September 2, 2025

Richmond, VA -- Mayor Avula announced a series of process improvements to respond to audit findings, fix outdated processes, and deliver better outcomes for residents. Together, these efforts take critical steps towards the City's commitment to building a thriving Richmond.

Revising the budget process This summer, the Mayor's office participated in a Budget Task Force to revisit the City's budget development and proposal process to fulfill a pledge to improve the budget process. Task Force representation included:

• Richmond City Council, Katherine Jordan
• Richmond City Council, Ellen Robertson
• Council Chief of Staff, RJ Warren
• Chief Administration Officer Odie Donald, II
• Mayor's Chief of Staff Lawson Wijesooriya
• Mayor's Senior Policy Advisor, Thad Williamson
• Meghan Brown, Director of Budget and Strategic Planning
• Other staff for both Council and Administration

The Budget Task Force's goal was to examine existing procedures and identify enhancements that would give more time for meaningful discussion, feedback, and input. The revised process will ensure more transparency and a stronger focus on aligning resources with community needs. The Budget Task Force has six recommendations:

1. Early collaboration: The Mayor and Council hold a public budget kickoff to establish shared understanding of the budget process timeline and later meet for a facilitated discussion on top budget priorities
2. Restructured timeline: move up the timeline for the Mayor's budget submission
3. Efficient work sessions: reorganize budget work sessions around four City of Richmond portfolios (Human Services; Finance and Administration; Planning and Economic Development; and Operations)
4. Standardized amendment procedures: implement a standardized amendment process
5. Enhanced public engagement: conduct additional public hearings before the Mayor's submission of his budget and on Councilmember budget amendments
6. Annual review: reconvene annually for continuous improvement

The Budget Task Force will present their recommendations and then the Administration and Richmond City Council will work together to develop Standard Operating Procedures, draft any necessary legislation, and communicate changes broadly.

Overhauling grant-making for non-departmental funding The City of Richmond currently administers grants to more than 70 community-based organizations through its non-departmental funding process. City staff manage every stage of the funding process from requests for proposals to outcomes monitoring, a process that requires significant staffing capacity and lacks centralized policies.

On August 28, 2025, Mayor Avula announced a new plan to implement an intermediary organization model across four focus areas: Economic Mobility, Children and Education, Arts and Culture, and Health, which align with the Mayor's seven pillars for a thriving Richmond. Overhauling the grant-making process addresses recommendations from a February 25, 2025 City Auditor's report.

Strategic Action Plans

As required by City ordinances ORD. 2018-030 and ORD. 2019-157, City of Richmond agencies have completed their Strategic Action Plans. These plans serve as the foundation for accountability and transparency in city government. While fulfilling the legislative requirements, Mayor Avula will enhance the strategic planning process by finalizing and introducing his Mayoral Action Plan (MAP) later this fall. The MAP is built around seven pillars for a thriving Richmond and will guide the administration's approach to policy-making and daily operations.

Seven Pillars for a thriving Richmond:

1. A Thriving City Government (that gets things done)
2. Thriving Neighborhoods (that meet our housing needs)
3. Thriving Families (where every child succeeds)
4. A Thriving Economy (that leaves no one behind)
5. A Thriving and Inclusive City (where everyone's rights are protected)
6. A Thriving and Sustainable Built Environment (planned for future generations)
7. A City that Tells its Stories (and tells the truth about its past)

August 29, 2025

Yesterday, Mayor Danny Avula, Richmond City Council, Richmond City School Board, and Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras met for a joint education briefing to prepare for the upcoming FY 2027 Richmond Government Budget cycle and further work together in support of public education in Richmond.

The meeting included budget presentations by the City Administration and Richmond Public Schools and provided high-level analyses of those organizational budgets as well as potential FY 2027 pressure points, including changes to the Richmond Real Estate Assessment process, capital-improvement needs, and the overall economic outlook.

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to build greater understanding of each entity's budgeting process to help ensure Richmond Public Schools and the families they serve can fully thrive. Moving forward, the three bodies will work together to develop long-term, sustainable funding plans.

"This was an impactful, constructive gathering of our schools, the Mayor, and City Council - a true demonstration of shared purpose. Together, we not only acknowledged the challenges facing our education system and the city, we also reaffirmed our collective commitment to collaborate, take action, ensure every child and family has access to the strong public schools and resources they need to thrive," says Richmond City Council President Cynthia Newbille.

"As an RPS parent and a spouse of an RPS teacher, I know well the challenges Richmond Public Schools faces. Real progress will come through intentional communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to our students and community. I'm grateful we came together to become more informed for the benefit of our students, families, and teachers, and to move closer to a truly thriving Richmond," says Mayor Danny Avula. "We will continue to build on our insights and take the next steps forward together."

"In a city like Richmond, collaboration is the way to go. The same kids who come to our schools travel our streets, visit our parks, and need public housing and transportation. While we face daunting budget pressures, I have no doubt that we can come together to find solutions in the best interest of our students," says Superintendent Jason Kamras.

With more than a dozen years of policy, advocacy, and intergovernmental relations experience, Morrison will facilitate partnership efforts with regional, state, and federal leaders.

August 29, 2025

Richmond, VA - Today, the City of Richmond announced that Ruth Morrison will serve as the City's new Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. The office advances City priorities and policies in relationship with local, state, and federal policymakers; regional counterparts; and other governmental stakeholders.

In her dozen-plus years of experience, Morrison has worked at the federal, state, and local levels, most recently as the Policy Director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. Her career has spanned various roles and institutions, including work in nonprofit innovation, electoral and advocacy training, and national environmental organizing.

"I've known Ruth for years, as a constituent in the City, also as a committed advocate and talented policy professional. She understands the complexities of the City's relationship with the General Assembly and all the critical work we must do together to improve lives in Richmond," said Delegate Betsy Carr.

"Richmond City Council is excited to work with Ms. Morrison in this new role," says Council President Cynthia Newbille. "After working together to establish Richmond's Health Equity Fund, I know that she is committed to innovative, evidence-based projects and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the work of bringing cross-sector partners together," said Richmond City Council President Cynthia Newbille.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrison organized initial containment operations to provide resources for some of the most at-risk populations in central Virginia. During that period of intensifying health disparities, Morrison worked with Richmond City Council to establish the Health Equity Fund, investing a combination of federal, philanthropic, corporate, and local dollars in community-rooted services for Richmond residents. Alongside partners in state government, Morrison has helped champion the critical role that doulas, community health workers, and grassroots community service providers all play in improving health outcomes for priority communities. She has been a long-time member of both the Richmond and Henrico Opioid Abatement Task Forces, maximizing the use of federal settlement dollars through the Opioid Abatement Authority on harm reduction, treatment, prevention, and recovery services. Serving on Mayor Avula's Transition Executive Team, she supported the outlining of new administration priorities and plan recommendations with dozens of community experts in healthcare access, climate and environment, transportation, and behavioral health.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Ruth, who will build the strategy to align the administration's priorities with our partners in City Council and RPS so we can advocate as one city. Her leadership, passion, and expertise will advance a thriving Richmond for every resident," said Mayor Danny Avula.

Locally, Morrison has served on several Boards and committees and led cross-sector collaboratives and coalitions, including with the YMCA Downtown, the Partnership for Housing Affordability Policy Advisory Committee, WRIR, and Mayorathon.

"What's important to me about intergovernmental work is finding the win-wins that allow us to realize systems-level changes in partnership with our colleagues at the state, across the region, and beyond." said Morrison. "That's been a throughline in my career - no matter my role or institution, we have to put together winning collaborative projects that impact the lives of our neighbors. As a resident of the City and the parent of two RPS kids, I'm grateful to be bringing my experience to City Hall, and I'm ready to get to work for all Richmonders!"

Ms. Morrison's first day with the City of Richmond will be September 29.

The City of Richmond wishes everyone a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

City offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Monday, September 1. We will return to regular business hours on Tuesday, September 2. Keep reading for information about City service schedules during the holiday weekend.

• Department of Public Works will not conduct trash collection, recycling, or bulk and brush collection on Monday, Sept. 1. All collections will be delayed by one day. Collections scheduled for pick-up on Monday will be picked up on Tuesday and so on through Friday September 6. The East Richmond Road Convenience Center (ERRCC) Landfill, located at 3800 East Richmond Road, will be closed Saturday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 1. The ERRCC will reopen Tuesday, September 3.
• Richmond Public Libraries are closed on Monday, Sept. 1, and will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
• RVA311 will be open Saturday, Aug. 30 and will be closed on Sept 1. The public will have 24/7 access to self-service via RVA311.com and mobile apps.
• Richmond Public Schools are closed on both Friday, Aug. 29 and Monday, Sept. 1. Schools will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
• Parks and Rec offices and community centers are closed Monday, September 1. Pools will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• The Department of Public Utilities Call Center is closed Monday, September 1. For utility emergencies, customers should call 646-4646 and press Option 1. For gas leaks, leave the area and call 911.
• Richmond Animal Care and Control is closed on Monday, September 1 and open by appointment only on Tuesday, September 2. It will resume hours on Wednesday, September 3.

Posted August 28, 2025

~ Live music every Thursday in September from 5:30 – 8 p.m.~

RICHMOND, Va. – Main Street Station is celebrating the season with its fall outdoor concert series – Music at Main Street. It’s a month-long lineup of live music every Thursday evening in September from 5:30 - 8 p.m. at the historic train station located at 1500 East Main Street. 

This community-favorite event features an exciting lineup of local and regional artists, transforming the station’s outdoor patio into a vibrant, music-filled gathering space each week. 

The concert line-up includes:  

• September 4 

  • Brencore Allstars

• September 11

  • En’Novation Band

• September 18

  • Legacy Band

• September 25

  • E.U. ft. Sugar Bear

This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. 

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us at rva.gov/public-works or send an email to AskPublicWorks@rva.gov 

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

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Main Street Station (MSS) is owned and operated by the Department of Public Works. Built in 1901, the station is centrally located in the heart of the city and is a historic transportation hub offering a blend of modern amenities, historic charm and classic, stunning architectural design. It features a grand central atrium, intricate stonework, head house, train shed, outdoor space (and patio), and a distinctive clock tower creating a lasting impression of Richmond along the I-95 corridor. This historic venue offers a unique setting for both public and private events. It provides Virginia and the northeast corridor a unique world-class event space that includes 47,000 square feet enclosed in glass, providing breathtaking views of downtown Richmond. It’s a top venue for weddings and events, appearing on numerous “best of” listings. Main Street Station serves as a key point for both Amtrak and local commuter rail services. The station is a vital connection to the region’s transportation network which include partnerships with bus services, such as, GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit, Greyhound and various Megabus services. It also offers bike paths connecting to the Virginia Capital Trail. Described as an “architectural gem” by the United States Postal Service, MSS was selected and featured on a postage stamp! 

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; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and scooter 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