For the City's full holiday calendar, please visit rva.gov/holiday-closings.

The City of Richmond will close for winter holidays beginning Wednesday, December 24. All city offices, including City Hall, will be closed. We will return to our regular business hours on Monday, December 29. Keep reading for information about City service schedules during the holiday.

• Department of Public Works offices will be closed Wednesday, December 24, through Friday, December 26.
• Household trash and bulk and brush collection will operate normally Monday, December 22, through Wednesday, December 24. There will be no trash collection or bulk and brush collection on Thursday, December 25. Collection will resume on Friday, December 26, for routes normally collected on Thursday.
• The East Richmond Road Convenience Center (ERRCC) Landfill, located at 3800 East Richmond Road, will be on a regular schedule Monday, December 22, through Wednesday, December 24. It will be closed on Thursday, December 25 through Saturday, December 27. ERRCC will reopen on Monday, December 29.
• CVWMA recycling will not be collected on Thursday, December 25. It will be delayed by one day and recycling will be picked up on Friday, December 26. Go to cvwma.com for updates.
• All Richmond Public Library locations are closed Wednesday, December 24, through Friday, December 26. They will reopen on Saturday, December 27.
• RVA311 will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, through Saturday, December 27 and will reopen on Monday, December 29. The public will have 24/7 access to self-service via RVA311.com and the RVA311 mobile app.
• Richmond Public Schools are closed for winter break from Monday, December 22, through Friday, January 2. RPS Offices are closed Monday, December 22, through Friday, December 26.
• All Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities offices and community centers are closed for recreational activities from Wednesday, December 24 through Saturday, December 27. They will reopen on Monday, December 29.
• The Department of Public Utilities Call Center is closed Wednesday, December 24 through Friday, December 26. For utility emergencies, customers should call 804-646-4646 and press Option 1. For gas leaks, leave the area and call 911.
• Richmond Animal Care and Control will be closed on Thursday and Friday, December 25 and 26. RACC will reopen with regular walk-in hours on Saturday, December 27.

La Ciudad de Richmond cerrará por los días feriados de invierno a partir del miércoles 24 de diciembre. Todas las oficinas de la Ciudad, incluyendo el Ayuntamiento (City Hall), permanecerán cerradas. Volveremos a nuestro horario regular de servicio el lunes 29 de diciembre. Continúe leyendo para conocer información sobre los horarios de los servicios de la Ciudad de Richmond durante los días feriados.

• Las oficinas del Departamento de Obras Públicas estarán cerradas desde el miércoles 24 de diciembre hasta el viernes 26 de diciembre.
• La recolección de basura residencial y de artículos grandes y desechos de jardinería funcionará en su calendario normal del lunes 22 hasta el miércoles 24 de diciembre. No habrá recolección de basura, artículos grandes o desechos de jardinería el jueves 25 de diciembre. Las rutas correspondientes al jueves se recogerán el viernes 26 de diciembre.
• El relleno sanitario del Centro de Servicio de East Richmond Road (ERRCC), ubicado en el 3800 de East Richmond Road, funcionará en su horario normal del lunes 22 hasta el miércoles 24 de diciembre. Estará cerrado del jueves 25 hasta el sábado 27 de diciembre. El ERRCC reabrirá el lunes 29 de diciembre.
• Los servicios de reciclaje de CVWMA no funcionarán el jueves 25 de diciembre. La recolección se atrasará un día, y los artículos para reciclaje se recogerán el viernes 26 de diciembre. Visite cvwma.com para obtener más información.
• Todas las bibliotecas públicas de Richmond estarán cerradas del miércoles 24 hasta el viernes 26 de diciembre. Reabrirán el sábado 27 de diciembre.
• El centro de atención al cliente de RVA311 estará cerrado del miércoles 24 hasta el sábado 27 de diciembre. Reabrirá el lunes 29 de diciembre. El público tendrá acceso las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana al autoservicio a través de la página de RVA311.com y la aplicación móvil RVA311.
• Las Escuelas Públicas de Richmond (RPS) estarán cerradas por las vacaciones invernales desde el lunes 22 de diciembre hasta el viernes 2 de enero.
• Las oficinas de RPS permanecerán cerradas desde el lunes 22 de diciembre hasta el viernes 26 de diciembre.
• Departamento de Parques, Recreación e Instalaciones Comunitarias: Todas las oficinas y centros comunitarios cerrarán para actividades recreativas del miércoles 24 hasta el sábado 27 de diciembre. Reabrirán el lunes 29 de diciembre.
• Departamento de Servicios Públicos (DPU): El centro de llamadas de DPU estará cerrado el del miércoles 24 hasta el viernes 26 de diciembre. Para emergencias de servicios públicos, los clientes deben llamar al 804-646-4646 y seleccionar la Opción 1. Si hay una fuga de gas, aléjese del área y llame al 911.
• El Centro de Control y Cuidado de Animales de Richmond (RACC) estará cerrado el jueves 25 y viernes 26 de diciembre. El RACC reabrirá en su horario regular sin cita previa el sábado 27 de diciembre.

RRHA's Action Aligns with Mayor's Vision for Resident-Centered Community Transformation

Richmond, VA - Mayor Danny Avula today commended the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) Board of Commissioners and CEO Stephen Nesmith for approving a joint governance structure that will guide the redevelopment of Gilpin Court and the broader Jackson Ward Community Plan, a major step forward in a shared commitment to community transformation.

"This is an incredibly meaningful step forward for our city," said Mayor Danny Avula. "I'm grateful to the RRHA Board for their thoughtful engagement and for embracing a collaborative path that puts residents first. There is much challenging work ahead as we work through specifics, but I am encouraged by RRHA's public commitment to a collaborative approach. To achieve our shared goals, the City and RRHA must work closely together."

The RRHA Board formally endorsed the Mayor's proposal to establish the Joint Gilpin Transformation Working Group, a collaborative body that will steer the major components of the redevelopment. While RRHA has ultimate authority for the implementation and execution of public housing redevelopment, the joint working group will collectively implement and monitor the major components of Gilpin Redevelopment: the housing development plan, the community development plan, and the people-supporting plan.

Mayor Avula has outlined the City's expectations and support framework in a series of communications. These include a September statement outlining the key elements needed to earn his support, a presentation to the RRHA Board on November 19, and a detailed follow-up letter on November 24. RRHA's resolution reflects alignment with the Mayor's vision, including equal representation, co-leadership, and the formation of focused committees to drive housing development, resident support, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization.

While the City continues to review the full scope of RRHA's response, the direction is clear: Richmond will move forward together on the transformation of Gilpin Court in a manner that prioritizes the needs of residents. This transformation project will be one of the most significant efforts the City undertakes in the years ahead and an integral component of Mayor Avula's commitment to building a Richmond in which all people and places thrive.

Next steps include negotiating a Memorandum of Agreement and a Cooperation Agreement to formalize the governance structure and take steps to unlock critical funding and resources. The City will continue to provide updates as this collaborative effort progresses.

FOIA Library Approved, Major Economic Development Investment Secured, City Center Actions Move Forward

Richmond, VA - On Monday, December 15, Mayor Danny Avula applauded a slate of measures that strengthen transparency, advance economic development, protect historic neighborhoods, and move long-planned redevelopment efforts forward reinforcing the City's commitment to a Thriving Richmond built on trust, accountability, and smart growth.

Together, these actions reflect an Administration focused on getting the fundamentals right: increasing transparency, investing in people and places, and moving long-standing priorities forward.

Building a Thriving City Hall

Leading the list of accomplishments, Council approved ORD. 2025-240, the Mayor's ordinance to establish a Citywide Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Library. The FOIA Library will make commonly requested and high-interest public records easily accessible online, strengthening transparency and accountability while protecting privacy, safety, and confidentiality.

The ordinance builds on a year of ongoing work by the Administration, including the launch of the City's FOIA Water Library in April 2025, which made frequently requested water-related records publicly available.

"As a public health doctor and now as Mayor, open communication and transparency have been a bedrock of my work," said Mayor Danny Avula. "The FOIA Library is an extension of those values. By making information easier to access, we strengthen accountability, build trust, and continue to show residents that City Hall is focused on getting the basics right. I'm genuinely excited about what this unlocks for residents, and grateful for the support that helped make it happen."

Investing in Thriving Families and Public Spaces

Council also approved the ORD. 2025-242, extending the operating agreement between the City of Richmond and the Maymont Foundation. The agreement allows the Foundation to continue managing, maintaining, operating, and improving Maymont Park, one of the City's most cherished public spaces.

"Maymont is a place where families gather, memories are made, and Richmond's history and natural beauty come together," said Chris Frelke, Director of Parks and Recreation. "This agreement ensures continued stewardship of this beloved park and supports our shared goal of creating welcoming, high-quality spaces for families and visitors alike."

Mayor Avula is the patron of the ordinance.

Advancing a Thriving Economy

Mayor Avula also applauded the passage of ORD. 2025-247, an ordinance he patroned, authorizing the City to accept and invest $15,000,000.000 from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The ordinance creates a new special fund within the Department of Economic Development to support infrastructure improvements tied to CoStar Realty Information, Inc.'s existing and planned facilities at 501 South 5th Street and 600 Tredegar Street.

The investment supports long-term growth, job creation, and infrastructure improvements.

"Strategic infrastructure investments like this help Richmond grow in a way that's sustainable and competitive," said Mayor Danny Avula. "By partnering with the Commonwealth, we're strengthening our economic foundation, supporting good jobs, and positioning Richmond for long-term success."

Advocating for Richmond at the General Assembly

Council also adopted RES. 2025-R051, jointly patroned by the Mayor and City Council, endorsing Richmond's 2026 General Assembly Legislative Agenda and encouraging the City's legislative delegation and partners to support its priorities. The resolution represents a collaborative effort. For the first time in many years, Richmond City Council and the Administration have collaborated to ensure the City presents one unified agenda for the General Assembly. The Legislative Agenda, contained within the resolution, empowers Richmond to grow responsibly, protect residents, fix aging systems, and take critical actions with the state as a strong partner.

"This year, Richmond's joint legislative agenda reflects months of collaboration across City departments and with Council," said Ruth Morrison, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. "It positions the City of Richmond to advocate effectively for policies and resources that support our residents, our economy, and our long-term priorities."

Making Decisive Progress on City Center

Additionally, the Mayor expressed his enthusiasm for the introduction of a series of economic development ordinances that advance redevelopment of the former Public Safety Building site at 500 N. 10th Street. The ordinances will convey the parcel to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and authorize a cooperation agreement that allows the EDA to work with GRTC to pursue a new Downtown Transfer Hub with a 10-bay bus terminal, rider and operator support spaces, and a privately led mixed-use overbuild with parking.

A third ordinance amends the 2022 Coliseum Parcel Redevelopment Cooperation Agreement to align with the City's phased City Center framework, extending timelines and enabling component redevelopment of the site.

Together, these actions advance long-planned City Center priorities while preserving flexibility and do not authorize any city funding or financial incentives.

"This is decisive progress for City Center," said Angie Rodgers, Director of Economic Development. "Richmond is ready for real progress, and we're delivering it. Moving forward on the Public Safety Building site, Coliseum demolition, and a convention center hotel, this is a precursor to how the City plans to move forward on many of its major projects throughout our corridors in 2026 and beyond, one strategic bite at a time."

Hey Richmond, It's Your Mayor, Danny.

For me, the idea of home has always been about more than just a roof over our heads. It's about community. It's about belonging. It's about building a Richmond where everyone-regardless of income, background, or zip code-has the opportunity to thrive.

Twenty-five years ago, I came to Richmond for medical school. I stayed because I fell in love with this city: its people, its promise, and its potential. I planted roots in the East End, drawn by the vision of Dr. King's Beloved Community: a place where neighbors care for one another, where families grow together, and where everyone has a place.

Over the years, I've seen that vision challenged. Rising housing costs have pushed longtime residents out of the neighborhoods they helped build. The fabric of our communities has started to fray. That's why, from day one, my administration has made housing a top priority. It's Pillar Two of my Mayoral Action Plan.

We've been working hard to meet the housing needs of our city so that Richmonders at every income level can afford good housing in safe neighborhoods with strong public amenities. And now, we're preparing to take the next big step.

In mid-January, I'll be announcing my comprehensive Affordable Housing Strategy-a multi-tool approach designed to protect what makes Richmond special while building a future that's inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. We'll be using every tool available, including:

• The Affordable Housing Trust Fund
• Performance grants to support new development
• A code refresh to unlock more housing options
• And focused anti-displacement measures to protect longtime residents

This strategy recognizes what Richmonders have told me again and again: there's no single solution to our housing challenges. It will take creativity, collaboration, and commitment from all of us.

I invite you to watch my latest DannyCam where I share more about why this work matters so deeply to me and why it's central to the future we're building together.

I'm so excited to share more and to create, together, a city where everyone has a place, where everyone belongs, where everyone thrives.

In service,

Danny

RICHMOND, VA - The City of Richmond is informing residents, businesses, and visitors that updated parking enforcement will begin in the Greater Scott's Addition neighborhood on Monday, January 5, 2026. The change reflects a community-driven decision by the Greater Scott's Addition Association (GSAA) Board, which voted on August 5, 2025, to reinstate and refine parking enforcement to better serve the neighborhood's rapid growth and evolving needs.

In 2020, GSAA suspended parking enforcement in historic Scott's Addition during pandemic-era stay-at-home policies. Since then, the neighborhood has seen substantial development-including new housing, expanding businesses, and a dramatic increase in daily activity-placing new pressure on limited on-street parking.

Under the updated plan, most residential blocks in historic Scott's Addition will continue to offer free and unlimited parking. Select high-demand commercial corridors, however, will transition to timed-parking zones to improve turnover and support access for customers, employees, and service providers. The City of Richmond will implement and monitor the enforcement updates and will work with GSAA to evaluate outcomes in 2027.

"Scott's Addition has grown into one of Richmond's most dynamic neighborhoods," said the GSAA Board. "As activity increases, parking must work for everyone; residents, businesses, and visitors. This updated plan is the product of community input and is designed to keep the neighborhood thriving."

"I'm grateful for the engagement and collaboration between the GSAA and the Department of General Services to ensure our on-street parking rules best balance the changing needs of Scott's Addition," said Councilmember Katherine Jordan. "My office is always here to support our district's mobility needs, including parking."

For questions about how the City enforces parking, please contact Lynne Lancaster with the Department of General Services (Lynne.Lancaster@rva.gov, 804-646-6006)

Explore the Scott's Addition parking map. 

Details on public parking and updates can be found at: rva.gov/public-works/parking-enterprise