The City of Richmond Office of Sustainability is urging all local food vendors to prepare for Phase 2 of Virginia’s expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam™) ban, which officially takes effect on July 1, 2026. Following the initial 2025 phase targeting large chains, this final phase expands the mandate to all remaining food establishments providing prepared food for public consumption. This includes independent restaurants, delis, cafeterias, food trucks, hot/salad bars, caterers, and any takeaway operations. 

Originally passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2021, the law phases out single-use foam containers due to their documented harms to public health, the natural environment, and community cleanliness. Because lightweight foam easily fragments into microplastics, the ban is a vital step toward protecting the health of residents and keeping Richmond's local ecosystem, especially the James River, clean. 

To help local businesses make a smooth transition before the July 1st deadline, the Office of Sustainability recommends a simple, three-step action plan: 

1. Clear Your Stock: Use up, return, or dispose of remaining Styrofoam containers immediately. 

2. Choose Sustainable Packaging Alternatives: Transition to readily available, eco-friendly food service ware. 

3. Promote Your Commitment: Proudly display a "Foam-Free Business" flyer or window sticker to show patrons your commitment to community health and the planet. 

A wide variety of river-friendly, high-performance alternative materials are commercially available to suit any menu: 

• Aluminum Foil with Paper Lids: Provides excellent heat retention and grease resistance; ideal for barbecue, loaded fries, and hot catering. 

• Plant-Based Containers (Sugarcane/Bagasse, Wheat Straw, Cornstarch): Safely holds hot, saucy dishes without leaching toxins; perfect for wings, sandwiches, and grain bowls. 

• Paper and Cardboard: Lightweight, sturdy, and available in compostable or recyclable formats for burgers, beverages, and sides. 

• Reusable Containers / BYOB: Highly durable options that lower long-term business costs and incentivize repeat customers. 

Exemptions and Compliance:

Eligible food vendors facing "significant economic hardship" and a lack of "reasonable alternatives" may apply for a temporary 1-year exemption by submitting a request. Following the July 1st deadline, community members may report non-compliant businesses via an anonymous online violation form. 

Richmond businesses are encouraged to access the city's alternative packaging vendor guides, exemption applications, and promotional materials by visiting the official campaign hub at rvagreen2050.com/foam-free-richmond. 

The City of Richmond Office of Sustainability (OOS) is proud to announce the launch of Switch Together, a group solar buying program developed in partnership with the nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. The program gives Richmond residents a streamlined, cost-effective path to installing rooftop solar and battery storage at their homes.

Switch Together is free to join and carries no obligation. Through a competitive auction process, vetted solar installers bid for the opportunity to serve program participants, resulting in set group pricing that yields significant savings. On average, participants save $6,300 on a typical solar installation. The program has already helped over 3,800 Virginia households take control of their energy future.

“Solar energy is one of the most direct ways Richmond residents can reduce their energy costs and contribute to our community’s climate goals,” said Laura Thomas, Director of the Office of Sustainability. “Switch Together makes that opportunity accessible, transparent, and hassle-free.

Residents can register for free at https://switchtogether.com/en/solar/Richmond/home.  Upon registering, participants receive a personalized offer detailing estimated costs, projected savings, and information about the vetted installer selected for their neighborhood. Registrants will not receive sales calls and their information will not be shared with third parties.

Residents interested in learning more before making a decision can attend free webinars and in-person information sessions offered through the program. Details are available at the program website.

The deadline to accept an offer is July 15, 2026. For questions or concerns you can reach out to VATeam@solarunitedneighbors.org.

The City of Richmond truly appreciates the Commonwealth’s continued commitment to investing in the priorities that matter most to our residents. The General Assembly’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and investing in the needs of working families has been critical and will benefit communities across the Commonwealth.  

Richmond’s specific needs were prioritized in the new biennium budget, and we thank the Budget Conferees, House and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee members, and the full General Assembly for their shared support for Virginia’s Capital City.  

We are especially grateful for the substantial funding dedicated to the Combined Sewer Overflow project, drinking water capital improvements, expanded resources essential for RPS, and the demolition of the Coliseum to make way for economic development. We are also grateful for the investments in housing, eviction‑prevention programs, and public health and human services in a moment when the federal government has destabilized and cut back on essential services our communities have long relied on. 

These commitments will help Richmond advance long-term infrastructure needs, support families, and improve quality of life across our neighborhoods. We thank the General Assembly and the Administration for their partnership and for recognizing the essential role of a thriving Capital City for the future of the Commonwealth. 

Following the unanimous vote on Monday, June 22, Mayor Danny Avula expressed his thanks to City Council and labor partners for their collaboration in approving updates to the City’s collective bargaining ordinance, reaffirming the City's commitment to a fair, transparent, and effective bargaining process for City employees.  

“Building a thriving City Hall that meets community needs and delivers results starts with investing in the people who keep Richmond running every day,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “I’m grateful to our labor partners, City Council, and all those who helped shape and advance these amendments. Collective bargaining has strengthened our workforce and helped us better serve residents. Tonight’s vote reinforces Richmond’s commitment to supporting City employees and building a stronger City for everyone." 

“I’m proud of the updates we passed tonight to strengthen Richmond’s collective bargaining ordinance. These amendments are the result of teamwork – City Council together with our partners in Labor and the Administration all had a hand in tonight’s legislation. Richmond is committed to continuing to lead in public sector collective bargaining and this legislation is proof of our continued work together to strengthen our workforce and ensure best in class city services,” said Councilmember Stephanie Lynch, 5th Voter District.  

“The updates passed tonight to Richmond’s CBO build on our work over the past few years and reaffirm and clarify how the voices of our members will be part of the conversation for the next round of collective bargaining in Richmond,” said Keith Andes, President of the Richmond Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 995.  

"SEIU is grateful for the diligent work behind the amendments adopted tonight. The ordinance adopted reflects what we all understood from the beginning: collective bargaining works best when workers have consistent rights and processes," said Lanoral Thomas, SEIU Local 512. 

“Today’s vote is a unique opportunity to demonstrate what good government looks like,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. “Continuous quality improvement starts with investing in our workforce and living out our commitment to put people first, always. Everyone who works for the City deserves fair pay for a hard day's work.”  

The FY25 Payment Register is available on the City’s Open Data Portal 

Richmond, VA - Mayor Danny Avula today released the City’s Fiscal Year 2025 Payment Register, providing the public with access to information about City expenditures.  

The Payment Register for Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) contains 231,933 rows of payment data. All rows were reviewed to ensure private or sensitive personal data would not be unintentionally disclosed. 

151,972 rows of payment data, or 66% of all payment data, required manual review. These data were divided and distributed to City departments and organizational units for review. At the conclusion of that manual review process, 2,799 rows were partially redacted. 

79,961 (34%) rows contained private or sensitive payment data which could be redacted automatically, including social services payments, tax payments, and juror payments.  

Redactions are performed as required by law or as permitted under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.  

Earlier this year, Mayor Danny Avula introduced ORD. 2026-081 to establish an updated approach for publishing the payment register. The proposed ordinance would require the City to publish payment data, while excluding information that is protected from disclosure by law or may be withheld under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Under the proposed ordinance, the published payment register would include:  

• the City department making the payment,  
• the vendor or individual receiving the payment,  
• the total amount paid, and  
• the applicable cost center.  

The legislation will be considered by City Council’s Finance and Economic Development Committee Meeting on July 15.  

The FY25 Payment Register can be found in the City’s Open Data Portal. To download, click on the Export button upper right-hand corner. 

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