Richmond, VA- The City of Richmond's Parking Enterprise Division recently earned status as an Accredited Parking Organization (APO) with Distinction from the International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI), joining an elite class of the top organizations in the parking, transportation, and mobility industry.

APO is a designation for organizations that recognizes best practices in responsible parking management and operations, customer service, professional development, sustainability and access management, safety, data security and risk management, and more.

"This designation is earned each and every day by the men and women of our Parking Enterprise Division" said Richmond Director of General Services, Gail Johnson. "I have the privilege of witnessing this commitment to excellence firsthand and am thrilled to see their hard work and devotion recognized in such a way."

"This achievement is the top benchmark of success in our industry, and it follows a comprehensive documentation and review process," explained Shawn Conrad, CAE, CEO of the IPMI, the organization that sets the standards for APO Accreditation and Accreditation with Distinction. "Only best-of-class organizations can meet the demanding level of excellence required to gain accreditation."

To earn the APO Accreditation, an organization must demonstrate its commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement by implementing industry best practices. Organizations work with third-party reviewers to organize and present evidence of accomplishment of more than 100 criteria in 14 distinct categories, in addition to 25 required criteria. To earn the next level of accreditation, APO with Distinction, the City of Richmond had to meet more than 60 additional exceptional and progressive best practices across those same categories.

"Parking isn't flashy, but it's vital to our City," said Parking Enterprise Division Deputy Director Lynne Lancaster. "We are proud to have earned this designation and will work, in all ways, to build upon a legacy of best-in-class service for Richmonders and visitors alike."

Pictured: (L to R) Yvette Neville, SP+; Steve Bergin, City of Richmond; Lynne Lancaster, City of Richmond; Gail Johnson, City of Richmond; Justin Rodgers, SP+; Brett Munkel, SP+ are presented the distinction at the annual IPMI meeting in Louisville, KY

Richmond, VA – Today, the City of Richmond entered into an Order of Consent (Consent Order) with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for the water event in January 2025. The order summarizes findings and alleged regulatory violations, documents the corrective actions the City has already taken in response, and confirms a Corrective Action Plan to which both VDH and the City have agreed. 

Since January’s water event the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has been implementing changes that promote continual improvement while working toward modernizing the City’s Water Treatment Plant. The agreement notes DPU’s efforts to hire highly skilled and credentialed leadership with direct oversight of plant operations as a key corrective action among the 155 items already addressed or acknowledged. Additional key completed items include:  

• SCADA and Filter UPSs upgraded for runtime capacity 
• Performing Practical tests on UPSs to ensure functionality 
• Established routine testing protocols 
• Established storm response protocols 
• Submitted for review by VDH SOPs on plant operations 
• Updated filter effluent valve control logic 
• Replacement and repair of filter effluent valves 
• Ongoing work on backup generator integration 
• Repairing leaks and establishing additional secondary containment 
• Commenced redesign of overflow pumping 
• Replacement or repair of finished water pumps 

“Since January, my team and I have worked to improve the resilience of the City’s Water Treatment Plant and the region’s water system. We’re taking the recommendations made by our independent investigators at HNTB and those from the Virginia Department of Health seriously, and we’ve already checked a large number of items off the list,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “There’s a lot of work ahead of us, but I know that, together with our partners, we can build a more resilient water system that our region deserves.” 

DPU recently shared an update on the work ahead with a preview of a 10-year plan for improvements to modernize utility services and ensure long-term sustainability, along with a progress update and path forward outlined in the attached memo. 

Water Plant Modernization Road Map 

Phase 1: Foundation Building (2025) 
Critical Infrastructure Upgrades 
High Priority VDH Compliance Items (including those noted in the Consent Order) 
Comprehensive Systems Assessments 
Robust Preventative Maintenance Program 

Phases 2 – 3: Core System Modernization (2026 – 2027) 
Replace SCADA as a Phased Implementation 
Upgrade Primary Treatment Equipment 
Build Redundant Power Systems 
Replace Critical Aging Distribution Mains 

Phases 4 – 5: Resilience & Optimization (2028-2029) 
Complete Automation of Backup Systems 
Full Redundancy for Critical Components 
Advance Water Quality Monitoring 
Major Distribution System Improvement 

Phases 6 – 10: Long-Term Sustainability (2030-2034) 
Remaining Infrastructure Needs 
Smart Water Technology 
Industry Leading Reliable Metrics 
Fully Modernized Systems 
 

DPU Director Scott Morris remarks, “DPU has been diligent in improving our water system over the last several months, this is reflected in actions taken to date in the consent order. We remain committed to working with VDH to meet our collective mission of delivering safe, clean, and reliable drinking water.  We know the road ahead will be challenging and we remain unwavering in our commitment to improving our water system’s reliability that will benefit generations to come.” 

• Memorandum to Richmond City Council, DPU Director Scott Morris
• Order by Consent Issued to the City of Richmond, PWSID No. VA4760100, State Board of Health

Distributed June 11, 2025

~ Construction begins this month, weather permitting, completion in April 2026 ~

RICHMOND, VA. – The Department of Public Works (DPW) is launching a new safety and accessibility improvement project along Main and Cary Streets, between Arthur Ashe Boulevard and Belvidere Street. The project includes installing pedestrian curb extensions to enhance pedestrian visibility and reduce crossing distances. This initiative supports the City’s ongoing commitment to speed management, safety, and equitable access for all road users, regardless of age or ability.

 There will be intermittent lane closures and minor disruptions during construction; however, every effort will be made to minimize impact to the community. Drivers are urged to slow down in work zones and give construction crews ample space.

Construction is scheduled to begin this month and is anticipated to be completed by April 2026, weather permitting.

This project supports the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan by utilizing a complete streets approach to enhance safe access for all. The design process was driven by community input gathered through surveys and public engagements, which provided valuable insights throughout development. 

For more information on the DPW, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

 We’re Social! For updates on 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 195 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; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond has released findings from its Incident Response Assessment, conducted by Hagerty Consulting, a nationally recognized emergency management consulting firm. The assessment evaluates the City's response to the January 5, 2025, Winter Storm and Water Crisis and provides strategic recommendations to strengthen emergency preparedness and operational resilience.

"The Incident Response Assessment is a vital step in understanding our response to the Winter Storm and Water Crisis," said Stephen Willoughby, Director of the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response. "This assessment examines the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) response, identifying key strengths and areas for improvement around communications, coordination, and resource management."

The findings from the Incident Response Assessment and the After-Action Assessment by HNTB provide a comprehensive view of the City's emergency response capabilities. Insights from these assessments will inform strategies to enhance the city's resilience in the face of emergencies, such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or hazardous material incidents. By using the insights gained from the Winter Storm and Water Crisis to improve planning, training, and resource allocation, the City aims to enhance its response effectiveness and ensure the continuity of essential services for residents.

The City remains committed to continuous improvement and transparency, and this assessment represents a significant step forward in building a safer, more resilient Richmond.

• Download the Incident Response Assessment
• Learn more about the 2025 Water Crisis and the City's response here.

Salvation Army Extreme Heat and Weather Shelter

If the temperature is expected to reach 92°F for two or more consecutive hours during the day, the Salvation Army Extreme Heat and Weather Shelter will open. This space is located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue and guests will be served lunch while in this cooling center.  The site will remain open overnight if temperatures are predicted to be 92°F or higher at 9 p.m. 

• Shelter location:

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1900 Chamberlayne Avenue

Pets, except for service animals, are not permitted at any location.