With more than a dozen years of policy, advocacy, and intergovernmental relations experience, Morrison will facilitate partnership efforts with regional, state, and federal leaders.

August 29, 2025

Richmond, VA - Today, the City of Richmond announced that Ruth Morrison will serve as the City's new Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. The office advances City priorities and policies in relationship with local, state, and federal policymakers; regional counterparts; and other governmental stakeholders.

In her dozen-plus years of experience, Morrison has worked at the federal, state, and local levels, most recently as the Policy Director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. Her career has spanned various roles and institutions, including work in nonprofit innovation, electoral and advocacy training, and national environmental organizing.

"I've known Ruth for years, as a constituent in the City, also as a committed advocate and talented policy professional. She understands the complexities of the City's relationship with the General Assembly and all the critical work we must do together to improve lives in Richmond," said Delegate Betsy Carr.

"Richmond City Council is excited to work with Ms. Morrison in this new role," says Council President Cynthia Newbille. "After working together to establish Richmond's Health Equity Fund, I know that she is committed to innovative, evidence-based projects and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the work of bringing cross-sector partners together," said Richmond City Council President Cynthia Newbille.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrison organized initial containment operations to provide resources for some of the most at-risk populations in central Virginia. During that period of intensifying health disparities, Morrison worked with Richmond City Council to establish the Health Equity Fund, investing a combination of federal, philanthropic, corporate, and local dollars in community-rooted services for Richmond residents. Alongside partners in state government, Morrison has helped champion the critical role that doulas, community health workers, and grassroots community service providers all play in improving health outcomes for priority communities. She has been a long-time member of both the Richmond and Henrico Opioid Abatement Task Forces, maximizing the use of federal settlement dollars through the Opioid Abatement Authority on harm reduction, treatment, prevention, and recovery services. Serving on Mayor Avula's Transition Executive Team, she supported the outlining of new administration priorities and plan recommendations with dozens of community experts in healthcare access, climate and environment, transportation, and behavioral health.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Ruth, who will build the strategy to align the administration's priorities with our partners in City Council and RPS so we can advocate as one city. Her leadership, passion, and expertise will advance a thriving Richmond for every resident," said Mayor Danny Avula.

Locally, Morrison has served on several Boards and committees and led cross-sector collaboratives and coalitions, including with the YMCA Downtown, the Partnership for Housing Affordability Policy Advisory Committee, WRIR, and Mayorathon.

"What's important to me about intergovernmental work is finding the win-wins that allow us to realize systems-level changes in partnership with our colleagues at the state, across the region, and beyond." said Morrison. "That's been a throughline in my career - no matter my role or institution, we have to put together winning collaborative projects that impact the lives of our neighbors. As a resident of the City and the parent of two RPS kids, I'm grateful to be bringing my experience to City Hall, and I'm ready to get to work for all Richmonders!"

Ms. Morrison's first day with the City of Richmond will be September 29.

The City of Richmond wishes everyone a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

City offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Monday, September 1. We will return to regular business hours on Tuesday, September 2. Keep reading for information about City service schedules during the holiday weekend.

• Department of Public Works will not conduct trash collection, recycling, or bulk and brush collection on Monday, Sept. 1. All collections will be delayed by one day. Collections scheduled for pick-up on Monday will be picked up on Tuesday and so on through Friday September 6. The East Richmond Road Convenience Center (ERRCC) Landfill, located at 3800 East Richmond Road, will be closed Saturday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 1. The ERRCC will reopen Tuesday, September 3.
• Richmond Public Libraries are closed on Monday, Sept. 1, and will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
• RVA311 will be open Saturday, Aug. 30 and will be closed on Sept 1. The public will have 24/7 access to self-service via RVA311.com and mobile apps.
• Richmond Public Schools are closed on both Friday, Aug. 29 and Monday, Sept. 1. Schools will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
• Parks and Rec offices and community centers are closed Monday, September 1. Pools will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• The Department of Public Utilities Call Center is closed Monday, September 1. For utility emergencies, customers should call 646-4646 and press Option 1. For gas leaks, leave the area and call 911.
• Richmond Animal Care and Control is closed on Monday, September 1 and open by appointment only on Tuesday, September 2. It will resume hours on Wednesday, September 3.

Posted August 28, 2025

~ Live music every Thursday in September from 5:30 – 8 p.m.~

RICHMOND, Va. – Main Street Station is celebrating the season with its fall outdoor concert series – Music at Main Street. It’s a month-long lineup of live music every Thursday evening in September from 5:30 - 8 p.m. at the historic train station located at 1500 East Main Street. 

This community-favorite event features an exciting lineup of local and regional artists, transforming the station’s outdoor patio into a vibrant, music-filled gathering space each week. 

The concert line-up includes:  

• September 4 

  • Brencore Allstars

• September 11

  • En’Novation Band

• September 18

  • Legacy Band

• September 25

  • E.U. ft. Sugar Bear

This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. 

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us at rva.gov/public-works or send an email to 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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Main Street Station (MSS) is owned and operated by the Department of Public Works. Built in 1901, the station is centrally located in the heart of the city and is a historic transportation hub offering a blend of modern amenities, historic charm and classic, stunning architectural design. It features a grand central atrium, intricate stonework, head house, train shed, outdoor space (and patio), and a distinctive clock tower creating a lasting impression of Richmond along the I-95 corridor. This historic venue offers a unique setting for both public and private events. It provides Virginia and the northeast corridor a unique world-class event space that includes 47,000 square feet enclosed in glass, providing breathtaking views of downtown Richmond. It’s a top venue for weddings and events, appearing on numerous “best of” listings. Main Street Station serves as a key point for both Amtrak and local commuter rail services. The station is a vital connection to the region’s transportation network which include partnerships with bus services, such as, GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit, Greyhound and various Megabus services. It also offers bike paths connecting to the Virginia Capital Trail. Described as an “architectural gem” by the United States Postal Service, MSS was selected and featured on a postage stamp! 

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; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and scooter 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 August 27, 2025

~ A behind the scenes look at city construction projects happening near your neighborhood ~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) is hosting a first-of-its-kind, public-facing infrastructure showcase to provide residents with an insider’s look at construction projects at RVA Builds: The Infrastructure Information Initiative. This open house event will bring departments across the city together giving residents an opportunity to engage with multiple departments in one location. The event will be held Tuesday, September 23 from 5 – 8:30 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street.

“This is a chance for the community to speak directly with the teams who design, build, and improve our city,” said Bobby Vincent, Director of Public Works. “It’s about transparency and connection. We want residents to understand how decisions are made, how projects are prioritized, and how they can get involved.”

What to expect:

• Information tables
  
  • Talk with engineers, architects, planners, and designers behind major capital improvement projects (CIP) and Lighter Quicker Cheaper Projects
  • Departments include:
  • Public Works and the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility, Public Utilities, Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, Planning and Development Review, Economic Development Authority, General Services, and other partner agencies
• Learn about current and upcoming roadway improvements, bridge, park, transportation, special utility projects and other construction
  
  • See maps, rendering, and visuals of projects across the city
  • Special presentations with project overviews
• Question and Answer Session
• Dinner – RSVP needed for the food count
  
  • Please register by September 22 at rva.gov/public-works/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

Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond and its partners are honored to have received a 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for its work in building the Small Business Recovery Grant Fund. The fund, which was a public-private partnership funded by the City's Economic Development Authority (EDA), Dominion Energy, and Altria, and administered by the Metropolitan Business League (MBL) and Bridging Virginia, was established to support the City's small business community, impacted by the water outage earlier this year.

"This year's water outage created very real hardships for business owners and employees across Richmond, many of which are still being felt today," said Mayor Danny Avula. "The resulting grant program was designed to provide a measure of meaningful relief in a time of need and, importantly, to show our business owners that they are supported and valued. "This recognition is a testament to the Richmond community, to the power of partnership, and to the compassion which compels every Richmonder to lift up their neighbors in times of need."

IEDC, the nation's largest nonprofit membership organization for economic developers, recognizes projects annually for their impact, innovation, and leadership in the practice of economic development. The Small Business Recovery Grant Fund was specifically recognized in the award's "Recovery, Resiliency, and Mitigation" category.

"Small businesses are the backbone of Richmond's economy, and we're honored to work with the City of Richmond to offer a helping hand in times of adversity," said Ed Baine, President of Dominion Energy Virginia. "This award is a testament to the ability of public-private partnerships to solve important problems."

The fund received a total investment of $500,000 through combined efforts from the EDA, Dominion Energy, and Altria. Following a multi-step review by a panel of public and private partners, grants in the amounts of $2,500 or $5,000 were distributed to 117 small businesses - providing much-needed financial relief to nearly 85% of eligible applicants.

The City is grateful to both MBL and Bridging Virginia for their expertise in administering the program. Their contributions were invaluable to ensure a smooth, efficient process for our small businesses.

"The MBL values our partnership with the City of Richmond and is honored to have contributed to the water relief project," said Floyd E. Miller II, MBL President & CEO. "Through innovative initiatives and strong collaboration, we remain committed to providing financial resources during challenging times, while continuing to support local minority-owned businesses."

"We know that equitable access to capital is essential - not only to recover from crisis, but to sustain and strengthen the small businesses that anchor our communities, care for our neighborhoods, and continue to move our city forward," said Melody Short, Director of Business and Community Engagement at Bridging Virginia.

"This recognition belongs to Richmond's small business owners," said EDA Board of Directors Chair Nupa Agarwal, Esq. "Your resilience, creativity, and determination inspire us daily. The City of Richmond and the EDA remain committed to standing with you through challenges and successes, because when our small businesses thrive, our entire community thrives."

Learn more about the recognition, and explore the other deserving economic development projects, on the IEDC website.

To learn more about what the City is doing to improve our water resiliency, visit rva.gov.