DPU is proactively correcting bills and reducing the average bill of impacted customers by nearly 15% 

Richmond, VA — On October 17, the City of Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) identified an equipment failure that resulted in the corruption of utility meter reading data for less than 5,000 customers on Richmond’s Southside. DPU took swift action and immediately delayed billing to those impacted customers to prevent incorrect bills. After an extensive review of the data over the last two weeks, a single, correct bill will be issued to impacted customers reflecting both the previous and current billing period.

To help offset the inconvenience of this disruption to the billing cycle, the combined bill will only include base fees for one month — a reduction of about $40 – $50, or nearly15% for the average customer.

“Our goal is to deliver best in class service to our customers. That starts with consistent and reliable billing, but that doesn’t mean issues won’t arise. Service rises to elite status, when we proactively correct issues and our customers can have confidence that we will do what it takes to get it right,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. “This small adjustment is the first step in building that transparency and trust with our customers.”

What impacted customers need to know

• This month’s bills will reflect usage fees for both the previous and current billing cycle.
• This month‘s bill will reflect base fees for just one billing cycle — a reduction of about $40 for water and wastewater customers and about $50 for water, wastewater, and gas customers, or about 15% for the average customer.
• No late fees will be charged.

DPU is also enhancing its meter reading technology for the vehicles that collect utility meter data to improve reliability. That new equipment has been purchased and will be tested and installed over the next several weeks citywide. DPU is committed to serving our customers and ensuring billing accuracy, I am very appreciative to the staff that have worked tirelessly to resolved this as quickly as possible. DPU continues to enhance our billing and utility infrastructure citywide, all of our customers will continue to benefit from better, more efficient technology,” said DPU Director Scott Morris. 

For questions, customers may contact the DPU Customer Care Center at 804-646-4646 or dpucustserv@rva.gov.

RICHMOND, VA - Local business owners joined representatives from the City of Richmond's Office of Minority Business Development (OMBD) and the Department of Procurement for the "Doing Business with the City of Richmond workshop," which was held Oct. 30 at the Richmond Public Library Main Branch. The event provided practical information to help local vendors understand how to navigate the City's contracting process.

During the session, participants learned how to register as official suppliers, gained insight into the City's procurement methods, and explored opportunities to bid on upcoming contracts. City staff from both departments offered guidance on how businesses can identify relevant opportunities and meet qualification requirements.

The workshop drew participation from small and minority-owned businesses across the region, reflecting growing interest in public-sector contracting. Attendees described the event as a useful introduction to the City's procurement system and a chance to make direct connections with staff who can clarify procedures and expectations.

Future workshops will continue to cover topics related to government contracting, supplier diversity, and local business development.

For more information about upcoming sessions and registration, visit: https://rva.gov/minority-business/ombd-calendar

or contact:

Debbie P. Jackson - debbie.jackson2@rva.gov | 804-646-6233 Lisette Johnson - lisette.johnson@rva.gov | 804-646-1673

About the Office of Minority Business Development (OMBD) The City of Richmond's Office of Minority Business Development works to increase participation of minority-, women-, and small-owned businesses in local contracting and procurement. OMBD offers training, technical assistance, and outreach to help businesses strengthen their capacity and compete for government opportunities.

Localities, Feed More Partner to Bolster Food Access to Residents Whose SNAP Benefits are Impacted

Richmond, VA -- The City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, and Henrico County are proud to join forces with Feed More, Central Virginia's food bank and its network of 380 partners, to ensure residents continue to have access to nutritious food while the federal government shutdown impacts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Through this regional collaboration, localities are working together to fill gaps and bellies of individuals and families who rely on the SNAP program. The federal government shutdown will begin to impact SNAP benefits on November 1.

To address food and nutritional needs of residents who rely on SNAP, the region will contribute over $200,000 in financial support to Feed More. Feed More is leveraging these funds to source more food, expand distribution capabilities within its existing network of pantry partners and provide supplementary resources in areas of outsized need. Additional details about expanded distribution will be provided in the coming days. Neighbors can visit Feedmore.org to find nearby pantries within their community.

How to help:

• Donate: The best way for residents to support this ongoing effort is to donate to Feed More (feedmore.org). Those donations will directly support food distribution in the Richmond region next week.
• Donate (your time): The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond will host volunteer opportunities for residents who want to donate their time. More information will be available in the coming days.
• Donate (your food): Feed More will accept donations of food, and you can learn more about how and what to donate on feedmore.org

"I'm so proud to be part of a region that shows up for one another," said Richmond Mayor Danny Avula. "When challenges like this arise, we come together to make sure every family has food on the table. I'm deeply grateful to Feed More for stepping up for our neighbors when it matters most."

"It's times like these when I'm truly grateful for the partnerships that enable us to come together for the greater good," said Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Ingle. "Despite uncertain times, we are focused on working together to overcome a current challenge. I'm thankful to Feed More and our many other partners for providing a boost to residents in need."

"Making sure our neighbors are fed and nourished in this time of need is a fundamental part of public service," Henrico County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III said. "By standing together as a region and marshalling our community's vast public, private and nonprofit resources, we can overcome whatever challenges we face in the days ahead."

"Food insecurity has so many ripple effects on our neighbors in need - physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. We're ready to answer the call to help ensure children and families across the region have access to the food and nutrition they need," said Dennis Hatchett, Feed More President and CEO.

Media Advisory: Posted October 29, 2025

What: Join Mayor Avula and city leaders for the Vision Zero Pledge Signing Ceremony, a public commitment to eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Richmond’s streets. 

When: Friday, October 31 at 9 a.m.

Where: Main Steet Station (Head House), 1500 East Main Street

Who: Mayor Avula. City Officials, Transportation Safety Advocates, Community Partners and Residents Committed to Safer Streets

Why it Matters: Every life lost on our roads is one too many. By signing the Vision Zero Pledge, the City of Richmond is reaffirming its commitment to a future where everyone can travel safely, no matter how they get around. The effort aligns with engineering, education, and enforcement strategies to make Richmond’s streets safer and more accessible.

Media Opportunities: 

Remarks by Mayor Avula and key stakeholders. Photo opportunities during the signing ceremony.

Vision Zero resources, dashboards, and tips: rva.gov/visionzero

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 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.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

Posted October 29, 2025

 ~ Arbor Day Ceremonial Planting and Tree City USA Recognition with Mayor Avula November 8 ~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) invites residents to celebrate the beauty and importance of trees during Richmond Tree Week, November 1 – 8, with a call to action to plant, protect and appreciate trees. Richmond Tree Week is a collaborative effort with over 30 events hosted by many City departments and community organizations, coordinated by Reforest Richmond.

In conjunction to celebrating tree week, the department is announcing the launch of its first-ever Urban Forest Master Plan, a visionary roadmap to protect, expand, and enhance the city’s tree canopy. Developed in collaboration with community stakeholders and a multi-disciplinary consultant team, the Richmond Tree Plan will include strategies to help maximize benefits from the ecological, economic, and health advantages of a thriving urban forest. 

Key goals of the Richmond Tree Plan include:

• “Right Tree, Right Place” for the proper tree species selection for the site and maximizing urban heat mitigation
• Objective based tree maintenance and preservation through modern urban forestry policies
• Create a publicly accessible tree canopy assessment and track canopy change over time
• Expand outreach and education about tree stewardship and the benefits of trees

Public engagement is key to the development of the Richmond Tree Plan.  Join DPW’s Urban Forestry Division and partners at Weston & Sampson at one of the pop-up events below. Stop by, meet the team, enjoy refreshments, get creative with a tree-inspired craft, and discover how the Richmond Tree Plan is growing the city’s canopy.  

Events include:

1. Pop-Up: Wednesday, November 5 from 7 – 9 a.m.
   GRTC Downtown Bus Transfer Station

   808 E Clay Street, Richmond, VA 23219

2. Pop-Up: Wednesday, November 5 from 4 – 6 p.m.

   Broad Rock Community Center
   4615 Ferguson Lane, Richmond, VA 23234

    

3. Tree Storytime at Richmond Public Libraries

   November 1 – 8

   For schedule details, go to Kids Programming - Richmond Public Library

4. Cool the City Crafternoon at Abuelita’s

   Thursday, November 6 from 4 – 6 p.m.

   6400 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23225

   Join the Cool the City coalition for a fun afternoon of crafts, trees, and delicious food from Abuelita's. There will be a tree giveaway, tree-related crafts, information on Cool the City and the Richmond Tree Plan, and did we mention — delicious food from Abuelita's

    

5. Arbor Day Ceremonial Tree Planting with Mayor Avula & Tree City USA Celebration

   Saturday, November 8 at 9 a.m.

   Chimborazo Park (in the front semi-circle)

   3215 East Broad Street, Richmond VA 23223

    

   Mayor Avula will join community members, volunteers, partners, and employees for the annual ceremonial tree planting event in the park. This year marks Richmond’s 34th year being recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, highlighting the city’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship.

    

   Approximately 50 volunteers are expected to take part in the tree planting portion of the event. There will be 95 new trees planted in the park over a two-day planting effort. Note: Pre-registration is required to participate in the volunteer planting portion of the event, please register at https://events.cbf.org/treeweek.

    

The culminating event is hosted by DPW’s Urban Forestry Division, Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Friends of Chimborazo Park. 

Learn more at rva.gov/public-works/urban-forestry or email 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 195 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.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

The Richmond Tree Plan is funded by a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the largest award in Virginia for urban forestry. This major federal investment underscores the city’s leadership in sustainability and equity-driven urban canopy management. Richmond’s Department of Public Works Urban Forestry Division is leading the plan, with support from the Office of Sustainability, the Department of Parks and Recreation, Groundwork RVA, Happily Natural, Southside ReLeaf, Virginia Interfaith Power, and Light, and other community partners.