New initiatives include further restrictions on Flock data sharing  

Richmond, VA — Today Mayor Danny Avula announced a set of actions the City of Richmond is taking to safeguard community trust and draw a clear line between local policing and federal immigration enforcement. These actions, recommended by the Mayor’s Inclusive Communities Preparedness Work Group, formalize and expand upon the administration’s longstanding position that the Richmond Police Department does not enforce federal immigration law and does not coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

“The fear our neighbors are feeling right now is real — the fear of going to work, taking children to school, or even running everyday errands like going to the grocery store,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Our city government exists to serve all Richmonders, and we will continue to work to build the trust that is essential to keeping our communities safe.”

The actions include: 

Increased Flock data sharing restrictions. In addition to cutting off all federal agency access to its license-plate reader data, the Richmond Police Department will now prohibit sharing Flock Safety data with any jurisdiction in Virginia that has entered into a 287(g) agreement with ICE. This helps ensure that technology deployed to solve local crimes in Richmond is not used as a tool for immigration enforcement in other localities across the Commonwealth. 

RPD uniform updates. The Richmond Police Department will update officer uniforms to read “RICHMOND POLICE”, making them clearly and visually distinguishable from federal law enforcement agents. Reports from across the region have described ICE agents conducting enforcement operations in dark tactical gear that closely resembles local police, creating confusion and fear in communities. The uniform changes will help residents immediately identify RPD officers from their local police department.   

Prohibiting ICE from staging operations on City property. The City will prohibit federal agencies from using City-owned property — including buildings, parking lots, and public facilities — to stage immigration operations, process detainees, or conduct surveillance related to immigration enforcement. 

Raising concerns directly to ICE. The administration will establish a regular cadence of meetings with ICE’s Richmond field office to raise concerns from residents, communicate the City’s policies and expectations, and ensure open channels of communication. This proactive approach allows the City to advocate directly for the safety and dignity of Richmond residents while still upholding its commitments to resident safety. 

“The Richmond Police Department’s mission is community policing — building trust, strengthening relationships, solving crimes, and keeping neighborhoods safe,” said Chief Rick Edwards . “We understand that some residents may feel uncertainty or concern when they see law enforcement activity in their neighborhoods. That is why it is important that the public can clearly identify our officers and know who we are when we respond to serve the community. We want every resident to feel safe calling us for help, reporting crime, or speaking with an officer. Our focus is, and always will be, protecting the people of Richmond and working in partnership with the communities we serve.” 

Richmond has not entered into a 287(g) agreement with ICE and does not participate in the enforcement of federal immigration law. In January 2026, Mayor Avula established the Inclusive Communities Preparedness Work Group to identify additional steps the City can take to respond to emergent threats and challenges facing immigrant communities. 

Residents who need assistance or wish to report a concern can call the City of Richmond’s customer service line at 804-646-7000 or 3-1-1. The Richmond Police Department’s Hispanic Liaison can be reached at 804-646-5158 or jasmine.perez@rva.gov . 

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 
Location: Richmond Office of Elections – 2134 W. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227

Due to a building cooling system failure and current weather conditions, the Richmond Office of Elections will remain closed as we work to restore safe and suitable conditions inside the building.

A work order request has been submitted, and we are actively monitoring the situation. Additional updates will be provided as we continue working to restore satisfactory conditions inside our building.

If you need assistance, please contact our office via email at  vote@rva.gov.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

As temperatures climb this summer and heat waves impact the region, the City of Richmond is offering several resources and cooling options to help residents stay safe and beat the heat.

Beginning May 19, 2026 through Labor Day, the City of Richmond will offer walk-up cooling centers in neighborhoods across the City that includes Richmond Public Library locations, Parks and Recreation outdoor pools, and Southside Plaza. 

Offering accessible water and brief relief from the heat. 

Southside Plaza 

4100 Hull Street Road 

Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Community Resource and Training Center 

1900 Chamberlayne Parkway 

Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Richmond Public Library 

Various locations offer air-conditioned spaces. Operating hours vary by branch. To find individual library hours, visit: https://rvalibrary.org/about/hours/ 

Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Outdoor Pools 

Open for public use to cool off. 

Parks and Recreation will begin the 2026 outdoor pool season on Saturday, May 23 though Monday, September 7. Please note that the department will be opening pools in two phases, outlined below.

Salvation Army Extreme Heat and Weather Shelter 

If the temperature is expected to reach 92°F for two or more consecutive hours during the day, the Salvation Army Extreme Heat and Weather Shelter will open. This space is located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue would be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and guests will be served water and snacks while in this cooling center.  The site will remain open overnight if temperatures are predicted to be 92°F or higher at 9 p.m.  

Communication of the opening of the the Salvation Army Extreme Heat and Weather Shelter will be done through RVA 311 and Richmond Ready. 

Pets, except for service animals, are not permitted at any location.  

Posted May 18, 2026

~ Slated for May 27, the signal will temporarily flash red and yellow~

RICHMOND, Va. – Part of the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance roadway safety and accessibility for all users, the Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) installed a new traffic signal at the intersection of Patterson Avenue and St. Christopher’s Road. Over the next week, drivers along these corridors will notice new traffic control signals in operation. This signal project along with the pedestrian crossing upgrades are designed to help promote safe access.

The signals are stated to be energized May 27 and temporarily placed in flash mode. During this transitional phase:

• Patterson Avenue will display a flashing yellow light, indicating that drivers should proceed with caution
• St. Christopher’s Road will display flashing red lights, requiring drivers to stop and yield before proceeding

The temporary flashing mode gives motorists time to adjust to the new signals before the intersection becomes fully signalized, which is scheduled for June 3.

Please continue to give our construction workers extra space and pay special attention while travelling through these new traffic patterns.

Safety Reminders:

• Be alert while traveling through this new traffic pattern
• Drive with extra caution as the community adjusts to the new intersection
• Always watch for pedestrians and cyclists

Work on this project began in April 2026 and includes a range of safety and accessibility upgrades: 

• Traffic signal mast arm poles with traffic signal heads and high visibility backplates
• Countdown pedestrian signals with push buttons
• ADA compliant accessible ramps with new sidewalk connections
• High visibility crosswalk markings to improve pedestrian safety

Vision Zero emphasizes a safe systems approach to prevent severe crashes. By combining safe speeds, safe vehicles, safe roads, and safe people, and the best post-crash care, the City continues to build a healthier transportation network that prioritizes safe access using engineering, education, and enforcement.

For more information about Vision Zero, visit rva.gov/visionzero or email us at 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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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.