Posted November 24, 2025

~Training and practice dry run simulation helps the city prepare for snow removal season ~

RICHMOND, Va. – In preparation for inclement winter weather and to ensure snow removal readiness, the Department of Public Works (DPW) recently conducted training for staff and completed practice runs of its 60 snow routes.  Dry runs are a critical part of the city’s winter preparedness plan. They allow city crews to familiarize themselves with their routes, test equipment, identify any operational issues, and ensure that plow operators can safely navigate challenging areas before the first major snowfall. By conducting these practice runs in advance, the department can address mechanical needs, adjust staffing plans, and confirm that all equipment is ready for deployment when winter weather arrives.

To support winter operations, the city currently has 5,000 tons of salt and 2,000 tons of sand along with 2,000 tons of a mixture of sand and salt, as well as chemicals designed to prevent bridge surfaces from freezing when the temperature is colder than 35 degrees. 

During inclement winter weather, the city’s 1860 lane miles are prioritized for pre-treating and snow removal using the following priorities:

• First Priority: bridges, major thoroughfares, arterial streets and emergency routes
• Secondary Priority: minor thoroughfares and designated transit routes - these streets must be cleared first to make them passable for emergency vehicles and to permit entry and exit into the city.  Secondary arterial streets will be cleared to bare pavement within 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling, dependent upon accumulation and temperature.
• Third-Tier Priority: Residential and other local streets

For more information on the Department, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or email us at [email protected]

We’re Social! During winter storm events, be sure to get up-to-date notifications on the city’s Twitter (X) account @CityRichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 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. - Earlier this week, the City of Richmond advanced its collective commitment to being a city that tells its stories by passing the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan (CHSP) through the Planning Commission.

The plan provides a framework that will guide how the City identifies, recognizes, and conserves its diverse cultural and historic assets for generations to come. It represents the culmination of extensive work by the City's Department of Planning and Development Review (PDR), led by preservationists, historians, artists, and planners from its authentiCITY studio, in cooperation with the Virginia Department Historic Resources and in collaboration with hundreds of residents and community leaders whose voices shaped the vision and priorities of the document.

"This Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan is exactly the kind of guiding document we need to fulfill our commitment to being a City that tells its stories and tells the truth about its past," said Mayor Danny Avula. "As I've shared in my Mayoral Action Plan, we cannot move forward as a community without honestly reckoning with our history-all of it-and this plan gives us the roadmap to do that work thoughtfully and inclusively. This is how we build a Richmond where every resident sees themselves reflected in the story of our city."

The Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan builds directly on Richmond 300, the City's comprehensive plan, which established a goal to "preserve culturally, historically, and architecturally significant buildings, sites, structures, neighborhoods, cemeteries, and landscapes that contribute to Richmond's authenticity." The CHSP provides the strategic framework and actionable steps to achieve that vision.

"This plan represents an evolution in how we think about historic preservation," said authentiCITY Studio Senior Manager Kimberly Chen. "It's not just about buildings and monuments, it's about the living culture of our neighborhoods, the stories of our diverse communities, and ensuring that preservation serves all Richmonders, not just a privileged few."

The development of the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan included robust community engagement, with input sessions held across the city's neighborhoods, bringing together longtime residents, cultural practitioners, historians, and community advocates to ensure the plan reflects Richmond's full diversity of experiences and perspectives. It also included significant cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring that the policies within support the full breadth of City priorities including, importantly, affordable housing development goals as well as zoning priorities reflected in Code Refresh.

With the Planning Commission's approval, the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan now advances to Richmond City Council for final adoption. Once adopted, the plan will guide city policies, programs, and investments related to historic preservation and cultural heritage for years to come.

For more information about and to read the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan, please visit go.rva.gov/CHSP.

Nearly a quarter of all outstanding audit findings have been resolved this period, strengthening accountability, performance, and a City Hall that thrives.

Richmond, VA - On November 21, Mayor Avula announced significant progress in closing outstanding audit findings across multiple departments, a milestone that reflects the administration's commitment to accountability, transparency, and a culture of continuous improvement, a central goal of Mayor Danny Avula's commitment to building a thriving City Hall that stewards resources effectively, meets community needs, and has the trust of residents.

With this audit report, the City of Richmond has made major progress in strengthening accountability, internal controls, and operational performance across departments. During the first period of FY26, the City Auditor confirmed 31 audit recommendations were fully implemented and closed. This period's closures span seven departments under the Mayor's authority: the Department of Public Utilities, Social Services, General Services, Public Works, Emergency Communications, Human Resources, and Information Technology.

The Department of Public Utilities alone closed 19 recommendations, including two high priority that tighten financial controls over millions of dollars of materials and reduce the risk of improper billing.

"From day one, I said we would look for it, find it, and fix it. Every audit issue we resolve means better service for Richmonders and a more responsive, reliable government. I'm genuinely excited by this progress and we're going to keep pushing until every item is closed. I know we can do it!" said Mayor Danny Avula.

"The audit process is an opportunity for the administration to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and increase effectiveness. This audit update, with the most finding closures in recent history, is an early example of the culture of performance we've committed to build," said Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer. "And we're not stopping here - Richmond deserves a government that owns its challenges and delivers solutions, and this is another example that is exactly what we are building."

At the beginning of the review period, 137 audit recommendations were open across City departments. Twenty-five new recommendations were issued, and 31 were closed, including eight high-priority items. The City and the Office of the City Auditor will continue working together to drive down the remaining 130 open recommendations, most of which already have corrective actions in progress.

You can find the Audit Report here.

Posted November 21, 2025

~ Family-friendly event featuring arts and crafts, unique gifts from local artisans, and more ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Department of Public Works is excited to announce its 2nd Annual Main Street Station Holiday Magic Open House, a community celebration filled with festive activities, seasonal treats, and holiday cheer. The event will take place Sunday, December 7 from 12 – 5 p.m. at Main Street Station, located at 1500 East Main Street. 

This year’s event expands on last year’s success with more family-friendly, interactive holiday experiences and fun. Exciting new attractions include:  

• Petting Zoo
• Face Painting
• DPW Trash Truck and Fire Truck Showcase
• GRTC Articulated Bus on-site experience
• Live music by the All City Band
• The following two activities are ticketed events, please purchase tickets in advance at: https://www.thesweetestthingrva.com/
  1. Cookies & cocoa baking workshop for kids provided by The Sweetest Thing in MSS kitchen
  2. Cookies & mocktails workshop for adults provided by The Sweetest Thing in MSS Kitchen 

Returning favorites include:

• Children’s Arts and Crafts in partnership with the Visual Arts Center of Richmond
• Shopping experience with local artisans and crafters offering unique gifts
• Gift wrapping service
• Holiday music and caroling
• Warm seasonal beverages provided by The Len
• Vendor Market in partnership with Richmond Night Market

Following the Holiday Magic Open House, guests are invited to stay for a special outdoor screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on the patio from 6 - 8 p.m. Bundle up, bring a cozy blanket, and enjoy a holiday classic under the stars!

For more on Main Street Station, go to www.mainstreetstationrichmond.com

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 225 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. The Department’s mission is to provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

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 will close in observance of Thanksgiving beginning Wednesday, November 26. All city offices, including City Hall, will be closed. We will return to our regular business hours on Monday, December 1. Keep reading for impacts to city services during the holiday:

• Department of Public Works offices will be closed Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28.
• Household trash and bulk and brush collection will operate normally Monday, November 24, through Wednesday, November 26. There will be no trash collection or bulk and brush collection on Thursday, November 27. Collection will resume on Friday, November 28, for routes normally collected on Thursday.
• The East Richmond Road Convenience Center (ERRCC) Landfill, located at 3800 East Richmond Road, will be on a regular schedule Monday, November 24, through Wednesday, November 26. It will be closed on Thursday, November 27 through Saturday, November 29. ERRCC will reopen on Monday, December 1.
• CVWMA recycling will not be collected on Thursday, November 27. It will be delayed by one day and recycling will be picked up on Friday, November 28.
• All Richmond Public Library locations are closed Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28. They will reopen on Saturday, December 1.
• RVA311 will be closed on Wednesday, November 26, through Saturday, November 29 and will reopen on Monday, December 1. The public will have 24/7 access to self-service via RVA311 and the mobile app.
• Richmond Public Schools are closed Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28. Schools and offices will reopen on Monday, December 1.
• All Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities offices and community centers are closed for recreational activities from Wednesday, November 26 through Saturday, November 29. They will reopen on Monday, December 1.
• The Department of Public Utilities Call Center is closed Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28. For utility emergencies, customers should call 804-646-4646 and press Option 1. For gas leaks, leave the area and call 911.
• Richmond Animal Care and Control will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28. RACC will reopen with regular walk-in hours on Saturday, November 29.

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to show gratitude and to serve our communities. For opportunities to connect and serve this holiday season, please explore Mayor Avula's "A City that Serves" webpage. 

For the City of Richmond's full holiday schedule, please visit rva.gov/holiday-closings.