Richmond, VA - Building on the continued desire to strengthen resiliency in the region's water system, and ongoing conversations with local, regional, and state partners, Mayor Danny Avula has directed the formation of two strategic work groups focused on planning for a sustainable and resilient water future across the region. These efforts reflect Richmond's commitment to deep and thoughtful analysis and regional partnership to ensure long-term, reliable water infrastructure for the decades ahead.

The first work group, an internal team led by Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald and Director of Public Utilities Scott Morris, will focus on scenario planning. This group will evaluate a range of long-term options, including capital investment needs, debt management strategies, and ratepayer impacts. External financial and rate consultants, including Davenport Financial Advisors and Raftelis, will be brought in as needed.

A second work group, a regional collaborative of water utility leaders and technical experts from the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, Hanover County, and Henrico County, will focus on operational planning and coordination. The group will review proposed capital improvement plans, evaluate rate models, coordinate on potential state funding requests, and conduct joint tabletop exercises. It will also establish a consistent structure for Richmond's Department of Public Utilities to provide routine updates to regional partners. This work group builds on existing jurisdictional cooperation and is a continuation of shared efforts to strengthen the region's water infrastructure.

"These two work groups mark a critical step forward in building a stronger, more resilient water system for the region," said Mayor Danny Avula. "Just today, we saw that spirit of collaboration in action as Richmond provided additional water to our neighboring locality during their planned maintenance. That's what partnership looks like: clear communication, shared problem-solving, and mutual support. I'm excited for what's ahead."

Today, Richmond's Water Treatment Plant increased the volume of water supplied to Henrico County during maintenance at Henrico's own treatment facility. As an added safeguard, both jurisdictions confirmed their reservoirs and storage tanks were full, and the transition was closely monitored by system operators. The successful operation ensured uninterrupted service to customers in both localities.

"These work groups and real-time collaborations are exactly what it takes to meet the challenges of modern infrastructure," said Richmond Director of Public Utilities Scott Morris. "The ability to assist Henrico in this way underscores our capacity, but more importantly, it shows how jurisdictional coordination helps us all move forward with confidence."

Both groups have already met to get further direction and refine ongoing meeting cadence.

Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond's Office of Minority Business Development is launching Government Contracting Made Simple, a free four-week training series aimed at helping small and minority-owned businesses better understand and engage in the government contracting process.

The sessions will be held Tuesday evenings-July 15, July 22, July 29, and August 5-from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Richmond Public Library - Main Branch Auditorium, located at 101 E. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions for the full benefit of the program.

The interactive series will guide participants through key elements of government procurement, including:

1. Reading bid solicitations -bid review.
2. Conducting interviews with government buyers
3. Understanding the GCMS strategy
4. Implementing the GCMS strategy
5. Writing competitive proposals

"This series is designed to bridge the gap between opportunity and access," said Patricia Foster, Director of the Office of Minority Business Development. "Our goal is to equip Richmond's small and minority-owned businesses with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the government contracting arena."

The initiative is presented in partnership with Building Blocks for Success, Level III, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency. Registration is required. To register please click here or contact debbie.jackson2@rva.gov or lisette.johnson@rva.gov.

The City of Richmond’s Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response (OOSUR) has launched a new harm reduction initiative aimed at preventing overdoses and supporting residents living with substance use disorders. As part of this effort, harm reduction vending machines are being installed at key locations across the city.

These machines will provide free, 24/7 access to life-saving resources such as naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, and personal hygiene items. The initiative is designed to reduce barriers to care, increase health equity, and ultimately save lives.

“This life-saving program is about meeting people where they are, with compassion and dignity,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Harm reduction vending machines are a proven tool to prevent overdose deaths and connect individuals with the support they need. Richmond is proud to be among the cities leading with science, safety, and humanity.”

Key features of the vending machines include:

• Free, anonymous access to supplies
• Round-the-clock availability
• QR codes linking to treatment, recovery, and support services
• Strategic placement in neighborhoods most impacted by overdose

Newly hired Opioid Response Strategist Anna Jones of OOSUR, emphasized the importance of reducing stigma and expanding access for residents saying “People deserve to be safe and supported, no matter where they are in their journey. These vending machines are not just about supplies; they’re a bridge to care, to hope, and to healing.”

The first machines are now operational at Marshall Plaza (900 E. Marshall Street) and Southside Plaza (4100 Hull Street). An additional machine will be installed at East End Library (1200 N. 25^th Street) later this month, with additional units planned for installation later this year based on data and community input.

For more information and updates, visit https://www.rva.gov/human-services/opioid-response.  

Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond is proud to announce the appointment of Angie Rodgers as Director of Economic Development.

Rodgers joins Richmond from Prince George's County, Maryland, where she served for the past five years as the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Economic Development, overseeing 10 county agencies including neighborhood revitalization, business attraction and retention, small business support, lending and incentives, tourism, and workforce development.

"Angie brings decades of experience in community-building and economic development," said CAO Odie Donald II. "There is no question that Richmond is ripe with economic opportunity. In Angie, we will have a trusted leader who can harness that opportunity in a way that uplifts our community, continues to raise our City's profile, and injects economic vibrancy into our communities."

Prior to Prince George's County, Ms. Rodgers was the Chief of Staff for the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development for Washington D.C. responsible for the budget, policy, and operations of an 85-person agency overseeing real estate development, business development, and revenue bond activities.

"Richmond has something for everyone," said Rodgers. "From its beautiful scenery to a wonderful food and beverage scene and a host of historical and cultural landmarks, there is so much to love about the River City. It is an honor to join the Economic Development team; I look forward to doing my part to create a thriving, equitable business landscape that benefits all Richmonders and am grateful for the opportunity to do so."

"Odie and I are thrilled to have Angie on board," said Mayor Avula. "She brings the expertise and clear vision we need to attract, build, and retain business here in Richmond. I'd like to also extend my deepest gratitude to Matt Welch, who has done an incredible job as Interim Director of Economic Development for the past year."

Rodgers will officially take her position on August 4.

In response to the ongoing opioid crisis and the growing need for comprehensive substance use prevention and recovery services, the City of Richmond is proud to announce the creation of the Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response (OOSUR). 

This newly established office will serve as the central hub for coordinating the City’s efforts to reduce the impact of substance use disorders across the community. Housed within the Human Services Portfolio under the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, OOSUR will work in close collaboration with local health providers, public safety agencies, community-based organizations, and people with lived experience to develop a strategic, data-informed, and compassionate approach to addressing substance use. 

“The opioid crisis continues to devastate families across Richmond,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “The launch of this office marks a pivotal step forward in ensuring that our response is not only comprehensive, but rooted in equity, harm reduction, and long-term healing for our residents.” 

Key functions of the office include: 

• Coordinating prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives across city agencies and community partners 

• Expanding public education and awareness campaigns 

• Supporting harm reduction strategies, including access to naloxone and overdose prevention resources 

• Strengthening data collection and analysis to inform citywide response 

The office will be led by Anna Jones as the Opioid Response Strategist. Jones is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in substance use response and community engagement. Most recently, she served as the Opioid Outreach Coordinator for Chesterfield County where she led comprehensive, county-wide initiatives to implement and evaluate public health strategies aimed at combating the opioid crisis. Additional staff members include a Policy Advisor for Opioid Response Coordination and an Opioid Abatement Authority Project Coordinator. 

“We are committed to meeting this crisis head-on with compassion and urgency,” said Jones. “OOSUR will help ensure that Richmond residents affected by substance use have access to the support, treatment, and dignity they deserve.” 

The launch of the Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response aligns with the City’s broader commitment to advancing public health, racial equity, and community resilience. 

For more information and resources, visit https://www.rva.gov/human-services/opioid-response.