Actions will strengthen transparency, modernize systems, and ensure policies are practical and implementable    

On March 26, Mayor Avula announced a series of actions aimed at improving how the City delivers payment registry data, as required under City Code §12-16. This effort is part of a broader initiative to address long-standing operational challenges within City government, especially the Finance Department, and ensure that the City’s commitment to transparency is supported by reliable systems and processes. 

The current reporting requirement, adopted in 2015, has not functioned as intended. In response, the Administration is applying its “look for it, find it, fix it” approach to conduct a review of the ordinance, including internal workflows, staff training, and technology needs. The goal is to close the gap between the policy’s goal and its day-to-day implementation. 

As part of this effort, Mayor Avula announced his intent to introduce an ordinance that will align disclosure requirements with regional practices and state law, as well as update workflows and identify necessary technology improvements to reduce reliance on the labor-intensive manual processes. Development of the ordinance will be carried out in coordination with the departments responsible for implementation to ensure the requirements are practical, efficient, and sustainable. 

Mayor Avula has released a registry of Fiscal Year 2025 payments, which includes financial data such as payment identifiers, dates, amounts, fund codes, cost centers, account codes, payment methods, and disbursement types. This step represents a meaningful move toward improved transparency while longer-term system enhancements are underway. 

“Good policy only works if it can be implemented,” said  Mayor Danny Avula . “We’re taking a clear-eyed look at what hasn’t been working, fixing the gaps, and putting in place processes that consistently deliver accurate, accessible information to the public.”

The release of payment information, and effort to update the ordinance and workflows, aligns with the Chief Administrative Officer’s 100 Day Report, including its Technology Modernization Roadmap. It also reflects the Administration’s broader commitment to strengthening collaboration with City Council to ensure policies are fully implementable. 

The effort builds on recent actions to modernize City operations and improve accountability, including the launch of TechDesk, updates to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, passage of FOIA Library legislation, and enhancements to the RVA Business Portal. 

The Richmond City Electoral Board will hold an emergency public meeting with the following details:

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: 2134 W. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23227

This notice is being provided to alert the public that an Electoral Board meeting is scheduled. The agenda for this meeting will be posted once it has been reviewed and approved by the Electoral Board.

Please note that the agenda is subject to change. Items may be added, removed, or modified prior to or during the meeting, as permitted by law.

Additional updates related to meeting logistics will be communicated as necessary.

For questions regarding this meeting, please email us at [email protected].

Edited on 3/27/26 at 8:45 a.m.

The Richmond Fire Department is celebrating a significant milestone after one of its newly constructed stations was selected as the 2026 winner for the American Public Works Association (APWA) Project of the Year Award. 

Fire Station 12, the city’s oldest operating station, reopened last year after 1.6 years of construction. The redevelopment involved the complete demolition of the previous structure and construction of a modern, highly functional fire station on the same historic site.  

Sustainability was at the forefront of Station 12’s redevelopment, designing a fire station with both present needs and long-term performance in mind. From the earliest design phase, the project focused on the important foundational aspects of energy and water conservation, as well as creating healthier indoor environments.  

“Earning this recognition is a significant milestone for our department,” said Richmond Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal. “Our job is to protect people, including our firefighters, and Station 12 reflects that. It’s safer, healthier, and built for the future.” 

Advanced ventilation systems to help improve indoor air quality, specialized exhaust systems in the apparatus bay to help reduce firefighters’ exposure to harmful contaminants, and living and working areas designed to limit the spread of pollutants from equipment were some of the key features incorporated into the design of the station. The contractor for the project also took extra steps to protect nearby storm drains and recycle as much demolition waste as possible during construction. 

“A lot of work goes into a project like this that people don’t always see,” said Gail Johnson, Director of the Department of General Services. “That includes the work led by our project manager, Dexter Goode, and the coordination across teams to bring everything together. The redevelopment of Station 12 shows what’s possible when sustainability is built in from the very start.” 

These efforts helped Fire Station 12 earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, a nationally recognized sustainability designation from the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) rating system. This is the first time the City of Richmond has received a gold designation.  

“RVAgreen 2050 is about how we reduce our environmental impact and build a more resilient city over time,” said Laura Thomas, Director of the Office of Sustainability. “Projects like this are where those goals start to take shape in a real, tangible way, and we’re proud to see that reflected in a facility that supports our fire department.” 

Posted March 24, 2026

RICHMOND, VA. – The Richmond Department of Transportation will start construction of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Broad Rock Boulevard at Orcutt Lane in early April. This project is another example of the city’s commitment to Vision Zero. 

This project prioritizes pedestrian safety with the installation of:

• ADA-compliant curb ramps
• High-Visibility crosswalks, and
• Countdown pedestrian signal heads

New high-visibility traffic signals with reflective backplates (HVSB) will improve signal recognition for drivers by creating contrast and enhancing visibility at night and in low-light conditions. 

Together, these engineering improvements have been proven to provide gaps in traffic for people walking and biking to Broad Rock Elementary School and accessing transit. 

“Every element of this project is designed with safety in mind – for people of all abilities,” said Richmond Transportation Director, Andy Boenau. “From high-visibility signals to accessible ramps and visible crossings, these upgrades work together to reduce risk and help save lives. This is what Vision Zero looks like in action.”

Construction will start in early April, weather permitting, and is expected to be completed by Fall 2026. 

During construction, there will be intermittent lane and sidewalk closures. Please give our construction workers extra space. Please slow down in work zones and whenever you see orange cones.

This $780,000 project is funded through Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA), which supports transportation improvements across the region.

Vision Zero emphasizes safe systems approach to prevent severe crashes. By combining safe speeds, safe vehicles, safe roads, and safe people, and the best post-crash care, the City continues to build a healthier transportation network that prioritizes safe access using engineering, education, and enforcement.

For more information about Vision Zero, visit rva.gov/visionzero or email us at [email protected].

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities, and events, visit us X  @DPW_RichmondVA.

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk, and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; urban forestry; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Report service requests to RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.

Last week, the Richmond Fire Department proudly celebrated the graduation of its latest lateral recruit class, welcoming 22 experienced firefighters who have chosen to continue their service with the Richmond Community. 

Each member of the class brings prior fire service experience, but over the past several weeks, they’ve taken on the challenge of learning a new department, new operational procedures, and a new standard in the Richmond Fire Academy’s accelerated training program.  

Over the course of the academy, these firefighters trained in live fire conditions, search and rescue operations, ladder work, hose advancement, and physical readiness. While they entered the program with strong foundations, the focus of their training was on preparing them to operate together as one team within Richmond’s standards. 

“Bringing in experienced firefighters through our lateral program is a direct investment in the strength and readiness of this department,” said Richmond Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal. “We are happy to welcome class 108, and we’re confident they will serve with a spirt of excellence and support the level of service our community expects.” 

As these firefighters begin their service in Richmond, they do so as part of a broader effort to enhance fire prevention, improve operations, and ensure consistent, high-quality emergency response across the city. The Richmond Fire Department remains committed to investing in its workforce to better protect and serve its residents.  

For more information about the department or future recruitment opportunities, visit rva.gov/fire/employment.