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Press Releases and Announcements

Office Closure Notice – Building Cooling System Issue

Date: Monday, May 18, 2026
Location: Richmond Office of Elections – 2134 W. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227

Due to a building cooling system failure and extreme weather conditions, the Richmond Office of Elections will close to the public at 12:00 p.m. today. With temperatures expected to reach 99 degrees, current conditions inside the building are not suitable for continued operations.

A work order request has been submitted, and we are actively monitoring the situation.

If you need assistance, please contact our office via email at [email protected].

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Richmond Celebrates National Public Works Week with Community Events and Employee Recognition

Posted May 18, 2026

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Public Works Week (NPWW) from May 17 – 23, 2026. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Service Powered by Community” highlights how employees in public works connect to and support their local communities.

Throughout the upcoming week, DPW will feature the crucial role its teams play in building a better Richmond – from maintain roads, alleys, sidewalks and bridges to refuse collection to engineers and traffic technicians, DPW employees embody the values of people-centered service, purposeful work, and reliable presence in every Richmond neighborhood.

Celebration highlights:

Proclamation recognizing NPWW
DPW Literature Display: City Hall lobby | May 18 through May 22 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (daily) | 900 East Broad Street
- Learn more about the DPW and the essential services it provides to the community
DPW Touch-A-Truck Event: Tuesday, May 19 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |Main Street Station (back lot)
- This is a closed, invitation-only event for pre-k and elementary school students featuring guided, up-close viewing of DPW vehicles and demonstrations let by staff. Students will have the opportunity to meet the teams behind the equipment and learn how DPW supports and impacts their lives
Speed Management Symposium: Wednesday, May 20 | 5:30 – 8 p.m. |Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street | Free |Dinner | Open to the Public
- Join us and learn about Richmond’s efforts to reduce speeding and create safer streets at this community-focused event.
- What to Expect:
  - Dynamic Presentations – Expert talks on Vision Zero, Complete Streets, and the real health benefits of safer streets
  - Interactive Information Tables: Connect and talk with various city staff and non-profits, Richmond and VCU Police, VDOT, Drive Smart VA, Bike Walk RVA, and many more
  - Q&A Session: Ask away! Bring your questions and ideas – this is your chance to be heard!
  - Heavy Refreshments: Good food and great conversation while you connect with neighbors who care about safer streets
  - RSVP recommended but not required at www.rva.gov/public-works/symposium
DPW Employee Awards Ceremony & Luncheon: Thursday, May 21 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- A private, employee-only event recognizing outstanding service, employee and team awards, and commitment among DPW staff
Live Music Concert/ Music at Main Street: Thursday, May 21 | 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Main Street Station (Patio), 1500 East Main Street | Free | Open to the Public
- Music by Plunky and Oneness
- Celebrate the spirit of public works with a free outdoor concert on the patio at Main Street Station. Bring family, friends, and lawn chairs for an evening of music, fun, and appreciation.

Richmond is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States – a recognition that underscores the city’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and public service.

For more information about DPW, visit rva.gov/public-works or email [email protected]

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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; urban forestry; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Report service requests to RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.

Reminder: City Hosting Speed Management Symposium May 20: Join the Conversation!

Reminder Reposted May 18, 2026

~ Safer streets mean slower speeds – find out what the City is doing to keep Richmond moving safely ~

RICHMOND, VA – The City of Richmond’s Department of Transportation (RDOT) and its many partners invite you to an action-packed Speed Management Symposium on Wednesday, May 20, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street. Come learn firsthand how the City is making neighborhoods safer for families, kids walking to school, cyclists, and drivers alike – and discover simple ways you can help.

Over the past several years, we’ve shared real progress on slowing our streets to make them safer. At this year’s symposium, you’ll get the latest updates, including:

Expansion of the City’s Safety Camera Program on the high-injury street network – now enforcing both red-light running and outrageous speeding in active school zones.
Changes to the built environment that are shifting our safety culture, one block at a time.
Transportation projects – both big and small – designed to naturally slow speeds and create welcoming space for every travel choice.

What to Expect

Dynamic Presentations – Expert talks on Vision Zero, Complete Streets, and the real health benefits of safer streets.
Info Tables and Displays – Meet and mingle with staff from City departments, nonprofits, Richmond Police, VCU Police, VDOT, Bike Walk RVA, and many more.
Live Q&A Session – Bring your questions and ideas – this is your chance to be heard!
Heavy Refreshments – Good food and great conversation while you connect with neighbors who care about safer streets.

RSVP is recommended (but not required) at www.rva.gov/public-works/symposium.

Questions? Email [email protected].

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City of Richmond pauses bike-lane buffer ticketing until June 1

All citations issued in the past 30 days will be forgiven.

After hearing resident confusion and acknowledging a lack of warning period, the City of Richmond will now pause ticketing drivers for parking in the bike-lane buffer (as enabled by ORD. 2026-088). Ticketing will resume on June 1.

Three Things Drivers Need to Know

All citations issued in the past 30 days for vehicles parked in the bike-lane buffers will, after review, be forgiven. Drivers should fill out the Parking Citation Administrative Review Request form. If a citation has already been paid, drivers can request a refund by calling 804.646.3684. Please have your citation details and form of payment on hand.

Vehicles that cannot fully fit within the marked parking space will be ticketed beginning June 1. Drivers should park fully within marked parking areas. If a vehicle cannot fit in a designated space without extending into a bike lane or the buffer, then drivers should seek an alternative legal parking location.

Parking in the bike lane proper will still be ticketed. The pause on ticketing applies only to parking in the bike-lane buffer. If drivers park in the bike lane today, they will be ticketed.

Additional resources

Bike Lane FAQ,rva.gov

Mayor Danny Avula's Statement Regarding Veto of Senate Bill 378 and HB 1263

Public sector collective bargaining has been working in Richmond since 2022, when we became one of the first localities in the Commonwealth to establish bargaining units across our workforce.

Collective bargaining has enabled us to strengthen services for residents by working in partnership with our most valued resource, our people. It’s an essential tool, and we are proud of the progress we have made for our workforce and for the communities we serve.

Our partners in labor, in the General Assembly, and in Governor Spanberger’s Administration are committed to the same principles of giving workers a seat at the table and using collective bargaining to strengthen public services. We know that work will continue and we’re eager to lend our experience to it.

Meanwhile, in Richmond, our collective bargaining agreements remain in place and our relationships with our bargaining units and workforce leadership are strong.

I remain committed to collective bargaining as a tool that strengthens public services and supports our workforce.