Press Releases and Announcements News

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Press Releases and Announcements

Polling Place Updates for the August Republican Primary (updated 7/23/26)

Some polling locations for the August 4 Republican Primary election are different from those used during the April election. (Updated 7/23)

Voters in the following precincts should report to these locations on Election Day:

Precinct 206 – VCU Institute for Contemporary Art
601 W. Broad Street

Precinct 302 – Richmond Community High School
201 E. Brookland Park Boulevard

Precinct 307 – Barack Obama Elementary School
3101 Fendall Avenue

Precinct 309 – Linwood Holton Elementary School
1600 W. Laburnum Avenue

Precinct 811 – Swansboro Elementary School

3160 Midlothian Turnpike

Before Election Day, voters are encouraged to confirm their precinct and polling location on the City of Richmond precinct page:
https://rva.gov/elections/precincts

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4.

City Begins Next Phase in Restoring Mayo Island to a Natural Area Park

The City of Richmond is taking another significant step toward reconnecting residents with the James River. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, in partnership with the Department of Public Utilities, has begun the next phase of the Mayo Island restoration project. Demolition Services, Inc began site preparations for demolition work on Monday, July 6, clearing the way for the island's transformation into a vibrant Natural Area Park that celebrates both Richmond's natural beauty and its rich history.

The project will remove aging buildings and deteriorated infrastructure that have long limited public use of the island. Construction is expected to continue through October 2026 and includes further demolition, site cleanup, stabilization, and preparation for future park improvements.

When complete, Mayo Island will offer a renewed connection to the James River through thoughtfully designed walking trails, expansive green spaces, and restored native landscapes that support healthier soil, wildlife habitat, and the river's ecosystem. The project reflects the City's ongoing commitment to preserving natural resources while creating more opportunities for residents and visitors to experience one of Richmond's most remarkable riverfront destinations.

"This work is about more than removing old structures; it's about restoring a treasured public space for future generations," said Nissa Richardson, Deputy Director of Capital Projects for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. "Mayo Island has incredible potential to become a place where nature, recreation, and Richmond's history come together."

For the safety of construction crews and the public, Mayo Island will remain closed throughout the demolition and restoration process. The City will continue to provide updates as work progresses and additional project milestones are reached.

The transformation of Mayo Island represents a long-term investment in Richmond's parks, waterways, and quality of life, creating a destination that honors the island's past while welcoming its future.

Richmond Department of Transportation Continues to Advance Pedestrian Safety with New Accessibility Improvements and Public Art at 2nd Street Bus Stop

Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) continues its mission to provide accessible transit for all Richmond residents with the installation of a new bus bulb-out on 2nd Street between Broad and Marshall Streets.

A bus bulb-out extends the sidewalk area into the street, creating a dedicated platform where riders can safely wait and board the bus. The design creates a level boarding area that makes transit easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities, including those using wheelchairs, mobility devices, strollers, or walkers.

“Every transit ride begins as a walking or rolling trip, and it’s paramount that we focus on safety and comfort where people are using the bus,” said Andy Boenau, RDOT Director.

The design also improves traffic operations by eliminating the need for buses to merge into and out of traffic while boarding passengers, reducing conflict points and helping buses stay on schedule.

“2026 is Richmond's Year of the Pedestrian, and projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful street design can make everyday trips safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone,” said Boenau.

This addition celebrates Jackson Ward's rich cultural history through a public art installation commissioned by Richmond artist Lizzie Brown. The installation supports Pillar 7 of the Mayor's Action Plan, advancing the vision of a city that tells its stories by celebrating Richmond's neighborhoods and preserving the cultural legacy of Jackson Ward through every day public spaces.

Brown's artwork will appear on two painted fiberglass planters placed on either side of the bus stop, transforming functional streetscape elements into public art.

“Incorporating art into the everyday is one of the surest ways we can be a city that tells its stories,” said Public Art Commission Secretary Monica Kinsey. “Lizzie is a Richmond native who understands deeply the power of public art in placemaking and we are honored to add this work to the City’s growing public art collection.”

This RDOT project is funded by the AARP Community Challenge grant program and is one of 383 projects across the country designed to make communities more livable for people of all ages and abilities, with a focus on older adults. The project also advances RDOT's Vision Zero approach to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries through a multidisciplinary approach.

For more information about RDOT programs and projects, visit www.rva.gov/public-works or email AskPublicWorks@rva.gov.

Chief Edwards to Hold Briefing to Discuss Mid-Year Crime Stats

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.

City of Richmond to Host National Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Institute

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: