City News

Posted on May 19, 2025

Richmond Celebrates National Public Works Week with Community Events and Employee Recognition

Posted May 19, 2025

 

~ Honoring the People and Projects that Keep Richmond Running ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Public Works Week (NPWW) from May 19 – 23, 2025. This year’s theme, “People, Purpose, Presence,” honors the dedicated professionals whose work supports our daily lives and strengthens communities through public infrastructure and essential services.

Richmond is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States – a recognition that underscores the city’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and public service.

Throughout the week, DPW will highlight the crucial role its teams play in building a better Richmond – from engineers and traffic technicians to maintaining roads and bridges to refuse collection, DPW employees embody the values of people-centered service, purposeful work, and reliable presence in every Richmond neighborhood.

Celebration highlights:

  • Proclamation recognizing NPWW

  • Literature Display: City Hall lobby | May 19 through May 23 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (daily) | 900 East Broad Street

  • DPW Touch-A-Truck Event: Wednesday, May 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |Main Street Station (back lot)
    • Elementary school students have been invited to get a hand-on with DPW vehicles and meet the teams behind them, and explore how public works impacts their lives

  • DPW Employee Awards Ceremony & Luncheon: Thursday, May 22 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • A private, employee-only event recognizing outstanding service, employee and team awards, and commitment among DPW staff

  • Speed Management Symposium: Thursday, May 22 | 4 – 6 p.m. |Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street | Free |Dinner | Open to the Public
    • Join us and learn about Richmond’s efforts to create safer streets at this community-focused event.

      • What to Expect:
      • Dynamic Presentations: Vision Zero, Richmond Connects, roadway safety projects, and Richmond Police insights
      • Info Booths: Connect with various city departments and non-profits, Richmond Police, VDOT, Bike Walk RVA, and more
      • Q&A Session: Ask away!
      • Heavy Refreshments: RSVP recommended at www.rva.gov/public-works/symposium

  • Live Music at Main Street Station: Thursday, May 22 | 6 – 8 p.m. at Main Street Station (Patio), 1500 East Main Street | Free | Open to the Public
    • Celebrate the spirit of public works with a free outdoor concert on the patio at Main Street Station. Bring family, friends, and lawn chairs for an evening of music, fun, and appreciation.

For more information about DPW, visit rva.gov/public-works or email AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

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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