Posted September 5, 2025

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) has begun work to install protective chain link mesh underneath the Lee Bridge as part of a safety-focused maintenance project aimed at enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists on the walkway below. This work began August 11 and is scheduled to continue through November 2025, weather permitting.

 To accommodate the project, the northbound right lane and bike lane on the Lee Bridge will be closed during nighttime construction hours. The bike lane will remain open and clear of equipment when work is not actively being performed, however barrels may remain in place on the bridge for safety. 

 This initiative is a preventative measure intended to add an extra layer of safety for those using the popular pedestrian route across the James River. It is not in response to any specific incident involving falling debris, but part of DPW’s ongoing efforts to address aging infrastructure and reduce future risk.

 “This mesh installation is a forward-looking solution to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the pedestrian path below the bridge. We’re talking action now to prevent problems before they happen,” said Bobby Vincent, Director of Public Works.

DPW appreciates the public’s patience during this critical improvement effort and will continue to provide updates as the work progresses. 

Please give our construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones.

To learn more about bridge, transportation, and other construction projects across the city, please make plans to attend RVA Builds: The Infrastructure Information Initiative Event on Tuesday, September 23 from 5 – 8:30 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 Main Street. This event will provide residents with a unique opportunity to connect with city staff, ask questions and engage with plans shaping Richmond infrastructure future. RSVP today or by September 22 at rva.gov/rvabuilds

For more information on 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 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.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

Posted September 4, 2025

~ Speed reduction aligns with Vision Zero goals to prevent traffic-related deaths and serious injuries ~

Richmond, VA – In a continued effort to improve roadway safety, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will be lowering the speed limit on Midlothian Turnpike between Belt Boulevard and Hull Street from 35 mph to 30 mph, effective immediately. New speed limit signage will be installed along the corridor over the next few days to reflect this change.

This adjustment is part of Richmond’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. Lowering speed limits in high-traffic areas is a proven strategy to reduce crash severity and improve outcomes for all people. 

Community members are encouraged to explore the city’s Vision Zero webpage at rva.gov/visionzero. In addition to various resources, it features two powerful dashboards: one with citywide crash statistics and the another with comprehensive speed data. These tools offer valuable insights into traffic safety and help residents stay informed about the city’s efforts to make Richmond’s streets safer.

Residents are also invited to learn more about transportation and construction projects across the city by attending RVA Builds: The Infrastructure Information Initiative Event on Tuesday, September 23 from 5 – 8:30 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 Main Street. This event will provide residents with a unique opportunity to connect with city staff, ask questions and engage with plans shaping Richmond infrastructure future. RSVP today at rva.gov/rvabuilds

For more information on 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; 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.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

September 2, 2025

Richmond, VA -- Mayor Avula announced a series of process improvements to respond to audit findings, fix outdated processes, and deliver better outcomes for residents. Together, these efforts take critical steps towards the City's commitment to building a thriving Richmond.

Revising the budget process This summer, the Mayor's office participated in a Budget Task Force to revisit the City's budget development and proposal process to fulfill a pledge to improve the budget process. Task Force representation included:

• Richmond City Council, Katherine Jordan
• Richmond City Council, Ellen Robertson
• Council Chief of Staff, RJ Warren
• Chief Administration Officer Odie Donald, II
• Mayor's Chief of Staff Lawson Wijesooriya
• Mayor's Senior Policy Advisor, Thad Williamson
• Meghan Brown, Director of Budget and Strategic Planning
• Other staff for both Council and Administration

The Budget Task Force's goal was to examine existing procedures and identify enhancements that would give more time for meaningful discussion, feedback, and input. The revised process will ensure more transparency and a stronger focus on aligning resources with community needs. The Budget Task Force has six recommendations:

1. Early collaboration: The Mayor and Council hold a public budget kickoff to establish shared understanding of the budget process timeline and later meet for a facilitated discussion on top budget priorities
2. Restructured timeline: move up the timeline for the Mayor's budget submission
3. Efficient work sessions: reorganize budget work sessions around four City of Richmond portfolios (Human Services; Finance and Administration; Planning and Economic Development; and Operations)
4. Standardized amendment procedures: implement a standardized amendment process
5. Enhanced public engagement: conduct additional public hearings before the Mayor's submission of his budget and on Councilmember budget amendments
6. Annual review: reconvene annually for continuous improvement

The Budget Task Force will present their recommendations and then the Administration and Richmond City Council will work together to develop Standard Operating Procedures, draft any necessary legislation, and communicate changes broadly.

Overhauling grant-making for non-departmental funding The City of Richmond currently administers grants to more than 70 community-based organizations through its non-departmental funding process. City staff manage every stage of the funding process from requests for proposals to outcomes monitoring, a process that requires significant staffing capacity and lacks centralized policies.

On August 28, 2025, Mayor Avula announced a new plan to implement an intermediary organization model across four focus areas: Economic Mobility, Children and Education, Arts and Culture, and Health, which align with the Mayor's seven pillars for a thriving Richmond. Overhauling the grant-making process addresses recommendations from a February 25, 2025 City Auditor's report.

Strategic Action Plans

As required by City ordinances ORD. 2018-030 and ORD. 2019-157, City of Richmond agencies have completed their Strategic Action Plans. These plans serve as the foundation for accountability and transparency in city government. While fulfilling the legislative requirements, Mayor Avula will enhance the strategic planning process by finalizing and introducing his Mayoral Action Plan (MAP) later this fall. The MAP is built around seven pillars for a thriving Richmond and will guide the administration's approach to policy-making and daily operations.

Seven Pillars for a thriving Richmond:

1. A Thriving City Government (that gets things done)
2. Thriving Neighborhoods (that meet our housing needs)
3. Thriving Families (where every child succeeds)
4. A Thriving Economy (that leaves no one behind)
5. A Thriving and Inclusive City (where everyone's rights are protected)
6. A Thriving and Sustainable Built Environment (planned for future generations)
7. A City that Tells its Stories (and tells the truth about its past)

August 29, 2025

Yesterday, Mayor Danny Avula, Richmond City Council, Richmond City School Board, and Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras met for a joint education briefing to prepare for the upcoming FY 2027 Richmond Government Budget cycle and further work together in support of public education in Richmond.

The meeting included budget presentations by the City Administration and Richmond Public Schools and provided high-level analyses of those organizational budgets as well as potential FY 2027 pressure points, including changes to the Richmond Real Estate Assessment process, capital-improvement needs, and the overall economic outlook.

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to build greater understanding of each entity's budgeting process to help ensure Richmond Public Schools and the families they serve can fully thrive. Moving forward, the three bodies will work together to develop long-term, sustainable funding plans.

"This was an impactful, constructive gathering of our schools, the Mayor, and City Council - a true demonstration of shared purpose. Together, we not only acknowledged the challenges facing our education system and the city, we also reaffirmed our collective commitment to collaborate, take action, ensure every child and family has access to the strong public schools and resources they need to thrive," says Richmond City Council President Cynthia Newbille.

"As an RPS parent and a spouse of an RPS teacher, I know well the challenges Richmond Public Schools faces. Real progress will come through intentional communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to our students and community. I'm grateful we came together to become more informed for the benefit of our students, families, and teachers, and to move closer to a truly thriving Richmond," says Mayor Danny Avula. "We will continue to build on our insights and take the next steps forward together."

"In a city like Richmond, collaboration is the way to go. The same kids who come to our schools travel our streets, visit our parks, and need public housing and transportation. While we face daunting budget pressures, I have no doubt that we can come together to find solutions in the best interest of our students," says Superintendent Jason Kamras.

With more than a dozen years of policy, advocacy, and intergovernmental relations experience, Morrison will facilitate partnership efforts with regional, state, and federal leaders.

August 29, 2025

Richmond, VA - Today, the City of Richmond announced that Ruth Morrison will serve as the City's new Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. The office advances City priorities and policies in relationship with local, state, and federal policymakers; regional counterparts; and other governmental stakeholders.

In her dozen-plus years of experience, Morrison has worked at the federal, state, and local levels, most recently as the Policy Director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. Her career has spanned various roles and institutions, including work in nonprofit innovation, electoral and advocacy training, and national environmental organizing.

"I've known Ruth for years, as a constituent in the City, also as a committed advocate and talented policy professional. She understands the complexities of the City's relationship with the General Assembly and all the critical work we must do together to improve lives in Richmond," said Delegate Betsy Carr.

"Richmond City Council is excited to work with Ms. Morrison in this new role," says Council President Cynthia Newbille. "After working together to establish Richmond's Health Equity Fund, I know that she is committed to innovative, evidence-based projects and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the work of bringing cross-sector partners together," said Richmond City Council President Cynthia Newbille.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrison organized initial containment operations to provide resources for some of the most at-risk populations in central Virginia. During that period of intensifying health disparities, Morrison worked with Richmond City Council to establish the Health Equity Fund, investing a combination of federal, philanthropic, corporate, and local dollars in community-rooted services for Richmond residents. Alongside partners in state government, Morrison has helped champion the critical role that doulas, community health workers, and grassroots community service providers all play in improving health outcomes for priority communities. She has been a long-time member of both the Richmond and Henrico Opioid Abatement Task Forces, maximizing the use of federal settlement dollars through the Opioid Abatement Authority on harm reduction, treatment, prevention, and recovery services. Serving on Mayor Avula's Transition Executive Team, she supported the outlining of new administration priorities and plan recommendations with dozens of community experts in healthcare access, climate and environment, transportation, and behavioral health.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Ruth, who will build the strategy to align the administration's priorities with our partners in City Council and RPS so we can advocate as one city. Her leadership, passion, and expertise will advance a thriving Richmond for every resident," said Mayor Danny Avula.

Locally, Morrison has served on several Boards and committees and led cross-sector collaboratives and coalitions, including with the YMCA Downtown, the Partnership for Housing Affordability Policy Advisory Committee, WRIR, and Mayorathon.

"What's important to me about intergovernmental work is finding the win-wins that allow us to realize systems-level changes in partnership with our colleagues at the state, across the region, and beyond." said Morrison. "That's been a throughline in my career - no matter my role or institution, we have to put together winning collaborative projects that impact the lives of our neighbors. As a resident of the City and the parent of two RPS kids, I'm grateful to be bringing my experience to City Hall, and I'm ready to get to work for all Richmonders!"

Ms. Morrison's first day with the City of Richmond will be September 29.