RICHMOND, VA- Beginning September 1, 2025, updates to the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities PromisePay payment plan terms will go into effect to support the upcoming transition to a new customer portal in early 2026.

Key Changes:

• New PromisePay plans established on or after September 1, 2025, will be eligible for repayment terms of up to 12 months (reduced from current 36 months). Customers with existing payment plans established before September 1, 2025 can keep their existing repayment terms.
• Customers in good standing will have one opportunity to add an additional balance to their current PromisePay Payment Plan balance.

Customers needing longer repayment terms for significant past due balances are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity now!

These updates reflect an effort to streamline services ahead of the upcoming launch of DPU’s upgraded customer portal, designed to improve customer experience and account management. Additional financial assistance options are available at rva.gov/public-utilities/billing, including MetroCare assistance programs.

PromisePay Payment Plans are a convenient, flexible payment option available to residential and commercial gas or water utility customers with a past-due balance. The PromisePay portal offers a range of payment plan options, an automatic payment feature, opt-in payment reminders and other account notifications through text messaging.

On Wednesday, July 30, at approximately 7:03 a.m., Richmond Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Clarkson Road for the report of a missing person, an adult male. When officers arrived they observed agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were operating in the area of the Southwood neighborhood.

RPD officers consulted with the agents who confirmed the subject of the missing person report was in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. RPD officers contacted the individual who reported the male missing to advise that the male was in federal custody.

RPD did not participate in the activity of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as is standard practice for the Richmond Police Department.

To locate a detained individual, use the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Online Detainee Locator System: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search

Actividad confirmada del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) de EE UU en Vecindario de Richmond

Esta mañana alrededor de las 7:03 a.m. oficiales del Depto. de Policía de Richmond (RPD) respondieron a un reporte de una persona extraviada, un hombre adulto, en la cuadra de 1500 Clarkson Road. Al llegar los oficiales, observaron la presencia de agentes del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) de Estado Unidos en el vecindario de Southwood.

Los oficiales de RPD consultaron con los agentes, quienes confirmaron la detención y custodia de la persona reportada como extraviada. Oficiales de RPD prosiguieron a contactar al individuo que hizo el reporte para notificarle que dicho hombre estaba en custodia de agentes federales.

De acuerdo con las normas de la Ciudad, el Departamento de Policía de Richmond no participó en la actividad de ICE.

Para localizar a cualquier persona detenida por ICE, use el sistema de localización del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de los Estados Unidos: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search

Richmond, VA - Last night, the Richmond City Council voted to amend ORD. 2024-187, increasing the threshold for business, professional, and occupational license (BPOL) taxes from $250,000 to $500,000.

The change, which is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026 for revenues collected in calendar year 2026, means that business owners with gross receipts totaling $5,000 to $500,000 will only be required to pay an annual $30.00 license tax. Previously, businesses with gross receipts totaling over $250,000 were required to pay higher annual licensing fees, as much as $2,900, in some cases.

"Richmond small businesses are the heartbeat of our City," said Mayor Danny Avula. "By lowering their tax burden, we're giving small business some additional breathing room to grow, to innovate, and to hire the staff they need to realize their business goals. In doing so, I hope we're sending a clear message to the small business community: you are a valued part of Richmond and this City wants to see you thrive."

Nearly 70% of businesses in the City are under the $500,000 threshold and will experience some measure of tax relief, according to estimates from the City's Department of Finance.

"After years of discussion and advocacy, I'm pleased to have finally brought this one across the finish line," said 5th District Councilmember Stephanie Lynch, who took over as the lead patron for this amendment after the departure of former Councilmember Andreas Addison. "This was the number one issue brought up by our small business communities. I'm pleased that we are moving in the right direction to show the care, compassion, and support to the small businesses who make our City so special."

A more detailed accounting of the conditions set forth in ORD. 2024-187, as amended, can be found on the City's website.

Posted July 29, 2025

RICHMOND, Va.  – The Department of Public Works (DPW) is set to launch a Centralized Transit Signal Priority (TSP) and Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) Project this fall. This project builds upon more than a decade of groundwork by the Department, which has successfully funded the connection all 490 traffic signalized intersections into a centralized transportation management system. With the deployment of Econolite Centracs Priority software, Richmond will be equipped with one of the most advanced, fully integrated traffic signal systems in the nation. As part of this system, the city’s traffic signals will be directly linked to the GRTC Operations Center and the City’s Emergency 911 Call Center, ensuring real-time responsiveness for buses and emergency vehicles. Initially, up to 150 intersections will be equipped with this technology. This technology advancement further elevates Richmond’s standing and recent ranking by ConsumerAffairs, as the 4th best city in the nation for public transportation.

This project introduces new capabilities to the city’s transit and emergency response network with three core goals:

1. Boost Transit Reliability:
   
   • By giving priority to GRTC buses at intersections, the system will improve efficiency across Richmond’s fare-free bus network. This system supports ridership growth, already up 17% since 2018, setting a national example.
2. Speed Emergency Response:
   
   • Fire trucks will benefit from real-time signal preemption, helping crews reach emergencies faster and enhancing public safety across Richmond.
3. Safe Access for All:
   
   • Coordinated signals will continue to reduce delays for people walking, rolling, biking, and driving, fostering a safer, more predictable transportation environment, and supporting a growing city population.

Project Timeline (the Department will roll out the project in phases):

• Fall 2025: System design and integration begins
• Spring 2027: Testing and full deployment across all signalized intersections

By deploying Econolite Centracs Priority, this initiative aims to keep buses on schedule and help fire trucks to reach emergencies faster – all while improving transportation movement for people walking, biking, and driving across the city’s 490 signalized intersections.

Imagine a Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) bus, running just a few minutes behind schedule, approaching an intersection. Instead of idling at a red light, the signal extends its green, allowing the bus to glide through and stay on track.

The Greater Richmond Transit Company, which has seen ridership soar with its fare-free Pulse bus rapid transit line, views this as a vital enhancement. “Reliable transit is the backbone of an equitable city,” said Sheryl Adams, CEO of GRTC. “The Centracs Priority system ensures our buses keep to their schedules, connecting Richmonders to jobs, healthcare, and opportunities without delay. It’s a commitment to our riders and our community.”

Dironna Moore Clarke, Public Works Deputy Director and Administrator of the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility, said, “this project reflects Richmond’s commitment to putting people first – by making transit faster, and more reliable. Giving priority to transit and emergency vehicles improves access to services and reinforces our public safety mission, while also advancing our sustainability goals. By reducing transit idling, supporting zero-fare, short-wait transit and cutting response times, we’re building a smarter, greener, and more efficient transportation system for all.”

For the Richmond Fire Department, the stakes are even higher. “Every second counts when lives are on the line,” said Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal. “This technology clears the way for our crews, ensuring we can reach emergencies faster and save more lives. It’s a lifeline for our city.”

With the newly improved signal system, traffic signals will sense a fire truck’s approach, turning red lights green to clear a path, shaving precious seconds off response times.

“This project is a game-changer for Richmond’s transportation system,” said Michael B. Sawyer, City Transportation Engineer. “By integrating cutting-edge technology, we’re not just improving transportation safety—we’re building a safer, more equitable city where transit is more reliable, and first responders can act swiftly.”

For more information on the Department of Public Works, go to rva.gov/public-works or email [email protected]

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. 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 - With tonight's passage of ORD. 2025-138, ORD. 2025-160, and ORD. 2025-157 the City of Richmond has secured important tools to support its goals for a thriving City Hall, economy, neighborhoods, and families.

"As Mayor, and as someone who has lived and worked in the City for more than twenty years, I believe in Richmond, its future, and its people with my whole heart," said Mayor Danny Avula. "These ordinances are small, yet critical steps to realizing our shared vision of a thriving Richmond, one with where the work here at City Hall translates into real, lasting change for our families, our neighborhoods, and our economy."

Please read below for an overview of each ordinance:

VPM Performance Agreement

With the passing of ORD. 2025-160, City Council has authorized the City to execute a performance agreement between the City of Richmond, Virginia Public Media (VPM), and the City's Economic Development Authority (EDA), allowing for the provision of certain performance grants concerning VPM's headquarters relocation to 13 East Broad Street, in the heart of the City's Arts and Culture district.

The project, which is currently under construction, is expected to generate at least 70 new jobs for the City and over $2.5 million in direct new real estate tax revenue over the first ten years. Additionally, it will act as an invaluable anchor to a burgeoning Arts and Culture district, creating 50 new public parking spaces in the adjoining parking garage, building ground-level retail space, and providing publicly accessible bike storage, among other things.

"Since VPM began construction in 2024, we have already seen a number of new projects coming into the Broad Street corridor," said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Planning and Economic Development Sharon Ebert. "From housing to restaurants and retail announcements, there is so much to be excited about for the future of this arts and culture corridor."

The performance-based agreement is structured as a rebate, whereby VPM will receive a grant equal to the amount of its business personal property taxes, after payment. In order to receive its full benefit, VPM must: 1) pay its personal property taxes in full, on time and 2) submit a performance report which outlines progress made towards its targets of $65 million in capital investment and the creation of 70 new jobs. If these targets are met in full, VPM will receive the full grant. If they are not met, the grant will be proportionally reduced.

Residency Requirements

Mayor Avula has made it a top priority to transform Richmond's local government into a model public-sector organization that stewards resources effectively, meets community needs, and has the trust of residents.

ORD. 2025-128 modifies the City's existing residency requirements for certain officers and employees, thereby affirming the City's commitment to being a high-performing local government that delivers for Richmonders.

The ordinance expands the list of positions for which the incumbent is required to reside primarily in the City. Recognizing that Richmond has a broad pool of talent in the broader region, the ordinance makes provisions for waivers to this rule, at the discretion of the appointing authority (the Mayor and CAO).

"Tonight's residency vote strengthens our ability to build the kind of City Hall Richmonders deserve," said CAO Odie Donald II. "Richmond is full of homegrown talent and part of my job is tapping into that strength while also recruiting people to get the work done well. There is incredible value to living in the community you serve, and I look forward to bringing that value to all Richmonders."

"At its core, this legislation is about building a local government that's not only competent and transparent, but present," said 4th District Councilmember Sarah Abubaker. "Public service leaders should live shoulder-to-shoulder with the communities they serve. As the lead patron, I'm proud that this process modeled how Council and the Administration can navigate complex policy with both principle and pragmatism-through collaboration, compromise, and a shared commitment to serving Richmonders well."

On June 9th, Richmond City Council confirmed Mayor Avula's appointment of Mr. Donald as the City of Richmond's new Chief Administrative Officer, making good on a campaign promise to conduct a nationwide search for a new CAO. Mr. Donald began his service on July 9th and will reside in the City of Richmond.

Retail Sales of Tobacco and Hemp

ORD. 2025-157 sets new standards for the retail sale of tobacco and hemp products in the City, with the explicit purpose of reducing the density of retailers citywide and, more specifically, around schools.

"Studies show that the proximity of tobacco retailers around schools is associated with a greater number of adolescents who smoke," said Mayor Avula. "As a pediatrician, public health doctor, and father, I know how critical it is to have policies that set kids up for healthy, thriving lives. Adolescents who smoke are at a higher risk for long-term addiction and will face known downstream health consequences. This ordinance is an important step towards building a healthier Richmond for our City's youngest generation."

The approved ordinance sets restrictions on the opening of new tobacco and hemp retail establishments, defined as any establishment where at least 10% of the usable floor area is dedicated to these sales. These restrictions include:

• No new retail facilities within 1,000 feet of:

• An existing tobacco and hemp retailer

• Day care, school (public or private), park, public library, or place of worship

• Residential (R) and Residential-Office (RO) Districts

"I've heard from residents and businesses across the city who are concerned about the growing presence of these shops, especially near schools and community gathering spaces," said 2nd District Councilmember Katherine Jordan. "I'm grateful that the General Assembly has given us the ability to influence where new shops can open. While this is an important step, I will also be working with my colleagues to ask for additional tools to regulate those that are grandfathered in."