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.

Richmond City Council adopted the final Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for City of Richmond, VA at its meeting on June 2, 2025, which go into effect July 8. These maps were preliminarily introduced by FEMA in 2023 and were created to reflect the changing weather patterns and increased flood risks. They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data make the maps more accurate. The ultimate goal is protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding.

In 2023, the City provided details to impacted property owners and hosted open houses to provide an opportunity to view the map and identify any corrections or ask questions about the information provided as well as submit appeals or comments.

The City is hosting a final public open house on Thursday, June 12 to provide City of Richmond property owners the opportunity to see the final maps, learn about their risk of flooding and hazard mitigation, as well as ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. The maps go into effect July 8, 2025.

Public Open House
Thursday, June 12                                       
Thomas B. Smith Community Center                     
2015 Ruffin Road                                  
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm                                         

Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States; it is vital for property owners to understand their risk and take advantage of the tools and programs available to them, including flood insurance, to help reduce flooding impacts. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and when they become effective, updated maps will be used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

As a result of these maps, some buildings in Richmond may, for the first time, be included in a high-risk flood zone, known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). This may result in the mandatory purchase of flood insurance for those property owners who are affected.

Over time, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplains widen or shift, and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes. Home and business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on buildings that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 877-336-2627 for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. The City of Richmond is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System, which provides Richmond residents with a discount on flood insurance.

The maps may be viewed here.

Posted on June 09, 2025

Richmond, VA – On June 9, Richmond City Council confirmed Mayor Danny Avula's appointment of Odie Donald II as the City of Richmond's new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Mayor Avula announced Donald's nomination on June 6, 2025 following a rigorous five-month national searched launched shortly after Mayor Avula took office on January 1. Mr. Donald currently serves as Chief of Staff to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

"I am absolutely thrilled with this evening's City Council confirmation of my nominee for Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Odie Donald II. With his confirmation, Richmond gains a talented and experienced public administrator whose life story reflects our city's highest aspirations," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Odie brings both strong management and deep compassion, a combination that's essential to building a thriving Richmond. His belief in the power of local government to uplift and transform communities, and his experience doing so, are exactly what we need right now."

"I'm honored by the Council's confirmation, and deeply grateful to Mayor Avula for the opportunity to serve. From day one, we'll hit the ground running – focused on building a thriving City Hall that supports the community and delivers for Richmond's families. There's important work ahead, and I'm looking forward to partnering with the Mayor, Council, and approximately 4,000 dedicated employees to get the business of the city done," said Odie Donald.

"Richmond City Council looks forward to continuing the important work of Richmond residents and welcomes Mr. Donald to our city to serve as its Chief Administrative Officer," said Council President Newbille, Richmond City Council. "Richmond City Council looks forward to further strengthening our city and working with Mr. Donald's abilities in support and service of the needs of our community."

"Richmond is a vibrant, forward-moving city and I'm proud to support the introduction of a leader prepared to meet this moment," said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. "The national interest in this role reflects the city's growing reputation and potential. It's exciting to think about what's ahead. I've always believed when you have the right team in the right place at the right time, great things happen."

Mr. Donald brings nearly two decades of executive-level experience in municipal government, with a track record of leading high-impact local, state, and federally funded organizations and programs. A native of Atlanta, Donald has held key leadership roles across Georgia, most recently serving as Chief of Staff to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. In this role, he provides strategic guidance on legislative and policy issues, led major public-private partnerships resulting in more than $1.6 billion in investment, and oversaw a broad portfolio including External Affairs, Communications, Cultural Affairs, Sustainability, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and the newly created Department of Labor and Employment Services.

Previously, Donald served as City Administrator for both South Fulton and Augusta-Richmond County. In Augusta, he improved bond ratings, managed over $150 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and spearheaded major economic development and transparency initiatives including the city's largest special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) program and its first comprehensive blight ordinance. In South Fulton, as the city's first City Manager, he built the local government from the ground up, eliminating a $25 million deficit, doubling revenues, establishing the city's first positive fund balance, and delivering its inaugural strategic plan.

Donald is also a recognized civic leader, having served as President of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (Metro Atlanta Chapter) and on the Georgia Forward Board of Directors. A two-time Georgia State University graduate with a BA in History (2003) and a Masters in Business Administration (2012), he has been honored in Georgia Trend's 40 Under 40, Georgia State's 40 Under 40, and Who's Who in Black Atlanta. He is a recipient of the John F. Wall Award from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies.

"I am excited to see someone of this caliber stepping into the role of Chief of Administrative Officer," said Brian Anderson, President and CEO, ChamberRVA. "Mr. Donald's leadership and collaborative spirit will be key to strengthening the partnership between the City and the business community as we continue building a thriving and inclusive local economy."

"In a time of rapid changes and so much uncertainty at the federal level, it's reassuring to see someone with steady, proven leadership in multiple municipal governments with diverse populations. Mr. Donald's leadership in a vibrant, big city like Atlanta will be a real asset as Richmond continues to grow and evolve," said Tanya González, Richmond resident.

"I'm excited about Mr. Donald's background and his authentic public service dedication. He's learned what a community needs through real experience and has risen through the ranks of government on hard work and talent," said Rev. Donté McCutchen, Pastor of Greater Mount Moriah and Love Cathedral Church. "I trust he is well aligned with the values and vision we voted for in Mayor Avula and the kind of forward momentum Richmond needs right now."

"Richmond is an amazing city, and we are delighted to help welcome a new leader ready to meet its challenges and opportunities. There was enormous national interest in the Chief Administrative Officer position which speaks to the incredible dynamism and appeal of the city and its future," said Robert Bobb of the Robert Bobb Group, LLC. "The nomination of Mr. Donald reflects a strong match between the City's needs and a proven, thoughtful leader who understands what it takes to deliver results in a dynamic urban environment."

Under the City of Richmond's Charter, the mayor appoints a Chief Administrative Officer with strong executive and administrative qualifications. This person has virtually all of the formal authority to run the City's operations. The Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for personnel decisions, financial and administrative activities, and close relationships with City Council.

The expedited resolution for Mr. Donald's appointment was introduced at the June 9 by City Council meeting. Council approved the proposed salary of $365,000. Mr. Donald will begin his duties on July 9. City Council also approved Sharon Ebert as Acting Chief Administrative Officer from June 9 through July 9.

Learn more about the role of a CAO here.

Looking for something to do this summer? The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) is sure to have an event or program to kick start your summer along with great, free activities for everyone in your family!  

The 2025 Festival of Arts season is in full swing at Dogwood Dell. Remaining performances and events for the month of June include the Multicultural Festival presented by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and ReEstablish Richmond on Saturday, June 14 beginning at 1 p.m. and the KOS Band on Saturday, June 28 beginning at 8 p.m. The full schedule for the 68th Festival of Arts can be found on the Parks and Recreation website. 

The department will also be celebrating Juneteenth with three events. Beginning with Our Man Mitchell, the Journey Program from Pine Camp Arts and Community Center will perform their play about John H. Mitchell, Jr. and how he used his position and platform as Editor in Chief of The Richmond Planet to advocate for Richmond’s black population. The free performance will take place on Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. at Pine Camp Arts & Community Center (4901 Old Brook Road). On June 19, the Juneteenth celebration will continue at Intermediate Terminal (3101 Wharf Street) with the 4th Jubilation in June Festival featuring Grammy nominated R&B artist Carl Thomas. The festival will end with a fireworks show beginning approximately at 8:50 p.m. On Friday, June 20, Legacy Band will be performing at Dogwood Dell beginning at 8 p.m. 

Jazz at Fountain Lake at Fountain Lake in Byrd Park will be returning for 2025! This event introduced in 2023 features jazz and R&B artists as part of the department’s Open Streets concept which allows for the space to be used for a range of activities. The first performance featuring The Francoise Experience will be on Sunday, June 29 beginning at 4 p.m. 

For more information about the department, follow PRCF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit our website.