Posted February 27, 2026

~ Installation of permanent speed feedback signs will display driver’s real-time speed ~

Richmond, VA – This week, as part of the city’s ongoing Vision Zero commitment, the Richmond Department of Transportation (DOT) began construction to install 15 permanent speed feedback signs on high-injury network (HIN) streets at key gateway entrances into the city. These locations often see higher speeds from drivers transitioning from higher-limit roads in neighboring jurisdictions.

Speed remains the lead contributor to severe crashes. Research from the Federal Highway Administration shows speed feedback signs can reduce average vehicle speeds by 2 to 7 mph and decrease crashes by up to 45 percent in urban settings, especially in transition zones where vehicles are entering the city from areas with higher speeds.

By addressing speeding at key entry points, the City aims to create a culture shift where safe driving begins the moment motorists enter Richmond.

The signs use radar detection to measure the speed of the approaching vehicles. Drivers see their speed displayed alongside the posted speed limit. If traveling above the limit, the display flashes to alert the driver to slow down. 

“These permanent speed feedback signs send a clear message: safety is our priority,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Richmond is committed to making streets safer for everyone. The signs provide a visible, data-driven step that reinforces the city’s Vision Zero strategy while encouraging drivers to slow down.”

Locations: 

“Speed feedback signs provide immediate real-time information, so people know if they need to slow down,” said RDOT Director Andy Boenau. Even small reductions in speed significantly reduces crash severity and improves safety for everyone. 

The signs will:

• Support safety improvements on high-injury network (HIN) streets

  • HIN streets make up just 9 percent of Richmond’s total street network, yet they account for 76% of all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries.
• Increase driver awareness instantly by displaying a vehicle’s real-time speed
• Encourage voluntary compliance
  
  • They are not enforcement cameras, and no tickets will be issued. They are educational, traffic-calming tools designed to encourage voluntary compliance and reinforce safe driving habits at critical entry points into the city.
• Reduce speed and severe crash outcomes
• Protect people - of all ages and abilities, whether walking, rolling, or biking
  
  • Richmond streets feature more frequent bus stops, pedestrian crossings, transit riders, and cyclists than surrounding areas 

This quick-build project received $1 million in funding from the Centra Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA). Installation is expected to be completed by this summer, weather permitting. 

The city reminds all drivers to:

• Slow down and follow posted speed limits - safer speeds protect lives

• Stay alert and focused – especially at intersections, where many severe crashes occur

• Buckle-up, all seats

• Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks – whether marked or unmarked, at intersections

• Keep your license current and renewed on time

For more information on Richmond’s ongoing work to improve mobility for all ages, abilities, and modes of travel, please visit rva.gov/visionzero

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

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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; urban forestry; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Operating budgets for both departments come from the general fund of the City of Richmond. For more information about services, click here or call 3-1-1

April 21, 2026 – Special Election (Statewide Constitutional Amendment)

A Special Election will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, for a proposed statewide constitutional amendment.

Eligible voters are encouraged to review the amendment and be aware of the following deadlines:

Key Dates

• April 10, 2026 – Deadline to apply for a ballot by mail (request must be received by 5:00 p.m.)

• April 14, 2026 – Voter registration deadline

• March 6 – April 18, 2026 – Early voting period

Early voting begins March 6 at the Office of Elections. Early voting at City Hall and Hickory Hill locations begins April 6.

Additional details, including voting hours and drop box locations, are available in the official notice below.

Download the Special Election Notice (PDF)

Questions? Call us: (804) 646-5950

Hack for RVA challenges participants to think creatively in addressing City challenges

Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond is proud to join AI Ready RVA, Plan RVA, and VCU School of Business to sponsor Hack for RVA, the City’s first-ever hack-a-thon dedicated to brainstorming and solving our community’s most demanding and persistent challenges.  

From March 27 – 29, 2026, participants will test their technological and creative skillsets to develop actionable, community-centered solutions to problem sets developed by City and community leaders in alignment with the seven pillars from Mayor Danny Avula’s Mayoral Action Plan (MAP) :

•    A thriving City Hall (that gets things done)  
•    Thriving neighborhoods (that meet our housing needs)  
•    Thriving families (where every child succeeds)  
•    A thriving economy (that leaves no one behind)  
•    Thriving and inclusive communities (where everyone’s rights are protected)  
•    A thriving and sustainable built environment (planned for future generations)  
•    A city that tells its stories (and tells the truth about its past)

“Richmond’s challenges are complex, and the best solutions don’t come from any one office or institution alone; they come from listening, collaborating, and acting together,” said Mayor Avula . “Hack for RVA reflects the kind of City we are working to build: one where residents, community organizations, and innovators roll up their sleeves and help shape solutions that are grounded in lived experience and focused on real impact.”  

Unlike traditional hackathons, which focus on speed or technology alone, this 48-hour event will challenge participants to prioritize people, place, and purpose. Creatives, technologists, nonprofit and civic leaders, storytellers, and community members will work across disciplines and lived experiences to dream and develop tech-oriented solutions to combat complex challenges in housing, business, sustainability, and more.  

The weekend will culminate in a round of presentations from each participating team and the awarding of $10,000 in prizes, including:

•    $5,000: Mayor’s Choice Award – Selected by committee  
•    $2,500: Moonshot Award – People's choice  
•    $1,000 for each of the seven MAP pillars

Learn more and register to participate at rvahacks.org.   
 

The City of Richmond today announced that the 2026 Richmond Community Survey has been mailed to 4,000 randomly selected households throughout the city. Co-sponsored by the Administration and the City Auditor, this survey gives residents an opportunity to provide feedback on local quality of life, services, and priorities that will guide the Mayor’s Action Plan.

The Richmond Community Survey leverages the National Community Survey, which is a statistically representative resident survey used by hundreds of U.S. local governments. The survey will measure public opinion on community livability, satisfaction with City services, resident priorities, community engagement, and perceptions about local government performance. Responses will help City leaders identify strengths and areas for improvement, benchmark Richmond’s results against peer cities, and inform future budgeting and policy priorities.

“We encourage every household that receives the survey in the mail to take a few minutes to complete it,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Your feedback shapes how Richmond invests in services that matter most; whether that’s public safety, parks, infrastructure, or community development.”

Results from the survey will be available on the City Auditor’s webpage at https://rva.gov/office-city-auditor/reports-issued once complete. For more information about the Mayor’s Action Plan, visit the City of Richmond’s official website at www.rva.gov/mayors-office/mayoral-action-plan.

New ordinance establishes a dedicated, transparent, and fiscally responsible source of funding for the construction and preservation of affordable housing across Richmond. 

Tonight, the Richmond City Council voted unanimously to approve  ORD. 2026-045 , the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Ordinance, a redesigned policy designed to address the city’s escalating housing affordability crisis. The unanimous vote underscores the shared commitment of the Mayor, Council, and community partners to ensure that every Richmond resident has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. The ordinance establishes a dedicated, transparent, and fiscally responsible source of funding for the construction and preservation of affordable housing across Richmond. 

The ordinance was introduced at the February 9, 2026 City Council Formal Meeting by Councilmember Ellen F. Robertson (Richmond Gateway 6th District) and Mayor Danny Avula. Both leaders emphasized the urgent need for action as housing costs continue to rise and long-time residents face displacement.  

“The approval of this Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund Ordinance establishes a clear, reliable framework and a fiscally responsible plan for dedicating predictable resources for the construction and preservation of affordable housing across Richmond,” said Councilmember Ellen F. Robertson, Richmond Gateway 6th District.  “It also significantly strengthens accountability and transparency to ensure those dollars move consistently and are used as intended.” 

“Tonight’s vote represents months of hard, collaborative work between the administration and council and marks a major victory for Richmond residents. Thank you to Councilmember Robertson for her longstanding leadership and advocacy, and to every Council member who engaged thoughtfully and voted in favor of this ordinance. Every resident should have the opportunity to live in a safe, stable, and affordable home. This is a huge win for our city,”  said Mayor Danny Avula.   

The new ordinance replaces the previous, difficult-to-administer Affordable Housing Trust Fund funding formulas with a clear, consistent approach. 

Key Features of the New Ordinance: 

• A simple, consistent funding formula: 2.5% of annual real estate tax revenues dedicated to the AHTF.
• Known funding amounts at budget introduction — no projections or guesswork.
• Robust transparency and accountability through new reporting requirements.
• A four-year reauthorization requirement, ensuring City Council regularly evaluates and affirms the appropriateness of the AHTF structure and investment amount.
• A phased implementation approach to support a responsible, fiscally sound rollout. 

"I am deeply appreciative of my City Council colleagues, Council and Administration Staffs, Mayor Avula, and housing advocates and community partners whose collaborative efforts were critical to the successful development of the Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund Ordinance which will expedite the building of housing that will address the escalating housing needs of our growing city,”  said President Cynthia I. Newbille.    

Councilmember Stephanie Lynch said, “I’m proud to have worked alongside Mayor Avula and Council colleagues on this legislation to create a stable, accountable investment in affordable housing. Together, we’re taking a meaningful step to ensure that Richmond’s growth remains inclusive and that living in our city stays within reach for all.” 

Learn more about the Affordable Housing Trust Fund with a full explainer.