Posted March 3, 2026

 Who: Odie Donald, CAO for the City of Richmond; Bobby Vincent, Director of the Department Public Works (DPW); and Andy Boenau, Director of the Department of Transportation along with the DPW Roadway Maintenance Team

What: Pothole repair and demonstration 

When: Wednesday, March 4 at [Note: Press setup at 12:30 with the demonstration starting promptly at 12:30]

Where: Forest Hill Avenue and Bliley Road

Why: To highlight the City’s ongoing commitment to road maintenance and public safety. This event also kicks off the City’s three-week Pothole Blitz. Residents are encouraged to report potholes to 3-1-1 or submit them using the portal at RVA311.com

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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; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Operating budgets for both departments come from the general fund of the City of Richmond. For more information about services, click here or call 3-1-1

More than $40 million proposed for affordable housing, anti-displacement strategies, and critical safety improvements in FY27.  

Richmond, VA  — On Friday, February 27, standing alongside City leaders, and community partners, Mayor Avula outlined key proposed investments in Pillar Two: Thriving Neighborhoods, ahead of the full release of his Fiscal Year 2027 proposed budget on March 11. This early look is intended to help residents see how their priorities—especially the need for more homes for more people and more ways to stay in the neighborhoods they love—are reflected in the City’s spending plan.  

Mayor Avula emphasized that a thriving Richmond depends on meeting the housing and public safety needs of a growing city, ensuring that people at every income level can access stable, affordable homes in safe neighborhoods supported by strong public amenities. Key FY27 proposals include: 

• Significant new investments in affordable housing, including  $11.7 million for the redesigned, unanimously approved Affordable Housing Trust Fund,  and  $1.8 million in Affordable Housing Performance Grants  to spur the production and preservation of affordable homes.
• A person‑centered approach to public housing redevelopment, with  $1.6 million to advance the next phase of Creighton Court  and new funding to support the “people plan” for Gilpin Court—covering engagement, whole‑family case management, and transition planning.
• Continued anti‑displacement strategies, including  $700,000 for Right to Counsel services, $1 million for Family Crisis Funds, $1 million for eviction diversion programs to help tenants stay in their homes, and $7.4 million in tax relief for older adults and residents with disabilities, and
• $15.6 million for renovation and safety improvements to the John Marshall Courthouse  

Together, these investments increase the supply of housing, help long‑time residents remain in their communities, and support safe, stable neighborhoods as Richmond continues to grow. 

Along with Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer, Richmond Councilmember Ellen Robertson (6th District) and City of Richmond’s housing and community development, economic development, public safety, and emergency preparedness leaders, Mayor Avula was joined by long‑time partners in advancing housing and community stability, including Jovan Burton of the Partnership for Housing Affordability , Laura Lafayette of the Richmond Association of Realtors , Ciera Frye of Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation , and Rev. Donté McCutchen of Love Cathedral Community Church and Heart For The City . 

The full FY27 proposed budget will be presented publicly on March 11 and submitted to City Council for review and deliberation. For more information about the FY27 budget process, visit FY27 Budget Season | Richmond.  

Posted February 27, 2026

~ Installation of permanent speed feedback signs will display driver’s real-time speed ~

Richmond, VA – This week, as part of the city’s ongoing Vision Zero commitment, the Richmond Department of Transportation (DOT) began construction to install 15 permanent speed feedback signs on high-injury network (HIN) streets at key gateway entrances into the city. These locations often see higher speeds from drivers transitioning from higher-limit roads in neighboring jurisdictions.

Speed remains the lead contributor to severe crashes. Research from the Federal Highway Administration shows speed feedback signs can reduce average vehicle speeds by 2 to 7 mph and decrease crashes by up to 45 percent in urban settings, especially in transition zones where vehicles are entering the city from areas with higher speeds.

By addressing speeding at key entry points, the City aims to create a culture shift where safe driving begins the moment motorists enter Richmond.

The signs use radar detection to measure the speed of the approaching vehicles. Drivers see their speed displayed alongside the posted speed limit. If traveling above the limit, the display flashes to alert the driver to slow down. 

“These permanent speed feedback signs send a clear message: safety is our priority,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Richmond is committed to making streets safer for everyone. The signs provide a visible, data-driven step that reinforces the city’s Vision Zero strategy while encouraging drivers to slow down.”

Locations: 

“Speed feedback signs provide immediate real-time information, so people know if they need to slow down,” said RDOT Director Andy Boenau. Even small reductions in speed significantly reduces crash severity and improves safety for everyone. 

The signs will:

• Support safety improvements on high-injury network (HIN) streets

  • HIN streets make up just 9 percent of Richmond’s total street network, yet they account for 76% of all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries.
• Increase driver awareness instantly by displaying a vehicle’s real-time speed
• Encourage voluntary compliance
  
  • They are not enforcement cameras, and no tickets will be issued. They are educational, traffic-calming tools designed to encourage voluntary compliance and reinforce safe driving habits at critical entry points into the city.
• Reduce speed and severe crash outcomes
• Protect people - of all ages and abilities, whether walking, rolling, or biking
  
  • Richmond streets feature more frequent bus stops, pedestrian crossings, transit riders, and cyclists than surrounding areas 

This quick-build project received $1 million in funding from the Centra Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA). Installation is expected to be completed by this summer, weather permitting. 

The city reminds all drivers to:

• Slow down and follow posted speed limits - safer speeds protect lives

• Stay alert and focused – especially at intersections, where many severe crashes occur

• Buckle-up, all seats

• Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks – whether marked or unmarked, at intersections

• Keep your license current and renewed on time

For more information on Richmond’s ongoing work to improve mobility for all ages, abilities, and modes of travel, please visit rva.gov/visionzero

We’re Social! For updates on DOT/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; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Operating budgets for both departments come from the general fund of the City of Richmond. For more information about services, click here or call 3-1-1

April 21, 2026 – Special Election (Statewide Constitutional Amendment)

A Special Election will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, for a proposed statewide constitutional amendment.

Eligible voters are encouraged to review the amendment and be aware of the following deadlines:

Key Dates

• April 10, 2026 – Deadline to apply for a ballot by mail (request must be received by 5:00 p.m.)

• April 14, 2026 – Voter registration deadline

• March 6 – April 18, 2026 – Early voting period

Early voting begins March 6 at the Office of Elections. Early voting at City Hall and Hickory Hill locations begins April 6.

Additional details, including voting hours and drop box locations, are available in the official notice below.

Download the Special Election Notice (PDF)

Questions? Call us: (804) 646-5950

Hack for RVA challenges participants to think creatively in addressing City challenges

Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond is proud to join AI Ready RVA, Plan RVA, and VCU School of Business to sponsor Hack for RVA, the City’s first-ever hack-a-thon dedicated to brainstorming and solving our community’s most demanding and persistent challenges.  

From March 27 – 29, 2026, participants will test their technological and creative skillsets to develop actionable, community-centered solutions to problem sets developed by City and community leaders in alignment with the seven pillars from Mayor Danny Avula’s Mayoral Action Plan (MAP) :

•    A thriving City Hall (that gets things done)  
•    Thriving neighborhoods (that meet our housing needs)  
•    Thriving families (where every child succeeds)  
•    A thriving economy (that leaves no one behind)  
•    Thriving and inclusive communities (where everyone’s rights are protected)  
•    A thriving and sustainable built environment (planned for future generations)  
•    A city that tells its stories (and tells the truth about its past)

“Richmond’s challenges are complex, and the best solutions don’t come from any one office or institution alone; they come from listening, collaborating, and acting together,” said Mayor Avula . “Hack for RVA reflects the kind of City we are working to build: one where residents, community organizations, and innovators roll up their sleeves and help shape solutions that are grounded in lived experience and focused on real impact.”  

Unlike traditional hackathons, which focus on speed or technology alone, this 48-hour event will challenge participants to prioritize people, place, and purpose. Creatives, technologists, nonprofit and civic leaders, storytellers, and community members will work across disciplines and lived experiences to dream and develop tech-oriented solutions to combat complex challenges in housing, business, sustainability, and more.  

The weekend will culminate in a round of presentations from each participating team and the awarding of $10,000 in prizes, including:

•    $5,000: Mayor’s Choice Award – Selected by committee  
•    $2,500: Moonshot Award – People's choice  
•    $1,000 for each of the seven MAP pillars

Learn more and register to participate at rvahacks.org.