City News

Press Releases and Announcements

ICYMI: Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Sabrina Joy-Hogg, unanimously confirmed by City Council

Posted on Feb. 3, 2025

Interim CAO Joy-Hogg, Councilmember Jordan, Mayor Avula

Richmond, VA – On January 8, in a ceremony held in the basement of the Main Branch of the Richmond Public Library, Senior Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Sabrina Joy-Hogg was sworn in as the City’s Interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). 

Joy-Hogg will serve as Interim CAO while the national search for a Chief Administrative Officer continues. That process is being led by the Robert Bobb Group (RBG), in collaboration with PoliHire, with a final candidate expected to be hired in the first half of 2025. Under Richmond’s governmental structure, the CAO reports to the Mayor and has responsibility for day-to-day operations in the City. 

“Effectively serving the citizens of Richmond requires deep collaboration across City Hall,” said Danny. “I appreciate City Council for confirming Sabrina Joy-Hogg as Interim CAO. Sabrina has extensive experience in local government leadership especially in the areas of administration, budget, and finance – areas she’s already had such a positive impact on here in Richmond. Having worked with her during the transition process, I am absolutely confident in her ability to serve as Interim CAO.” 

Prior to being confirmed as Interim CAO, Sabrina Joy-Hogg served as Senior DCAO for Administration and Finance for the City of Richmond. Her past experience includes roles with the U.S. Department of Treasury, Deputy City Manager for the City of Charlotte, NC, and Chief Deputy City Manager for the City of Norfolk, VA, among other positions. 

As part of the national CAO candidate search, a formal posting that includes a job description and information about the application process has been posted online. 

In conducting the national search, the Robert Bobb-Group – a minority-owned national consulting firm specializing in public and private sector consulting and advisory services – is focused on identifying qualified candidates whose vision and values are aligned with the needs of the City of Richmond. The executive search firm PoliHire, which specializes in identifying accomplished municipal and philanthropic leadership candidates, will support RBG during this process. 

About the Robert Bobb Group: The Robert Bobb Group, LLC is a minority-owned national consulting firm specializing in public and private sector consulting and advisory services. It offers solutions to government, military, private sector organizations, and educational institutions. Its excellence in strategic planning and knowledge of city government ensures searches return the best and the right candidate. 

About PoliHire: PoliHire is an executive search firm that partners with public-serving and mission-based organizations to understand their leadership needs and identify the highest-caliber candidates whose skill sets, demonstrated track record, and future aspirations are aligned with their clients’ commitment to service, excellence, and equity.

 

City of Richmond Announces Launch of New Emergency Alert System

Posted on Feb 3, 2025

Richmond, VA – The City of Richmond is pleased to announce that residents, workers, and visitors will now be able to receive quick and reliable emergency notifications through the city’s new emergency alert system, Richmond Ready Alerts. This innovative emergency alert system, powered by Everbridge—an industry leader in critical event management—will provide prompt and dependable notifications during critical incidents and emergencies.

The new alert system, which will replace the city's previous alerting system CodeRed, will keep users informed about a wide range of events, including severe weather, fires, floods, missing persons, power outages, and other crucial public safety updates. Users will have the flexibility to receive these alerts through their preferred channels, including text messages, emails, landline phones, or via the Everbridge app.

“In emergencies, having timely information can make all the difference, and Richmond Ready Alerts guarantees that users get real-time updates when they matter most,” Stephen Willoughby, Director of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response said in a statement. “We strongly encourage anyone who lives, works, or frequently visits Richmond to sign up for alerts to stay connected during critical times.”

Residents can opt-in for Richmond Ready Alerts by texting RVAREADY to 888-777 or by visiting rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts.

 

###

La Ciudad de Richmond lanza su nuevo sistema de alertas de emergencia

Richmond, Virginia – La ciudad de Richmond se complace en anunciar que sus habitantes, trabajadores y visitantes ahora podrán recibir notificaciones de emergencia rápidas y confiables a través del nuevo sistema de alertas de emergencia de la ciudad, Richmond Ready Alerts. Este innovador sistema de alertas de emergencia, impulsado por Everbridge, líder de la industria en la gestión de eventos críticos, proporcionará notificaciones rápidas y confiables durante incidentes críticos y emergencias.

El nuevo sistema de alertas, que reemplazará a CodeRed, el anterior sistema de alertas de la ciudad,  mantendrá a los usuarios informados sobre una amplia gama de eventos, incluyendo mal tiempo, incendios, inundaciones, personas desaparecidas, cortes de energía y otras actualizaciones cruciales de seguridad pública. Los usuarios tendrán la flexibilidad de recibir estas alertas a través de sus medios de comunicación preferidos, incluyendo mensajes de texto, correos electrónicos, teléfonos fijos o a través de la aplicación Everbridge.

"Durante una emergencia, tener información oportuna puede marcar la diferencia, y Richmond Ready Alerts garantiza que los usuarios obtengan actualizaciones en tiempo real cuando más se necesitan", dijo Stephen Willoughby, Director de Comunicaciones, Preparación y Respuesta ante Emergencias en un comunicado. "Recomendamos encarecidamente a cualquier persona que viva, trabaje o visite Richmond con frecuencia, que se inscriba para recibir alertas y mantenerse conectada durante momentos críticos", añadió.

Los richmondeses pueden inscribirse para recibir las alertas de Richmond Ready enviando el mensaje RVAREADY al 888-777 o visitando la página rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts.

City of Richmond expects 100% of Water Recovery Assistance Funds Now Fully Committed to Richmonders in Need

Posted Feb. 3, 2025

Application process paused; City staff and partners actively working to verify current applicant eligibility and release payments  

Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond expects that 100% of Water Recovery Assistance funds are now fully committed to Richmonders financially impacted by the water crisis. The application process for the Family Crisis Fund is now paused as current applicants are verified for eligibility and current applications are reviewed. Over 2,200 applications have been received since Friday, Jan. 31. 

 “Since its inception, the Family Crisis Fund has provided critical support to Richmonders in need. The overwhelming number of applications received in the aftermath of the water outage speaks to the great need of many residents. For some, the Family Crisis Fund may be their last resort in covering the cost of rent, childcare, and other basic needs,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services Traci J. Deshazor

Close to $650,000 of recovery funds are currently available to support Richmonders who have a demonstrated financial need following the water outage. Qualifying residents may be eligible for up to $2,500 in recovery funding.  

The City of Richmond and its Family Crisis Fund partner organizations are actively working to verify applicant eligibility and review all current applications.  At this time, it is anticipated that applicants will be contacted in approximately 10-15 business days. Applications will be verified and processed in the order they were received. 

“I know many Richmonders are facing real challenges following the water outage — rent payments, child care costs, missed medical bills. Water Recovery Assistance through the Family Crisis Fund is one important way the City can work together with residents to face those challenges.” said Mayor Danny Avula. “The water crisis was not the only challenge we’ll face in the coming years, and Richmonders deserve a robust and resilient Family Crisis Fund to help us meet those future challenges together. And so, my team and I are currently exploring all options to expand financial support for this critical program.” 

Individuals and businesses, as they’re able, can also contribute to Water Recovery Assistance by donating online: https://www.yourunitedway.org/rvawaterfund/ 

Water Recovery Assistance is provided through the Family Crisis Fund. Since 2024, the City has dedicated more than $2.6 million to the Family Crisis Fund to support Richmonders in need.  

Public Information Advisory - Henry L. Marsh III Remembrance Services

Members of Richmond City Council will attend the following services in remembrance of Henry L. Marsh III.

WHAT:            Henry L. Marsh III lying in state at the Virginia State Capitol 
WHEN:           Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. 
WHERE:         Virginia State Capital
                        Old Senate Chamber  
                        1000 Bank Street
                        Richmond, VA 23219

WHAT:            Henry L. Marsh III family visitation 
WHEN:           Friday, January 31, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. 
WHERE:         Manning Funeral Home
                        700 N. 25th Street
                        Richmond, VA 23223

WHAT:           Henry L. Marsh III funeral service  
WHEN:          Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. 
WHERE:        Saint Paul’s Baptist Church
                       4247 Creighton Road
                       Richmond, VA 23223

CONTACT:    For more information, please contact City Clerk Candice Reid at 804.646.7955 or Candice.Reid@rva.gov
 

City of Richmond Shares Application, Eligibility Details for Water Recovery Assistance through the Family Crisis Fund

Posted on Jan. 31, 2025

Fund will provide financial assistance to directly pay bills for eligible Richmonders impacted by the water outage

The City of Richmond is now accepting applications for Water Recovery Assistance through a fund that has been established to provide financial support to people impacted by the water outage this month. This assistance is an expansion of the City of Richmond’s existing Family Crisis Fund that supports Richmonders with critical needs. 

Applications for assistance open today, Jan. 31, 2025. Eligible residents may apply by calling 3-1-1 or by visiting rva311.com. Family Crisis Fund requests, specific to the water outage, will be accepted until March 14 or until the fund has been exhausted. 

To qualify for assistance, individuals must be a resident of the City of Richmond, have a demonstrated financial hardship due to the water outage, and have a balance owed or overdue for a bill in one of the following categories: 

  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Non-City Utility bills
  • Healthcare expenses
  • Childcare costs
  • Car loan payments

Eligible residents can expect financial assistance to be directed towards their service provider or biller, such as landlords, utility companies, and healthcare providers. 

Since 2023, the City of Richmond has dedicated more than $2.6 million to the Family Crisis Fund to support Richmonders in need. In recent months, the City of Richmond has invested $1.17 million and more than $650,000 remains in the fund to support Richmond residents in crisis. Mayor Danny Avula has also contributed $25,000 to the Family Crisis Fund from his Richmond Forward Together PAC, and he encourages members of the community who are able to donate to contribute as well. Contributions can be made via a partnership with the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg: https://www.yourunitedway.org/rvawaterfund/ 

“A big part of building and sustaining a thriving community is investing resources to help people who are in need. The Family Crisis Fund is one of the ways we are responding to the financial impact the water outage had on our fellow Richmonders,” said Mayor Avula. “This is one of those times when we are asking people who can help, to step up and do so.” 

The Water Recovery Assistance is an expanded use of the Family Crisis Fund that was established in 2020 — in a partnership with the Robins Foundation — to support Richmonders experiencing unexpected hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its formation, the City of Richmond has invested nearly $5 million into the Fund over the years.  

Individuals who have previously received assistance through the Family Crisis Fund may still be eligible for Water Recovery Assistance. Those who have already received assistance through the program in the past year may be eligible for up to $800 in recovery funding, and those who have not received support from the Family Crisis Fund in the past year may be eligible for up to $2,500.

Or search using "Type it, find it" above