City News

Press Releases and Announcements

Statement: Mayor Avula to release affordable housing plan for Richmond

Hey Richmond, It's Your Mayor, Danny.

For me, the idea of home has always been about more than just a roof over our heads. It's about community. It's about belonging. It's about building a Richmond where everyone-regardless of income, background, or zip code-has the opportunity to thrive.

Twenty-five years ago, I came to Richmond for medical school. I stayed because I fell in love with this city: its people, its promise, and its potential. I planted roots in the East End, drawn by the vision of Dr. King's Beloved Community: a place where neighbors care for one another, where families grow together, and where everyone has a place.

Over the years, I've seen that vision challenged. Rising housing costs have pushed longtime residents out of the neighborhoods they helped build. The fabric of our communities has started to fray. That's why, from day one, my administration has made housing a top priority. It's Pillar Two of my Mayoral Action Plan.

We've been working hard to meet the housing needs of our city so that Richmonders at every income level can afford good housing in safe neighborhoods with strong public amenities. And now, we're preparing to take the next big step.

In mid-January, I'll be announcing my comprehensive Affordable Housing Strategy-a multi-tool approach designed to protect what makes Richmond special while building a future that's inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. We'll be using every tool available, including:

  • The Affordable Housing Trust Fund
  • Performance grants to support new development
  • A code refresh to unlock more housing options
  • And focused anti-displacement measures to protect longtime residents

This strategy recognizes what Richmonders have told me again and again: there's no single solution to our housing challenges. It will take creativity, collaboration, and commitment from all of us.

I invite you to watch my latest DannyCam where I share more about why this work matters so deeply to me and why it's central to the future we're building together.

I'm so excited to share more and to create, together, a city where everyone has a place, where everyone belongs, where everyone thrives.

In service,

Danny

City of Richmond Announces Parking Enforcement Update for Scott's Addition Beginning 1/5/26

RICHMOND, VA - The City of Richmond is informing residents, businesses, and visitors that updated parking enforcement will begin in the Greater Scott's Addition neighborhood on Monday, January 5, 2026. The change reflects a community-driven decision by the Greater Scott's Addition Association (GSAA) Board, which voted on August 5, 2025, to reinstate and refine parking enforcement to better serve the neighborhood's rapid growth and evolving needs.

In 2020, GSAA suspended parking enforcement in historic Scott's Addition during pandemic-era stay-at-home policies. Since then, the neighborhood has seen substantial development-including new housing, expanding businesses, and a dramatic increase in daily activity-placing new pressure on limited on-street parking.

Under the updated plan, most residential blocks in historic Scott's Addition will continue to offer free and unlimited parking. Select high-demand commercial corridors, however, will transition to timed-parking zones to improve turnover and support access for customers, employees, and service providers. The City of Richmond will implement and monitor the enforcement updates and will work with GSAA to evaluate outcomes in 2027.

"Scott's Addition has grown into one of Richmond's most dynamic neighborhoods," said the GSAA Board. "As activity increases, parking must work for everyone; residents, businesses, and visitors. This updated plan is the product of community input and is designed to keep the neighborhood thriving."

"I'm grateful for the engagement and collaboration between the GSAA and the Department of General Services to ensure our on-street parking rules best balance the changing needs of Scott's Addition," said Councilmember Katherine Jordan. "My office is always here to support our district's mobility needs, including parking."

For questions about how the City enforces parking, please contact Lynne Lancaster with the Department of General Services ([email protected], 804-646-6006)

Explore the Scott's Addition parking map

Details on public parking and updates can be found at: rva.gov/public-works/parking-enterprise

 

City Announces Temporary Pause in Street Sweeping Services for 2025

Posted December 12, 2025

 

RICHMOND, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) will temporarily pause street sweeping operations for the remainder of 2025. This proactive measure is being taken to ensure public safety, protect city equipment, and maintain overall operational efficiency during the winter season.

Due to consistently severe winter weather conditions, road surfaces are often obstructed by snow, ice, and debris that make regular sweeping unsafe and less effective. To address these challenges, the city will pause street sweeping operation until January 5, 2026, weather permitting.

During the pause, residents are encouraged to stay updated on winter maintenance notices and observe any posted parking restrictions that remain in effect for snow removal and emergency access. 

We appreciate the community’s understanding as we prioritize safety for both our residents and our crews. Pausing street sweeping ensures resources are focused where they are most needed during winter operations. 

We’re Social! For updates on activities and events visit us on (X) @DPW_RichmondVA 

 

###

 

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; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. 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

Emergency Street Closure: Dock Street on 12/12/25

Street Closure - Dock Street (Emergency Closure)

WHO: City of Richmond Department of Public Works (https://twitter.com/DPW_RichmondVA

WHAT: Street Closure 

WHEN: Friday, December 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Dock Street in both directions between 15th and 17th streets (in the 7th voter district)

BACKGROUND: This emergency closure is needed to allow crews to replace the transformer cable at the 1670 Dock Street.

###

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; 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 and scooter program. 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

City of Richmond to Unveil New Public Art Gateway at Gilpin Community Farm this Saturday

RICHMOND, Va. - The City of Richmond, in partnership with the Public Art Commission and Gilpin Community Farm, will unveil a new public art gateway on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 1 p.m. The event will be held at Gilpin Community Farm, and Mayor Danny Avula is scheduled to attend.

The installation-designed by Richmond artist Barry O'Keefe-serves as a visual landmark celebrating creativity and community collaboration. The featured event poster, created using 100-year-old maple wood type from Richmond's historic Pizzini Press, highlights the city's longstanding printmaking tradition and the artist's dedication to local craft. The installation consists of a cast-iron gateway arch and seating that feature carved relief botanical and historical motifs honoring visionary Gilpin residents Charles S. Gilpin and Lillie Estes as well as local flora and fauna.

Saturday's program will include remarks from city leaders, partner organizations, and community members, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

To preserve the impact of the unveiling, images of the artwork will not be shared publicly until after the event.

Event Details

What: Public Art Gateway Unveiling

When: Saturday, December 13, at 1 p.m.

Where: Gilpin Community Farm , 1420 St. Peter Street, Richmond, VA 23220

Who: City of Richmond, Public Art Commission, Gilpin Community Farm, partner organizations, and Richmond residents

For more information about the City of Richmond Public Art Program, visit: https://www.rva.gov/index.php/planning-development-review/public-art-commission

Or search using "Type it, find it" above