Richmond, VA -- Mayor Danny Avula today announced his intention to introduce an ordinance for Council's consideration to formalize the ongoing work of establishing a Freedom of Information (FOIA) library to make information more easily accessible to the public. The FOIA Library will strengthen government transparency and accountability by expanding public access to City records.

The proposed measure will build on work that's been underway for a year, including the City's FOIA Water Library launched in April 2025 to make frequently requested records easily available online. The goal of the proposal is to make government information more accessible and strengthen public trust.

The proposed new FOIA Library will allow for posting releasable records that are requested by multiple people and are of clear public interest. It will not include records where privacy, safety, or confidentiality cannot be fully protected.

Avula Administration Proposed FOIA Library Rubric

"As a public health doctor and now, as Mayor, open communication and transparency have always been the bedrock of my work. This initiative is an extension of those values," said Mayor Danny Avula, "I'm excited about the FOIA Library because it will make it simpler for residents to access information. It's another step toward earning and keeping the public's trust, strengthening accountability, and showing our commitment to open government."

The anticipated introduction date is October 14, 2025.

Posted October 8, 2025

~ We Need Your Feedback: Surveys close October 31~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) is calling on residents to help shape the future of transportation by participating in two quick surveys that support efforts to make our city streets safer, more accessible, and better connected for everyone. 

Survey 1: New Vision Zero Projects (closes October 31)

Share your feedback on concepts for protected bike lanes on Patterson Avenue, Franklin Street, 1st Street, and 3rd Street.

Survey 2: Rethinking Short Trips (closes October 31)

This survey will help us understand current habits and improve city infrastructure to make non-car options more convenient and accessible.

Whether you walk, roll, cycle, or drive – your experience matters, and we want your input. Please take a few minutes to complete the surveys using the links below:

Survey Link 1: New Vision Zero Projects (https://arcg.is/1ea04j2)

Survey Link 2: Rethinking Short Trips (https://arcg.is/1yjmbW1)

To learn more about how DPW is building a multimodal city, please read the Richmond Connects Strategic Plan.

To learn more about DPW’s Vision Zero goals, please visit rva.gov/visionzero. 

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

October 8, 2025

Richmond, VA - In response to resident feedback calling for broader voices in shaping how Richmond grows and better addressing Richmond's housing crisis, Mayor Danny Avula today announced the addition of four new members to the City's Zoning Advisory Council (ZAC), expanding the group from 17 to 21. On October 7, 2025, the Planning Commission unanimously approved Resolution CPCR.2025.022.

The expansion will broaden community representation on the ZAC to ensure more diverse and informed input, with a particular focus on addressing Richmond's housing crisis. It will also help balance participation across the city. Council Districts 4 and 7 currently have no representation on the ZAC, while Districts 2, 8, and 9 each have only one member.

"People want to know that their voices matter," said Mayor Danny Avula, "The feedback from residents was really important, so the team and I set about adding new representation. By adding new members from underrepresented areas in the community, we're making sure more perspectives are part of the conversation about how Richmond grows. This should be a city where all people and places thrive."

The ZAC is a non-decision-making subcommittee of the City Planning Commission. It is made up of Richmonders who help guide the City through the update of its zoning ordinance. A current list of members and the meeting schedule can be found here.

The Planning Commission, in accordance with §17.02, City Code, consists of nine appointed members and is responsible for adopting the city's master plan, among other duties.

The City of Richmond will close in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day on Monday, October 13. All city offices, including City Hall, will be closed. We will return to our regular business hours on Tuesday, October 14. Keep reading for information about City service schedules during the holiday weekend:

• There will be no trash collection or bulk and brush collection on Monday, October 13. 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, October 17.
• The East Richmond Road Convenience Center (ERRCC) Landfill, located at 3800 East Richmond Road, will be open on Saturday, October 11, and will be closed on Monday, Oct. 13. ERRCC will reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
• Recycling services will operate as normal on Monday, October 13.
• All Richmond Public Libraries are closed on Monday, October 13, and will reopen on Tuesday, October 14.
• RVA311 will be open Saturday, Oct. 11, and will be closed on October 13. The public will have 24/7 access to self-service via RVA311 and mobile apps.
• Richmond Public Schools are closed on October 13, but RPS offices will remain open. Schools will reopen for students on Tuesday, October 14.
• All Parks and Rec offices and community centers are closed Monday, October 13.
• The Department of Public Utilities Call Center is closed Monday, October 13. 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 Monday, October 13. RACC will reopen by appointment only on Tuesday, October 14, and will have regular walk-in hours on Wednesday, October 15.

On October 10, 2022, the City of Richmond, through a joint proclamation from the Mayor and City Council, officially established Richmond Indigenous Peoples' Day. The resolution and holiday honor the Indigenous Peoples living in our communities and acknowledge the City's founding and history on Indigenous lands. 

Learn more: 

• The Pocahontas Project shares information about the Richmond Indigenous Peoples' Day initiative.
• The Library of Virginia houses an Indigenous Perspectives collection.   
• Native Land Digital provides an initial tool for recognizing Indigenous Peoples and their native lands.
• Pocahontas Reframed is an annual Richmond film festival that will take place in November.

Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond's Office of Budget and Strategic Planning is pleased to announce that it has earned distinction for is fiscal year 2026 budget presentation. The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, presented by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), recognizes excellence in the government budgeting tradecraft and is a reflection of the City's ongoing commitment to the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

"Our budget tells the story of our priorities," said Mayor Danny Avula. "From public safety and neighborhoods to small businesses and housing, our strategic priorities are best supported by intentional investments. I am proud of the team for setting such a high standard and, as we look towards continuous improvement, I'm excited to build upon this success in years to come."

The award is presented to government entities that meet nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. The guidelines assess how well a budget serves as, a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device.

"Preparing the annual budget is truly a team effort," said Director of Budget and Strategic Planning Meghan Brown. "It is not just a financial document, but a roadmap that connects resources to outcomes and preparing it involves every single City department and a commitment to clear, accessible communications."