Posted March 19, 2025

Amy Popovich brings over a decade of experience leading strategic, community-driven initiatives in Richmond designed to support and empower residents.

Today, the City of Richmond announced the appointment of Amy Popovich as the next Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services. Amy brings over a decade of experience leading strategic, community-driven public health initiatives in Richmond. Previously, as Nurse Manager for the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, she oversaw a team of over 100 clinical staff and spearheaded programs that bridged the gap between public health and community needs. From leading COVID-19 response efforts to launching initiatives in school health, newcomer services, and chronic disease prevention, her work is rooted in collaboration, advocacy, and impact.

"I am so excited for Amy to add her incredible depth of compassion, collaboration, and expertise to the City of Richmond," said Mayor Danny Avula. "I've seen firsthand what she can accomplish and the level of servant leadership she brings to a team. I can't think of a better person to step in, hit the ground running, and lead our Human Services portfolio."

The City's Human Services portfolio includes the Office of Community Wealth Building; the Department of Justice Services; the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services; the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities; the Department of Social Services; and the Richmond Public Library. Together, these agencies enhance economic stability and improve health outcomes and the overall wellbeing of Richmonders across all stages of life.

"I'm very familiar with the work Amy has done throughout her career, especially here in the 7th District. The departments that make up the City's Human Services portfolio serve residents all across Richmond, including some of the most vulnerable, and I have no doubt Amy will build on her experience and thrive in her new role as DCAO for Human Services," said City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille.

Amy succeeds departing DCAO Traci DeShazor, who has led the Human Services portfolio since 2023. DeShazor oversaw the portfolio during a critical period, including the development of the Southside Community Center, the establishment of Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the opening of the Community Resource Center, and an expansion and deepening of the City's shelter response.

Amy will start at the City on April 28. Director of Social Services Shunda Giles will serve as Acting DCAO in the interim.

Support for Amy

 "I can't think of a more qualified and collaborative community leader to be the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services at the City of Richmond than Amy. I have known and collaborated with her for 15 years. She's amazing and will do an excellent job." - Karen Legato, Executive Director, Health Brigade

"I am looking forward to working with Amy Popovich in her role as Richmond's DCAO for Human Services. Her experience managing regional public health programs coupled with her dedication to establishing innovative partnerships to address socioeconomic issues encountered by residents in Central Virginia will provide a strong foundation for this role. Amy is a servant leader whose quest to put people first has helped her excel throughout her career." - Sheryl Garland, Chief of Health Impact, VCU Health System

"Over her decades-long career, Amy has proven that there is no one solution to tackling public health issues. She knows how to draw on the strengths of a community and listen to residents to ensure that a diversity of needs can be addressed across our City. Her experience in crisis, collaboration, and coordinating asset-based community networks is a step forward for our citizens - especially those who are ready for economic mobility and want access to resources to ensure a safe and thriving life in Richmond." - Rupa Murthy, CEO, YWCA Richmond

"I am excited for the City and the region to have Amy in this role. We've worked together for years in her previous role, and I look forward to us continuing to work to serve the needs of vulnerable communities. Amy understands the power of collective impact and knows that we are stronger and better when we collaborate to solve complex issues in the region." - Monica Smith-Callahan, Deputy County Manager for Community Affairs, Henrico County

"Amy is an exceptional leader and a true force for good. Her new position will allow her to have a tremendous impact on improving the lives of all Richmonders." - Rob Winn, Director, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

About Amy Popovich: With a passion for community health and a commitment to advancing equitable healthcare access, Amy has spent over 15 years leading innovative public health initiatives in Richmond, VA. As Nurse Manager for the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, she oversaw a team of over 100 clinical staff and spearheaded programs that bridged the gap between public health and community needs. From leading COVID-19 response efforts to launching initiatives in school health, newcomer services, and chronic disease prevention, her work will continue to be rooted in collaboration, advocacy, and impact.

A strategic leader and systems thinker, Amy has successfully managed multi-million-dollar budgets, cultivated cross-sector partnerships, and co-founded the Richmond Henrico Public Health Foundation to enhance public health funding and sustainability. In 2011, in partnership with local philanthropy, she launched a Community Health Worker (CHW) initiative in Richmond. Through her leadership at the Virginia Department of Health, this effort has expanded statewide, leading to the creation of a statewide CHW certification program and securing $3.2 million in annual state funding.

Recognized with the YWCA Outstanding Women's Award for Health & Science and the American Public Health Nurses Association Award of Merit, she is dedicated to shaping the future of community health through evidence-based, people-centered approaches.

Posted March 18, 2025

The program will provide grants to small businesses significantly impacted by January’s water emergency. 

Applications are now open for the Small Business Recovery Grant Fund. Administered by the Metropolitan Business League (MBL), the program will provide grants to small businesses significantly impacted by January’s water emergency. Applications will close on March 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. 

Businesses can learn more about the program, including eligibility requirements, on the MBL’s website. The City of Richmond Office of Minority Business Development is offering technical assistance to businesses that need support applying for the program. Please contact Lisette Johnson at lisette.johnson@rva.gov to schedule a technical assistance appointment. 

About the Small Business Recovery Grant Fund: The Small Business Water Recovery Grant Fund provides financial assistance to small businesses significantly impacted by the January 2025 water outage in Richmond, VA. The program is a public-private partnership administered by the MBL in collaboration with Bridging Virginia (a Community Development Financial Institution), seeded with a total initial investment of $500,000 provided by the City of Richmond Economic Development Authority, Dominion Energy, and Altria. More information about the fund can be found on thembl.org. 

Pledges to continue to release severance details on an annual basis. 

Statement from Mayor Danny Avula:

In July of 2017, City Council passed ORD. 2017-071, which delineated terms of severance in the City's Pay Ordinance, including the requirement that severance only be paid pursuant to a separation agreement. Below you will find the list of severance payments from 2017.

When a City employee signs a separation agreement under the current policy, both the employee and the City of Richmond agree not to disclose the existence of the agreement. In the spirit of the promises made to these employees, I've decided not to release their names.

In the future, we commit to releasing severances provided by the City on an annual basis.

Posted March 14, 2025

~ Projects provide community empowerment along with real-time feedback and evaluation before permanent installations~

RICHMOND, VA – In response to the community’s input via Richmond Connects, The Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility (OETM), a division within the Department of Public Works (DPW) is taking action to address traffic safety concerns. The OETM team is actively working on several Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) projects across the city. These projects are designed to improve safety (pedestrian and public), promote transportation equity, create more accessible streets, and empower residents through community-driven art installations. Using LQC models allow the city time to address urgent issues with low-cost, temporary interventions prior to securing funding for permanent installations.

LQC Project #1:
Mosby Street and Mechanicsville Turnpike near Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School

• Along Mosby Street at the intersections of P, Q, and R streets
• Mechanicsville Turnpike at T Street and Brauers Lane

Improvements completed:

• Traffic calming curb extension and flexible posts installed
• Planter boxes installed
• Raised, modular, sustainably designed bus boarding platform installed to:
  
  • Increase bus reliability and reduce bus &vehicle conflicts
  • Provide a safer, more comfortable space for bus passengers & enhance the ride
  • Streamline boarding and improve accessibility

MLK Community Art Project | Street Closure:

All lanes in the 1000 Block of Mosby between P and R streets will be closed from March 22 through March 30 for the installation of the street mural in front of MLK Middle School. Note: water walls will be used to keep traffic out of mural painting area. Note: access to the school parking lot and the bus stop loop will be maintained.

Art Project(s): Fostering Community through Art: street mural art (designs and concepts inspired by MLK art students - curated by Sam Skrimpz)

• Photo opportunity: Tuesday, March 25 (weather permitting)
• Note: Additional art projects are planned along the corridor. They will feature art collaborations with various guest artists and students from Peter Paul Development Center and Franklin Military Academy.

LQC Project #2 - the intersection of Hermitage Road and Laburnum Avenue near Linwood Holton Elementary School

Start date:

• Tentative/preliminary starting date in mid to late March or early April

Improvements include:

• Installing traffic calming curb and median extensions, flexible posts and working with the community and students to install street art/mural project near the school. 

Art Project: Design and concepts inspired by Linwood Holton students - curated by Sam Skrimpz

• TBA: the installation date will follow the completion of the planned improvements.

LQC Project #3 - Midlothian Turnpike near Richmond High School for the Arts

• Midlothian Turnpike from 37th Street to Richmond High School for the Arts
• 3700 to 4800 blocks of Midlothian Turnpike

Improvements include:

• Installing traffic calming, road diet and flexible posts and working with the community and students to install a street art/mural project near the school.
• Narrowing Midlothian Turnpike by one lane in one direction as the south/west-bound lanes of Midlothian Turnpike approach the school.
  
  • This improvement will create a safer crossing distance and reduce vehicle speeds so people can safely access walking to the school and to be able to access the upgraded outdoor amenities underway at the school site.

Start date:

• April or May

The LQC program is a key initiative in the city’s efforts to promote transportation equity, improve public safety, and foster community engagement in urban planning. As the first phase of the Richmond Connects implementation process, LQC aims to address pressing safety concerns and provide more immediate solutions while longer-term, permanent infrastructure changes are being developed. Although LQC projects are not intended to replace permanent infrastructure, they provide essential, timely improvements to make streets safer and more accessible in the interim.

These initial projects are just the beginning of a broader effort to enhance neighborhoods across Richmond. Moving forward, the LQC program will continue to focus on promoting safety, improving the transit rider experience, improving accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, and creating opportunities for residents to actively shape the future of their communities.

For more information go to https://www.rva.gov/public-works/lqc

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 March 14, 2025

Richmond, VA – On Monday, March 17, 2025, the Departments of Procurement Services and Public Works will host a Contracting Partnership Symposium aimed at helping local businesses specializing in construction and related industries connect with the city. The event will provide valuable insights into upcoming projects and offer networking opportunities to strengthen partnerships between the city and local businesses.

At the symposium, attendees will have the chance to learn about upcoming solicitations, including projects involving streetscapes, paving, bridges, and traffic improvements. Experts from both Procurement Services and Public Works will also be on hand during the event to explain how local businesses can engage with the city’s contracting process. A Q&A session will follow, allowing participants to ask questions and gain further understanding of how to work with the city effectively.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to get an inside look at the forecast of upcoming projects, to be able to ask questions and learn more about how they can contribute to the city’s infrastructure growth,” said Rene Almaraz, Director, Department of Procurement Services. “We’re excited and committed to building stronger partnerships with the Richmond business community.”

Symposium Information:

• Place: Main Street Station, 2nd Floor (Headhouse)
  1500 E Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219
• Date: March 17, 2025
• Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Registration:  Free Register now !

For more event details and to register, visit Contracting Partnership Symposium.