Richmond, VA — To ensure adequate shelter capacity ahead of the incoming winter storm, City of Richmond will activate the City Emergency Shelter this evening. The shelter, located at Southside Community Center (6255 Old Warwick Road), will open to any individuals or families in need at 5 p.m. today and will remain open through the duration of the extreme weather event. Additionally, the Main Library at 101 E. Franklin Street will serve as a central warming center today until 5 p.m. 

Residents visiting the City Emergency Shelter with a pet in need, should contact Richmond Animal Care and Control at 804-646-5573 for temporary housing options for their pet. Space is limited and available by appointment. Service Animals are always permitted in the City Emergency Shelter. 

The Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter and CARITAS Surge Shelter will continue to operate as planned.  

Residents should visit go.rva.gov/winter-weather for the latest updates and follow the City of Richmond’s social media channels for updates on City operations. For more information on weather conditions, please monitor reliable sources such as the National Weather Service. Residents can also call 311 for winter weather updates and shelter information.  

Richmond Ready Alerts    

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Richmond Ready Alerts to receive critical emergency and weather alerts from the City of Richmond. Residents can text ‘RVAREADY’ to 888-777 to receive a sign-up link or visit rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts to learn more. 

Note to our media partners: The City Emergency Shelter is NOT open to media, and site visits are NOT available at this time.  

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Richmond activará el refugio de emergencia de la ciudad antes de la tormenta invernal

Richmond, Virginia — Para garantizar una capacidad adecuada de refugio antes de la tormenta invernal que se avecina, la ciudad de Richmond activará esta tarde el Refugio de Emergencia de la Ciudad. El refugio, situado en el Centro Comunitario Southside (6255 Old Warwick Road), abrirá a cualquier persona o familia que lo necesite a partir de hoy a las 5:00 p.m. y permanecerá abierto durante toda la duración del evento meteorológico extremo. Además, la Biblioteca Principal, localizada en el 101 de E. Franklin Street servirá hoy como centro central de calentamiento hasta las 5:00 p.m.

Los residentes que visiten el Refugio de Emergencia de la Ciudad con una mascota deben contactar a la Oficina de Cuidados y Control de Animales de Richmond al 804-646-5573 para opciones de alojamiento temporal para su mascota. Los cupos son limitadas y están disponibles con cita previa. Los animales de asistencia siempre están permitidos en el refugio de emergencia de la ciudad.

El Refugio contra Condiciones Meteorológicas Adversas del Ejército de Salvación y el Refugio de Emergencias de CARITAS seguirán funcionando según lo previsto.

Los habitantes deben visitar el sitio web go.rva.gov/winter-weather para recibir información actualizada y seguir los canales de redes sociales de la ciudad de Richmond para recibir los cambios sobre las operaciones municipales. Para más información sobre las condiciones meteorológicas, por favor consulte fuentes confiables como el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. Los residentes también pueden llamar al 311 para obtener actualizaciones sobre el clima e información sobre refugios.

Alertas de Richmond Ready

Animamos a los richmondeses a inscribirse en el sistema de alertas Richmond Ready para recibir avisos críticos durante emergencias y alertas meteorológicas de la Ciudad de Richmond. Los habitantes pueden enviar el mensaje 'RVAREADY' al número 888-777 para recibir un enlace de inscripción o visitar rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts para obtener más información.

City of Richmond Activates Emergency Operations Center Ahead of Winter Storm 

Richmond, VA — Today, due to the anticipated impact of severe weather conditions this weekend, Mayor Danny Avula has declared a State of Emergency in the City of Richmond. Residents should visit go.rva.gov/winter-weather and the City of Richmond’s social media channels for updates on City operations. For weather updates, please monitor reliable sources of information such as the National Weather Service. 

Inclement Weather Shelters  
To protect and shelter Richmond’s most vulnerable residents, the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter, located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue and operated by the Salvation Army, will open today at 5:00 p.m. 

Additionally, the CARITAS Surge Shelter and the City Emergency Shelter will be activated during this inclement weather event and will operate as needed.

Richmond Ready Alerts  
Residents are encouraged to sign up for Richmond Ready Alerts to receive critical emergency and weather alerts from the City of Richmond. Residents can text ‘RVAREADY’ to 888-777 to receive a sign-up link or visit rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts to learn more.

Emergency Operations Center
Effective Saturday, January 24, 2026, the City of Richmond will be activating its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in response to the winter weather expected to impact the area beginning Saturday. 

The EOC will serve a crucial role as a centralized hub for city agencies to collaborate. The center will facilitate the coordination of resources, effective communication, and the implementation of action plans aimed at promptly addressing any challenges that may arise.

All press requests for information and interviews relating to the EOC activation should be directed to [email protected] .

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El alcalde Danny Avula declara el Estado de Emergencia debido a la inminente tormenta invernal

La Ciudad de Richmond activa su Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia debido a la llegada de la tormenta invernal 

Richmond, Virginia — El día de hoy, y debido al impacto previsto de las condiciones climáticas severas durante este fin de semana, el alcalde Danny Avula ha declarado el Estado de Emergencia en la Ciudad de Richmond. Recomendamos a los residentes que visiten la página go.rva.gov/winter-weather y los canales oficiales de redes sociales de la Ciudad de Richmond para recibir la información más actualizada sobre las operaciones de la administración municipal. Para obtener noticias actualizadas sobre el clima, estén pendientes de fuentes confiables de información, tales como el Servicio Nacional del Clima (NWS, por sus iniciales en inglés) en weather.gov (solo en inglés).

Refugios ante el Mal Tiempo  
Para proteger y albergar a los residentes más vulnerables de Richmond, el Refugio Municipal ante el Mal Tiempo, situado en el 1900 de Chamberlayne Avenue y administrado por el Ejército de Salvación, abrirá hoy desde las 5:00 p.m.

Además, también se activarán tanto el Refugio Adicional de Emergencia de CARITAS como el Refugio Municipal de Emergencia durante toda esta tormenta invernal y seguirán funcionando mientras sea necesario.

Alertas de Richmond Ready  
Se anima a los habitantes de la ciudad para que se inscriban en el servicio de alertas Richmond Ready Alerts para que reciban alertas críticas sobre emergencias y eventos climáticos en la Ciudad de Richmond. Para inscribirse, pueden enviar el mensaje de texto 'RVAREADY' al 888777 para recibir un enlace de inscripción o pueden visitar la página rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts para obtener más información.

Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia
A partir del sábado 24 de enero de 2026, la Ciudad de Richmond activará su Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia (EOC, por sus siglas en inglés) en respuesta al clima invernal que se espera que afecte la región desde mañana. Esta activación apoya los esfuerzos de la administración para manejar la situación y garantizar la seguridad del público.

El EOC cumplirá con una tarea fundamental, ya que servirá como el punto central de colaboración de las agencias de la ciudad: facilita la coordinación de recursos, la comunicación efectiva y la implementación de planes de acción que buscarán resolver cualquier desafío que pueda surgir.

Todas las solicitudes de entrevistas e información que estén relacionadas con la activación del EOC deberán dirigirse al correo [email protected] .

Posted January 23, 2026

RICHMOND, VA – Due to expected heavy snow accumulation and inclement weather conditions, Richmond residents may experience delays in household trash and bulk collections next week.

The safety of residents and collection crews is our top priority. In the event of severe weather, collection schedules may be adjusted to accommodate road conditions and ensure safe operations. 

Residents are asked to:

• Please leave trash carts and bulk item at the curb until collection occurs

• Avoid placing additional items in the roadway

• Exercise caution when traveling near service vehicles and snowplows

We appreciate your patience and understanding as crews work to safely resume normal collection services as weather conditions allow.

For updates visit go.rva.gov/winter-weather

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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; 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 and 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

City of Richmond affirms its commitment to a Thriving Richmond where everyone's rights are protected

As Mayor, a proud long-time resident of Richmond, and the city’s first immigrant Mayor, I celebrate the vibrant diversity that makes our city strong. Our immigrant communities are an essential part of Richmond’s story and future. 

I understand there is tremendous fear in the community right now. Fear in completing everyday tasks, such as showing up for work, taking your children to school, or buying groceries, and I want you to know I hear you. 

I also want to assure you: My administration and I stand with you.  As I've shared in the past, RPD Chief Rick Edwards, Council President Cynthia Newbille, and I stand united in supporting our city’s residents, including our immigrant neighbors, and protecting the trust between our communities and local law enforcement. If residents need law enforcement support, or to report crimes, call 911.  

The City’s mission  is to "provide trustworthy leadership and high-quality services that meet the needs of our vibrant city”, and I believe strongly that Richmond must remain a city where every resident feels safe accessing services, reporting crimes, and engaging with local government—regardless of immigration status. I pledge, along with my administration, to show up during these times with integrity, partnership, and care.  

Federal immigration enforcement operates under its own authority – the City does not control their actions, nor do we coordinate with them on deportation activities. The Richmond Police Department has not entered into a 287(g) agreement with ICE, and does not participate in the enforcement of federal immigration law. Our officers are here to focus on their core mission: community policing, protecting all neighborhoods, and reducing crime.   

As Mayor, my responsibility is to be clear about where the City stands, to express concern for our neighbors, and to point residents to accurate, trusted resources. I’m deeply committed to listening and working with the community to strengthen the way we keep all residents safe. The City’s values will continue to guide how I evaluate and update City policies, partnerships, and decisions together.  

Lastly, I reject any approach that creates fear, confusion, or division. Those tactics undermine public safety and erode trust, making our communities less safe, not more secure. Richmond, along with my administration, will continue focusing on a Thriving Richmond, where everyone’s rights are protected, and where every resident is treated with dignity, today and always. 

Posted January 21, 2026

~ Join DPW January 29 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Main Street Station to provide input ~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) invites residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to participate in a public meeting for the Riverfront/Orleans BRT Station Streetscape Project. This $2.23 million Smart-Scale funded project focuses on improving pedestrian access, safety, and connectivity. 

The public meeting will be held Thursday, January 29, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street. The meeting will follow an open house format, allowing the community to attend any time during the two-hour window to review design plans, ask questions, and share feedback with project staff and consultants. An inclement weather date is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Main Street Station.

The project area includes East Franklin Street at 31st Street, Admiral Gravely Boulevard between Williamsburg Avenue and Gilliam Street, East Franklin Street to Williamsburg Road, Godwin Street between Williamsburg Avenue and Goodin Court, Williamsburg Avenue between Orleans Street and Hatcher Street, and Ohio Street.

Improvements include:

• Construction of new sidewalks

• Installation of ADA-accessible ramps

• Improved street lighting

• Increased green space

• Installation of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon to improve pedestrian crossings

Community input is a vital part of the City’s planning and design process. Feedback from the community helps ensure the proposed improvements reflect local needs, improve safety, and support access to transit, the riverfront, and surrounding neighborhoods. Public comments will be considered as the project move toward final design.

The deadline for public comments is February 9. Comments can be submitted using any of the following methods:

• In person at the public meeting – written and orally at the public meeting

• By email to: Mrs. Olayinka Bruce at [email protected]

  • Please reference “UPC 115410 – Riverfront/Orleans BRT Station Streetscape Project” on the subject line

• By mail to: 

Department of Public Works

Mrs. Olayinka Bruce, Project Manager

900 East Broad Street, Room 603

Richmond, VA 23219

• Project plans and additional information will be available online for review and comment at: rva.gov/public-works/construction-projects-road-improvements

• Additionally, in-person at City Hall (review plans and documents)

  • Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate staff to answer questions. 

  • Call Mrs. Olayinka Bruce at 804-646-2312 or email [email protected]

Smart Scale Funding is a competitive, data driven transportation funding program that uses federal and state funds to prioritize projects based on improvements to safety, accessibility, congestion reduction, and economic development.

For more information on DPW, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or email us at [email protected] 

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