The City of Richmond’s Department of Finance is in the process of finalizing the remaining one-time real estate tax rebate checks. The rebate, approved by City Council in 2024, aims to provide financial relief amid rising property values and housing costs. At this time, approximately 36,057 residents have yet to receive their rebate checks, and 8,205 residents have received rebate checks but have not deposited them.

As part of the City’s continued commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, we are implementing a revised distribution timeline to ensure accurate processing and timely delivery to our homeowners.

Updated Timeline:

• Verification and Processing Period: Currently being completed
• Check Printing and Mailing Begins: June 17, 2025
• Estimated Delivery Window: Beginning June 30, 2025

Residents that have recently deposited an incorrect check that listed “Hartshorn Community Council” and have received a return fee from their bank can submit a request for reimbursement via RVA311 by calling 311 for assistance or submitting a ticket online at rva311.com.

Once on the website, please follow the below instructions:

1. Click “Create New Request”
2. Click “Real Estate Taxes”
3. Click “Continue” through the pop up window
4. Fill out the requested information including uploading a photo of the return check fee from your bank.

The City of Richmond has completed the initial reset of its p-card program and has begun the steps necessary for a wholesale reevaluation of the program. Since the original announcement on April 30, the Department of Procurement Services (DPS) has reduced the number of p-cards by 79%, bringing the total number of active p-cards to just 67, from 320.  

Over the next 60-90 days, DPS will reevaluate and redesign the City’s p-card system, in line with an audit from the City Auditor’s office and an independent assessment from the NIGP (the Institute for Public Procurement). Based on those recommendations, DPS will begin revising City procurement policies and procedures and will train staff on proper implementation and use. 

During the program reset: 

• The only allowable p-card purchases will be those where public health, safety, and critical services would be disrupted if not allowed or where no other payment option exists. 
• No travel-related purchases will be permitted on p-cards. City employees will follow the existing travel advance/reimbursement policy. 
• No Amazon purchases will be permitted on p-cards. 
• No food purchases will be permitted on p-cards (excepting mission-critical, citizen-supporting programs like summer food programs or after-school programs). 
• Department directors will no longer be issued p-cards, allowing directors to better focus on approval of purchases. 

The City of Richmond will continue to update the public as progress is made towards a new and improved p-card infrastructure

Department of Parks Recreation and Community Facilities Announces Merger of Park Ranger and James River Park System Outdoor Education Programs 

Merger will allow for enhanced visitor services within the park system

Richmond, VA – As visitors flock to Richmond’s beloved park spaces, the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation, & Community Facilities is announcing the merging of two public-serving programs. Effective immediately, the Park Ranger program and James River Park System Outdoor Education program will become a streamlined initiative, enhancing visitor services through youth and public programs throughout Richmond’s vibrant park system. The mission of the Park Ranger program is to “engage park visitors and improve access to shared spaces.”  

“When the City Council first approved funding for the park ranger program in 2022, the goal was to enhance the experience for park users,” said Kristen Nye, former City Council President and lead patron of the program's funding. “I’m excited to see the program evolve and build on the services already available to Richmond families and park visitors.”   

The combination of Outdoor Education and Park Rangers will expand supportive services throughout Richmond parks. Park visitors can expect to see more opportunities for consistent public programs within and beyond the James River Park System. Park Rangers will lead regularly scheduled programs at the nature center and offer opportunities for volunteers to serve as hosts, trail monitors, or river safety ambassadors.

The Park Ranger program will continue to provide outreach services to individuals visiting the parks, provide wilderness first aid as needed, and facilitate invaluable communication and partnership with first responders during emergencies. Accompanying this expanded scope of services offered to park visitors, the Park Ranger program will continue to provide high quality school programs, summer camps, and professional development opportunities for students and teachers. 

"The best way to ensure our parks are open and welcoming to all has always been through activation of the space," says former James River Park Superintendent and Groundwork RVA Executive Director Nathan Burrell." The merger of these two programs offers just that, by accelerating public engagement opportunities in the spaces we love for all Richmonders".    

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Posted May 6, 2025

~ This event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Main Street Station ~

RICHMOND, VA – In celebration of National Public Works Week, the Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is hosting its first ‘DPW Touch-A-Truck’ Event on Wednesday, May 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Main Street Station. This exciting, free event is designed as a fun way to teach elementary school-aged children about the essential services provided by public works professionals. The event will provide students with a “behind-the-scenes” opportunity to meet the staff who operate the vehicles and watch live demonstrations of the equipment in action.  

Registration is required. Please go to https://arcg.is/0u14Wn1 to complete the registration by May 13.

Note: Bus parking and the drop-off entrance are accessible from 1500 East Franklin Street.

For more information on DPW, go to rva.gov/public-works or email askpublicworks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on 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 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

The City of Richmond Celebrates Older Americans Month

National Theme for 2025 is “Flipping the Script on Aging”

Established in 1963, Older Americans Month is celebrated every May and led by the Administration on Aging, a division of the Administration for Community Living. It is a time to honor the contributions, achievements, and enduring impact of older Americans while reaffirming our collective commitment to supporting older adults throughout the nation.

This year’s theme, “Flipping the Script on Aging,” emphasizes the powerful impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on the health, well-being, and independence of older adults. It calls attention to how staying socially connected can help combat isolation and loneliness, enabling seniors to age in place with dignity and strength.

In recognition of Older Americans Month, the City of Richmond’s Office of Aging and Disability Services will spotlight a wide array of community-based programs and resources designed to encourage social engagement, including book clubs, health and wellness initiatives, and educational workshops on topics such as health benefits and legal rights. These efforts reflect the city’s ongoing mission to support older adults in remaining active, informed, and independent members of the community.

“In Richmond, we believe that every generation deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Older Adults Month is a time to honor the wisdom, resilience, and contributions of our seniors—who have helped shape the fabric of our city. By investing in their well-being, we’re not just supporting individuals—we’re strengthening our entire community,” said Mayor Danny Avula.

As the older adult population continues to grow, the City of Richmond remains steadfast in its dedication to building a supportive, inclusive community where residents of all ages can thrive—powered by connection.