Posted November 12, 2025

~ Work is slated to begin this month & expected completion by Fall 2026, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to announce the upcoming construction of a new federally funded multimodal project along Hopkins Road, from Collier Hill Road to Richmond Highway (Route 301), a corridor approximately 3.3 miles in length. Hopkins Road is an important connection to the future James River Branch Trail and Fall Line Trail, as well as several Southside neighborhoods.

The project will include street upgrades and provide important connections to the city’s bike network (Belt Boulevard, Bells Road, Warwick Road, James River Branch Trail, Holly Springs Avenue, etc.), expand safe access to jobs, housing, and services for people walking, rolling, and biking. It reflects the City’s commitment to speed management as well as sustainable, multimodal transportation solutions and safety for all roadway users, regardless of age or ability. 

Weather permitting, construction is expected to begin near the end of the month and be completed by Fall 2026.

During construction, residents may experience minor disruptions, but every effort will be made to minimize inconveniences. Please be patient and give construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones and work zones.

This project supports the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan by using our complete streets approach to improve safe access for all. This process was driven by community input through a series of surveys and public engagements. Community feedback provided valuable input throughout the design process. 

To learn more about DPW go to rva.gov/public-works or email 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 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; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond. The Department’s mission is to provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has announced a temporary pause on disconnections of gas and water services for nonpayment and a suspension of all late fees for the month of November. This proactive measure is being implemented to help ease the financial burden on residents impacted by the ongoing impacts of the federal government shutdown. 

The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps many households cover heating costs – including natural gas, is currently paused due to the shutdown. This interruption in funding has created financial uncertainty for customers who rely on the program during the colder months. 

The Department of Social Services (DSS) continues to accept applications for LIHEAP to prepare for when the program resumes. Residents are encouraged to apply before the Friday, November 14 deadline to ensure timely review once funding is reinstated. Review and approvals will occur when the temporary pause is lifted. During the 2024 heating season, LIHEAP funding assisted 1,227 DPU natural gas customers for a total of $550,757. 

Customers are also encouraged to take advantage of other permanent affordability programs, including:  

• PromisePay Payment Plans – DPU has teamed up with PromisePay to offer flexible and convenient payment plans for customers who have fallen behind on their utility bills. Any customer with an overdue balance can sign up for a PromisePay payment plan for their outstanding balance at Richmond.promise-pay.com. The PromisePay portal allows users to choose from a range of payment plan options, set up automatic payments and provide contact information for payment reminders and other account notifications via text message. 
• MetroCare Water Program – The water bill payment assistance program offers financial support to eligible families and individuals who are struggling to pay their primary water bills due to financial difficulties. To apply, ratepayers can receive up to $500 per applicant if approved. 
• MetroCare Heat Program – The Heating Bill Payment Assistance Program provides funds to eligible families and individuals who are struggling to pay their primary heating bills due to financial difficulties or other special hardships. The program period begins on December 15th. Residents within Richmond Gas Works' service territory may apply for funds through MetroCare.
• MetroCare Water Conservation Program – This program offers financial assistance to eligible homeowners for plumbing repairs and the replacement of water-inefficient appliances with EPA WaterSense products in order to conserve water and reduce wasteful consumption. The program includes an audit of all eligible homeowners approved by the Department of Energy as a way to improve water use efficiency. 
• SeniorCare Program – This program is designed to meet the specific needs of seniors aged 65 and above in the Richmond metropolitan community. Seniors can enroll in this program and access benefits such as Winter Service Assurance, no late fees, waiver of security deposit, annual weatherization kit giveaways and third-party notification.
• Equal Monthly Payment Plan – The EMPP budget plan spreads your annual gas bill over 12 months. The estimated monthly payment is based on the previous year’s natural gas usage. 

“DPU recognizes that many of our customers are affected by this disruption and may be facing financial hardship,” said Scott Morris, Senior Director of Public Utilities. “Our goal is to provide support and stability for our community while federal funding processes are temporarily on hold.”  

For more information, call (804) 646-4646 or visit rva.gov/public-utilities/billing and follow Richmond DPU on social media at @RichmondDPU. 

Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond Department of Housing and Community Development is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for its Healthy Homes home rehabilitation program, a City initiative designed to help eligible residents make critical repairs to improve the safety, accessibility, and longevity of their homes.

"We cannot rely on development alone to address our City's housing crisis," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Preserving the housing we already have and working to keep homeowners in their homes is an equally important part of the equation. The Healthy Homes program is another tool in the belt that we can lean on to realize our shared goal of thriving neighborhoods."

The program, established in 2023, prioritizes healthy and safety repairs, including:

• HVAC repair or replacement
• Roof repair or replacement
• Plumbing and electrical repairs
• Accessibility modifications (e.g. ADA bathrooms)
• Energy efficiency improvements (e.g. windows, doors)
• Other urgent home rehabilitation needs as deemed eligible by program staff

Since its inception, the program has helped nearly 100 homeowners make critical repairs to their homes, at a cost of more than $2 million.

"This program is not just about repairs," said Director of Housing and Community Development Merrick Malone. "It is about stability, dignity, and the preservation of homeownership, allowing longtime residents to safely and reliably age in place. This is an essential piece to a sustainable housing supply that works to the benefit of all residents. We look forward to working with Richmonders to make sure their homes and the families that live in them remain safe for years to come."

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis and will remain open until all current funds are disbursed. Interested residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Eligibility guidelines, required documentation, and the application itself can be found online here.

Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond is proud to announce the appointment of Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal as the permanent Chief of Richmond Fire and Emergency Services. His appointment comes as the department rolls out a series of new initiatives focused on strengthening operations, expanding leadership capacity, and reinforcing accountability for the department.

Chief Segal takes the helm having served as the Department's Interim Chief since January 2025. He joined the Richmond Fire and Emergency Services Department in 2020, where he oversaw the department's North Division and served as a Shift Commander.

"I am grateful to be able to continue in service to a community I have grown to love deeply," said Chief Segal. "I look forward to building on this Department's strong legacy and thank the Mayor and our CAO for entrusting me with this tremendous responsibility."

Chief Segal has a strong background in fire operations, special operations, emergency medical services (EMS), and incident management. Prior to his move to Richmond, Chief Segal served with the Baltimore City Fire Department for over 30 years. He advanced through the ranks becoming a Fire Pump Operator, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Battalion Commander, Division Chief, Deputy Chief, and subsequently Assistant Chief. He also served as the City's Interim Chief, Deputy Incident Commander on the Baltimore Regional Type III Incident Management Team and oversaw the Baltimore City Fire Department's Type IV Incident Management Team.

"For the last quarter I have had an opportunity to partner with Chief Segal in setting the foundation for the future of Richmond Fire," said CAO Odie Donald II. "Chief Segal not only has the trust and respect of his department and the community, his commitment to ethical leadership and best in class service delivery fully aligns with both Mayor Avula's vision for Richmond and the City's rich firefighting legacy."

Chief Segal's appointment is effective November 29, 2025.

New Leadership Positions

To ensure that RFD is well equipped to continue meeting the evolving needs of the city, the department is announcing the creation of a new role, a Senior Business Officer. This senior leadership-level unsworn position, which has been filled by City of Richmond Organizational Strategist Jeff Gray, will oversee the department's finances and general administrative activities, while ensuring the department consistently remains in alignment with citywide administrative and ethical standards. This new position also builds on the recently hired Internal Standards Officer, who focuses on monitoring compliance, makes sure that RFD's processes remain fair, and helps the department maintain a high level of trust.

"This new civilian Senior Business Officer will provide us with subject matter expertise to bring RFD's finance and operations in line with citywide standards and industry best practices," said Chief Segal. "I am excited to strengthen our leadership team with this addition."

New Proposed Policies to Ensure Consistency and Accountability 

Along with expanded leadership, the Richmond Fire Department is proposing three new policies to make sure its work stays consistent, fair, and in line with citywide administrative and ethical standards. Those new policies include:

1. Fire Inspection Control Measures and Guidance: Provides clear guidance for inspections to ensure they are done the same way across the city.
2. Anti-Corruption Policy: Reinforces the department's commitment to honesty and accountability.
3. Purchasing and Procurement Policy: Ensures that resources and supplies are purchased responsibly, with a streamlined process.

Together these initiatives build on work that is already underway within department, including biannual internal audits, supervisory oversight of inspection reports, and random accountability checks. With public trust and accountability at the forefront of these new initiatives, the Richmond Fire department is proud to be taking intentional steps to ensure that the city of Richmond continues to receive fire services that are professional, trustworthy, and reliable.

"Best in class service delivery is our citywide standard. The combination of this new structure and enhanced policies will keep the Fire Department running smoothly and ensure the department meets the high administrative and ethical standards our residents expect. I appreciate Chief's hard work and willingness to, as the Mayor says, 'Look for it, find it, fix it,'" said CAO Odie Donald II.

"One of my top priorities is taking Richmond's local government and transforming it into a model public-sector organization. That work happens through continuous, focused improvements to the way we do business. That's exactly what I've asked CAO Donald to do, and in collaboration with Chief Segal that's exactly what these new announcements deliver. This kind of nuts-and-bolts progress is how we build trust with our residents. More to come!" said Mayor Danny Avula.

$2 Million to Boost Housing Trust Fund, and 78 New Affordable Housing Units Approved

Richmond, VA -- Mayor Danny Avula today applauded Richmond City Council for approving a series of measures that move the city closer to a Thriving Richmond - strengthening neighborhoods, advancing energy resilience, and expanding access to affordable housing.

$2 Million Boost for Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Leading the list of accomplishments, Council approved ORD. 2025-225, which transfers $2 million into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund supports mixed-income development, rehabilitates blighted properties, and advances housing stability.

"This investment represents the heart of what it means to build a thriving city," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Every dollar we put toward affordable housing is a commitment to stability, opportunity, and equity for Richmond families."

"Every Richmond resident deserves access to safe, affordable housing and a place to call home," says Councilmember Ellen F. Robertson, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th District. "Investments like this help ensure we are building a more equitable city where no one is priced out of the community they love."

Council also advanced ORD. 2025-236, authorizing a grant agreement to support Bellevue Gardens, a 78-unit affordable housing development at 3940 Rosedale Avenue in the Northside area of Richmond. The project will include 42 homes for residents earning 0-50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and 36 homes for those at 50-80% AMI, with completion expected in 2026.

Protecting Renters and Strengthening Neighborhoods

To promote safe and healthy housing conditions, City Council unanimously approved Mayor Avula's ORD. 2025-161, establishing a Residential Rental Inspection Program (RRIP). The Administration will use the next six months to create the policies, procedures and process by which tenants, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens may request a specific parcel or parcels be designated as a Rental Inspection District because rental dwelling units are either blighted, or in the process of deterioration, or in need of inspection by the Building Commissioner to prevent deterioration. ORD. 2025-161 does not itself designate any Rental Inspection Districts. Creating a district requires a separate Council action after review of factors such as building code or health violations, public safety responses, or tenant petitions.

"Safe housing is healthy housing," said Mayor Danny Avula. "This ordinance creates a pathway to ensure that Richmond renters live in homes that meet basic standards of safety and dignity. I look forward to working with CAO Donald and the rest of the team to build a fair, transparent process that protects tenants, supports responsible landlords, and strengthens neighborhoods."

"This is a major step forward in protecting renters," said Councilmember Stephanie Lynch, Richmond City Council, Richmond Central 5th Voter District. "While full implementation will take time and coordination, this is a significant piece of a plan to build stronger, fairer housing for tenants throughout Richmond."

Driving Tourism and Economic Growth

Council also approved ORD. 2025-233 and ORD. 2025-234, authorizing two major tourism development projects under the Virginia Tourism Authority's program:

• A 253-key dual-branded hotel by Shamin Hotels at North Arthur Ashe Boulevard and Myers Street.
• A 95-key boutique hotel by Capital Square at Roseneath Road and West Moore Street.

These investments are expected to generate new jobs, attract visitors, and spur private investment in the Scott's Addition area.

"Scott's Addition continues to be one of Richmond's success stories," said Councilmember Katherine Jordan, Richmond City Council, Richmond North Central 2nd Voter District. "These projects build on that momentum to bring new jobs, new energy, and new opportunities to residents, visitors, and small businesses. I'm thrilled to see investment that drives tourism and strengthens the fabric of our community."

"These projects represent the kind of smart growth that fuels Richmond's economy, strengthens our hospitality industry, and keeps our city on the map as a destination for business and leisure alike," said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. "Tourism is more than just visitors - it's also jobs and investment aimed at supporting our neighborhoods."

Building a Sustainable Future

With the adoption of ORD. 2025-232, the City will launch a Virginia Energy Resilience Study Fund to support energy planning in the East End through a $10,000 Virginia Department of Energy grant.

Additionally, ORD. 2025-227 authorizes new electric vehicle charging stations on North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, expanding access to clean transportation options.

"As a physician, as a dad, and as Mayor, I see every investment in sustainability as an investment in public health," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Energy resilience, EV access, and cleaner air are how we build a future-ready city that's thriving for generations to come."

"The Office of Sustainability is working hard at bringing RVAgreen 2050, the City's Climate Equity Action Plan, to life. Council's adoption of these ordinances helps move that vision forward, and we're proud to share that 28% of the plan is already complete. Richmond is truly thriving as we build a more sustainable and resilient city, said Laura Thomas, Director of the Office of Sustainability.

Getting Things Done

Council also passed measures that make City operations more effective and responsive, including:

• ORD. 2025-222 - updating towing and storage fee limits for greater clarity and consistency.
• ORD. 2025-237 - renewing the Enterprise Zone Cooperation Agreement with the City's Economic Development Authority, continuing incentives that drive private investment in key neighborhoods.

"Renewing the Enterprise Zone Cooperation Agreement reinforces our commitment to growing equitable opportunities in Richmond's neighborhoods," said Angie Rodgers, Director of Economic Development. "These incentives continue to be a powerful tool for attracting private investment, strengthening commercial corridors, and ensuring that our communities benefit from long-term economic growth."