ordinance to levy the tax.

Revenue from the tax could be used only for qualifying capital projects involving the construction or major renovation of Richmond Public Schools facilities. The tax would expire no later than June 30, 2046.

Election Day

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Proposed Increase

Up to 1 percentage point

Resulting Sales Tax Rate

Increase from 6% to as much as 7%

First Year of Collection

FY 2028, if approved and enacted

Estimated First-year Revenue

Approximately $47 million, growing over time

Estimated Total Collections

Approximately $1.1 billion over 19 years

Estimated Project Capacity

Approximately $850 million in school construction and renovation over the next decade, financed against the revenue stream

Authorized Use

Qualifying public school construction and major renovation projects, and related financing costs

Expiration

No later than June 30, 2046

Not Subject to the Increase

Food purchased for home consumption and essential personal hygiene products, which remain subject to Virginia's reduced 1% rate. Prescription and most non-prescription medicines are already exempt from Virginia sales tax.

Proposed Ballot Question

Shall the City of Richmond be authorized to levy a general retail sales tax at a rate not to exceed 1% to provide revenue solely for capital projects for the construction or major renovation of schools in the City? Should this referendum be approved authorizing the levy of such tax, the tax would expire no later than June 30, 2046.

The wording above is as proposed. Final ballot language is established by order of the Richmond Circuit Court. Ballot Language

What Your Vote Means

A yes vote would authorize the City of Richmond to levy the additional sales tax. Approval of the referendum would not automatically impose the tax. The City Council would still need to consider and adopt a separate levying ordinance.

A no vote would mean the City Council would not receive authority through this referendum to impose the additional sales tax.