Watch the full budget kickoff, available on YouTube.

Richmond, VA -- On September 25, Mayor Danny Avula and Richmond City Council, along with Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald, hosted a Budget Kickoff to mark the beginning of the City's refreshed budget process. City leadership reviewed changes coming to this year's budget process and renewed shared commitments to the values and priorities guiding their work. The new process is the product of a joint Budget Task Force to allow more time for budget development and to increase community engagement.

"The budget process is about dollars and cents, but it is also about choices," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Through the budget, we make choices about where we put our resources and what kind of city we want to build together, as well as how we do that. I am so proud to strengthen public participation in this important process. Richmond, we see you!"

The Budget kickoff responds to one of the six recommendations to emerge from this summer's Budget Task Force, which identified early collaboration as an important element of a revised process. The recommendations in full are as follows:

1. Early collaboration: The Mayor and Council hold a public budget kickoff to establish shared understanding of the budget process timeline and later meet for a facilitated discussion on top budget priorities
2. Restructured timeline: move up the timeline for the Mayor's budget submission
3. Efficient work sessions: reorganize budget work sessions around four City of Richmond portfolios (Human Services; Finance and Administration; Planning and Economic Development; and Operations)
4. Standardized amendment procedures: implement a standardized amendment process
5. Enhanced public engagement: conduct additional public hearings before the Mayor's submission of his budget and on Councilmember budget amendments
6. Annual review: reconvene annually for continuous improvement

"This is the first time that we have Council, Administration, and Departmental leaders assembled with buy-in and support for a joint, collaborative budget process. Because of the work of the Task Force, there will be more time and more opportunity for community input," said Richmond City Council President Cynthia Newbille. "I am really looking forward to the work ahead and know that we will come out with a much better product."

Following today's Budget Kickoff, the timeline will be:

• September: Public Budget Kickoff, early district priority submissions to integrate community concerns into citywide planning.
• December: Facilitated meeting to establish 5-7 shared priorities between Administration and City Council with required public hearings.
• January - February: Town halls for additional input from the community.

Posted September 25, 2025

~ Residents urged to follow sector schedules and use RVA311 to schedule vacuum service ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Department of Public Works will begin its Annual Leaf Collection Program on Monday, October 6, offering residents convenient and environmentally responsible ways to manage seasonal yard waste.  Leaf removal is vital to the health of the city’s right of way and stormwater infrastructure. The city provides residents with the following four options for leaf collection:

Bagged Collection Option 

• Starting October 6
• Up to 6 bags collected on normal trash day (place bags near supercan)
• Biodegradable bags preferred 

Unlimited Bag Collection Option 

During November & December [by sector/trash collection]

The city into four sectors for bagged leaf collection, based on trash collection schedules. During the designated period, residents can place an unlimited number of bags (at the curb) for collection.  Biodegradable bags are preferred. 

• Sector 1: Wednesday trash collection
  
  • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 11/07 and 11/15
• Sector 2: Thursday trash collection
  
  • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 11/21 and 11/29
• Sector 3: Monday trash collection
  
  • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 12/05 and 12/13
• Sector 4: Tuesday trash collection
  
  • Bagged leaves will be picked up between 12/19 and 12/27

Do-it-Yourself (DIY) Options

Residents can drop off loose leaves or put them in biodegradable bags at the following locations:

• East Richmond Road Convenience Center located at 3800 East Richmond Road, or
• The Maury Street Leaf Drop-Off located at 2900 Maury Street
• Note: The Transfer station located at 3506 North Hopkins Road only acceptsbagged leaves.

Additionally, residents can compost or mulch leaves. 

• Compost bins are available for $41.50. If interested in purchasing a bin, email askpublicworks@rva.gov or call 804-646-8325 for information.
• Available Monday, November 3
• Cost: $30 fee per request (payment due prior to service)
• Scheduling: Go to www.RVA311.com or call 3-1-1
• Payment Options:
  
  • 1). COR Utility Account - $30 fee will be added to your utility bill, or
  • 2). Via Mail
    
    • Check or Money Order – payable to the City of Richmond
    • Mail payment to:
      
      • Attn: DPW Vacuum Leaf Collection Service
      • 900 East Broad Street, Room 704
      • Richmond, VA 23219
    • Note: a service request ID number is generated for requests made through the RVA311 system, please be sure to include that number on the check or money order

 Vacuum Service Option  

• Guidelines:
• Payment must be received before collection will be scheduled
• The leaves must be raked and ready for collection when the request is made
• Rake leaves to the curb or property line, but not into the street or gutters
• Remove sticks, stones or other objects that may damage equipment
• Leaves will not be collected from the alley
• What to Expect:
  
  • Once payment has been confirmed, the service will take place within 15 business days of the paid request, not including city holidays or inclement weather
  • Scheduled appointments for leaf collection cannot be accommodated
  • Vacuum service may be delayed during inclement weather
  • Note - if you have not received service within 15 business days of your request (not including city holidays) and there have been no significant weather events, please call 3-1-1)

For more information on leaf collection please visit www.rva.gov/public-works/leaf-collection or for assistance, call 3-1-1.

 We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X (formerly Twitter) @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; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW operates and maintain Main Street Station; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share 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 September 25, 2025

~ Public Meeting Scheduled for September 30 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.  ~

Richmond, VA – Over 495 crashes since 2017 have prompted the Department of Public Works (DPW) to host a community meeting on Tuesday, September 30, to address traffic safety concerns along Hull Street between Cowardin Avenue and Belt Boulevard.

The meeting will take place from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Richmond High School for the Arts, located at 4314 Crutchfield Street. Public input from this meeting will help guide future safety improvements and infrastructure decisions. 

DPW will present crash data, discuss proposed traffic calming measures, and gather feedback on community safety needs and priorities.

Hull Street Corridor - key data from 2017 to 2024:

• 495 total crashes (approximately 60 per year)

• 379 people injuries (approximately 48 per year)

• 45 life-altering injuries, including 5 fatalities

• 15 serious pedestrian injuries, with 4 people killed

• Speeding is a major factor, with the fastest 5 percent of drivers reaching speeds between 48 to 72 mph

Crash data also highlights several intersections with a high number of injuries:

      Intersection                     People Injured

• Chopton Street                  61

• Swansboro Lane                43

• Broad Rock                         37

• Evans Street                        28

• Playn Street                         28

• McGuire Drive                     28

• 36th Street                           22

• Blake Lane                           20

• 32nd Street                          19

• 30th Street                           17

• 37th Street                           15

• 33rd Street                           13

• 35th Street                           12

To learn more DPW, go to rva.gov/public-works and to get information and resources about Vision Zero, 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

Distributed September 23, 2025

~ If it rains, we’ll take the music inside the historic train station, bring you lawn chairs ~

RICHMOND, VA – The final Main Street Station concert of the season is scheduled for this Thursday, September 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street. The concert will feature the legendary go-go band E.U. ft. Sugar Bear – and it’s happening rain or shine!

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors inside the historic Main Street Station.

As always, admission is free, and all guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs for seating, whether outside or inside.

Don’t miss the high-energy finale to the 2025 series, featuring one of the most iconic names in go-go music. 

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us online 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; 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 - The Richmond Fire Department (RFD) is excited to share a series of initiatives focused on improving operations, strengthening its commitment to accountability and ensuring excellence in delivering public safety services. These changes reflect a proactive investment in the future of the department and ensure that the Richmond Fire Department is well equipped to meet the evolving needs of the City of Richmond.

"One of my top priorities is taking Richmond's local government and transforming it into a model public-sector organization. That work happens through continuous, focused improvements to the way we do business. That's exactly what I've asked CAO Donald to do, and in collaboration with Chief Segal that's exactly what these new announcements deliver. This kind of nuts-and-bolts progress is how we build trust with our residents. More to come!," said Mayor Danny Avula.

New Leadership Positions

Today, the RFD is announcing the creation of a new role to support these efforts: A Fire Services Business Manager. This senior leadership-level unsworn position will oversee the department's finances and general administrative activities, while ensuring the department consistently remains in alignment with citywide administrative and ethical standards. This new position also builds on the recently hired Internal Standards Officer, who focuses on monitoring compliance, makes sure that RFD's processes remain fair, and helps the department maintain a high level of trust.

Additionally, the Richmond Fire Department has posted three Deputy Chief positions to support in broadening leadership capacity and supporting longevity within the department. The new Deputy Fire Chiefs will serve on the senior leadership team and provide more dedicated oversight across the department and a stronger support system to firefighters. RFD is now accepting applications: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/richmond

"This new civilian Fire Services Business Manager will provide us with subject matter expertise to bring RFD's finance and operations in line with citywide standards and industry best practices" said Chief Segal. I am excited to strengthen our leadership team with this addition-and expand our capacity through the appointment of three new Deputy Chiefs. It's a great time to join the Richmond Fire Department!"

New Proposed Policies to Ensure Consistency and Accountability 

Along with expanded leadership, the Richmond Fire Department is proposing three new policies to make sure its work stays consistent, fair, and in line with citywide administrative and ethical standards. Those new policies include:

1. Fire Inspection Control Measures and Guidance: Provides clear guidance for inspections to ensure they are done the same way across the city.
2. Anti-Corruption Policy: Reinforces the department's commitment to honesty and accountability.
3. Purchasing and Procurement Policy: Ensures that resources and supplies are purchased responsibly, with a streamlined process.

Together these initiatives build on work that is already underway within department, including biannual internal audits, supervisory oversight of inspection reports, and random accountability checks. With public trust and accountability at the forefront of these new initiatives, the Richmond Fire department is proud to be taking intentional steps to ensure that the city of Richmond continues to receive fire services that are professional, trustworthy, and reliable.

"Best in class service delivery is our focus citywide. In the fire service that is seen through the "triple objective" of life safety, incident stabilization, and property and environmental stabilization. The combination of this new structure and enhanced policies will keep the Fire Department running smoothly and ensure the department meets the high administrative and ethical standards our residents expect." I appreciate Chief's hard work and willingness to, as the Mayor says, 'Look for it, find it, fix it.'" said CAO Odie Donald II.