WHAT:            Public Safety Mid-Year Briefing to the Community

WHEN:            10 a.m., TOMORROW, Thursday, July 9, 2026

WHERE:          The briefing location is at RPD Headquarters, 200 W. Grace St.

Chief of Police Rick Edwards will address statistics from crimes that occurred in the first half of 2026 that impacted the public, department operations and current topics of interest.

BACKGROUND:    

This crime briefing will inform the community of successful efforts at lowering crime trends, provide an update on Operation Safe Summer, a multi-jurisdictional operation, provide other updates, and offer opportunities for members of the public to engage in upcoming community events to participate in a joint effort to reduce crime.

Media is invited to attend.

Mayors to Explore Innovative Infrastructure Solutions

The City of Richmond will welcome mayors and local leaders from localities across the country on July 8–9, 2026, for the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) Public‑Private Partnerships (P3) Institute, a two‑day workshop designed to advance the use of innovative partnerships to build and modernize critical public infrastructure. 

Hosted by Richmond Mayor Danny Avula in collaboration with the Association for the Improvement of American Infrastructure (AIAI) and USCM, the Institute provides elected officials with hands‑on access to national experts, best practices, and real‑world examples of P3 projects that are transforming communities nationwide. 

“This is an opportunity for city leaders to stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder and learn how to deliver infrastructure that residents can rely on efficiently, affordably, and transparently,” Mayor Avula said. “Richmond is proud to host this important conversation and share what we’re building here at home.” 

“Richmond is committed to developing an environment that ensures the City’s current and future infrastructure reflects our community’s needs,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. “Hosting the P3 Institute highlights the projects we’re advancing with organizations who can help, while supporting other cities as they navigate similar challenges and opportunities. I’m excited to shine a spotlight on Richmond as a national case study that will educate localities around the country.” 

Media Access: Shadow the Mayors

Media is invited to follow participants during their tour on Wednesday, July 8, as they learn more about the projects, challenges, and opportunities driving Richmond. Media are also welcome to attend on July 9 and may schedule interviews before the workshop begins at 8 a.m. 

Reporters will have access to: 

•  A July 8 bus tour of active and proposed P3 sites in Richmond (limited availability)  
• Interviews with attending mayors, infrastructure leaders, and national policy experts 

The P3 Institute equips leaders with the tools to evaluate, structure, and implement public‑private partnerships, an increasingly vital strategy as cities face rising infrastructure costs and long-term maintenance challenges. 

Key areas of focus include: 

• Risk mitigation and political buy‑in 
• Transparency and community trust 
• Fair and successful contracting principles 
• Roadmaps for project delivery from procurement through maintenance 

Media RSVP & Inquiries 

To request credentials or to arrange interviews, please contact: 

Monica Manney, City of Richmond, Public Information Manager, at  monica.manney@rva.gov.

The Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) will host a community conversation with historian, University of Virginia professor, and author Peter Norton on Thursday, July 9 exploring how the history of American streets can inform the future of transportation in Richmond.

Norton, author of Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City and Autonorama: The Illusory Promise of High-Tech Driving, will explore how streets once served as shared public spaces that connected communities through walking, streetcars, and other forms of mobility before the rise of automobile-focused transportation systems.

His presentation will examine the transformation of American cities, including Richmond, as streets shifted from community spaces to primarily serving motor vehicle movement. The discussion will highlight lessons from the past and how they can help guide today's efforts to create safer, more accessible streets for people of all ages and abilities. 

“As Richmond continues working toward a transportation system that serves everyone, understanding the history of our streets helps us better understand the choices we make today,” said Andy Boenau, Director of RDOT. “This conversation gives residents an opportunity to learn from the past, engage with transportation experts, and discuss how we can build a safer, more connected future for Richmond."

The event will include a presentation from Norton followed by a community question-and-answer session focused on the connection between Richmond’s transportation history and ongoing safety initiatives, including the development of the City’s first ever Pedestrian Safety Master Plan and Richmond’s Vision Zero commitment. 

“Transportation is about more than how we move through the city, it is about how we access opportunities, connect with our neighbors, and experience our communities,” said Boenau. “These conversations help bring residents into the process of shaping streets that work better for everyone.” 

Event Details

What: Community Conversation with Peter Norton

When: Thursday, July 9, 2026

Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Program begins at 7:00 p.m.

Where: James Branch Cabell Library 901 Park Avenue Richmond, VA 23284

The event is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and participate in the conversation about Richmond’s transportation future.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peter-norton-lecture-tickets-1992020300342

About the Richmond Department of Transportation

The Richmond Department of Transportation works to create a safe, accessible, and connected transportation system that supports the movement of people and goods throughout the City of Richmond. Through investments in infrastructure, planning, and community engagement, RDOT is working toward a transportation network that serves residents of all ages and abilities.

The Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) will host a community conversation with historian, University of Virginia professor, and author Peter Norton on Thursday, July 9 exploring how the history of American streets can inform the future of transportation in Richmond.

Norton, author of Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City and Autonorama: The Illusory Promise of High-Tech Driving , will explore how streets once served as shared public spaces that connected communities through walking, streetcars, and other forms of mobility before the rise of automobile-focused transportation systems.

His presentation will examine the transformation of American cities, including Richmond, as streets shifted from community spaces to primarily serving motor vehicle movement. The discussion will highlight lessons from the past and how they can help guide today's efforts to create safer, more accessible streets for people of all ages and abilities. 

“As Richmond continues working toward a transportation system that serves everyone, understanding the history of our streets helps us better understand the choices we make today,” said Andy Boenau, Director of RDOT. “This conversation gives residents an opportunity to learn from the past, engage with transportation experts, and discuss how we can build a safer, more connected future for Richmond."

The event will include a presentation from Norton, followed by a community question-and-answer session focused on the connection between Richmond’s transportation history and ongoing safety initiatives, including the development of the City’s first ever Pedestrian Safety Master Plan and Richmond’s Vision Zero commitment. 

“Transportation is about more than how we move through the city, it is about how we access opportunities, connect with our neighbors, and experience our communities,” said Boenau. “These conversations help bring residents into the process of shaping streets that work better for everyone.” 

Event Details

What: Community Conversation with Peter Norton

When: Thursday, July 9, 2026

Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Program begins at 7:00 p.m.

Where: James Branch Cabell Library 901 Park Avenue Richmond, VA 23284

The event is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and participate in the conversation about Richmond’s transportation future.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peter-norton-lecture-tickets-1992020300342 

About the Richmond Department of Transportation

The Richmond Department of Transportation works to create a safe, accessible, and connected transportation system that supports the movement of people and goods throughout the City of Richmond. Through investments in infrastructure, planning, and community engagement, RDOT is working toward a transportation network that serves residents of all ages and abilities. 

Earlier today, the City was notified of the failure of air conditioning systems in all four Imperial Village buildings. Throughout the day, the City met with the property managers to understand the details of the situation and to suggest possible paths forward for the owners to take to restore air conditioning to all buildings. 

Owners are currently working to restore the air conditioning. 15 City staff are onsite, and the Richmond Fire Department are conducting wellness checks of residents and encouraging hydration throughout the night.  

Tomorrow morning, July 7, City Staff will continue discussions with the property owners and management about the progress required to bring all four buildings up to code.