City News

Press Releases and Announcements

Mayor Stoney Announces “RVA Stay” Tax Relief Program and Four-Cent Tax Rebate for Richmond Residents

Poster October 7, 2024

 

RVA Stay would provide targeted tax relief to homeowners and renters  

One-time four-cent rebate is equivalent to cutting current tax rate to $1.16 for all city property owners 

Richmond, VA – Today, Mayor Stoney announced several tax relief proposals that would provide targeted relief to renters and homeowners who need it the most, while also proposing a four-cent tax rebate for all real property owners within city limits.

According to the 2023 American Community Survey, over a quarter of Richmond renters, or approximately 43,000 renters, are spending more than half their income on housing. Nearly twice that are spending 30% or more of their income on rent. Furthermore, the average residential assessment in 2023 was about $340,000.

“The proposals announced today are how we provide fiscally responsible, targeted relief to those who need it the most, and an across-the-board rebate for all Richmond property owners. It is a both/and approach without cutting the City’s main source of revenue to provide critical city services for our residents,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “I am proud of my administration for being innovative in how we help both homeowners and renters in a meaningful way.”

“It is concerning that so many of our residents are burdened by their housing costs – both renters and homeowners alike. That is why I am grateful for the collaboration with the Administration to find a proposal that works for all,” said Council President Kristen Nye. “With the addition of the RVA Stay Program, we have more social safety net programs in our toolbelt than we ever have before.”

The RVA Stay Program consists of two components:

  • Gap Grant Pilot Program
  • Richmond Freeze Program

The Gap Grant Pilot Program will provide up to $200 a month for six months to low-income Richmond residents who spend more than 30% of their yearly household income on housing. Both renters and homeowners are eligible for a Gap Grant.

For example, if you are a homeowner who owns a home assessed at $180,000 and your tax bill for the year is currently $2,160, with this income-based relief program, you could get up to $1,200 over six months towards your housing costs, verses an across-the-board tax rate cut where you would only save $72 on your annual real estate taxes.

Alternatively, if you are a renter living alone with an annual income of $50,000 and your rent is $1,400 a month, you pay almost $17,000 on rent annually, which is 34% of your income. However, you could also qualify for the $1,200 gap grant, which would reduce your monthly rent cost by up to $200 for six months.

To qualify for a Gap Grant, you must submit an application and meet all of the eligibility requirements (including enrollment in workforce development programming).

The Richmond Freeze Program will allow for homeowners who are 65 years or older, or permanently disabled, to be exempt from real estate tax increases. Your tax bill will essentially be frozen based on your home’s prior year assessment.

For example, if you apply and qualify in 2025 and your 2024 taxes were $2,000 and in 2025 they go up to $2,200, you will only have to pay $2,000 – you save on that $200 increase.

To be eligible you must occupy the residence in question, hold the title to the residence, and have an annual household income under $125,000 and net worth under $750,000. Eligible Richmond residents must apply by December 31, 2025.

Applications for both programs will be available starting in January 2025. The RVA Stay Program will cost approximately $4 million and be paid for by using incremental tax revenues in Fiscal Year 2025.

In addition to the RVA Stay Program, Mayor Stoney also announced a one-time four-cent tax rebate. All Richmond property owners are eligible for the four-cent rebate, which is equivalent to cutting the current real estate tax rate of $1.20 to $1.16. Rebate checks will be mailed to residents starting in 2025.

The four-cent rebate will cost approximately $16 million and be paid for using Fiscal Year 2024 surplus.

See rva.gov/finance/rva-stay for additional information on the City’s financial support programs.

Traffic signal upgrades coming to the intersection of Chamberlayne Avenue and School Street  

Posted September 30, 2024

~ Work is slated to begin in October with expected completion by Spring 2025, weather permitting ~

         

RICHMOND, VA. – The Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin construction in October to provide safety improvements and other upgrades to the existing traffic signal at the intersection of Chamberlayne Avenue and School Street.

Improvements include:

  • Pedestrian countdown signals and push buttons
  • Vehicle detector sensors
  • High visibility retroreflective backplates
  • High visibility crosswalks
  • New accessible curb ramps

During construction, there will be intermittent lane and sidewalk closures. The contractor will use cones, barrels, arrow boards and temporary traffic signs to guide motorists and pedestrians through the work zone.  Please give our construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones.

Weather permitting, this safety improvement project it is expected to be completed by Spring 2025.

This project was identified in the roadway safety assessment for Chamberlayne Avenue. The estimated cost for this project is $400,000.

For more information on DPW, please visit us online at www.rva.gov/publicworks or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

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

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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.

Planning and Development In-Person Permit and Inspections Counter Closes

Posted September 27, 2024

The City of Richmond announces the closure of the Department of Planning, Development and Review's in-person Permits and Inspections Counter located on the first floor of City Hall (900 E. Broad Street). This closure is effective September 27, 2024 until further notice. Clients can schedule in person assistance if needed by calling 804-646-4169 or emailing pdrpermitsandinspections@rva.gov.

Permits can also be submitted online via the online portal.

City’s Annual Leaf Collection Program offers residents 4 options for leaf collection

Posted September 26, 2024

~ Bagged collection begins October 7 & vacuum services starts November 4 ~

 

RICHMOND, Va. – The City of Richmond’s annual Leaf Collection Program begins Monday, October 7.  Leaf removal is vital to the health of the city’s right of way and stormwater infrastructure. The city provides residents with the following four options for leaf collection:

Bagged Collection Option

  • Starting October 7
  • Up to 10 bags collected on normal trash day (place bags near supercan)
  • Biodegradable bags preferred

 Unlimited Bag Collection Option

DPW has divided the city into four sectors for bagged leaves based on trash collection days. This option allows for an unlimited number of bags during an allotted collection period. Biodegradable bags are preferred.

  • Sector 1: Wednesday trash collection
    • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 11/06 and 11/20
  • Sector 2: Thursday trash collection
    • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 11/21 and 12/01
  • Sector 3: Monday trash collection
    • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 12/03 and 12/18
  • Sector 4: Tuesday trash collection
    • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 12/19 and 12/31

Do-it-Yourself (DIY) Options

Residents can drop off loose leaves or put them in biodegradable bags at the following locations:

  • East Richmond Road Convenience Center located at 3800 East Richmond Road, or
  • The Maury Street Leaf Drop-Off located at 2900 Maury Street
    • Note: The Transfer station located at 3506 North Hopkins Road only accepts bagged leaves.

Additionally, residents can compost or mulch leaves.

  • Compost bins are available for $41.50. If interested in purchasing a bin, email askpublicworks@rva.gov or call 804-646-8325 for information.

 Vacuum Service Option 

  • Available Monday, November 4
  • Cost:
    • $30 fee per request (payment due prior to service)
  • Scheduling:
  • Payment Options:
    • 1). COR Utility Account - $30 fee will be added to your utility bill, or
    • 2). Via Mail 
      • Check or Money Order – payable to the City of Richmond
      • Mail payment to:
        • Department of Public Works
        • Attn: Vacuum Service
        • 900 East Broad Street, Room 704
        • Richmond, VA 23219
      • Note: a service request ID number is generated for requests made through the RVA311 system, please be sure to include that number on the check or money order
  • Guidelines:
  • Payment must be received before collection will be scheduled
  • The leaves must be raked and ready for collection when the request is made
  • Rake leaves to the curb or property line, but not into the street or gutters
  • Remove sticks, stones or other objects that may damage equipment
  • Leaves will not be collected from the alley

  • What to Expect:
    • Once payment has been confirmed, the service will take place within 15 business days of the paid request, not including city holidays or inclement weather
    • Scheduled appointments for leaf collection cannot be accommodated
    • Note - if you have not received service within 15 business days of your request (not including city holidays) and there have been no significant weather events, please call 3-1-1)

 For more information on leaf collection please visit www.rva.gov/public-works/leaf-collection or for assistance, call 3-1-1.

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

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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.

City of Richmond Enhances Efficient Emergency Communication with Launch of Automated Callback Feature at 911 Center

Posted September 26, 2024

RICHMOND, Virginia – To improve emergency response times and enhance communication during crisis situations, the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response (DECPR) announced on Tuesday the implementation of a new automatic callback feature at the city’s 911 center.

Beginning on September 24, 2024, when an abandoned call is received from either a wireless or landline, a new automatic callback feature will initiate a callback to the number from which the call originated. Upon receiving the callback, the caller will have the option to be connected to the dispatch center for assistance with emergencies or non-emergencies. Callers who accidentally call 911 are encouraged to stay on the line and let the call-taker know it was an accidental call. The automated callback feature will make up to two additional attempts to reach the caller, ensuring that every effort is made to establish contact and provide necessary support.

Also, during times of high call volume, staying on the line for the next available 911 call-taker is the quickest way to receive emergency assistance.

“We are committed to providing the highest level of service to our community, especially in their most critical moments,” Stephen Willoughby, Director of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response said in a statement. “With this new feature, we aim to reduce the risk of missed calls and ensure that every caller receives the help they need when they need it most.”

DECPR encourages residents to utilize the 911 system with confidence, knowing that their safety is top priority. For more information about how to use 911 and Richmond’s ongoing commitment to community safety, please visit rva.gov/911

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