In the evening hours of Monday, July 29 the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities began receiving reports of discolored water. These occurrences were attributed to the return of the 36 inch water main back to service after isolating it over the July 4 weekend and not a water quality issue. Crews actively flushed hydrants to remove any sedimentation. Customers were also encouraged to flush their plumbing through their cold-water faucet. 

DPU continues to proactively monitor and is flushing hydrants in the areas around Stony Point/Cherokee/Custis Roads to improve water clarity. The water remains safe. DPU will remain onsite until flushing activities are no longer needed.

Read here to learn more about discolored water.

Actions advance Thriving Neighborhoods, Families, Inclusive Communities, Economy, and a City That Tells Its Stories  

Mayor Danny Avula recognized and applauded Council for actions during its July 27th meeting to advance a Thriving Richmond. 

Thriving Neighborhoods 

Mayor Danny Avula and Councilmember Andrew Breton co-patroned an ordinance to establish an Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Committee. The committee is the first step under recently enacted Virginia legislation that allows localities to create an Affordable Dwelling Unit Program. The legislation, (HB867/SB74), sponsored in the House of Delegates by Delegate Rae Cousins, requires localities to establish an advisory committee to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of any incentives under the newly passed law that are a part of the affordable dwelling unit / inclusionary zoning program.  

The Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Committee (not to be confused with Accessory Dwelling Units) is part of the City’s commitment to create an inclusionary zoning program that expands access to affordable housing. Inclusionary zoning is a housing strategy that encourages or requires new residential growth to include a portion of homes that are affordable to low- and moderate-income households. Advancing inclusionary zoning was one of the City of Richmond’s top five legislative priorities during the 2026 General Assembly session.  

“As we look to update the City’s 50-year old zoning code through Code Refresh later this year, we are excited about the opportunity to explicitly layer in affordable housing through inclusionary zoning as early as next July, together with our current affordable housing programs like the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Performance Grants,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “As Richmond grows, we must be intentional to make sure that nurses, first responders, service workers, and longtime residents can continue to afford to live here. We stand ready to get the Advisory Board underway and look forward to engaging residents and all the stakeholders named in the legislation.” 

“The city is in anaffordability crisis, and it’s vital that we use every tool the Commonwealth allows to improve housing affordability in Richmond. I’m grateful to the General Assembly for granting us additional authorities to improve affordability, and I’m grateful to Mayor Avula for partnering with me on creating this commission,” said Richmond City Councilmember Andrew Breton, 1st District. 

Under state law, the Advisory Committee will gather input from a broad range of stakeholders, including residents, real estate representatives, historic preservation professionals, redevelopment and housing professionals and advocates, planners, finance professionals, and representatives of low- and moderate-income households.

The ordinance establishes a commission that includes representatives from nonprofit affordable housing providers, a multifamily affordable housing builder or developers, a market-rate residential or mixed-use real estate developer, a land use attorney with experience in zoning and development approvals, a representative from a local affordable housing advocacy organization, an individual with expertise in affordable housing finance, lending, underwriting, tax credit financing, or housing subsidy programs, a representative from City of Richmond Department of Housing and Community Development, and a representative from City of Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review.

Due to state law requirements, any local inclusionary zoning policies adopted by localities with this new authority cannot go into effect until July 1, 2027.  

Thriving Families 

Council also approved Mayor Avula’s  ORD. 2026-172. This ordinance formalizes the commitments made in the Mayor's proposed FY27 budget and Council's adopted budget — over $3 million to fight displacement and protect housing stability for Richmonders, particularly those facing crisis.

The Eviction Diversion Program, Family Crisis Fund, Right to Counsel, and Freeze Program are critical, complementary tools that support individuals and families at different stages of housing need—before an eviction, before a tax bill becomes unaffordable, and before a family loses its footing or faces a greater crisis. These proven strategies will help hundreds more Richmonders navigate financial hardship, remain stably housed, and avoid displacement.

“The Eviction Diversion Program has proven to be a beacon of hope for families in the City of Richmond facing housing instability. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community where no one is left unhoused,” said Cierra Frye, Director of Homeownership Services, Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation . 

Additionally, Richmond City Council unanimously approved RES. 2026-R028 to allow Richmond voters to decide whether to authorize a local sales tax dedicated exclusively to modernizing and constructing Richmond Public Schools facilities, advancing the Administration's commitment to Thriving Families, where every child succeeds. 

If approved by Richmond voters in November, the local sales tax dedicated to school construction and renovation would generate an estimated $47 million every year to accelerate building schools for Richmond Public Schools.

The proposal, made possible by legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly and signed by the Governor, could support up to $850 million in school capital projects through 2034. Currently, Virginia exempts groceries, essential personal hygiene products, and prescription medicines from the additional local sales tax.

Mayor Danny Avula last week expressed his support for a 1% sales tax which, if passed by voters in November, he would pair with a one-percentage point reduction in the meals tax and a one-cent reduction in the real estate tax. Full details of that plan are available here . 

Thriving and Inclusive Communities

Mayor Avula thanked Councilmember Jones for introducing Item #34. This resolution directs the Administration to develop a City Trust Policy that establishes administrative regulations governing when City employees may disclose immigration of citizenship information, and how City resources may be used in connection with civil federal immigration enforcement.

“Our immigrant communities are a huge part of what makes Richmond a vibrant city, and I want them to have assurances that they are safe and valued in this City. A trust policy will publicly codify the City’s commitment to protecting every single resident in Richmond. I am grateful to Councilmember Nicole Jones for her dedication to the goals of a Trust Policy and for taking this important and necessary step to support our immigrant neighbors seriously,” said Mayor Danny Avula.  

Thriving Economy 

Mayor Danny Avula and Richmond City Council jointly proclaimed August as Richmond Black Business Month, recognizing the vital role Black-owned businesses play in the city's economic vitality, innovation, and cultural heritage. The proclamation also reaffirms the City's commitment to expanding opportunities for minority-owned businesses through business development, procurement, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships. 

"I'm grateful to Council President Cynthia Newbille and Councilmember Nicole Jones for partnering on this recognition, and to all of the City’s amazing Black restaurants that are an incredibly vital part of the fabric of Richmond," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Black-owned businesses have shaped Richmond's history and continue to strengthen our neighborhoods and economy every day. I'm proud that we're celebrating their contributions together.” 

A City That Tells Its Stories

Richmond City Council approved ORD. 2026-171, authorizing a grant agreement with the Shockoe Legacy Foundation to support planning and development of the Slavery and Freedom Heritage Site, including the National Slavery Museum and Lumpkin’s Pavilion.  

The investment advances the City’s commitment to preserving and interpreting one of the nation’s most significant sites connected to the history of slavery and freedom. Funding will support the Shockoe Legacy Foundation’s ongoing planning and development efforts to create a destination for education, reflection, and remembrance while honoring Richmond’s full history.  

“With the acceptance of these state funds, the vision of the Shockoe Project as a place where people will come to learn, to reflect, and to connect to our past is one step closer to being realized. I look forward to the day when these stories that have been buried, not only come to light - but become a beacon of hope for the future. For decades, I have worked to properly recognize the site of Lumpkin's Jail, called the Devil's half acre by those who were enslaved and tortured there. After Emancipation, the site became known as God's half acre. I am excited to see what breakthroughs we can make with this investment," said Delegate Delores McQuinn, Virginia House of Delegates.  

Effective Monday, July 27th at 9:00 AM, the City of Richmond began transferring 911 callers requesting emergency medical services to the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA), following City Council’s adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-059, requiring this process change. 

For residents, the most important thing to know is simple: Continue calling 911 for emergencies. This transition will change how medical calls are processed, but it does not change how residents access emergency services. 

Over the past several weeks, the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response (DECPR) and RAA have worked to prepare for this transition, including training personnel and updating policies and procedures to support a seamless transfer of medical-call processing.  

What residents should know: 

• Residents should continue calling 911 for all emergencies. 
• Emergency Communications Officers will continue answering all 911 calls. 
• Fire and police call processing remains unchanged. 
• When first dialing 911, callers will be asked if they need police, fire, or medical assistance. 
• Callers experiencing a medical emergency will be connected to the Richmond Ambulance Authority, where trained personnel will provide medical instructions in accordance with the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch. 
• If a caller needs both medical assistance and a police or fire response, Emergency Communications Officers will first process the information needed to dispatch fire or police and then connect the caller with the Richmond Ambulance Authority for medical assistance. 
• Emergency Communications Officers will remain on the line with callers until the connection with Richmond Ambulance Authority is established successfully.  

 “We understand that any change to the 911 process may raise questions, which is why preparation has been such a critical part of this transition,” said Stephen Willoughby, Director of the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response. “Our priority throughout this transition has been making sure residents experience a smooth, uninterrupted path to the help they need.” 

“City Council has given us clear instruction, and our job now is to make sure it’s carried out in a way that ensures there is no impact on services to residents”, said  Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II.  “DECPR has actively prepared for this moment alongside RAA, and together we will continue to monitor the transition, ensuring public safety operations remain coordinated and effective.” 

“RAA is confident in the steps taken by our agency and our partners at DECPR to prepare for this transition. Our agency is fully prepared to resume processing emergency medical calls, and we look forward to continuing to work together to provide the best service possible to the community,” said RAA Chief Executive Officer Chip Decker. 

The Richmond City Electoral Board will hold a public meeting with the following details:

Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: 2134 W. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23227

This notice is being provided to alert the public that an Electoral Board meeting is scheduled. The agenda for this meeting will be posted once it has been reviewed and approved by the Electoral Board.

Please note that the agenda is subject to change. Items may be added, removed, or modified prior to or during the meeting, as permitted by law.

Members of the public who wish to speak at the meeting must submit their request by email to Executive Assistant, Caitlin Shelton, at electoral.board@rva.gov no later than Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

This meeting will be recorded.

Additional updates related to meeting logistics will be communicated as necessary.

Reminder: Logic and Accuracy (L&A) testing will begin at 2:00 p.m. before the board meeting. L& A Testing will take place on the 1st Floor in our Tech Center.

Meeting Agenda  

RICHMOND, Va. – The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has successfully completed the repairs and compliance testing of the damaged section of 36-inch water main that was isolated on July 3.

Crews successfully repaired the 36-inch water main in the canal by replacing the damaged section. Subsequent pressure testing, disinfection and water quality sampling to verify the integrity of the pipe and ensure it meets all regulatory requirements have all been completed. DPU will return the section of pipe to service on Monday. This will allow a full contingent of staff to be available to meet the needs of system and our customers. 

“This was our first significant service interruption since the crisis of January 2025, and our frontline teams worked around the clock to ensure our neighbors maintained access to essential life-sustaining resources,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. "Aging infrastructure is a reality here in Richmond and across the country. Despite obvious challenges, our teams were able to address the problem quickly and effectively. For that, I am equally proud and grateful.”

“I’m pleased that our team successfully completed major repair and will be returning the full length of the 36-inch water main to service,” remarks Scott Morris, Director of the Department of Public Utilities. “This effort reflects the strength of our operating processes and procedures that keep a 100+ year old system running reliably. Completing this repair ahead of schedule and faster than the previous two repairs is a testament to our continued improvement and dedication.” 

The replaced section of water main was near the end of its useful life and had already been identified for replacement through DPU's 10-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which prioritizes investments that strengthen the reliability and resilience of Richmond's water system. 

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.

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