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.

Today is the last day to register to vote or update your registration before the November 3, 2026 General and Special Elections.

Today, the City of Richmond released responsive records under the Freedom of Information Act related to the recently proposed solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).  

My administration continues to support the goal of increasing the use of renewable energy, reducing long-term energy costs and saving taxpayer dollars, and advancing our commitment to a more sustainable and resilient built environment.  

In the course of working towards that goal, some of our internal processes and systems, like those related to outside employment disclosures and addressing personnel matters, did not work the way I expect them to.  

While the records released today point us towards the improvements we must—and have already started to—make, they do require additional context on two specific matters:  

1. The employee submitted the Outside Employment Form as part of the onboarding process. That form was sent to the employee’s personnel file as part of the standard onboarding process. It was not reviewed or signed by a supervisor or other administrator. Without the required review and signature, the City does not consider it an active Outside Employment Form. 
    
2. Among the records is a document "Confidential: City of Richmond Office of Sustainability ” (DO_June2026-Redacted.pdf). The accuracy of the document is under review. Additionally, neither Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Ebert nor Human Resources Director Martin were aware of the document until October 2026.  

I’ve been clear that my approach is to look for problems, find them, and fix them. Whether we uncover problems ourselves or they’re brought to our attention by others, we will not shy away from addressing them.  

That work is already underway. 

Effective November 1, the Outside Employment Form will be fully removed from the automated onboarding workflow. Those disclosures will be handled through a separate review process. 

I’m thankful for our team, who has continued to address gaps and improve processes to support our more than 4,000 City employees. 

This notice is being provided to alert the public that Logic & Accuracy Testing of Electronic Pollbook Equipment for the upcoming election will take place with the following details:

Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: 1st Floor Tech Center
City of Richmond Office of Elections
2134 W. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227
 

Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Code of Virginia, the City of Richmond's Electoral Board will conduct L&A testing of electronic pollbook equipment to verify its functionality before the election.

Public Attendance Requirements

Members of the public may attend the testing only if they present a physical letter of authorization from their respective political party chair. The letter must be presented upon arrival and is required for admission to the testing.