September 23, 2025

Richmond, VA - Today Mayor Danny Avula highlighted City Council's recent actions to strengthen core services, expand affordable housing, and promote thoughtful neighborhood development. Together, these steps make meaningful progress towards a Thriving Richmond.

Protecting Core Services for Richmond Residents

General property taxes are the single largest source of revenue for Richmond, accounting for 57% of the City's budget. Every penny of the tax rate generates about $4.2 million in revenue, funding schools, public safety, and neighborhood services Richmonders rely on. Mayor Danny Avula joined with Council President Cynthia Newbille to co-sponsor an ordinance to maintain the rate at $1.20, preventing a potential $17.2 million cut to City services. Council voted to continue the ordinance and will take action next month.

"The City passed a responsible budget together based on a $1.20 rate," said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald. "It is my hope that the Council remains committed to delivering excellence for our 230,000 residents. Maintaining the rate is step one in doing so, allowing us to make continued progress so that Richmonders get the first-class service they deserve. Reducing the rate hinders our ability to do that."

"Richmond families deserve stability and investment, not disruption of core services," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Reducing the rate would hinder our ability to provide essential services, fight crime, and invest in infrastructure. I'm confident we will return to the prudent path forward, and I look forward to additional work on this critical issue."

Investing in Thriving Neighborhoods: Affordable Housing, Small Business, and Community Planning

Council unanimously approved two affordable housing ordinances sponsored by Mayor Avula (ORD. 2025-025 and ORD. 2025-173). A project at 5015 Snead Road in the southside will deliver 180 multifamily units and a community clubhouse, while the other allows a mixed-use building to provide student housing near the Virginia Union University campus.

"This is great news for Richmond," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Affordable housing is a pillar of thriving neighborhoods. Every resident deserves a safe, affordable place to live, and I'm incredibly encouraged by these projects that will bring much-needed affordable housing to Richmond."

In addition, Council unanimously passed a resolution (RES-2025-R040) to strengthen support for small and minority owned businesses, reaffirming the City's commitment to inclusive economic growth. Findings show that nearly 18% of available businesses in the region are minority owned yet win only 3% of City contract spending. To address the gap, Council directed the Administration to conduct a comprehensive review and develop an action plan. The resolution lays the foundation for expanding opportunity, increasing equity in City contracting, and fostering entrepreneurship.

"I'm so glad that Council took this important step," said Pat Foster, Director, Minority Business Development. "This resolution strengthens the City's commitment to fairness and equity, and creates more opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses to compete and thrive. When our entrepreneurs succeed, our neighborhoods and our whole city grows stronger."

Council also unanimously passed a resolution (RES. 2025-R039) to establish a new Northside planning node in the forthcoming update to the city master plan, Richmond 300. A node is a designated area that serves as a local crossroads, offering goods and services to nearby residents, employees, and visitors. The area is a community gateway and connector between residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors. The ordinance is the product of collaboration among multiple civic associations.

"As Code Refresh works to create more homes for more people, this Richmond 300 Master Plan update ensures that City departments are collaborating on infrastructure improvements, public amenities, and incentive programs that support new development and strengthen neighborhoods," said Kevin Vonck, Director, Planning and Development Review.

Investing in the Fall Line Trail

Mayor Avula also applauded the unanimous passage of an ordinance he patroned, ORD. 2025-202, which authorizes the City to continue development of the Fall Line Trail - Kanawha Plaza connector. The regional multi-use trail will connect Petersburg to Ashland, running through the heart of Richmond.

"I'm so thrilled about this next step for the Fall Line Trail. It's more than a connector, it's a pathway to a thriving, sustainable environment. This investment brings people together, supports healthy communities, and will boost tourism and economic development. It's truly a win-win-win!" said Lawson Wijesooriya, Chief of Staff to Mayor Danny Avula.

The trail provides opportunities for active transportation, recreation, and economic development across the region, and enhances connectivity in downtown Richmond. Large sections of the trail are expected to be completed by 2026.

Commitment to Transparent and Collaborative Budgeting

Mayor Avula expressed strong support for recommendations from the recently convened joint Administration-Council Budget Task Force, but urged Council to allow the recommendations to be tested before new mandates are enacted. Council voted 7-2 to substantially change the City's budget process by requiring publication of department-level requests prior to budget introduction, even though the Task Force recommended additional analysis first.

"I was encouraged by the Task Force's thoughtful recommendations, and I believe they will achieve the transparency, accountability, and time for much more meaningful engagement we're all aiming for," said Mayor Danny Avula. "At the same time, I have concerns about introducing a dramatic change that wasn't part of the Task Force's recommendation. The Task Force brings a great deal of wisdom, and I'd prefer we build on that rather than move forward with one-off proposals."

The Budget Task Force Reform Recommendations included:

1. Early collaboration: The Mayor and Council hold a public budget kickoff to establish shared understanding of the budget process timeline
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
6. Annual review: reconvene annually for continuous improvement

RICHMOND, Va. - The City of Richmond celebrated the dedication of its workforce Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Main Street Station during the 2nd Annual Service Award Ceremony. Hosted by the Employee Engagement Committee and the Department of Human Resources, the program ran from 6 to 8 p.m. and recognized employees who reached service milestones between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The program recognized service at the 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 35- and 50-year levels. Special recognition was given to Wesley E. Fox, utility plant specialist with the Department of Public Utilities, and Sureatha H. McGhee, recreation program specialist with the Department of Parks and Recreation, each honored for 50 years of service. The City of Richmond employs 4,562 staff members. This year, 564 employees reached milestone service years.

Tyrome Alexander, director of human resources, served as master of ceremonies. The Richmond Police Department presented the colors before keynote remarks by Mayor Danny Avula, Council President , Dr. Cynthia Newbille and Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. "Every day, your dedication turns City Hall into more than a building - it becomes the heart of a Thriving Richmond," Avula said. "When you show up with pride and purpose, you're not just serving residents, you're building a city where people, families, and communities can truly thrive."

Council President Dr. Cynthia Newbille, speaking on "The Power of Service," said, "Service is the quiet force that holds organizations, communities, and even nations together. It may not always make headlines, but it shapes lives every single day."

Closing remarks were delivered by Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II, who began his service in July. "The Core and soul of Richmond is its staff," Donald said.

Mayor Avula's administration has outlined seven pillars to guide Richmond's progress: a thriving City Hall that gets things done; thriving neighborhoods that meet our housing needs; thriving families where every child succeeds; a thriving economy that leaves no one behind; thriving and inclusive communities where everyone's rights are protected; a thriving and sustainable built environment planned for future generations; and a city that tells its stories and finds a healing path forward. The individuals honored tonight bring these principles to life every day through their service and commitment.

This celebration reflects the City's continued commitment to creating a supportive and high-performing public-sector organization-one where employee excellence is recognized and deeply valued.

21 small construction business owners completed 12-week training program designed to expand opportunity and build capacity.

RICHMOND, Va. - The City of Richmond's Office of Minority Business Development, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, celebrated the graduation of 21 small business owners who completed the 2025 Construction Contractor Series on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Main Street Station.

Launched in 2021, the Construction Contractor Series is a 12-week training program designed to support and strengthen small construction businesses throughout Virginia. The program ran from early July through mid-September and included weekly Tuesday evening sessions from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sessions were led by experienced professionals across the legal, financial, procurement and construction sectors. Participants primarily represented the Richmond metro area, with additional attendees from Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia. Each cohort included approximately 25 to 30 contractors.

The 2025 cohort included the following graduates: Eugene Gyau, 7 Favrd Hands Services LLC; Vicky Hill, A & T Striping Company Inc.; Michael Chambers, Chambers Electrical; Derek W. Evans, D.W. Electrical LLC; Oj Williams, Elite Plumbing & Consulting; Hinson Corprew Sr., Gold Standard Home Solutions LLC; Farrah Massenburg, Inclusive Infrastructure Solutions; Bailey B. Thurston, IV Air Company; Jessica F. Hogan, Lewis Improvements LLC; Joao Ribeiro, Little River Painting LLC; Vijay Majestic Lindsay, Majestic Contracting LLC; Rahsan J. Mitchel, Mitchell's Pest Control LLC; Kodye Stubbs and Kevin A. Stubbs, Not Just Junk Removal LLC; Terry Dixon Jr., Precise Handymen Onboard; LaWanda Carter, ProSphere Building Solutions; Daniel T. Shibley III, Shibley Enterprises Inc.; Jonathan Hudson, The Grounds Guys of Carytown; Zhen Ruby Tian, Tian Construction Group; and Tshika Jones, Virtue Contracting Group.

Instruction for the 2025 series was delivered by representatives from Gilbane Building Company, WM Jordan Company, DPR Construction, Hourigan, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, Mark Turner Construction, Chesterfield Procurement, Henrico Department of Finance - Purchasing Division, Richmond Procurement Services, Fulton Bank, M&T Bank, Foundation Surety & Insurance Solutions, Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, Metropolitan Business League, J&G Workforce Development, Sands Anderson PC, Virginia Commonwealth University, Partners Excavating Co. and the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The city was also honored to welcome Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura, who delivered remarks during the ceremony and congratulated graduates on their achievements.

The program was organized by Randy M. Brown, M.A., business services manager for the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, and Robert Holmes, CCA, MCA, ECMCA, senior deputy director for the City of Richmond's Office of Minority Business Development.

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The Office of Minority Business Development offers free programs and services for minority business enterprises (MBEs), emerging small businesses (ESBs), and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs). OMBD provides one-on-one technical assistance, business assessments, registration and certification support, and access to training and procurement opportunities. For a list of upcoming events and workshops, visit www.rva.gov/minority-business/ombd-calendar.

Posted September 17, 2025

~ Safety Camera Program expanded to address crash-prone intersections on the city’s high Injury Network as part of the Vision Zero safety strategy ~

Richmond, VA – In response to rising red-light violations and serious crashes, the City of Richmond is expanding its Safety Camera Program to address red light running beginning at the end of the month, weather permitting. 

“Failing to stop at red lights is dangerous behavior that leads to serious injuries and tragic fatalities,” said Chief of Police Rick Edwards. “These cameras will hopefully reduce collisions at these intersections, leading to safer roadways for all in Richmond.”

Using crash patterns and violation data, the Department of Public Works and the Richmond Police Department collaborated to identify 10 pilot locations across the city’s High Injury Network. The following intersections are included in the pilot program:  

North of the James River 

1. 25th Street and Main Street

2. Belvidere Street and Cary Street

3. Brookland Park Boulevard and Chamberlayne Avenue 

4. Chamberlayne Parkway and Laburnum Avenue 

5. Mechanicsville Turnpike and Fairfield Way 

South of the James River

1. Belt Boulevard and Hull Street Road 

2. Cowardin Avenue and Hull Street 

3. German School Road and Midlothian Turnpike 

4. Commerce Road and Maury Street 

5. Hull Street Road and Warwick Road 

Project Timeline and Enforcement

Construction will begin at the intersection of East Main and 25th streets, at the end of September, weather permitting, and then proceed to the remaining intersections.

• Signage will be clearly posted at all camera locations to notify drivers
• Once operational, each camera will monitor intersections 24 hours a day
• After the 30-day grace period ends (at each individual location), enforcement will officially start and $50 citations will be issued to the registered vehicle owner, for each violation, in accordance with the Code of Virginia.

Why this Matters

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, red-light running caused over 1,000 deaths and more that 100,000 injuries in 2022 alone. Cities that have implemented similar programs have seen red-light running crashes decrease by as much as 21 percent. 

Drive Like Every Light has a Camera

Drivers are strongly encouraged to treat every red light as if it is equipped with a red-light camera – not to just avoid a citation, but to protect lives and support a safer, more connect Richmond committed to Vision Zero. 

For more information on Richmond’s safety camera program, please visit us online atrva.gov/police/safety-camera-program.

Residents are invited to learn more about transportation and construction projects across the city by attending RVA Builds: The Infrastructure Information Initiative Event on Tuesday, September 23 from 5 – 8:30 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 Main Street. This event will provide residents with a unique opportunity to connect with city staff, ask questions and engage with plans shaping Richmond infrastructure future. RSVP today or by September 22. Get additional information on the event and a link to register at rva.gov/rvabuilds

To learn more about Vision Zero, visit rva.gov/visionzero to explore resources, safety initiatives, and interactive data dashboards tracking progress toward eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Richmond. 

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

Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond's Office of Minority Business Development, in partnership with Fulton Bank, is pleased to announce a new, five-week business growth program, "Positioning Your Business for Success," to equip area business owners with the resources and skillsets they need to build, protect, and expand their business here in Richmond.

The series, which kicks-off on September 25, will be led by industry experts and will cover a range of topics vital to business success, including branding and marketing, safeguarding business assets, understanding the landscape for accessing capital, and more. A full breakdown of the session topics can be found in the on the registration page.

"Owning a business is hard work," said Director of the Office of Minority Business Development Pat Foster. "There are so many moving pieces and complicated processes that are hard to fully appreciate until you experience it. I'm thrilled to be able to support our business community in this way and hope they can find some value in the resources and skillsets this training will provide."

Business owners who attend all classes, in their entirety, will earn a certificate to acknowledge their achievement, from the City of Richmond and Fulton Bank.

This program is free to area business owners, but spots are limited. Interested business owners are encouraged to secure their spot today.

Visit sugeni.us/e2gz to learn more and register.