Today, the City of Richmond formally announced the launch of the Richmond Thrives Grants Program, a new model for managing what were formerly known as non-departmental grants. This comes after a more than year-long process, supported by Council and the Administration, to overhaul and transition the City’s primary grantmaking approach. Beginning with the Fiscal Year 2027 cycle, nonprofits will no longer apply directly to the City each fall for what were historically known as “non-departmental” and “outside agency” grants. Instead, three competitively selected grantmaking partners will manage open, competitive application processes across the City's four priority areas: Arts & Culture, Children & Families, Economic Mobility, and Health.

The change is designed to bring a more efficient, transparent, and competitive process to City grantmaking, with more hands-on, expert support for applicants and a quicker turnaround between application, funding decisions, and disbursement. The process is designed to focus on alignment with City priorities and greater impact and outcomes for our community. 

"This new grant process represents an important step forward in how the City invests in the organizations doing critical work across Richmond. By creating a more accessible, competitive grantmaking process, we can better align public dollars with the priorities and outcomes that matter most to Richmond families," said Mayor Danny Avula.

"Richmond Thrives is a strategic effort to enhance the City’s stewardship of public funding by creating a transparent, equitable, and data-driven grants program," said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services Amy Popovich. "This new approach gives our nonprofit partners the support they need to compete for funding and strengthens our ability to invest in the people and communities of Richmond."

Applications and information sessions are managed directly by each grantmaker. Organizations should apply through the most appropriate grantmaker, and refer to those relevant dates, sessions, and links. 

Questions about the Richmond Thrives Grants Program can be directed to the City at hsnondep@rva.gov or https://go.rva.gov/richmondthrives. This page will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.

The City of Richmond Electoral Board will hold an Emergency Meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location:
City of Richmond Office of Elections
2134 W. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227
2nd Floor Conference Room

Public Comment:
There will be no public comment period during this emergency meeting.

Agenda

The Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) is advancing its commitment to Vision Zero by implementing more than 700 quick-build safety improvements at intersections across Richmond's High Injury Network. The low-cost, high-impact improvements are designed to reduce the risk of crashes and make intersections safer for everyone traveling through the city. 

The project includes high-visibility crosswalks, centerline hardening to reduce dangerous left turns, refreshed pavement markings, and other safety improvements designed to improve visibility and predictability for everyone using Richmond’s streets. 

Phase I of the program will bring safety improvements to approximately 350 intersections beginning in Fall 2026. Design work is already underway for Phase II, which will add improvements at approximately 350 additional intersections in Fall 2027, bringing the total to more than 700 safer intersections citywide. 

"Every intersection we improve is another opportunity to prevent a serious crash before it happens," said Andy Boenau, Director of the Richmond Department of Transportation. "These quick-build improvements are proven, cost-effective treatments that can make an immediate difference while supporting our long-term Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries."

A project website is available to provide residents with additional details about the proposed improvements at each location, including project maps and specific intersection information. 

*The current project map has a total of 244 locations including 186 stop-controlled intersections and 58 left-turn hardening intersections and will continue to be updated. *  

Shoplifting Operation

With increased presence and varied tactics, RPD's anti-shoplifting operation is resulting in multiple arrests and charges.