Richmond and Chesterfield Voters Approve School Construction Tax

Voters in several Virginia localities decided on November 3 and 4, 2026, whether to approve a 1% sales tax increase to fund school construction, renovation, and major maintenance. The measure passed by a wide margin in Richmond with approximately 68% support and narrowly passed in Chesterfield County after early votes were counted, though other localities rejected the proposal.

Danny Avula, the Mayor of Richmond, advocated for the tax by suggesting potential reductions in meals and real estate taxes. The tax, which excludes groceries and hygiene items, raises the total sales tax to 7% and may remain in effect for 20 years. In Richmond, the measure is expected to generate roughly $850 million for projects including a technical center and Woodville Elementary School. In Chesterfield, the funding is intended for projects such as a new Midlothian Middle School and improvements at Dell Elementary School.

To encourage support in Chesterfield, the Board of Supervisors offered reductions in real estate and personal property taxes. During the voting process, the Richmond Police Department investigated threats made against three polling places. Shavonda Fernandez, Chair of the Richmond School Board, stated the funding helps right previous inequities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.