New platform will increase transparency, save staff time, and improve the customer experience for requestors  

Richmond, VA — In celebration of Sunshine Week, the City of Richmond is incredibly excited to begin piloting a new, citywide Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) platform: JustFOIA. This platform provides an easy-to-use interface for both requestors and the City’s FOIA officers who fulfill those requests. JustFOIA handles the entire request lifecycle, from the initial request, to collecting responsive records, redaction, review, and (if necessary) payment. While other methods for submitting requests are still available (in-person, by phone), the City is excited to offer a more convenient option. 

“I'm proud of the work we’ve done to improve the City’s approach to FOIA over the last year. We’ve increased training across the organization, solidified our cross-departmental procedures, and I’ve made it abundantly clear to department leadership that FOIA is not only just a legal requirement but a responsibility we need to take seriously,” said Mayor Danny Avula.  

The full, public launch will take place this Maymand will include the establishment of the City’s FOIA Library, as required by the ORD. 2025-240, introduced by the Mayor last year. The FOIA Library will make frequently requested records and records of public interest easily available, free of charge. 

“I’m stoked to cut the ribbon on JustFOIA in the next couple of weeks! I want to thank the City’s FOIA Manager and our Department of Information Technology for all the hard work that went into getting this new platform ready to launch,” said Ross Catrow, Director of the Office of Strategic Communications . “I’ve been a part of Richmond’s media landscape for a long time, and it means a lot to me to contribute to making the City’s government more open and transparent.” 

FOIA by the numbers  

Over the last several months, the number of requests the City has taken an extension on has decreased, and the vast majority of the City’s requests are completed on time. 

About JustFOIA  

JustFOIA enables agencies to better serve their community by simplifying records request management. JustFOIA manages every step of the process from intake to delivery, saving valuable time through automating repetitive tasks, reminders, and communication with requesters and responders.  

About Sunshine Week  

Sunshine Week occurs each year in mid-March, coinciding with James Madison’s birthday, March 16 (1751). Madison was a driving force behind the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and presented the first version of the Bill of Rights to Congress. He also was the fourth president of the United States. Sunshine Week helps educate the public, journalists, lawmakers, and others on the right to know in the U.S. states and federal government.  

The City of Richmond proudly announces the continued impact of the Reclaiming Our Time Genealogy and DNA project, an initiative transforming how residents connect with their heritage and the broader Richmond community. Now ending its third year, the project offers a profound opportunity for participants to explore their ancestral roots through genealogy and DNA research, bringing untold family stories to light.

Reclaiming Our Time is the signature initiative of the Center for African American Genealogical Research, Inc. (CAAGRI), led by founder and CEO Dr. Paula Royster. The 2025 cohort includes residents of the Blackwell (South Side) community, reflecting the program’s mission to ensure equitable access to family history research. Previous cohorts included families from the Mosby and Gilpin communities. 

“Family history is, of course, very personal, and our goal is to help those with the least means in Richmond who want to know more about their family stories but do not have the resources to conduct the research themselves,” said Dr. Royster.

“Through Reclaiming Our Time, we are not only uncovering history, we are restoring dignity, honoring legacy, and strengthening the fabric of our community. Every Richmonder deserves the opportunity to know their story, and this project ensures that those stories are heard, preserved, and celebrated for generations to come,” said Mayor Danny Avula.

"Reclaiming Our Time" represents the very best of what local government and community partnership can achieve in creating pathways for residents to reconnect with their history, understand their identity, and see their place in Richmond’s ongoing story. Through investments like this, we are affirming that every story matters and that equity includes access to one’s own heritage,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II.

Participants in the program engage in in-depth genealogical research and DNA analysis, uncovering connections that deepen their understanding of identity and shared history. “DNA instructs us all to be kinder to one another because that stranger in the grocery store might actually be your DNA cousin,” Dr. Royster noted.

The program will culminate in a special public event featuring the reveal of genealogy and DNA findings. A ceremonial wedding will also honor ancestors who lived as husband and wife but were denied the legal dignity of marriage recognition.

Event Details:

What: Reclaiming Our Time Genealogy & DNA Big Reveal

When: Saturday, March 21, at 10:00 AM

Where: Second Baptist Church, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd, Richmond, VA

Admission: Free and open to the public (ticket reservation requested)

Tickets:  Eventbrite

The City of Richmond invites residents and community members to attend this meaningful event and celebrate the power of storytelling, heritage, and connection.

Posted March 19, 2026

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

WHAT: Street Closure 

WHEN: Starting March 20 at 6 a.m. and ending Tuesday, March 24 at 6 a.m. 

WHERE: Brook Road between Chamberlayne Parkway and Webster Street 

BACKGROUND: The area will be closed (to thru traffic) to allow CSX to work on the railroad crossing. Please follow the detour signs.

                                                                                                                          ###

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

Posted March 19, 2026

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

WHAT: Street Closure 

WHEN: Starting March 20 at 4 a.m. and ending Tuesday, March 24 at 5 a.m. 

WHERE: Hermitage Road between Leigh and Ownby Lane

BACKGROUND: The area will be closed to allow CSX to work on the railroad crossing.

###

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’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.

Posted 3-19-26

RICHMOND, Va. — Following the tragic pedestrian deaths that have occurred since December 2025, the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Commonwealth’s Highway Safety Office, are taking action with a high-visibility, citywide pedestrian safety campaign urging everyone to “See and Be Seen.”

The multi-platform campaign will run on television, radio, digital platforms, and billboards across the city. Its message is simple, but lifesaving: drivers must slow down and look for people walking, biking, and rolling. The campaign also shares practical tips to help pedestrians in Richmond stay safe, visible, and alert.

“This is a moment for action,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “We are combining education, enforcement, and engineering improvements to protect lives and make our streets safer for everyone. The safety of our neighbors and friends has to be a priority, and we need to do our part, especially when behind the wheel.”

“Seeing and being seen isn’t just a slogan, it’s a lifesaving commitment,” said DMV Commissioner Dr. Gerald F. Lackey, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “When we look out for one another, we prevent crashes, protect families, and build a safer Richmond.”

In addition to the public awareness push, the City has fast-tracked targeted infrastructure upgrades. At 10th Street and Marshall Street, Richmond’s Traffic Signal Shop installed a pilot of new audible pedestrian beacons that provide clear crossing messages and destination guidance for individuals with limited sight. From concept to activation, the project was completed in just 40 days, a testament to the City’s urgency and commitment. If successful, the technology could expand to other high pedestrian traffic areas, prioritizing Richmond’s high-injury network.

The campaign reinforces simple but powerful safety actions:

For Drivers:

• Slow down — especially near crosswalks, schools, parks, and downtown corridors.
• Stop for pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Look left, right, and left again before turning.
• Eliminate distractions — put the phone away and focus on the road.
• Yield and be patient — a few seconds can save a life.
• Never drive impaired — choose a sober ride every time.
• Take driving seriously — don't forget that driving is a huge responsibility, give it your full attention.

For Pedestrians:

• Use marked crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
• Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street.
• Stay alert — avoid walking while distracted by your phone or headphones.
• Be visible at night by wearing bright or reflective clothing.
• Take advantage of pedestrian signals and audible cues at intersections.

The Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office is supporting City initiatives through public education efforts and strategic messaging designed to change behavior and reinforce safe habits behind the wheel and out on the street.

For more information about pedestrian safety resources, visit the City of Richmond’s Vision Zero webpage.