FOIA Library will make frequently requested records and records of public interest easily available, free of charge.  

Richmond, VA — Today, Mayor Danny Avula announced the official launch of the City’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Library. A step toward increasedgovernment transparency, the FOIA Library provides residents, members of the media, and interested individuals easy, free access to City records. 

Browse the library here: go.rva.gov/foialibrary  

"I'm proud and excited to officially launch the City's FOIA Library,” said Mayor Danny Avula . “This is just one step, one practical tool, that we've implemented to make City government more transparent and easier to access. It's part of our commitment to building trust by making public information easier for Richmonders to find and use." 

Each month, the City of Richmond receives hundreds of FOIA requests. While some of the responses to those requests may contain private or sensitive information, many are of interest to the public and give a greater understanding of the City’s operations, polices, or decision-making. 

Per ORD. 2025-240 , passed by City Council in December of 2025, records will be added to the FOIA Library if they: 

• are requested by two or more requesters;  
• contribute to public understanding of the City’s operations, policies, or decision-making activities;  
• expose wrongdoing or misconduct of a public official, government employee or member of the public;  
• are relevant to the evaluation, performance, or accountability of City programs or functions;  
• are otherwise of sufficient public interest to warrant proactive disclosure in order to promote transparency, public understanding, or accountability in City operations. 

As of today, responsive records from all City departments that meet the above rubric, except those from the Richmond Police Department, will be included in the FOIA Library. RPD will begin including records in the FOIA Library on September 1. RPD receives around half of the City’s FOIA requests and requires additional time to build out their process in the City’s new FOIA platform . 

Residents and members of the media can submit new FOIA requests here: rva.gov/foia . FOIA requests for records owned by the Richmond Police Department should continue to be directed to rpd.foia@rva.gov . 

The City of Richmond Office of Sustainability is urging all local food vendors to prepare for Phase 2 of Virginia’s expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam™) ban, which officially takes effect on July 1, 2026. Following the initial 2025 phase targeting large chains, this final phase expands the mandate to all remaining food establishments providing prepared food for public consumption. This includes independent restaurants, delis, cafeterias, food trucks, hot/salad bars, caterers, and any takeaway operations. 

Originally passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2021, the law phases out single-use foam containers due to their documented harms to public health, the natural environment, and community cleanliness. Because lightweight foam easily fragments into microplastics, the ban is a vital step toward protecting the health of residents and keeping Richmond's local ecosystem, especially the James River, clean. 

To help local businesses make a smooth transition before the July 1st deadline, the Office of Sustainability recommends a simple, three-step action plan: 

1. Clear Your Stock: Use up, return, or dispose of remaining Styrofoam containers immediately. 

2. Choose Sustainable Packaging Alternatives: Transition to readily available, eco-friendly food service ware. 

3. Promote Your Commitment: Proudly display a "Foam-Free Business" flyer or window sticker to show patrons your commitment to community health and the planet. 

A wide variety of river-friendly, high-performance alternative materials are commercially available to suit any menu: 

• Aluminum Foil with Paper Lids: Provides excellent heat retention and grease resistance; ideal for barbecue, loaded fries, and hot catering. 

• Plant-Based Containers (Sugarcane/Bagasse, Wheat Straw, Cornstarch): Safely holds hot, saucy dishes without leaching toxins; perfect for wings, sandwiches, and grain bowls. 

• Paper and Cardboard: Lightweight, sturdy, and available in compostable or recyclable formats for burgers, beverages, and sides. 

• Reusable Containers / BYOB: Highly durable options that lower long-term business costs and incentivize repeat customers. 

Exemptions and Compliance:

Eligible food vendors facing "significant economic hardship" and a lack of "reasonable alternatives" may apply for a temporary 1-year exemption by submitting a request. Following the July 1st deadline, community members may report non-compliant businesses via an anonymous online violation form. 

Richmond businesses are encouraged to access the city's alternative packaging vendor guides, exemption applications, and promotional materials by visiting the official campaign hub at rvagreen2050.com/foam-free-richmond. 

The City of Richmond Office of Sustainability (OOS) is proud to announce the launch of Switch Together, a group solar buying program developed in partnership with the nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. The program gives Richmond residents a streamlined, cost-effective path to installing rooftop solar and battery storage at their homes.

Switch Together is free to join and carries no obligation. Through a competitive auction process, vetted solar installers bid for the opportunity to serve program participants, resulting in set group pricing that yields significant savings. On average, participants save $6,300 on a typical solar installation. The program has already helped over 3,800 Virginia households take control of their energy future.

“Solar energy is one of the most direct ways Richmond residents can reduce their energy costs and contribute to our community’s climate goals,” said Laura Thomas, Director of the Office of Sustainability. “Switch Together makes that opportunity accessible, transparent, and hassle-free.

Residents can register for free at https://switchtogether.com/en/solar/Richmond/home.  Upon registering, participants receive a personalized offer detailing estimated costs, projected savings, and information about the vetted installer selected for their neighborhood. Registrants will not receive sales calls and their information will not be shared with third parties.

Residents interested in learning more before making a decision can attend free webinars and in-person information sessions offered through the program. Details are available at the program website.

The deadline to accept an offer is July 15, 2026. For questions or concerns you can reach out to VATeam@solarunitedneighbors.org.

The City of Richmond truly appreciates the Commonwealth’s continued commitment to investing in the priorities that matter most to our residents. The General Assembly’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and investing in the needs of working families has been critical and will benefit communities across the Commonwealth.  

Richmond’s specific needs were prioritized in the new biennium budget, and we thank the Budget Conferees, House and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee members, and the full General Assembly for their shared support for Virginia’s Capital City.  

We are especially grateful for the substantial funding dedicated to the Combined Sewer Overflow project, drinking water capital improvements, expanded resources essential for RPS, and the demolition of the Coliseum to make way for economic development. We are also grateful for the investments in housing, eviction‑prevention programs, and public health and human services in a moment when the federal government has destabilized and cut back on essential services our communities have long relied on. 

These commitments will help Richmond advance long-term infrastructure needs, support families, and improve quality of life across our neighborhoods. We thank the General Assembly and the Administration for their partnership and for recognizing the essential role of a thriving Capital City for the future of the Commonwealth.