Posted November 14, 2025

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) has recently received full national accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the 6th consecutive time, marking a significant milestone in the department’s long-standing commitment to service excellence, accountability, and innovation. It formally verifies and recognizes that the department is in full compliance with the recommended management practices set forth in APWA’s Public Works Management Practices Manual. 

Richmond remains one of the 225 accredited public works agencies in the United States and Canada, reaffirming its leadership among cities recognized for meeting the highest standards in public service operations.

Earning APWA accreditation is a rigorous, extensive, and multi-step process that evaluates every aspect of a public works department. It begins with a comprehensive self-assessment where policies, procedures and operational practices are reviewed against national best practices. This is followed by a peer review conducted by experienced public works professionals, who verify compliance through documentation and on-site visits. The process examines al divisions ensuring the department operates efficiently, safely, and transparently. 

Richmond first earned this distinction in 2005 and has successfully maintained it through every four-year review cycle (20 years), demonstrating continuous improvement and organizational excellence across all public works divisions and in providing a valid and objective evaluation of agency programs as a service to the public and the profession.  

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our Department of Public Works team,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “When we talk about building a Thriving City that works for everyone, this is what it looks like in practice — core services delivered with excellence, accountability, and a focus on residents’ daily experience. Earning this 6th accreditation shows Richmond’s ongoing commitment to running a city that gets the basics right, every single day.”

The purpose of accreditation is to promote excellence in the operation and management of a public works agency, its programs, and employees. 

“Operating in excellence ensures that services ranging from street maintenance to solid waste collection benefits our customers. Maintaining this accreditation, that less than 1 percent of cities receive, is a significant symbol that we are delivering effective and efficient service that benefits every one of our neighborhoods,” says Odie Donald, Chief Administrative Officer.  I am excited to see our staff heroes at DPW, who have committed to making Richmond a great place to live and work get the recognition they deserve.” 

The process strengthens accountability and reinforces a culture of teamwork, succession planning, and customer service within the department. “Accreditation challenges us to be better every day and keep abreast of the most current industry standards,” said Bobby Vincent, Director of Public Works. “Each cycle is an opportunity to evaluate what we do, how we do it and how we can do it even better for our community.”

Go to rva.gov/public-works to learn more about the DPW or send an email to askpublicworks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X @DPW_RichmondVA

###

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

The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.org) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 30,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy, and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, MO, has an office in Washington, DC, and 62 chapters in North America.

Posted November 13, 2025

What: Community Meeting | Shockoe Valley Streets Improvement Project & Design Public Hearing

When: Tuesday, November 18, from 5 – 7 p.m.

Where: Main Steet Station (1st Floor), 1500 East Main Street

Who: The Department of Public Works, City officials, transportation planners, and engineering consultants working on the Shockoe Valley Streets Improvements Project

Project Description & Improvements: 

• The project will create multimodal safety improvements for the Shockoe Valley area including Oliver Hill Way, 18th Street, Venable Street, and Mosby Street
• The project will convert Oliver Hill Way and 18th Street from one-way streets to two-way streets.
• Upgraded shared use paths and cycle tracks for people who bike will complete the area network.
• Streetscaping with new sidewalks for people that walk, and roll will include street trees, decorative lighting, and other enhancements.
• Four landscaped roundabouts will calm the intersections of Oliver Hill Way and Venable Street, 18th Street and Venable Street, Mosby Street and Venable Street, and Mosby Street/East Leigh Street/O Street to improve safety for all ages and abilities.
• Broad Street will be redesigned to seamlessly connect the existing streetscape from 14th Street to 21st Street

Project Goals: 

• Improve safe access for all users regardless of age or ability
• Improve circulation and connectivity within the urban street grid
• Support environmental sustainability through transportation options
• Support additional economic development opportunities
• Support existing and proposed land uses with multimodal, walkable street grid

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Review preliminary design plans
• Learn more about proposed roadway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvements
• Share feedback with project planners and city staff

Website: www.shockoevalleystreets.com (VDOT Project Number U000-127-972)

###

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.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

The City of Richmond's Office of Sustainability invites residents to share their input on plans to transform the former East Richmond Road Landfill (3800 East Richmond Road) into a solar array and pollinator meadow. The project, developed in partnership with Ameresco, Inc., will generate renewable energy and includes funding a Community Benefits Agreement to be implemented to fund local sustainability and resilience projects identified by the community with up to $500,000 in benefits implemented prior to the solar project's commercial operation date.

Community input will help determine which Community Benefits will be implemented - through projects such as pollinator gardens, EV charging stations, youth programming, or public art - ensuring the development benefits East End residents directly.

When & Where:

Wednesday Nov. 12, Powhatan Community Center, 6:30pm - 8pm

Monday Nov. 17, Ashley Oaks, 6:30pm - 8pm

Wednesday Nov. 19, Franklin Military Academy, 6:30pm - 8pm

Wednesday Dec. 3, Powhatan Community Center, 6:30pm - 8pm (Final Report-Out)

Additional Info:

Residents who cannot attend in person can complete a 5-10-minute online survey to share feedback and project ideas. Register for a session here.

Event Contact: 

Michael Smart, Sustainability Engagement Manager 

City of Richmond's Office of Sustainability

 michael.smart@rva.gov

~ Work is slated to begin this month & expected completion by Fall 2026, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to announce the upcoming construction of a new federally funded multimodal project along Hopkins Road, from Collier Hill Road to Richmond Highway (Route 301), a corridor approximately 3.3 miles in length. Hopkins Road is an important connection to the future James River Branch Trail and Fall Line Trail, as well as several Southside neighborhoods.

The project will include street upgrades and provide important connections to the city’s bike network (Belt Boulevard, Bells Road, Warwick Road, James River Branch Trail, Holly Springs Avenue, etc.), expand safe access to jobs, housing, and services for people walking, rolling, and biking. It reflects the City’s commitment to speed management as well as sustainable, multimodal transportation solutions and safety for all roadway users, regardless of age or ability. 

Weather permitting, construction is expected to begin near the end of the month and be completed by Fall 2026.

During construction, residents may experience minor disruptions, but every effort will be made to minimize inconveniences. Please be patient and give construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones and work zones.

This project supports the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan by using our complete streets approach to improve safe access for all. This process was driven by community input through a series of surveys and public engagements. Community feedback provided valuable input throughout the design process. 

To learn more about DPW go to rva.gov/public-works or email askpublicworks@rva.gov 

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X @DPW_RichmondVA

###

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

Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has announced a temporary pause on disconnections of gas and water services for nonpayment and a suspension of all late fees for the month of November. This proactive measure is being implemented to help ease the financial burden on residents impacted by the ongoing impacts of the federal government shutdown. 

The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps many households cover heating costs – including natural gas, is currently paused due to the shutdown. This interruption in funding has created financial uncertainty for customers who rely on the program during the colder months. 

The Department of Social Services (DSS) continues to accept applications for LIHEAP to prepare for when the program resumes. Residents are encouraged to apply before the Friday, November 14 deadline to ensure timely review once funding is reinstated. Review and approvals will occur when the temporary pause is lifted. During the 2024 heating season, LIHEAP funding assisted 1,227 DPU natural gas customers for a total of $550,757. 

Customers are also encouraged to take advantage of other permanent affordability programs, including:  

• PromisePay Payment Plans – DPU has teamed up with PromisePay to offer flexible and convenient payment plans for customers who have fallen behind on their utility bills. Any customer with an overdue balance can sign up for a PromisePay payment plan for their outstanding balance at Richmond.promise-pay.com. The PromisePay portal allows users to choose from a range of payment plan options, set up automatic payments and provide contact information for payment reminders and other account notifications via text message. 
• MetroCare Water Program – The water bill payment assistance program offers financial support to eligible families and individuals who are struggling to pay their primary water bills due to financial difficulties. To apply, ratepayers can receive up to $500 per applicant if approved. 
• MetroCare Heat Program – The Heating Bill Payment Assistance Program provides funds to eligible families and individuals who are struggling to pay their primary heating bills due to financial difficulties or other special hardships. The program period begins on December 15th. Residents within Richmond Gas Works' service territory may apply for funds through MetroCare.
• MetroCare Water Conservation Program – This program offers financial assistance to eligible homeowners for plumbing repairs and the replacement of water-inefficient appliances with EPA WaterSense products in order to conserve water and reduce wasteful consumption. The program includes an audit of all eligible homeowners approved by the Department of Energy as a way to improve water use efficiency. 
• SeniorCare Program – This program is designed to meet the specific needs of seniors aged 65 and above in the Richmond metropolitan community. Seniors can enroll in this program and access benefits such as Winter Service Assurance, no late fees, waiver of security deposit, annual weatherization kit giveaways and third-party notification.
• Equal Monthly Payment Plan – The EMPP budget plan spreads your annual gas bill over 12 months. The estimated monthly payment is based on the previous year’s natural gas usage. 

“DPU recognizes that many of our customers are affected by this disruption and may be facing financial hardship,” said Scott Morris, Senior Director of Public Utilities. “Our goal is to provide support and stability for our community while federal funding processes are temporarily on hold.”  

For more information, call (804) 646-4646 or visit rva.gov/public-utilities/billing and follow Richmond DPU on social media at @RichmondDPU.