Richmonders are invited to celebrate and reflect on the first 100 days of Mayor Danny Avula’s tenure in office with a special Day of Service and Celebration on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Mayor Avula will kick off the day at Southside Community Center (6255 Old Warwick Road) beginning at 9am with an event that includes reflections and performances. A reception will follow where residents can greet the Mayor and learn more about his vision for Richmond.  

"The real focus of the day will be the service projects that offer a chance to engage with new neighbors, learn about different parts of our great city, and contribute meaningfully to the betterment of our community, " said Mayor Danny Avula. "The hope is that together, we can help make a positive impact on the local community and continue our work toward a thriving Richmond where no one gets left behind."

Partnering with the Community Foundation, the City has organized service projects in each Council district addressing the various needs of Richmond's diverse neighborhoods. Residents will also have the opportunity to join Mayor Avula outdoors as many of the projects are being led by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities in honor of Earth Day. Residents can obtain free tickets for the event at https://tinyurl.com/RVAService. Those that are interested in the community service projects can visit https://www.cfengage.org/rvagov to register.

posted April 14, 2025

The City of Richmond’s seasonal inclement weather shelter, operated by The Salvation Army at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue, will close tomorrow, April 15 at 8 a.m. and reopen on November 15, 2025. The 106-bed shelter, which opened for single adult men and women on November 15, 2024, offered overnight (5 p.m. – 8 a.m.) access to a cot, restrooms, and two meals.

“This season, we were proud to have served 360 of our residents in need per month for over 150 days at the inclement weather shelter,” said the City’s Homeless Services Liaison, Dianne Wilmore. “The winter months are unforgiving to our most vulnerable populations. Ensuring they have a place to stay in times of crisis is not only a responsibility but a reflection of our community’s compassion and commitment to one another.”

Additional, year-round shelter space is available at the 50-bed men’s facility, located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue. Access to these beds is managed through Homeward’s Homeless Connection Line at (804) 972-0813.

Transition support services are available at the City’s Community Resource and Training Center (1900 Chamberlayne Avenue) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center can be reached at (804) 646-3111, and walk-ins are welcome. On-site navigators are available to provide assistance with:

• Housing & Rental Assistance Resources
• Job Training Options
• Medical & Mental Health Support
• Food & Clothing Assistance
• Birth Certificates & ID Cards

Individuals or families currently experiencing homelessness may contact the Homeless Connection Line at (804) 972-0813.

Posted April 11, 2025

~ Construction on this multimodal project is set to begin April 28, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, VA – Later this month, the Department of Public Works will begin construction on a $37 million transportation infrastructure improvement project along Hull Street between Hey Road and Warwick Road focused on multimodal safety, operational efficiency, and vibrant streetscape enhancements. This project will create a multimodal transportation corridor featuring a shared-use path designed to safely accommodate cyclists and pedestrians, while improving traffic flow and access for all users. This initiative emphasizes safety, accessibility, and aesthetics.

Other key features include the installation of:

• Street lighting
• New sidewalks
• Signage and pavement markings
• Storm drainage improvements
• Landscaping
• Traffic improvements
• Pavement overlay and widening
• New curb and gutters
• Sewer and utility improvements

Construction (led by Caton Construction) is scheduled to begin April 28, weather permitting.

Please give our construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones.

Slated for completion in two years, this transformative initiative is funded through a combination of Federal Smart Scale and Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds, along with city and state resources.

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

We’re Social! For updates on 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

Posted April 9, 2025

~ Stay alert, work is set to begin April 14, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, VA – In a continued effort to improve safety, construction will begin next week to replace traffic signal equipment on Roseneath Road at the intersections of Patterson Avenue and Kensington Avenue with all way stop control. The traffic signal equipment will be removed and replaced with all-way stop signs. Construction timelines include:

• April 14, construction start date, weather permitting:
  
  • During the first week, all-way signs will be installed, and the existing traffic signals will be switched to an “all red flashing pattern” as a transition to alert drivers of the change.
• April 21: the traffic control signals will be begin, weather permitting:
  
  • Once the traffic control signals, poles and other equipment have been safely removed, the all-way stop control will continue to provide traffic control.

These improvements are designed to maintain safety for all users.

Reminder guidelines for all-way stop signs for people that drive:

• Come to a complete stop (even if there are no other vehicles visible)
• Always stop for people crossing the street
• The first vehicle to arrive and stop at the intersection should be the first to go
  
  • If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way

Please give our construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones.

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

We’re Social! For updates on 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

Posted April 8, 2025

RICHMOND, VA – On Wednesday, April 9, Open High School students will embark on an educational journey through Richmond's urban core, participating in a unique field trip focused on wayfinding, navigation, pedestrian safety, and urban exploration. The event, culminating at Richmond City Hall's observation deck, aims to provide students with practical skills and insights into their city.

Approximately 30 students will walk from Open High School to City Hall, observing and analyzing the city's layout, public art, and infrastructure along the way. Upon reaching City Hall’s observation deck, students will engage in a scavenger hunt designed to test their navigation skills and knowledge of Richmond landmarks.

The event will feature special appearances from community members who will address the students and share perspectives on Richmond’s development. Representatives from the City of Richmond’s Department of Public Works and Vision Zero team will also be on hand to discuss pedestrian and traffic safety initiatives.

“This field trip is a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn about their city in a hands-on, engaging way,” said Edward Ingold, teacher at Open High School. “We want to empower them with the skills to navigate their city safely and confidently, while also fostering an appreciation for Richmond’s history and vibrant community.”

The event will highlight the role of public art in wayfinding, with participation from local muralists and graffiti artists. Urban boutiques, entrepreneurs, and businesses have generously donated prizes for the scavenger hunt, demonstrating their commitment to supporting youth education.

“We are grateful for the support of our community partners, including the City of Richmond, local businesses, and artists, who are helping to make this event a success,” added Ross Catrow Director of Strategic Communications.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, April 9
• Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
• Location: Walk from Open High School to Richmond City Hall, culminating at the City Hall Observation Deck
• Participants: Approximately 30 students from Open High School
• Special Guests: Representatives from the City of Richmond’s Department of Public Works and the Vision Zero team, local artists, and business owners.

For more information on Vision Zero go to rva.gov/visionzero

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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