Richmond approves 1% sales tax hike; Chesterfield vote still undecided

Thirty-two of the 47 Virginia localities that put a 1% sales tax increase on Tuesday’s ballot rejected it, but Richmond and Chesterfield broke from that statewide trend, the Richmonder reported, approving the measure to fund school construction and renovation even as most of the commonwealth voted no.

The decision puts the two largest localities in Central Virginia on a path to borrow against two decades of future tax revenue in a single lump sum, while promising offsetting tax cuts that will change what residents pay at the register and on their annual tax bills.

Richmond passes across demographics, with wealthy enclaves dissenting

In Richmond, the measure won approval across age and race demographics, with only five predominantly wealthy precincts casting votes against it in the Near West End, Windsor Farms and Stratford Hills.

Richmond voters to decide on 1% sales tax increase to fund school construction projects

“I am deeply grateful for every volunteer and every voter who made this possible. My team is committed to working with my Council colleagues and RPS to be good stewards for what voters have entrusted us with.” — Mayor Danny Avula

The city plans to issue bonds to borrow against the next 20 years of revenue the tax will generate, allowing the money to be spent in a one-time lump sum rather than spread over two decades. To soften the blow for diners and restaurant owners, Avula has also promised to roll back the meals tax by 1%, keeping the cost of prepared foods the same for consumers.

Chesterfield splits along urban-rural lines in a razor-thin margin

Chesterfield’s result tells a more divided story. The county’s urban core supported passing the sales tax increase, diverging from the more rural precincts located in the southern part of the county. With provisional ballots still remaining, the final tally Tuesday night showed “yes” winning with 50.47% of the vote—a margin close enough that a recount could still be called for, meaning the race is not officially over yet.

Richmond officials ask voters to approve 1% sales tax speeding-up school renovation projects

The voting patterns revealed a sharp timing divide: voters who cast ballots on Election Day voted the measure down, while early voters and mail-in voters both favored it. The precinct data shows a county split in two. Urban and suburban precincts like Falling Creek (61.5% yes), Chippenham (62.2%), Meadowbrook (61.4%), Bon Air (60.8%) and Buford (63.8%) delivered strong support, while rural southern precincts including Beach (27.8% yes), Winfrees Store (28.1%), Winterpock (28.2%) and Longhouse (26.3%) rejected it decisively.

Like Richmond, Chesterfield officials plan to issue bonds against the proceeds the sales tax would generate. As a concession to voters, the county has promised to lower real estate and personal property taxes, though the exact reduction amounts remain to be determined.

A statewide rejection that these two localities bucked

The local approvals stand in stark contrast to the statewide picture. Of the 47 localities that placed the measure on the ballot, 32 rejected it. In rural Powhatan County, which borders Chesterfield, the measure was soundly defeated, receiving backing from merely 32% of voters.

Nov. 3, 2026, shows the divide clearly in the precinct-by-precinct breakdown, with early and mailed absentee ballots reported countywide only favoring the measure while Election Day voting trended against it.

Richmond approves 1% sales tax hike; Chesterfield vote still undecided

For Chesterfield residents, the practical difference is already visible in the numbers. A family spending $100 on taxable goods in the county will pay an extra dollar, while the bond issuance means construction projects could begin immediately rather than waiting for annual revenue to accumulate over twenty years. Meanwhile, the promised reduction in real estate and personal property taxes offers some relief to homeowners and vehicle owners, though the net effect depends on individual property values and assessments.

But in Richmond, where the measure passed in nearly every precinct, the path forward is clear: school construction and renovation funded by a sales tax that most Virginia localities rejected.