May 23, 2025

DCAO Sharon Ebert to Serve as Acting CAO

Today, Mayor Danny Avula announced his nomination of Sharon Ebert to serve as Acting Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). She currently serves as the Deputy CAO (DCAO) for Planning & Economic Development.

Ebert manages several City agencies including Housing & Community Development, Economic Development, Planning & Development Review, Minority Business Development, and the Office of Sustainability. Under Ms. Ebert's tenure with Richmond, she has overseen the adoption of the Richmond 300 – A Guide for Growth and helped guide the re-organization of the City's Permitting and Inspection Bureau. Ms. Ebert has been instrumental in orchestrating the redevelopment of the city-owned 67-acre Diamond District, as well as the planning and redevelopment of the City Center Innovation District. She has over 40 years of professional experience in design, construction, urban planning, affordable housing, and economic development. She joined the City of Richmond in March 2019.

City Council will vote on her confirmation at its scheduled June 9th meeting.

"Sharon has a whip-smart, encyclopedic knowledge of what makes cities work," said Mayor Danny Avula. "I'm so thankful she's willing to step in for a short time before our new CAO officially starts. I know we're in good hands."

Henrico's Deputy County Manager for Administration to Serve as Richmond's Acting DCAO of Finance & Administration

On loan from Henrico County, W. Brandon Hinton will serve as the City's Acting DCAO for Finance & Administration.

Hinton is Henrico County's Deputy County Manager for Administration. He began his decades-long career of public service with Henrico County as an entry-level budget analyst in 2003, was named Director of the Office of Management and Budget in 2012, and was promoted to his current role in 2018.

Hinton will return to the County later this summer.

"When I reached out to the County Manager to see if he'd be open to loaning us Brandon for a couple of months, he had absolutely zero hesitation. His willingness to lend a hand and Brandon's willingness to serve his neighbors in Richmond are a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together," said Mayor Danny Avula.

Sabrina Joy-Hogg currently serves as Richmond's Interim CAO and DCAO of Finance & Administration and will do so until her last day with the City on June 6.

Mark your calendars: June 6

After a competitive national search, Mayor Danny Avula will introduce Richmond to his CAO appointee on June 6. City Council will vote on confirmation of the nominee at Council's meeting on June 9.

"Richmond, get excited! I cannot wait for you to meet your new CAO! You're going to love them, and we're going to do great things together," said Mayor Danny Avula. "I promised to conduct national search for a top-talent CAO, I've kept that promise, and I know this one is a home run."

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

An Interim CAO and Interim DCAO of Finance and Administration will be appointed in the coming weeks.

Richmond, VA — Today, Interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Sabrina Joy-Hogg announced that she will resign from the City of Richmond effective June 6. An Interim CAO and Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) of Finance & Administration will be appointed in the coming weeks. The national search for a permanent CAO is in the final stage with the candidate soon to be announced.

Joy-Hogg joined the City of Richmond in 2022 and led the work toward achieving the City's first-ever AAA bond rating. She leaves a legacy that include many improvements toward making Richmond an employer of choice, particularly the Marathon Health clinic which provides easy-to-access—and often free—health services to City staff. Her experience in municipal governments in Hampton, Norfolk, and Charlotte have been a great asset in the City's budgetary processes.

"As I prepare to close this chapter, I do so with immense pride in what we've achieved together. From raising the City's minimum wage and successfully transitioning to the Virginia Retirement System, to creating a $10 million capital improvement fund, and developing a bond strategy to expand affordable housing, we've made lasting improvements. We made history by recognizing International Women's Day as a City holiday—the first in the nation to do so. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I leave with deep gratitude and full confidence in the extraordinary path ahead," said Interim CAO Sabrina Joy-Hogg.

"Sabrina's dedication to achieving a balanced budget and her institutional knowledge were a tremendous help in the early months of my administration. I'm thankful for her dedication over these past five months and wish her continued success in her new role," said Mayor Danny Avula.

On May 21, 2025, the Trust for Public Lands released their fourteenth Park Score Index for park districts across the country. In the 2024 national index of America’s 100 most populous cities, the City of Richmond now ranks #16 in access to high quality park spaces, up from #22 in 2023.

This annual report measures park systems on access, investment, amenities, acreage, and equity. For the 2024 Park Score Index, Richmond scored 69.9 points out of 100 based on the five categories, with 15 measures where points can be awarded. The updated ranking is a 6-point move from 2023 and is 26 points higher than the 2018 score.  Richmond’s increase in the park access and resources is a result of intersecting objectives: 

1. Increased investment that looked at the aggregate parks and recreation spending, including volunteer hours. In 2023, the City spent $135 per capita versus the $186 per capita that the City spent in 2024.
2. Increased city-wide amenities which includes basketball courts, sports fields, splash pads, and playgrounds.

“Our parks are more than just green spaces — they’re where we reimagine what Richmond can be,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “They come to life through the hard work of City staff and the deep commitment of community partners who are creating spaces for belonging, health, and joy. As we celebrate this ranking, we’re really celebrating the people who show up every day to make our parks places where Richmond’s story is written — together.”

Richmond saw the largest increase in points in the Amenities category earning 92 out of 100 points, an increase of 45 points from the 2023 score. The city also has increased the per capita spending for Parks and Recreation from $135 per resident to $186 per resident as calculated on a three-year average.

“Richmond’s park score reflects the incredible progress we’ve made in making our city one of the best places to live, play, and connect,” said Chris Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “This achievement is the result of strong leadership from the Administration and City Council — and it wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support of our community partners, residents, and the dedicated PRCF team who work every day to make our parks welcoming and vibrant for everyone.”

To read the entire report, please visit the Trust for Public Land website. For more information about the department, follow PRCF on Facebook, X and Instagram or visit our website.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Richmond, VA — As of May 20, 2025, the City of Richmond Department of Finance is still actively working to send real estate tax bills to mortgage lenders. Once lenders receive the bill, they will typically remit payment to the City of Richmond within one business week.

What do I do with my 2025 Second Half Real Estate Tax Bill?

If you typically get a real estate tax bill in the mail and...

• I haven't paid the bill: Pay your bill as normal by the June 16, 2025 due date.
• I already paid the bill: Nothing. You may keep the bill for your records.

If you typically do NOT get a real estate tax bill in the mail and...

• I haven't paid the bill: Nothing. It may take a few weeks for the lender to pay the bill on your behalf. You can call your lender to verify.
• I already paid the bill: The Department of Finance will credit your account. If your lender also pays this year's bill, you can request a refund by calling 311.

Earlier this month, the City's Department of Finance issued "2025 Second Half Real Estate Tax Bills" to residents. These bills accurately reflect amounts owed. However, for taxpayers with mortgages, these bills are typically sent to their lenders, who then pay the taxes on their behalf. The City has not had a practice of sending duplicate copies.

Due to errors in the Department's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), approximately 33,000 lender-designated bills were sent to residents rather than to lenders, causing confusion for many.

"I have directed the Department of Finance to revise its SOPs and am personally spending time with staff inside the Department of Finance to understand the breakdowns that occurred," said Mayor Danny Avula. "In addition, I plan to bring in an expert to support change management and improve communication to prevent this type of issue from happening again. Taxpayers were confused and frustrated, and I am committed to finding and fixing the problems within City Hall."

Posted May 19, 2025

~ Honoring the People and Projects that Keep Richmond Running ~

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Public Works Week (NPWW) from May 19 – 23, 2025. This year’s theme, “People, Purpose, Presence,” honors the dedicated professionals whose work supports our daily lives and strengthens communities through public infrastructure and essential services.

Richmond is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States – a recognition that underscores the city’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and public service.

Throughout the week, DPW will highlight the crucial role its teams play in building a better Richmond – from engineers and traffic technicians to maintaining roads and bridges to refuse collection, DPW employees embody the values of people-centered service, purposeful work, and reliable presence in every Richmond neighborhood.

Celebration highlights:

• Proclamation recognizing NPWW

• Literature Display: City Hall lobby | May 19 through May 23 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (daily) | 900 East Broad Street

• DPW Touch-A-Truck Event: Wednesday, May 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |Main Street Station (back lot)
  
  • Elementary school students have been invited to get a hand-on with DPW vehicles and meet the teams behind them, and explore how public works impacts their lives

• DPW Employee Awards Ceremony & Luncheon: Thursday, May 22 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  
  • A private, employee-only event recognizing outstanding service, employee and team awards, and commitment among DPW staff

• Speed Management Symposium: Thursday, May 22 | 4 – 6 p.m. |Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street | Free |Dinner | Open to the Public
  
  • Join us and learn about Richmond’s efforts to create safer streets at this community-focused event.

• • • What to Expect:
    • Dynamic Presentations: Vision Zero, Richmond Connects, roadway safety projects, and Richmond Police insights
    • Info Booths: Connect with various city departments and non-profits, Richmond Police, VDOT, Bike Walk RVA, and more
    • Q&A Session: Ask away!
    • Heavy Refreshments: RSVP recommended at www.rva.gov/public-works/symposium

• Live Music at Main Street Station: Thursday, May 22 | 6 – 8 p.m. at Main Street Station (Patio), 1500 East Main Street | Free | Open to the Public
  
  • Celebrate the spirit of public works with a free outdoor concert on the patio at Main Street Station. Bring family, friends, and lawn chairs for an evening of music, fun, and appreciation.

For more information about DPW, visit rva.gov/public-works or email AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

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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 maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. 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