Richmond, VA - On October 14, Mayor Danny Avula announced the passage of key measures before City Council that protect core services: the passage of ORD. 2025-207, which maintains the real estate tax rate at $1.20 and avoids $17 million in cuts to essential services.

General property taxes are the single largest source of revenue for Richmond, funding schools, public safety, infrastructure, and neighborhood services that residents rely on every day. Each penny of the tax rate generates $4.2 million in City revenue. Maintaining the rate avoids a potential $17 million shortfall that would impact core services.

"Richmonders expect and deserve stability," said Mayor Danny Avula. "With the passage of this ordinance, we're protecting the progress we've made together - investing in our schools, keeping our neighborhoods safe, and strengthening infrastructure that supports smart growth and opportunity. I'm excited to keep building a Thriving Richmond."

"Richmond City Council voted to keep the Richmond Real Estate Tax Rate at $1.20, rather than increase or decrease it, reflecting its commitment to fiscal responsibility in meeting the needs, priorities, and values of Richmond residents," said Council President Cynthia I. Newbille. "Richmond City Council is committed to building a strong community by ensuring the availability of stable funding for safeguarding critical education, public safety, health, sanitation, roads, social services, and infrastructure residents need to thrive."

"Today's vote is a win for Richmond's frontline workers, working families, and the public services that keep our city strong. Maintaining the current tax rate protects quality services, good union jobs, and the promise of a living wage for the people who make Richmond thrive," said Felicia Boney, SEIU Virginia 512 Richmond Chair.

Council also approved Mayor Avula's ORD. 2025-226 to add at least 246 new units of high-quality affordable homes in Richmond near jobs, transit, public parks, and amenities. "Affordable housing is essential to creating thriving, inclusive neighborhoods," said Merrick Malone, Director of Housing and Community Development. "This project reflects the kind of progress we need to see a real difference in affordable housing to ensure that every resident has access to a place to call home."

Mayor Avula also applauded the passage of another ordinance he patroned, ORD. 2025-191, as part of the RVA Green 2050 initiative. The measure authorizes a 35-year lease for a solar farm and pollinator meadow on a former East End landfill. Community members helped shape the project by prioritizing clean energy and green space. A Community Benefits Agreement will also invest in projects identified by nearby neighborhoods.

Richmond, VA - On October 15, Mayor Danny Avula announced the launch of the Mayoral Action Plan (MAP), a comprehensive roadmap designed to turn his vision for a Thriving Richmond into measurable action. The MAP translates the Mayor's "Seven Pillars of a Thriving Richmond" into specific goals, metrics, and deliverables, creating a clear framework for how City Hall will deliver results, increase transparency, and build trust with residents.

"When I arrived at City Hall, I didn't want to just talk about ideas, I wanted to set a clear vision for the kind of city we could build together," said Mayor Danny Avula. "The Mayoral Action Plan turns that vision into action. It brings clarity, accountability, and transparency to how we serve Richmonders. This is our roadmap to a city that is effective, equitable, inclusive, and forward-looking - a city where all people and places thrive."

The MAP organizes the administration's work around seven core pillars: City Hall that gets things done; Neighborhoods that meet our housing needs; Families where every child can succeed; An economy that leaves no one behind; Inclusive communities where everyone's rights are protected; A sustainable built environment planned for future generations; and Storytelling that heals. Together, these pillars reflect the administration's values and its commitment to equity, good governance, and long-term sustainability.

Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald emphasized the city's commitment to implementation, transparency, and accountability. "It's an honor to support Mayor Avula's vision and desire for a culture of delivery through the Mayoral Action Plan," said CAO Odie Donald. "The MAP isn't just a document, it's how we frame our government to get things done, together. Every department will align its work to the Mayor's 7 pillars and MAP goals, track progress through shared data and dashboards, and connect with residents every step of the way. People first, people always - that's not just a value, it's how we work."

Shannon Paul and Thad Williamson played key leadership roles in developing the Mayoral Action Plan. "The Mayor is elected to shape government in the direction the people want and vote for," said Thad Williamson, Senior Policy Strategist. "The MAP is the bridge between that vision and how staff, led by the Chief Administrative Officer, will get it done."

"The MAP reflects what's possible when everyone - city staff, residents, agency partners, organizational partners - pull together towards a shared vision," said Shannon Paul, Deputy Director. "We all have a role to play in building a Thriving Richmond."

With the MAP now published, the City will begin the next phase of implementation: translating citywide goals into departmental action plans and building transparent reporting through a public dashboard available in 2026.

Read the full MAP here and stay tuned for more information about how the City is tracking progress and achievements.

Richmond, VA -- Mayor Danny Avula today announced his intention to introduce an ordinance for Council's consideration to formalize the ongoing work of establishing a Freedom of Information (FOIA) library to make information more easily accessible to the public. The FOIA Library will strengthen government transparency and accountability by expanding public access to City records.

The proposed measure will build on work that's been underway for a year, including the City's FOIA Water Library launched in April 2025 to make frequently requested records easily available online. The goal of the proposal is to make government information more accessible and strengthen public trust.

The proposed new FOIA Library will allow for posting releasable records that are requested by multiple people and are of clear public interest. It will not include records where privacy, safety, or confidentiality cannot be fully protected.

Avula Administration Proposed FOIA Library Rubric

"As a public health doctor and now, as Mayor, open communication and transparency have always been the bedrock of my work. This initiative is an extension of those values," said Mayor Danny Avula, "I'm excited about the FOIA Library because it will make it simpler for residents to access information. It's another step toward earning and keeping the public's trust, strengthening accountability, and showing our commitment to open government."

The anticipated introduction date is October 14, 2025.

Posted October 8, 2025

~ We Need Your Feedback: Surveys close October 31~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) is calling on residents to help shape the future of transportation by participating in two quick surveys that support efforts to make our city streets safer, more accessible, and better connected for everyone. 

Survey 1: New Vision Zero Projects (closes October 31)

Share your feedback on concepts for protected bike lanes on Patterson Avenue, Franklin Street, 1st Street, and 3rd Street.

Survey 2: Rethinking Short Trips (closes October 31)

This survey will help us understand current habits and improve city infrastructure to make non-car options more convenient and accessible.

Whether you walk, roll, cycle, or drive – your experience matters, and we want your input. Please take a few minutes to complete the surveys using the links below:

Survey Link 1: New Vision Zero Projects (https://arcg.is/1ea04j2)

Survey Link 2: Rethinking Short Trips (https://arcg.is/1yjmbW1)

To learn more about how DPW is building a multimodal city, please read the Richmond Connects Strategic Plan.

To learn more about DPW’s Vision Zero goals, please visit rva.gov/visionzero. 

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 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 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

October 8, 2025

Richmond, VA - In response to resident feedback calling for broader voices in shaping how Richmond grows and better addressing Richmond's housing crisis, Mayor Danny Avula today announced the addition of four new members to the City's Zoning Advisory Council (ZAC), expanding the group from 17 to 21. On October 7, 2025, the Planning Commission unanimously approved Resolution CPCR.2025.022.

The expansion will broaden community representation on the ZAC to ensure more diverse and informed input, with a particular focus on addressing Richmond's housing crisis. It will also help balance participation across the city. Council Districts 4 and 7 currently have no representation on the ZAC, while Districts 2, 8, and 9 each have only one member.

"People want to know that their voices matter," said Mayor Danny Avula, "The feedback from residents was really important, so the team and I set about adding new representation. By adding new members from underrepresented areas in the community, we're making sure more perspectives are part of the conversation about how Richmond grows. This should be a city where all people and places thrive."

The ZAC is a non-decision-making subcommittee of the City Planning Commission. It is made up of Richmonders who help guide the City through the update of its zoning ordinance. A current list of members and the meeting schedule can be found here.

The Planning Commission, in accordance with §17.02, City Code, consists of nine appointed members and is responsible for adopting the city's master plan, among other duties.