Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond is proud to announce several improvements to the visitor experience on City Hall's first floor. The changes, which are part of a broad effort to improve accessibility and transparency between government and the public, include improvements to City Hall wayfinding, re-opening of the Marshall Street entrance, the addition of first floor service kiosks, improved security measures, and the re-introduction of a staffed concierge desk to assist visitors.

"City Hall is the people's building," said Director of General Services Gail Johnson, who is overseeing the improvements. "Richmonders should be able to walk through those doors and safely and conveniently find the services they're looking for; our improvements are meant to ensure just that."

"These changes are part one of a multi-step effort to realize a vision of City Hall that is more accessible and more valuable to the residents we serve, said Mayor Danny Avula. When I envision a thriving City Hall, I see a building teeming with the work of city government, where citizens can walk through the doors to find the resources they need, when they need them."

Among the changes visitors can expect to see when they enter City Hall:

Improved Security Measures

Frequent visitors to City Hall may have already noticed the installation of new weapons detectors at our 9th Street entrance. These next generation Evolv sensors, located just outside of the building's entrance, offer enhanced detection capabilities, beyond what is available with standard metal detectors.

The detectors allow for enhanced security screening precision and reduced wait times, thereby improving ease of access to the facility.

Updated Wayfinding

Once inside the building, visitors will notice new signage throughout the main floor. The signs are color-blocked and make use of clear iconography to aid visitors in the location of various first floor services:

• Green
  • Tax and Utility Payments
• Orange
  • Assessments
• Blue
  • City Treasurer
  • Human Resources
  • Public Utilities
• Pink
  • Permits, Inspections, and Zoning

Please see the linked map, complete with the color-blocked zones, for a more in-depth look at the wayfinding updates. This map and an accompanying breakdown of available services will be printed and available in both English and Spanish at City Hall entrances and at the Concierge Desk early next month.

Staffed Concierge

Beginning on Monday, visitors now have a full-time, staff member available during normal business hours at the Concierge Desk, just inside the Marshall Street entrance. The staff member, who is bilingual (English, Spanish) will be able to assist visitors in quickly locating the services they need and is yet another resource the City is providing to better meet the needs of its residents.

Additional improvements to the City Hall experience, including a thoughtful consolidation of in-person planning and permitting processes, the addition of more foreign language signage, and the inclusion of public art, are expected later this year.

Any input on the City Hall experience? Please email AskOSC@rva.gov and let us know!