Weak Survey; Who Wins? Delinquent Surplus; Real Life Listening & Engagement; City’s New Math Doesn’t Add Up; RPS Solutions Chronically Absent.

RVA 5x5 - May 20, 2023

No algorithms. No content filters. Honest and insightful analysis from Richmond, VA.

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A look at our stories this week:

• The Charter Commission wants to know what you think about changing the structure of our government, but asks more demographic questions than ones about how we should change the structure our government.

• We are starting an unofficial pool this week — which will be larger by the end of the year — the budget surplus or the amount the city is owed (but not collecting) in delinquent taxes? Enquiring minds want to know.

• Some people get public service and some don’t. Real public servants engage, listen, and learn to try and be helpful. Others, not so much. At least some people are trying…

• The city’s new math doesn't add up. The latest plan from City Hall is to borrow $88 million over five years to help fund $50 million for affordable housing. Someone please get a calculator.

• School truancy in Richmond revealed some frightful statistics — only six of the 41 schools met the 9% or less target for truancy; 19 of the 41 schools had a rate of 20% or higher. And that is a slight improvement from earlier in the year.