Extension allows community members additional time to explore, digest, and provide feedback  

Richmond, VA – The City of Richmond has extended the comment period on draft two of the Code Refresh maps and use regulations. The extension gives community members more time to explore, digest, and offer feedback on the most recent iteration of the City’s proposed zoning ordinance. 

The comment period, which was originally scheduled to close on Sunday, February 15, has been moved two weeks to Sunday, March 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET . Community members have until that time to visit the interactive tools available at rva.gov/coderefresh and leave their comments.  

“The recent and persistent winter weather has been challenging for our community engagement efforts,” said Mayor Danny Avula . “Shifting the timeline ensures that community members have the time and space to continue sharing thoughtful feedback that is essential to creating a zoning code that reflects the needs and priorities of our many diverse neighborhoods.” 

Code Refresh is a key strategy in the Mayor’s comprehensive housing plan , which he presented yesterday to Richmond City Council’s Organizational Development Standing Committee. The other three pillars of that strategy include: 

• Establishing predictable City funding for the construction and preservation of affordable housing through a new ordinance.
• Committing to collaborative public housing redevelopment by holding RRHA accountable and centering residents.
• Delivering on anti-displacement by improving administration of our existing programs. 

Together, these priorities are meant to refine and strengthen Richmond’s housing work to create more homes for more people and expand the ways residents can stay in their homes. A new zoning code is critical to addressing the former.  

“Code Refresh is an opportunity to establish a regulatory environment that allows for increased housing supply and choices,” said Director of Planning and Development Review Kevin J. Vonck .  “It is an important piece of the Mayor’s housing plan and for our City’s future growth. We continue to encourage all residents to get involved in this process so we can make sure, as we draw the maps and write the rules, we are doing so with thought and care. This extension gives more space for that to happen.” 

Residents are encouraged to learn more about the Code Refresh process—including key changes between drafts one and two and additional opportunities to engage—on the Code Refresh website .  

The City of Richmond and Henrico County announced today the extension of their contract with CARITAS for the Inclement Weather Surge Shelter, which expanded the number of contracted days from thirty to sixty. The contract was finalized ahead of the recent storms, ensuring more shelter options for local residents. 

The contract expansion enables CARITAS to continue to provide additional capacity to support individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the Greater Richmond region during extreme weather this winter. As a reminder, the Surge Shelter provides additional capacity and space for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness when the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter is full and the temperature falls below 40 degrees. The Surge Shelter can be activated when those conditions are met between December 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026.

“The recent weather conditions highlight our need for quality shelter providers during inclement weather. Extending our contract with CARITAS affirms Richmond’s commitment to compassion and stability for our most vulnerable neighbors, especially in light of the recent extreme weather,” said Amy Popovich, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Human Services. “CARITAS has been a trusted partner in providing shelter, support, and pathways to long-term housing. This extension allows us to continue that work together; ensuring safety, dignity, and hope for individuals and families in need.”

"The Surge Shelter has been a lifeline for many in our community through the brutal cold and other harsh conditions this winter," Henrico Board of Supervisors Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III said. "Henrico County is proud to continue our partnership with Richmond and CARITAS to keep this facility operating, providing warmth, safety and compassion to those who desperately need it."

“CARITAS is happy to continue our regional partnership for the Surge Shelter,” said Karen O’Brien, President and CEO of CARITAS. “The Surge Shelter has provided a warm, safe, and supportive space for our neighbors facing unsheltered homelessness during this harsh winter season. Our team is ready to continue serving the community and ensure that the Surge Shelter is ready when needed and activated.”

The Surge Shelter operated by CARITAS is not a walk-up shelter. Individuals in need of shelter should go to the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter at 1900 Chamberlayne Ave in Richmond as their entry point. If the Surge Shelter is operating, transportation will be provided from the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter to the Surge Shelter.

For more information about Homeless Services in the City of Richmond, please visit the Office of Homeless Services. For specific information regarding our shelter operations, please visit the City of Richmond Inclement Weather page.

February 2, 2025

DPW will continue to treat and plow streets around the clock; City Deactivates Emergency Shelter, Transitions to Extreme Weather Warming Centers

Richmond, VA — The State of Emergency declared by Mayor Danny Avula on Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. officially ends at 9 a.m. on Feb. 2, 2026. While forecasted temperatures will reach above freezing and winter precipitation has moved out of the region, the City will:

• Continue to treat and plow streets around the clock
• Deactivate the City Emergency Shelter at 2pm today and transition to Extreme Weather Warming Centers (both a daytime and overnight option)
• Monitor the weather for potential future impacts

DPW will continue to treat and plow neighborhood streets

The Department of Public Works Snow Removal crews worked through the night treating the City’s Priority 3 streets (more on DPW’s snow removal priorities). As the overnight shift ended, nearly all Priority 3 streets have been treated. Crews will continue to work around the clock, treating the remaining Priority 3 streets and plowing some streets where necessary. Warmer temperatures forecasted for Monday and Tuesday afternoon will, in conjunction with chemical treatment applied over the last several days, aid in improving icy road conditions in the City’s neighborhoods.

Extreme Weather Warming Centers will offer residents 24-hour options to stay warm

The City will deactivate the City Emergency Shelter at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 2 and transition to Extreme Weather Warming Centers. As cold temperatures and icy conditions on roads and sidewalks continue, the City will operate Extreme Weather Warming Centers with a daytime Center located at the Main Library (101 E. Franklin Street) and an overnight Center located at the Linwood Robinson Senior Center (700 N. 26th Street). All guests at the City Emergency Shelter will be offered safe transportation to the Main Library Warming Center this afternoon. City staff and partners will continue working together to ensure individuals in need receive care and services.

Additionally, the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter (1900 Chamberlayne Avenue) and CARITAS Surge Shelter will continue regular, planned operations, and all Richmond public libraries operate as Warming Centers during operating hours.  

The Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response will monitor potential future weather impacts

The City will continue to monitor weather conditions through the rest of the week. Residents are encouraged to sign up for Richmond Ready Alerts to receive critical emergency and weather alerts from the City of Richmond. Residents can text ‘RVAREADY’ to 888-777 to receive a sign-up link or visit rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts to learn more.  

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Se levanta el Estado de Emergencia en la Ciudad de Richmond

El Departamento de Obras Públicas (DPW) continuará aplicando tratamiento químico a las calles de prioridad 3 durante las 24 horas del día. La Ciudad desactivará el Refugio de Emergencia y llevará a los usuarios a los Centros de Calefacción.

Richmond, Virginia — El estado de emergencia declarado por el alcalde Danny Avula a las 5:00 p.m del 30 de enero, finaliza oficialmente a las 9:00 a.m. del 2 de febrero de 2026. Mientras las temperaturas previstas superen el punto de congelación y las precipitaciones invernales han dejado de caer en la región, la Ciudad:

• Seguirá aplicando tratamiento químico a las calles de prioridad 3 durante las 24 horas del día.
• Desactivará el refugio municipal de emergencia hoy a las 2:00 p.m. y llevará a los usuarios a los centros de calefacción ante el clima extremo, los cuales ofrecen opciones diurnos y nocturnos.
• Seguirá monitoreando el clima para prevenir posibles efectos futuros.

DPW seguirá aplicando tratamiento químico en las calles de los vecindarios

Los equipos de remoción de nieve del Departamento de Obras Públicas (DPW) trabajaron toda la noche aplicando tratamiento químico en las calles de prioridad 3 de la Ciudad (aquí encontrará más sobre las prioridades de remoción de nieve del DPW). Al finalizar el turno nocturno, casi todas las calles de prioridad 3 habían sido tratadas. Los equipos continuarán trabajando las 24 horas del día en las calles de prioridad 3 restantes. Las temperaturas más cálidas previstas para el lunes y el martes por la tarde, junto con el tratamiento químico aplicado en los últimos días, ayudarán a mejorar las condiciones de las carreteras congeladas en los vecindarios de la ciudad.

Los centros de calefacción ante el clima extremo ofrecerán a los habitantes un lugar cálido las 24 horas

La ciudad desactivará el Refugio de Emergencia de la Ciudad a las 2:00 p.m. de hoy, 2 de febrero, y llevará a los usuarios a los centros de calefacción ante el clima extremo. Mientras continúen las bajas temperaturas y las condiciones heladas en calles y aceras, la Ciudad ofrecerá los centros de calefacción ante el clima extremo, con un centro diurno ubicado en la Biblioteca Principal (101 E. Franklin Street) y un centro nocturno ubicado en el Centro para Adultos Mayores Linwood Robinson (700 N. 26th Street). A todos los usuarios del refugio municipal de emergencia se les ofrecerá esta tarde transporte seguro al centro de calefacción de la Biblioteca Principal. El personal de la Ciudad seguirán trabajando junto al de otras organizaciones comunitarias aliadas para garantizar que las personas necesitadas reciban atención y servicios.

Además, el albergue para clima inclemente del Ejército de Salvación (1900 Chamberlayne Avenue) y el refugio adicional de CARITAS continuarán sus operaciones normales y

planeadas, y todas las bibliotecas públicas de Richmond funcionarán como centros de calefacción durante su horario de funcionamiento.

El Departamento de Comunicaciones, Preparación y Respuesta ante Emergencias estará vigilante ante los posibles efectos meteorológicos futuros

La Ciudad seguirá monitoreando las condiciones meteorológicas durante el resto de la semana. Se anima a los residentes a inscribirse en las alertas de emergencia de Richmond (Richmond Ready Alerts) para recibir alertas críticas de emergencia y meteorológicas de la Ciudad de Richmond. Los residentes pueden enviar un mensaje de texto a RVAREADY al 888777 para recibir un enlace de inscripción o visitar la página rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts para obtener más información.

Governor Abigail Spanberger and Mayor Danny Avula to Welcome Monks in 'Walk for Peace' 

Richmond, VA  — The City of Richmond is proud to invite community members to a Peace Gathering at City Hall welcoming the arrival of Venerable Monks of the Dhammacetiya on their 'Walk for Peace' journey as it passes through the City.

The monks, who began their journey on foot in Forth Worth, Texas more than 3 months ago, will pass through the River City on Monday en route to their destination: Washington, D.C. The 2,300 mile 'Walk for Peace,' led by Venerable Bhikku Pannakara, is an effort to promote national healing, unity, and compassion.

Event Details

When:  Monday, February 2nd, 2026, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Where: Marshall St. entrance of Richmond City Hall (900 E. Marshall St.)

Who:  Venerable Monks, Governor Abigail Spanberger, Mayor Danny Avula

Residents are encouraged to learn more about the monks' journey on the Dhammacetiya website . The website includes a live map with real time updates on progress and planned routes.

Important Reminders

Accessing City Hall

The Peace Gathering will take place in front of the Marshall St. entrance to City Hall (marked in blue above) Please be aware that parking is limited around City Hall. Additionally, please note the following road closures  (marked in red above):

• 9th Street between Broad St. and Clay St.
• Marshall St. between 8th St. and 10th St.

These roads will be closed to traffic beginning at 1:00 p.m. through the end of the event. 

Please plan accordingly and consider using public transit. Richmond City Hall sits on multiple GRTC bus routes and travel to and from can be planned using GRTC's trip planner .

Come Prepared

The monks are making their way through our region on foot, facing icy conditions and cold weather. While we are anticipating a 3:00 p.m. start time, day-of conditions may impact that schedule.

If you plan to join the peace gathering, please come prepared . Wear appropriate cold weather attire, including hats, gloves, scarves and footwear.

Respect the Journey

All are welcome to join, but are asked to do so with the utmost respect for their journey. Please be mindful of the following:

• Give them space –  Please do not walk alongside the monks; allow them room to focus on their spiritual mission.
• Greet respectfully –  Place your palms together in a prayer position and bow gently when greeting the monks.
• Listen peacefully –  When the monks are speaking, offer your full attention and listen mindfully to their message.
• Support appropriately – Please do not offer gifts directly to the monks. Learn how to support their efforts on their Facebook page: facebook.com/walkforpeaceusa 

The City looks forward to welcoming all to this gathering of peace and compassion.

Media partners interested in covering the monks’ arrival are asked to connect with michael.hinkle@rva.gov before the event.

Richmond, VA — Due to continued icy conditions and anticipated impact of additional winter weather this weekend, Mayor Danny Avula announced a State of Emergency in the City of Richmond. Residents should visit go.rva.gov/winter-weather and the City of Richmond’s social media channels for updates on City operations. For weather updates, please monitor reliable sources of information such as the National Weather Service. 

Richmond’s Winter Shelter Plan    
Any resident or families with immediate housing needs are encouraged to seek out the following options:  

• Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter , located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue, operates nightly from Nov. 15 – Apr. 15.
• CARITAS Surge Shelter , operational once the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter has reached capacity and when the temperature is below 40 degrees. The entry point for the CARITAS Surge Shelter is the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter.
• City Emergency Shelters , located at Southside Community Center (6255 Old Warwick Road), activated under extraordinary conditions like an active storm or threats of widespread power outages.    

Coordinated access to services is available by calling the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care Homeless Connection Line (804.972.0813) which helps to connect individuals to shelter, outreach, and supportive resources.   

Richmond Ready Alerts     
Residents are encouraged to sign up for Richmond Ready Alerts to receive critical emergency and weather alerts from the City of Richmond. Residents can text ‘RVAREADY’ to 888-777 to receive a sign-up link or visit rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts to learn more. 

View the full Declaration of Emergency.

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El alcalde Danny Avula declara el Estado de Emergencia debido a la tormenta invernal que se aproxima

Richmond, Virginia — Debido a las persistentes condiciones de congelamiento y al efecto previsto del clima invernal que se espera este fin de semana, el alcalde Danny Avula ha declarado el Estado de Emergencia en la Ciudad de Richmond. Se recomienda a los residentes que visiten la página go.rva.gov/winter-weather y los canales en las redes sociales de la Ciudad para obtener la información más actualizada sobre las operaciones municipales. Para obtener noticias actualizadas sobre el clima, estén pendientes de fuentes confiables de información, tales como el Servicio Nacional del Clima (NWS, por sus iniciales en inglés) en weather.gov (solo en inglés).

El plan de albergues invernales de la Ciudad de Richmond Animamos a los habitantes de Richmond que necesiten albergue para que escojan una de las siguientes opciones:

• El Albergue ante el Clima Inclemente del Ejército de Salvación, ubicado en el 1900 de Chamberlayne Avenue, que funciona todas las noches entre el 15 de noviembre y el 15 de abril.
• El Refugio Adicional de CARITAS, que se abre cuando el refugio del Ejército de Salvación se ha llenado y las temperaturas caen por debajo de los 40° F (4° C). El acceso al Refugio Adicional de CARITAS se hace a través del Albergue ante el Clima Inclemente del Ejército de Salvación.
• El refugio de emergencia de la Ciudad, ubicado en el Centro Comunitario Southside (6255 Old Warwick Road), que se activa bajo condiciones extraordinarias, tales como una tormenta activa o amenazas de cortes de energía a gran escala.

El acceso coordinado a diferentes servicios se encuentra disponible al llamar a la Línea de Contacto para Personas sin Hogar del Sistema de Atención Continua del Área de Richmond (804-972-0813), la cual ayuda a conectar a los recursos de albergue y apoyo con las personas que los necesitan.

Richmond Ready Alerts Se anima a los habitantes de la ciudad para que se inscriban en el servicio de alertas Richmond Ready Alerts para que reciban alertas críticas sobre emergencias y eventos climáticos en la Ciudad de Richmond. Para inscribirse, pueden enviar el mensaje de texto 'RVAREADY' al 888777 para recibir un enlace de inscripción o pueden visitar la página rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts para obtener más información.