Posted on April 29, 2025

Additional errors uncovered; Director of Revenue Administration steps down; City offering reimbursement to residents incurring bank fees due to valid stopped checks

Richmond, VA — In March 2025, an administrative error led to approximately 8,300 of the nearly 60,000 one-time property tax rebate checks being issued to an incorrect payee ("Hartshorn Community Council"). Once aware of the error, Department of Finance Director Sheila White halted distribution of checks and immediately began an audit of the process.

In the intervening weeks, that process has uncovered several more errors:

• Rebate checks for owners who sold their property in 2024 were incorrectly sent to the current owners of that property.
• Approximately 156 rebates were issued for parcels that did not exist in 2024. The rebate only applies to 2024 property taxes.
• Due to the nature of the original error some correctly issued checks were also stopped.

The Department is in the process of validating the remaining checks. When that is completed rebate checks will be issued in line with the real estate tax rebate program.

Additionally, the City's Director of Revenue Administration, Jamie Atkinson, who oversees the rebate program, submitted her resignation on April 21, 2025. Senior Director Sheila White will now directly oversee the process to issue the remaining rebate checks.

Any resident who was charged bank fees attempting to cash a valid stopped check can submit a request for reimbursement via RVA311 by calling 311 or submitting a ticket online at rva311.com.

Once on the RVA311 website, follow the below instructions:

1. Click "Create New Request"
2. Click "Real Estate Taxes"
3. Click "Continue" through the pop-up window
4. Fill out the requested information including uploading a photo of the return check fee from your bank.
5. Click "Next"
6. Fill out your contact information, and click "Submit"

Impacted residents should submit their request by May 30, 2025.

About the Rebate Program: The one-time real estate tax rebate amount is calculated based on a four-cent reduction per $100 of assessed property value. For instance, a property assessed at $260,000 would yield a rebate of $130. This rebate is part of the "RVA Stay" initiative, which also includes measures such as monthly stipends for low-income renters and homeowners, and tax bill freezes for seniors and disabled residents. The rebate, approved by City Council in 2024, aims to provide financial relief amid rising property values and housing costs.

Posted on Monday, April 28, 2025

Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond's Water Treatment Plant experienced an issue on Wednesday, April 23 during installation of a new fluoride pump, which led to a temporary increase in the level of fluoride in the water system for a period of five hours. Prior to this event, the fluoride system was offline for repairs. During this period, drinking water produced by the Water Treatment Plant remained safe for consumption.

Fluoride levels detected at the Water Treatment Plant were 2.67 milligrams per liter (mg/L) which is below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4.0 mg/L, the highest level that is allowed in drinking water by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The optimal target level of fluoride is 0.7 mg/L.

The fluoride levels detected today at the Hanover point of entry was 1.6 mg/L; the level at Henrico was 1.19 mg/L; the highest level at Chesterfield was 1.21 mg/L. Current levels of fluoride range from 0.4 mg/L to 0.7 mg/L at the City of Richmond's Water Treatment Plant. At no point did samples collected in the distribution system indicate the fluoridation level exceeded the MCL of 4.0 mg/L within the region.

Although the Department of Public Utilities is currently in the process of creating new standard operating procedures for the Water Treatment Plant, plant staff did not notify the Virginia Department of Health within the required 24-hour period.

"I'm disappointed with our failure to communicate. This incident damages the work we're doing to rebuild trust — not only with the residents of Richmond, but our communities, and our regional partners, including Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover. We must do better," said Mayor Danny Avula.

While long-term exposure to elevated levels of fluoride can be unsafe, this incident is considered an acute exposure. See below for language from the EPA for chronic fluoride exposures. Drinking water provided by the Water Treatment Plant remains safe to drink.

Special Notice

When there is a secondary MCL greater than 2.0 mg/L, waterworks are required to provide a special notice to customers. This special notice about the City of Richmond's drinking water serves to address the potential related to cosmetic dental problems that might affect children under nine years of age. At low levels, fluoride can help prevent cavities, but children drinking water containing more than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of fluoride may develop cosmetic discoloration of their permanent teeth (dental fluorosis). The City of Richmond has tested the fluoride levels within the distribution system and confirmed that the level in the nine pressure zones for the distribution system are between 1.00 mg/L and 2.94 mg/L. The City is actively flushing the pressure zones where the fluoride mg/L is above 2.0.

Dental fluorosis, in its moderate or severe forms, may result in a brown staining and/or pitting of the permanent teeth. This problem occurs only in developing teeth, before they erupt from the gums. Children under nine should be provided with alternative sources of drinking water or water that has been treated to remove the fluoride to avoid the possibility of staining and pitting of their permanent teeth. You may also want to contact your dentist about proper use by young children of fluoride-containing products. Older children and adults may safely drink the water.

Fluoride is an element that may be found naturally in sources of drinking water, such as ground water. Fluoride has been added to drinking water by drinking water systems to improve dental health.

For More Information

• For more information on fluoride and fluoridation levels, visit the Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/drinking-water/office-of-drinking-water/fluoridation/.
• For more information about fluoride and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Posted April 28, 2025

~ Concert dates: May 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 5:30 – 8 p.m.~

RICHMOND, Va. – Returning by popular demand, the Music at Main Street Station Concert Series will begin this Thursday, May 1 followed by three additional concerts in May. The extra concerts will be held on the following Thursdays: May 8, 15, and closing May 22. All concerts are free and open to the public. They will be held from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. on the patio at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street Station.

Bring your family, friends, and co-workers to enjoy the magic of music against the backdrop of Richmond’s iconic and historical venue – Main Street Station. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

The concert line-up Includes - DJ Danja Mowf with Host Kai Valdez (each week) with the following musicians:  

• May 1 
  
  • Soul Expressions
• May 8
  
  • J Tucker and the Krewe
• May 15
  
  • Junkyard Band
• May 22         
  
  • High Definition Band

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or send an email to AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

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

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Main Street Station (MSS) is owned and operated by the Department of Public Works. Built in 1901, the station is centrally located in the heart of the city and is a historic transportation hub offering a blend of modern amenities, historic charm and classic, stunning architectural design. It features a grand central atrium, intricate stonework, head house, train shed, outdoor space (and patio), and a distinctive clock tower creating a lasting impression of Richmond along the I-95 corridor. This historic venue offers a unique setting for both public and private events. It provides Virginia and the northeast corridor a unique world-class event space that includes 47,000 square feet enclosed in glass, providing breathtaking views of downtown Richmond. It’s a top venue for weddings and events, appearing on numerous “best of” listings. Main Street Station serves as a key point for both Amtrak and local commuter rail services. The station is a vital connection to the region’s transportation network which include partnerships with bus services, such as, GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit, Greyhound and various Megabus services. It also offers bike paths connecting to the Virginia Capital Trail. Described as an “architectural gem” by the United States Postal Service, MSS was selected and featured on a postage stamp!

The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 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; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

Posted April 23, 2025

Richmond, VA – The City of Richmond is proud to announce that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has recognized the City’s Department of Public Works for meeting all requirements of the Locality Sustained Performance Program (LSPP). This acknowledgment underscores Richmond’s commitment to excellence in managing transportation projects and delivering meaningful infrastructure improvements for our residents and visitors. 

The LSPP, overseen by VDOT, evaluates localities across the Commonwealth on their effective use of federal and state transportation funding. Performance is measured in three critical areas: 

1. On-Time Project Delivery (Target: >70%), 

2. Reasonable Progress on Projects (Target: >70%), and 

3. Fiscal Management (Target: <80% of unexpended allocation). 

Richmond not only met but exceeded expectations in all three categories, solidifying its position as a leader in transportation project management. The City currently oversees more than 75 active transportation projects, valued at over $300 million, making it the locality with the largest number of active locally administered projects in Virginia. 

This achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the City’s Department of Public Works (DPW) Project Management Team, whose efforts through every phase of project development ensured timely and efficient delivery. The DPW team is supported by the Department of Procurement Services (DPS), whose working in advertising and awarding projects was instrumental in meeting VDOT’s rigorous deadlines. 

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition from VDOT, which reflects the hard work and collaboration of our City teams,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Richmond’s ability to manage a robust portfolio of transportation projects while maintaining fiscal responsibility and timely progress demonstrates our commitment to building a safer, more connected community.” 

VDOT highlighted Richmond’s success at the annual Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) Forum on April 18, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia. 

The City of Richmond remains dedicated to advancing infrastructure projects that enhance mobility, safety, and quality of life for all. For more information about the City’s transportation initiatives, please visit rva.gov. 

For more information on the Department of Public Works, go to rva.gov/public-works

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 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; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

Posted on April 21, 2025

Business Recovery Centers available to assist interested business owners

Richmond, VA – Businesses impacted by the January 2025 severe winter storms that resulted in power and water outages and boil water advisories can now apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to support their recovery.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), which are made available by the U.S. Small Business Administration, are working capital loans to help small businesses and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet those ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. An SBA Fact Sheet provides additional details on interest rates and loan requirements.

These loans are being offered separately from the Small Business Recovery Grant Fund, which is funded by the City of Richmond Economic Development Authority (EDA), Dominion Energy, and Altria to alleviate the financial strain for City businesses impacted by January's water crisis.

In addition to the City of Richmond, the SBA disaster declaration covers businesses located in Goochland, Hanover, and Henrico, as well as Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Fluvanna, King William, Louisa, New Kent, Powhatan, and Spotsylvania counties.

Learn more and apply

Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal or at one of two designated SBA Business Recovery Centers. In addition, SBA will host a virtual information session for interested business owners on Thursday, April 24 from 12:00PM to 1:00PM EDT. Details for both the information session and the Business Recovery Centers can be found below.

For further assistance. please contact the SBA's Customer Service Center by email or by phone at 1-800-659-2955. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, can dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Virtual Information Session

Business owners who are interested in learning more about the SBA loan program and how to apply can register here to attend a virtual information session. Event details are as follows:

Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00PM EDT
Location: Virtual

Business Recovery Centers

From Tuesday, April 22 through Tuesday, May 6 the SBA will have two temporary Business Recovery Centers located at the Main Branch Library in the City of Richmond (101 E Franklin St.) and at the North Park Library in Henrico County (8508 Franconia Rd.). Businesses can visit either location to receive hands-on loan application support from an SBA employee. Please see the below chart for specific hours of operation.

SBA Business Recovery Center Hours (April 22 – May 6, 2025)