RICHMOND, Va. - Earlier this week, the City of Richmond advanced its collective commitment to being a city that tells its stories by passing the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan (CHSP) through the Planning Commission.

The plan provides a framework that will guide how the City identifies, recognizes, and conserves its diverse cultural and historic assets for generations to come. It represents the culmination of extensive work by the City's Department of Planning and Development Review (PDR), led by preservationists, historians, artists, and planners from its authentiCITY studio, in cooperation with the Virginia Department Historic Resources and in collaboration with hundreds of residents and community leaders whose voices shaped the vision and priorities of the document.

"This Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan is exactly the kind of guiding document we need to fulfill our commitment to being a City that tells its stories and tells the truth about its past," said Mayor Danny Avula. "As I've shared in my Mayoral Action Plan, we cannot move forward as a community without honestly reckoning with our history-all of it-and this plan gives us the roadmap to do that work thoughtfully and inclusively. This is how we build a Richmond where every resident sees themselves reflected in the story of our city."

The Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan builds directly on Richmond 300, the City's comprehensive plan, which established a goal to "preserve culturally, historically, and architecturally significant buildings, sites, structures, neighborhoods, cemeteries, and landscapes that contribute to Richmond's authenticity." The CHSP provides the strategic framework and actionable steps to achieve that vision.

"This plan represents an evolution in how we think about historic preservation," said authentiCITY Studio Senior Manager Kimberly Chen. "It's not just about buildings and monuments, it's about the living culture of our neighborhoods, the stories of our diverse communities, and ensuring that preservation serves all Richmonders, not just a privileged few."

The development of the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan included robust community engagement, with input sessions held across the city's neighborhoods, bringing together longtime residents, cultural practitioners, historians, and community advocates to ensure the plan reflects Richmond's full diversity of experiences and perspectives. It also included significant cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring that the policies within support the full breadth of City priorities including, importantly, affordable housing development goals as well as zoning priorities reflected in Code Refresh.

With the Planning Commission's approval, the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan now advances to Richmond City Council for final adoption. Once adopted, the plan will guide city policies, programs, and investments related to historic preservation and cultural heritage for years to come.

For more information about and to read the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan, please visit go.rva.gov/CHSP.

Nearly a quarter of all outstanding audit findings have been resolved this period, strengthening accountability, performance, and a City Hall that thrives.

Richmond, VA - On November 21, Mayor Avula announced significant progress in closing outstanding audit findings across multiple departments, a milestone that reflects the administration's commitment to accountability, transparency, and a culture of continuous improvement, a central goal of Mayor Danny Avula's commitment to building a thriving City Hall that stewards resources effectively, meets community needs, and has the trust of residents.

With this audit report, the City of Richmond has made major progress in strengthening accountability, internal controls, and operational performance across departments. During the first period of FY26, the City Auditor confirmed 31 audit recommendations were fully implemented and closed. This period's closures span seven departments under the Mayor's authority: the Department of Public Utilities, Social Services, General Services, Public Works, Emergency Communications, Human Resources, and Information Technology.

The Department of Public Utilities alone closed 19 recommendations, including two high priority that tighten financial controls over millions of dollars of materials and reduce the risk of improper billing.

"From day one, I said we would look for it, find it, and fix it. Every audit issue we resolve means better service for Richmonders and a more responsive, reliable government. I'm genuinely excited by this progress and we're going to keep pushing until every item is closed. I know we can do it!" said Mayor Danny Avula.

"The audit process is an opportunity for the administration to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and increase effectiveness. This audit update, with the most finding closures in recent history, is an early example of the culture of performance we've committed to build," said Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer. "And we're not stopping here - Richmond deserves a government that owns its challenges and delivers solutions, and this is another example that is exactly what we are building."

At the beginning of the review period, 137 audit recommendations were open across City departments. Twenty-five new recommendations were issued, and 31 were closed, including eight high-priority items. The City and the Office of the City Auditor will continue working together to drive down the remaining 130 open recommendations, most of which already have corrective actions in progress.

You can find the Audit Report here.

Posted November 21, 2025

~ Family-friendly event featuring arts and crafts, unique gifts from local artisans, and more ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Department of Public Works is excited to announce its 2nd Annual Main Street Station Holiday Magic Open House, a community celebration filled with festive activities, seasonal treats, and holiday cheer. The event will take place Sunday, December 7 from 12 – 5 p.m. at Main Street Station, located at 1500 East Main Street. 

This year’s event expands on last year’s success with more family-friendly, interactive holiday experiences and fun. Exciting new attractions include:  

• Petting Zoo
• Face Painting
• DPW Trash Truck and Fire Truck Showcase
• GRTC Articulated Bus on-site experience
• Live music by the All City Band
• The following two activities are ticketed events, please purchase tickets in advance at: https://www.thesweetestthingrva.com/
  1. Cookies & cocoa baking workshop for kids provided by The Sweetest Thing in MSS kitchen
  2. Cookies & mocktails workshop for adults provided by The Sweetest Thing in MSS Kitchen 

Returning favorites include:

• Children’s Arts and Crafts in partnership with the Visual Arts Center of Richmond
• Shopping experience with local artisans and crafters offering unique gifts
• Gift wrapping service
• Holiday music and caroling
• Warm seasonal beverages provided by The Len
• Vendor Market in partnership with Richmond Night Market

Following the Holiday Magic Open House, guests are invited to stay for a special outdoor screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on the patio from 6 - 8 p.m. Bundle up, bring a cozy blanket, and enjoy a holiday classic under the stars!

For more on Main Street Station, go to www.mainstreetstationrichmond.com

We’re Social! For updates on 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; 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. The Department’s mission is to provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

Main Street Station (MSS) is owned and operated by the Department of Public Works. Built in 1901, the station is centrally located in the heart of the city and is a historic transportation hub offering a blend of modern amenities, historic charm and classic, stunning architectural design. It features a grand central atrium, intricate stonework, head house, train shed, outdoor space (and patio), and a distinctive clock tower creating a lasting impression of Richmond along the I-95 corridor. This historic venue offers a unique setting for both public and private events. It provides Virginia and the northeast corridor a unique world-class event space that includes 47,000 square feet enclosed in glass, providing breathtaking views of downtown Richmond. It’s a top venue for weddings and events, appearing on numerous “best of” listings. Main Street Station serves as a key point for both Amtrak and local commuter rail services. The station is a vital connection to the region’s transportation network which include partnerships with bus services, such as, GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit, Greyhound and various Megabus services. It also offers bike paths connecting to the Virginia Capital Trail. Described as an “architectural gem” by the United States Postal Service, MSS was selected and featured on a postage stamp!

The City of Richmond will close in observance of Thanksgiving beginning Wednesday, November 26. All city offices, including City Hall, will be closed. We will return to our regular business hours on Monday, December 1. Keep reading for impacts to city services during the holiday:

• Department of Public Works offices will be closed Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28.
• Household trash and bulk and brush collection will operate normally Monday, November 24, through Wednesday, November 26. There will be no trash collection or bulk and brush collection on Thursday, November 27. Collection will resume on Friday, November 28, for routes normally collected on Thursday.
• The East Richmond Road Convenience Center (ERRCC) Landfill, located at 3800 East Richmond Road, will be on a regular schedule Monday, November 24, through Wednesday, November 26. It will be closed on Thursday, November 27 through Saturday, November 29. ERRCC will reopen on Monday, December 1.
• CVWMA recycling will not be collected on Thursday, November 27. It will be delayed by one day and recycling will be picked up on Friday, November 28.
• All Richmond Public Library locations are closed Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28. They will reopen on Saturday, December 1.
• RVA311 will be closed on Wednesday, November 26, through Saturday, November 29 and will reopen on Monday, December 1. The public will have 24/7 access to self-service via RVA311 and the mobile app.
• Richmond Public Schools are closed Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28. Schools and offices will reopen on Monday, December 1.
• All Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities offices and community centers are closed for recreational activities from Wednesday, November 26 through Saturday, November 29. They will reopen on Monday, December 1.
• The Department of Public Utilities Call Center is closed Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28. For utility emergencies, customers should call 804-646-4646 and press Option 1. For gas leaks, leave the area and call 911.
• Richmond Animal Care and Control will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28. RACC will reopen with regular walk-in hours on Saturday, November 29.

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to show gratitude and to serve our communities. For opportunities to connect and serve this holiday season, please explore Mayor Avula's "A City that Serves" webpage. 

For the City of Richmond's full holiday schedule, please visit rva.gov/holiday-closings. 

RICHMOND, Va. - The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC), in partnership with the City of Richmond's Economic Development Authority (EDA), today announced the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the design and delivery of a new Downtown Transfer Hub and accompanying mixed-use overbuild. The solicitation marks a major step toward transforming a key site within the City Center Innovation District into a modern transit anchor and vibrant mixed-use destination.

The RFQ was released today. A virtual pre-response conference is scheduled for Monday, December 1, and a Q&A period will remain open until Monday, December 8. RFQ responses are due on January 30, 2026.

Located on a ~3-acre parcel formerly home to the City's Public Safety Building (500 N. 10th St.), the project sits at the convergence of GRTC's East-West routes and the planned North-South Pulse Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. The selected developer will help advance a two-phase vision:

1. A state-of-the-art, 10-bay Downtown Transfer Hub with rider amenities and operator support spaces.
2. A private mixed-use overbuild that may include residential, commercial, retail, and other placemaking components.

"This project represents the kind of bold, future-focused investment that helps Richmond grow equitably and sustainably," said Mayor Danny Avula. "By strengthening our transit network and activating a critical downtown site with new housing, retail, and public space, we are setting the stage for a more connected, innovative, and people-centered Richmond. I look forward to continued progress as we build a more thriving urban core."

The solicitation seeks qualified and financially capable development teams to deliver both the public transit facility and the private overbuild. Public funding for the transit component is secured or advancing toward approval, and additional financing tools will be available to support the mixed-use development.

Building on the shared vision for equitable access and high-quality transit, GRTC and the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility (OETM), led this effort to address longstanding inequities across the transportation network. "The GRTC Downtown Transfer Hub is a key initiative supported by Richmond Connects for the development of a dedicated off-street transfer location for bus riders," said Dironna Moore Clarke, Deputy Director of Public Works (OETM). "By integrating a modern transfer hub with mixed use development, we are creating a destination that supports riders, encourages investment, and strengthens the economic heart of the region," said Adrienne Torres, Chief Development Officer, GRTC.

The new Downtown Transfer Hub will replace outdated facilities with modernized operations and enhanced passenger amenities. The project is also strategically aligned with future expansions of GRTC's BRT network.

"This is monumental for GRTC," said Sheryl Adams, Chief Executive Officer of GRTC. "The Downtown Transfer Hub will improve reliability, efficiency, and safety across our system while offering riders a comfortable, high-quality experience. We are proud to lead this effort and to partner with development teams who share our commitment to thoughtful, transit supportive design."

"This is more than a transit project-it's an economic development catalyst," said Angie Rodgers, Director of the Department of Economic Development. "The Downtown Transfer Hub will bring new energy and activity to the heart of the city, while the mixed-use overbuild will create opportunities for housing, entrepreneurship, and job growth. We are ready to collaborate with partners who can help maximize public and private value through thoughtful, high-quality development."

The City and GRTC expect to issue the Request for Proposals in Winter 2026, with final developer selection and negotiations completed by the end of 2026.

Interested parties can access the RFQ here.