Incredible!

Mayor Danny Avula today announced the City of Richmond’s significant progress in addressing audit recommendations. For the first time since 2019, the City has fewer than 100 outstanding recommendations, reflecting the Mayor’s commitment to partnering with the Office of the City Auditor (OCA) to “Look for it, find it, fix it”.

The City began the reporting period with 109 open audit recommendations across 38 total audits. Eleven recommendations from two additional audit reports were added, bringing the total to 120 recommendations across 40 audits. According to the preliminary Auditor’s Office report, 23 recommendations have been closed and 1 was removed. Pending the Auditor’s final report out, 96 recommendations remain.

“We’re a long way from perfect, and there is still a lot of work to do, but we're heading in the right direction. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: improving the delivery of core services is a long, slow process. It takes deep work within the departments and sustained effort over time. That consistency is what will build trust and helps ensure Richmonders are getting the high-quality services they should expect from their local government,” said Mayor Danny Avula .

New centralized audit intake and tracking system

The City has taken meaningful steps to strengthen how audit recommendations are managed and addressed. Under the leadership of CAO Donald, the City has established centralized audit oversight through the CAO’s office, developed and implemented an intake and tracking system, and standardized the process for closing audit recommendations.

Since FY26, the CAO’s office has facilitated one-to-one meetings between every department with open recommendations and the Office of the Auditor to support progress on closing audit recommendations. These efforts have increased visibility into longstanding issues, clarified accountability, and helped identify recommendations where corrective actions occurred but documentation was still needed to validate and formally close findings.

“Continuous quality improvement is the focus of our ‘look for it, find it, fix it’ approach. For the first time in nearly a decade, the City has fewer than 100 total findings,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald, II . “A well‑run government isn’t one where issues don’t exist; it’s one that confronts them directly. The measure of our success is the continued progress towards resolving structural, long-standing, and high‑priority issues for the benefit of all Richmonders and the services they receive.”

Progress on overhaul of grant-making program

One example of the progress the City is making is the overhaul of the Richmond Thrives Grants Program. This program represents a significant transformation in how the City awards funds to non-profit organizations serving Richmond residents, and it replaces the former non-departmental grant program. The Richmond Thrives Grants Program manages an open, competitive application processes across the City's four priority areas: Arts & Culture, Children & Families, Economic Mobility, and Health. Six of nine audit recommendations associated with the program have been closed, with the remaining three on track for closure in November. 

"The new Richmond Thrives Grants Program is measurable results, impact, and best practices in action. Completing six of the nine audit recommendations marks significant progress, and we will continue that work until we have closed the remaining three,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services Amy Popovich . “Our goal is to ensure that grant funding is administered effectively and equitably to reach the people and places that make Richmond thrive.”

Comprehensive streetlight improvement plan 

The City has concurred with the streetlight report from the Auditor’s office and is pursuing a comprehensive plan to implement the recommendations. Those recommendations include completing an inventory of city streetlights, and evaluating processes and systems for work orders, billing, and maintenance. The City will hire a vendor to help support this work. 

Continuing to Look for it, Find it, Fix it

The Richmond Thrives Grants Program and Streetlight Program are two areas where the City is working to actively address long-standing challenges identified by the Office of the City Auditor. Some are close to being fully resolved while others will require more time and changes to systems and processes. 

Mayor Avula’s administration will continue to work closely with the Office of the City Auditor and all departments to build on this progress, resolve remaining recommendations, and strengthen the delivery of services for Richmonders.

Recordings and reports from the Office of the City Auditor can be found here.

https://www.rva.gov/index.php/office-city-auditor/mission

https://www.rva.gov/index.php/office-city-auditor/reports-issued

Family-friendly event features lead free water updates from DPU, lead poisoning prevention awareness from VDH, interactive activities for children and costume fun

Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), is hosting a community-wide Lead Awareness Resource Fair this evening. This hands-on event coincides with the National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) taking place this week. This year’s NLPPW theme, Be a Hero: Keep Kids Safe from Lead, aims to highlight how communities can reduce children's exposure to lead and prevent its harmful health effects.

Event Details 
•    What: National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Resource Fair: “Be A Hero” – Keep Kids Safe from Lead  
•    When: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 5:30pm – 8:00pm.  
•    Where: Henry Marsh Elementary, 813 N 28th St, Richmond, VA 23223, Richmond, Virginia  
•    Who Should Attend: Families, children, homeowners, renters and community members  
•    Cost: Free and open to the public  
•    Highlights: Superhero & fall costume encouragement, free raffles, finger food, candy and interactive family activities  

The event is designed as a family-friendly evening of education and guidance, bringing together city officials, health experts, and local organizations to help residents protect their homes and children from lead hazards.

This is sure to be a fun and educational evening for families. Parents and kids are encouraged to embrace the theme by dressing up as their favorite superhero or in any fun fall costume! Families can gather important health and safety information, while enjoying hands-on activities, educational games, community resources and a few pieces of seasonal candy.

About The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities
The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities provides natural gas, water, wastewater, stormwater and streetlight services to more than 500,000 customers in the Richmond metropolitan area. DPU is committed to safety, reliability and innovation in delivering essential utility services that support the city’s residents, businesses and environment.

About Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
The Virginia Department of Health works to protect the health and well-being of all Virginians through public health tracking, drinking water safety programs and lead exposure prevention initiatives.

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Proposed improvements would enhance bicycle safety and connectivity while supporting the future Fall Line Trail 

Richmond, VA  — The City of Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) is seeking public feedback on a proposed cycle track along 6th Street between Franklin Street and Canal Street in Downtown Richmond. The project aims to create a safer, more comfortable connection for people traveling by bicycle while improving access to Downtown destinations and supporting the future Fall Line Trail. 

The proposed improvements would reconfigure a portion of 6th Street to accommodate a dedicated bicycle facility separated from motor vehicle traffic. The project is part of the City's broader efforts to expand Richmond's bicycle network, improve roadway safety and provide more transportation options for residents and visitors

Improving Safety and Connectivity Downtown:

The proposed 6th Street Cycle Track would serve as an important Downtown connection for the Fall Line Trail, a planned regional trail connecting communities across the Richmond region. 

In addition to strengthening bicycle connectivity, the project seeks to improve safety and predictability for everyone using the corridor, including pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. The proposed design would better organize how people move along 6th Street while maintaining access to surrounding businesses, destinations and transportation connections. 

The project also supports Richmond's Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries through safer street design, education and other transportation improvements. 

“Bicycle infrastructure works best when it connects people to where they want to go,” said Andy Boenau, Director of the Richmond Department of Transportation. “The 6th Street Cycle Track is an opportunity to create a safer connection through Downtown while supporting the future Fall Line Trail. Community feedback is an important part of making sure the design reflects how people use this corridor every day.”

Review the Proposed Design and Share Your Feedback:

RDOT encourages residents, Downtown businesses, commuters and anyone who travels along 6th Street to review the proposed improvements and complete a public input survey. 
Community members can explore the project corridor through two videos illustrating the proposed changes: 

• 6th Street: Franklin Street to Cary Street  
• 6th Street: Cary Street to Canal Street 

Video Disclosure: The project visualization videos were created using a combination of digital design and visualization software, with minimal use of artificial intelligence (AI). The videos are intended to illustrate the proposed improvements and do not represent a finalized design 

Take the 6th Street Cycle Track Public Input Survey Here 

Public feedback will help RDOT better understand how the corridor is currently used, identify potential safety and accessibility concerns, and evaluate opportunities to improve the proposed design. 

Survey responses will be considered alongside engineering analysis, traffic operations and other technical considerations as the project moves through the design process.

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For more information about City transportation programs and projects, visit www.rva.gov/public-works or email AskPublicWorks@rva.gov . 

Follow RDOT on social media for updates on transportation projects, public meetings and safety initiatives: X (@RVA_DOT) and Instagram (@RVA_DOT) .  
 

Public meeting scheduled for Oct. 28 to review proposed pedestrian trail and bridge improvements and gather community feedback 

Richmond, VA  — The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) invites residents and community stakeholders to attend a public input meeting for the Manchester Connection to James River Project on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to review current project plans and proposed pedestrian trail and bridge improvements intended to enhance connectivity and access to the James River. Project representatives will be available to answer questions and gather public feedback.

Meeting Details

• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
• Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
• Location: Main Street Station, First Floor
• Address: 1500 E. Main St., Richmond, VA 23219

How to Provide Public Comment

Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and share their feedback. Written and oral comments will be accepted during the meeting.

Those unable to attend may submit written comments by email or mail. All comments must be emailed or postmarked by Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 .

Email: thomas.westbrook@rva.gov 

Please include "Manchester Connection to James River Project" in the email subject line.

Mail: Thomas Westbrook, Project Manager City of Richmond Department of Public Works 900 E. Broad St., 6th Floor Richmond, VA 23219

Community participation is an important part of the planning process, and the City encourages residents to review the proposed improvements and share their perspectives as the project moves forward.

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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.

City invites residents to explore tree canopy maps, share feedback and plant trees

Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) invites residents to explore the city's urban forest, learn about the latest tree canopy findings and participate in community events leading up to Richmond's annual Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, November 7.  

As development of the Richmond Tree Plan, the city's first-ever Urban Forest Master Plan, continues, DPW's Urban Forestry Division and its partners are visiting neighborhoods across Richmond this fall to share results from a new Tree Canopy Assessment and gather community feedback. 

The assessment provides an updated look at Richmond's tree canopy, helping identify opportunities to protect existing trees, expand tree coverage and guide future investments in the city's urban forest. 

Residents are encouraged to stop by an upcoming community pop-up to explore the latest tree canopy maps, learn how the findings will inform the Richmond Tree Plan and share their experiences and priorities for Richmond's trees. 

Upcoming Community Engagement Events: 

RVA BIG Market 

Saturday, October 24 | 8 a.m. – noon 

Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Road 

In partnership with Grow RVA.   

South of the James Farmers Market 

Sunday, October 25 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.   
Forest Hill Park, 4021 Forest Hill Avenue 

In partnership with Grow RVA.   

City of Richmond Trunk or Treat  

Thursday, October 29 | 5 – 8 p.m. 

Main Street Station, North Plaza and West Parking Lot 

1500 E. Main Street 

In partnership with the Richmond Department of Transportation.  

Richmond Tree Plan Pop-Up and Community Tree Care Day 

Thursday, November 5 | 9 a.m. – noon 

Blackwell Park (Charlie Sydnor Playground) 

1400 Maury Street 

Join the Richmond Tree Plan team, Richmond Parks and Recreation, and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay for a community tree care event. Residents can learn about the Tree Canopy Assessment, share feedback and participate in volunteer tree care activities. 

Pre-registration is required for volunteer participation, register here. 

Arbor Day Ceremony and Community Tree Planting  

Saturday, November 7 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Libby Hill Park | 2801 E. Franklin Street 

The City of Richmond will celebrate Arbor Day with a ceremonial tree planting and community volunteer event at Libby Hill Park. 

Hosted in partnership with DPW's Urban Forestry Division, Richmond Parks and Recreation, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the event brings together residents, volunteers and community partners to celebrate the importance of trees and support a healthier, greener Richmond. 

Richmond has a long-standing history of recognition as a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation, reflecting the city's continued commitment to urban forestry and environmental stewardship. 

Residents interested in participating in the volunteer planting portion of the event must register in advance.

The Richmond Tree Plan is supported by a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service the largest urban forestry grant awarded in Virginia. The investment supports the city's efforts to develop a comprehensive approach to tree preservation, planting, maintenance and community engagement. 

Led by DPW's Urban Forestry Division, the planning effort brings together city departments, community stakeholders and residents to develop strategies that support a healthy, resilient and equitable urban forest for generations to come. 

Residents can learn more about Richmond's Tree Plan and urban forestry initiatives by visiting Richmond Tree Plan | Richmond.

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Funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.   
 

The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) provides essential infrastructure and public services that support the safety, accessibility and quality of life of Richmond residents. Services include street and sidewalk maintenance, solid waste collection, recycling, urban forestry, parking enforcement and right-of-way management. For more information, visit rva.gov/public-works or call 3-1-1.