City of Richmond Activates Emergency Operations Center Ahead of Winter Storm 

Richmond, VA — Today, due to the anticipated impact of severe weather conditions this weekend, Mayor Danny Avula has declared a State of Emergency in the City of Richmond. Residents should visit go.rva.gov/winter-weather and the City of Richmond’s social media channels for updates on City operations. For weather updates, please monitor reliable sources of information such as the National Weather Service. 

Inclement Weather Shelters  
To protect and shelter Richmond’s most vulnerable residents, the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter, located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue and operated by the Salvation Army, will open today at 5:00 p.m. 

Additionally, the CARITAS Surge Shelter and the City Emergency Shelter will be activated during this inclement weather event and will operate as needed.

Richmond Ready Alerts  
Residents are encouraged to sign up for Richmond Ready Alerts to receive critical emergency and weather alerts from the City of Richmond. Residents can text ‘RVAREADY’ to 888-777 to receive a sign-up link or visit rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts to learn more.

Emergency Operations Center
Effective Saturday, January 24, 2026, the City of Richmond will be activating its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in response to the winter weather expected to impact the area beginning Saturday. 

The EOC will serve a crucial role as a centralized hub for city agencies to collaborate. The center will facilitate the coordination of resources, effective communication, and the implementation of action plans aimed at promptly addressing any challenges that may arise.

All press requests for information and interviews relating to the EOC activation should be directed to AskOSC@rva.gov .

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El alcalde Danny Avula declara el Estado de Emergencia debido a la inminente tormenta invernal

La Ciudad de Richmond activa su Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia debido a la llegada de la tormenta invernal 

Richmond, Virginia — El día de hoy, y debido al impacto previsto de las condiciones climáticas severas durante este fin de semana, el alcalde Danny Avula ha declarado el Estado de Emergencia en la Ciudad de Richmond. Recomendamos a los residentes que visiten la página go.rva.gov/winter-weather y los canales oficiales de redes sociales de la Ciudad de Richmond para recibir la información más actualizada sobre las operaciones de la administración municipal. Para obtener noticias actualizadas sobre el clima, estén pendientes de fuentes confiables de información, tales como el Servicio Nacional del Clima (NWS, por sus iniciales en inglés) en weather.gov (solo en inglés).

Refugios ante el Mal Tiempo  
Para proteger y albergar a los residentes más vulnerables de Richmond, el Refugio Municipal ante el Mal Tiempo, situado en el 1900 de Chamberlayne Avenue y administrado por el Ejército de Salvación, abrirá hoy desde las 5:00 p.m.

Además, también se activarán tanto el Refugio Adicional de Emergencia de CARITAS como el Refugio Municipal de Emergencia durante toda esta tormenta invernal y seguirán funcionando mientras sea necesario.

Alertas de Richmond Ready  
Se anima a los habitantes de la ciudad para que se inscriban en el servicio de alertas Richmond Ready Alerts para que reciban alertas críticas sobre emergencias y eventos climáticos en la Ciudad de Richmond. Para inscribirse, pueden enviar el mensaje de texto 'RVAREADY' al 888777 para recibir un enlace de inscripción o pueden visitar la página rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts para obtener más información.

Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia
A partir del sábado 24 de enero de 2026, la Ciudad de Richmond activará su Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia (EOC, por sus siglas en inglés) en respuesta al clima invernal que se espera que afecte la región desde mañana. Esta activación apoya los esfuerzos de la administración para manejar la situación y garantizar la seguridad del público.

El EOC cumplirá con una tarea fundamental, ya que servirá como el punto central de colaboración de las agencias de la ciudad: facilita la coordinación de recursos, la comunicación efectiva y la implementación de planes de acción que buscarán resolver cualquier desafío que pueda surgir.

Todas las solicitudes de entrevistas e información que estén relacionadas con la activación del EOC deberán dirigirse al correo AskOSC@rva.gov .

Posted January 23, 2026

RICHMOND, VA – Due to expected heavy snow accumulation and inclement weather conditions, Richmond residents may experience delays in household trash and bulk collections next week.

The safety of residents and collection crews is our top priority. In the event of severe weather, collection schedules may be adjusted to accommodate road conditions and ensure safe operations. 

Residents are asked to:

• Please leave trash carts and bulk item at the curb until collection occurs

• Avoid placing additional items in the roadway

• Exercise caution when traveling near service vehicles and snowplows

We appreciate your patience and understanding as crews work to safely resume normal collection services as weather conditions allow.

For updates visit go.rva.gov/winter-weather

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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; 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 and 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

City of Richmond affirms its commitment to a Thriving Richmond where everyone's rights are protected

As Mayor, a proud long-time resident of Richmond, and the city’s first immigrant Mayor, I celebrate the vibrant diversity that makes our city strong. Our immigrant communities are an essential part of Richmond’s story and future. 

I understand there is tremendous fear in the community right now. Fear in completing everyday tasks, such as showing up for work, taking your children to school, or buying groceries, and I want you to know I hear you. 

I also want to assure you: My administration and I stand with you.  As I've shared in the past, RPD Chief Rick Edwards, Council President Cynthia Newbille, and I stand united in supporting our city’s residents, including our immigrant neighbors, and protecting the trust between our communities and local law enforcement. If residents need law enforcement support, or to report crimes, call 911.  

The City’s mission  is to "provide trustworthy leadership and high-quality services that meet the needs of our vibrant city”, and I believe strongly that Richmond must remain a city where every resident feels safe accessing services, reporting crimes, and engaging with local government—regardless of immigration status. I pledge, along with my administration, to show up during these times with integrity, partnership, and care.  

Federal immigration enforcement operates under its own authority – the City does not control their actions, nor do we coordinate with them on deportation activities. The Richmond Police Department has not entered into a 287(g) agreement with ICE, and does not participate in the enforcement of federal immigration law. Our officers are here to focus on their core mission: community policing, protecting all neighborhoods, and reducing crime.   

As Mayor, my responsibility is to be clear about where the City stands, to express concern for our neighbors, and to point residents to accurate, trusted resources. I’m deeply committed to listening and working with the community to strengthen the way we keep all residents safe. The City’s values will continue to guide how I evaluate and update City policies, partnerships, and decisions together.  

Lastly, I reject any approach that creates fear, confusion, or division. Those tactics undermine public safety and erode trust, making our communities less safe, not more secure. Richmond, along with my administration, will continue focusing on a Thriving Richmond, where everyone’s rights are protected, and where every resident is treated with dignity, today and always. 

Posted January 21, 2026

~ Join DPW January 29 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Main Street Station to provide input ~

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) invites residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to participate in a public meeting for the Riverfront/Orleans BRT Station Streetscape Project. This $2.23 million Smart-Scale funded project focuses on improving pedestrian access, safety, and connectivity. 

The public meeting will be held Thursday, January 29, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street. The meeting will follow an open house format, allowing the community to attend any time during the two-hour window to review design plans, ask questions, and share feedback with project staff and consultants. An inclement weather date is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Main Street Station.

The project area includes East Franklin Street at 31st Street, Admiral Gravely Boulevard between Williamsburg Avenue and Gilliam Street, East Franklin Street to Williamsburg Road, Godwin Street between Williamsburg Avenue and Goodin Court, Williamsburg Avenue between Orleans Street and Hatcher Street, and Ohio Street.

Improvements include:

• Construction of new sidewalks

• Installation of ADA-accessible ramps

• Improved street lighting

• Increased green space

• Installation of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon to improve pedestrian crossings

Community input is a vital part of the City’s planning and design process. Feedback from the community helps ensure the proposed improvements reflect local needs, improve safety, and support access to transit, the riverfront, and surrounding neighborhoods. Public comments will be considered as the project move toward final design.

The deadline for public comments is February 9. Comments can be submitted using any of the following methods:

• In person at the public meeting – written and orally at the public meeting

• By email to: Mrs. Olayinka Bruce at Olayinka.Bruce@rva.gov

  • Please reference “UPC 115410 – Riverfront/Orleans BRT Station Streetscape Project” on the subject line

• By mail to: 

Department of Public Works

Mrs. Olayinka Bruce, Project Manager

900 East Broad Street, Room 603

Richmond, VA 23219

• Project plans and additional information will be available online for review and comment at: rva.gov/public-works/construction-projects-road-improvements

• Additionally, in-person at City Hall (review plans and documents)

  • Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate staff to answer questions. 

  • Call Mrs. Olayinka Bruce at 804-646-2312 or email Olayinka.Bruce@rva.gov

Smart Scale Funding is a competitive, data driven transportation funding program that uses federal and state funds to prioritize projects based on improvements to safety, accessibility, congestion reduction, and economic development.

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 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; 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 and 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 January 21, 2026

~ 30-day warning period will begin at four locations ~

RICHMOND, VA – The City is expanding its Safety Camera Program to include red-light enforcement, reinforcing its commitment to improving traffic safety and reducing serious crashes at high-risk intersections.

This update follows the initial announcement released last September and reflects significant progress now underway to include cameras that document violations when vehicles fail to stop at red lights.

Four red-light safety cameras have been fully installed and will become operational soon. A 30-day warning period will begin January 30 (weather permitting), during which drivers who run red lights at these locations will receive a warning notice rather than a citation. The initial four pilot locations are: 

• 25th Street at Main Street

• Belvidere Street at Cary Street

• Chamberlayne Avenue at Brookland Park Boulevard

• Chamberlayne Avenue at Laburnum Avenue

After the warning period ends, red-light violations captured by these cameras will receive a $50 citation (per Code of Virginia). The citation will be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle for each violation.

Drivers should:

• Slow down, especially as lights turn yellow. Yellow means prepare to stop – not speed up
• Stop fully at red lights. Entering the intersection after the light turns red is a violation.
• Pay attention and avoid distractions.
• Plan ahead and leave earlier to provide additional time

Red-light running causes hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries across the country each year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2022 alone, more than 1,000 people were killed and more than 100,000 were injured in crashes caused by people driving through red lights. Cities that implement safety cameras have seen fatal red-light running crashes drop by as much as 21%.

In addition to the four completed installations, six additional pilot locations are currently under construction across the city. They include the following locations: 

• Mechanicsville Turnpike at Fairfield Way

• Belt Boulevard at Hull Street Road 

• Cowardin Avenue / Richmond Highway at Hull Street 

• German School Road at Midlothian Turnpike 

• Commerce Road at Maury Street 

• Hull Street at Warwick Roads

For more information on Richmond’s safety camera program, visit rva.gov/police/safety-camera-program.

For more information on Vision Zero, visit rva.gov/public-works/vision-zero

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; 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 and 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