Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond has earned national recognition from the NAFA Fleet Management Association for its leadership in clean and sustainable transportation.

In August, City officials were presented with the Best Electric Vehicle Policies 2025 award at this year's Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The recognition acknowledges the City's Electric Vehicle Replacement Policy, EV equipment operating procedures and practices, and related fleet electrification efforts, including five holistic EV charging contracts and the City's electric vehicle policy developed by the interdepartmental Joint Energy Team. These policies and procedures have been broadly implemented over the past year to improve efficiency and advance sustainability goals.

"We are honored to be considered a national leader in the shift toward electric," said Mayor Danny Avula. "And, although we are proud of how far we have come, we remain committed to forward progress and will continue to invest in policies that reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and deliver on our promise for thoughtful environmental stewardship."

In addition to its recognition for electric vehicle policies, the City was ranked 16th on NAFA's list of the country's top 50 green fleets (and 1st in the Commonwealth of Virginia), jumping more than 20 spots from 2024 (37th), the first year the City broke the top 50 list. The distinction demonstrates Richmond's progress in fleet electrification, fuel reduction, and broad implementation of sustainable practices.

"This achievement reflects a great deal of hard work from officials in both our Office of Sustainability and the Department of General Services, as well as a number of external stakeholders," said Director of the Office of Sustainability Laura Thomas. Moving from 37th to 16th in just one year is a tremendous achievement and is a testament to just how seriously we are taking our sustainability efforts."

To learn more about the City's commitment to a more sustainable future, please visit https://rva.gov/sustainability. 

About NAFA

NAFA Fleet Management Association is the world's largest membership association for individuals who manage the vehicular fleet and mobility responsibilities for their employers. NAFA propels the fleet and mobility profession through its world-class certification, education, advocacy, and connections. Through these resources, NAFA helps its members create efficient, sustainable, and safe fleets. The association is an essential element of success for individuals involved in the profession.

Posted September 10, 2025

~ New Safety Upgrades Support the City’s Vision Zero Commitment~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin installing raised crosswalks at five major intersections along Midlothian Turnpike, a key corridor on the city’s High Injury Network. Construction is slated for fall 2025, weather permitting. 

The raised crosswalks are planned at the following intersections between Roanoke Street and Hull Street: 

• Midlothian Turnpike at 36th Street
• Midlothian Turnpike at 33rd Street
• Midlothian Turnpike at 31st Street
• Midlothian Turnpike at 30th Street
• Midlothian Turnpike at 28th Street

This infrastructure improvement project is a significant step in advancing Richmond’s Vision Zero goals, which aim to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. 

“Raised crosswalks are a proven tool in our efforts to create safer, more equitable streets, while still maintaining access for emergency response.” said Michael B. Sawyer, City Transportation Engineer. “Through strategic quick build solutions like these, we are moving toward a future where no one loses their life or loved ones to traffic-related crashes in Richmond.”

Raised crosswalks, also known as speed tables, are a cornerstone of Richmond’s Vision Zero initiative. By physically encouraging drivers to reduce speed, these installations can lower vehicle speeds by 18 to 50 percent and reduce collisions by up to 28 percent, significantly improving safety for people who walk or roll across Midlothian Turnpike. This project will improve safe access and quality of life for Southside residents of all ages and abilities.

Residents are invited to learn more about transportation and construction projects across the city by attending RVA Builds: The Infrastructure Information InitiativeEvent on Tuesday, September 23 from 5 – 8:30 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 Main Street. This event will provide residents with a unique opportunity to connect with city staff, ask questions and engage with plans shaping Richmond infrastructure future. RSVP today at rva.gov/rvabuilds

To learn more about Vision Zero, visit rva.gov/visionzero to explore resources, safety initiatives, and interactive data dashboards tracking progress toward eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Richmond. 

For more information on DPW, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, 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  issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station,  the RVA Bike Share program.. 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 September 10, 2025

~ Stay alert, work is set to begin October 6, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, Va. –The Department of Public Works will begin construction to replace aging traffic signal equipment with all-way stop controls at the following intersections:

• 4th Avenue at Brookland Park Boulevard

• 4th Avenue at Magnolia Street

• Meadowbridge Road at Carolina Avenue/Woodcliff Avenue

The week of October 6, weather permitting:

• The traffic control signals will be switched to an “all red flashing pattern for one week” 

• New all-way stop signs will be installed at the same time on all approaches

The week of October 13, weather permitting: 

• The removal of the traffic control signals will begin, weather permitting
  
  • There will be intermittent lane closures
• Once the traffic control signals, poles and other equipment have been safely removed, the all-way stop signs will provide traffic control at the intersections 

Reminder guidelines for all-way stop signs:

• Come to a complete stop (even if there are no other vehicles visible)
• Always stop for people crossing the street
• The first vehicle to arrive and stop at the intersection should be the first to go
  
  • If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way

Please give our construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones.

For more information on the Department of Public Works, 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

Richmond, VA - Today, Mayor Danny Avula announced plans to expand access to affordable housing by adding $2 million to the City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). To make this investment, Mayor Avula will introduce a budget amendment transferring $2 million from the Delinquent Sales Tax Special Fund into the AHTF. This new investment would bring the City's FY 26 Affordable Housing Trust Fund allocation to $15 million, building on the $13 million already being deployed in this fiscal year.

The Delinquent Tax Sales Special Fund holds proceeds from the sale of properties with unpaid real estate taxes. Under Virginia State Code §58.1-3965, properties may be sold for delinquent real estate taxes when those taxes are delinquent for two years or one year if the property has been condemned, deemed a nuisance or derelict, or has been declared blighted.

This investment reflects the Avula Administration's Thriving Neighborhood pillar - an ongoing commitment to ensuring Richmonders at every income level can access safe, quality housing in neighborhoods with strong public amenities.

"Everywhere I go, Richmonders tell me how urgently we need more affordable housing. I support that wholeheartedly, because this incredible city should be a place where people at every income level can access safe, quality homes in neighborhoods with strong public amenities," says Mayor Danny Avula."

"We continue to make strides on addressing affordable housing, and this step is an important one. The people of Richmond want and deserve affordable housing, and I will continue to advocate for housing as a top priority," says Richmond City Councilmember Ellen Robertson.

"I appreciate the leadership of Councilwoman Ellen Robertson over many years in fighting for greater investments in affordable housing," added Mayor Danny Avula. "I look forward to continued partnership with Ms. Robertson and all of City Council as we work to move forward this shared priority."

Posted September 5, 2025

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) has begun work to install protective chain link mesh underneath the Lee Bridge as part of a safety-focused maintenance project aimed at enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists on the walkway below. This work began August 11 and is scheduled to continue through November 2025, weather permitting.

 To accommodate the project, the northbound right lane and bike lane on the Lee Bridge will be closed during nighttime construction hours. The bike lane will remain open and clear of equipment when work is not actively being performed, however barrels may remain in place on the bridge for safety. 

 This initiative is a preventative measure intended to add an extra layer of safety for those using the popular pedestrian route across the James River. It is not in response to any specific incident involving falling debris, but part of DPW’s ongoing efforts to address aging infrastructure and reduce future risk.

 “This mesh installation is a forward-looking solution to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the pedestrian path below the bridge. We’re talking action now to prevent problems before they happen,” said Bobby Vincent, Director of Public Works.

DPW appreciates the public’s patience during this critical improvement effort and will continue to provide updates as the work progresses. 

Please give our construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones.

To learn more about bridge, transportation, and other construction projects across the city, please make plans to attend RVA Builds: The Infrastructure Information Initiative Event on Tuesday, September 23 from 5 – 8:30 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 Main Street. This event will provide residents with a unique opportunity to connect with city staff, ask questions and engage with plans shaping Richmond infrastructure future. RSVP today or by September 22 at rva.gov/rvabuilds

For more information on DPW, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, 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 issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. 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