Recent actions highlight commitment to higher quality, more responsive, and more transparent City operations.  

The City of Richmond recently announced a series of achievements that reflect the Administration’s commitment to good governance, operational excellence, and continuous quality improvement. Recent progress across public safety, housing, labor relations, and government accountability highlights how internal teams, guided by Mayor Danny Avula’s leadership and direction, are driving stronger, more responsive, and more transparent City operations.    

Accountability and Performance. This week, the Office of the City Auditor (OCA) noted the Administration’s progress, underscoring the City’s commitment to accountability and continuous improvement. OCA closed or removed 38 recommendations, including 34 in key operational areas such as bad debt reconciliation, purchase use, warehousing, and duplicate payment controls. Across the fiscal year, 10 departments closed 65 recommendations, reflecting meaningful performance improvements across the government. 

Customer Support During DPU System Updates.  Following the launch of DPU’s upgraded customer information systems, some customers experienced delays and disruptions that were promptly addressed and resolved. The department is continuing to monitor system performance closely and make the necessary post‑implementation adjustments to realize optimal efficiency. 

To ensure residents have clear avenues to share feedback and receive assistance, DPU Senior Director Scott Morris and Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II will host two customer engagement events inviting community members to hear directly from them, speak directly with customer service staff, receive support, and learn more about financial assistance resources.  Sessions will be held Tuesday, June 23, from 12–2 p.m. at City Hall, and Wednesday, June 24, from 5–7 p.m. at the Southside Community Services Center.  

Strengthening the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) – City of Richmond Partnership. With a focus on strengthening public safety through effective governance, the Administration is partnering with Council to reform the partnership between the city’s Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response (DECPR) and the Richmond Ambulance Authority.  The unanimously approved ordinance will ensure that medically trained RAA staff handle medical only calls from the outset, improving accuracy and speeding up care for residents. 

Collective Bargaining. The City is advancing an amendment to its collective bargaining agreement that clarifies negotiation processes and reinforces productive labor management collaboration. By promoting consistency and transparency in workforce policies, Richmond continues to demonstrate its commitment to fair, reliable, and accountable governance. 

Commerce Road. Good governance guides the City’s approach to housing. New legislation for the Commerce Road corridor will enable a significant expansion of affordable housing units, strengthening long-term housing options for families and supporting equitable growth across Richmond. 

Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The City completed work to ensure that all funds designated for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund were correctly calculated and aligned with the budget process, supporting continued investment in housing access and stability for residents.   

“Whether it’s our historic audit results, improving emergency services, moving collective bargaining efforts forward, or continued investment in transformative public housing, the administration is making significant improvements for Richmonders,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II.