Posted April 28, 2025

~ Concert dates: May 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 5:30 – 8 p.m.~

RICHMOND, Va. – Returning by popular demand, the Music at Main Street Station Concert Series will begin this Thursday, May 1 followed by three additional concerts in May. The extra concerts will be held on the following Thursdays: May 8, 15, and closing May 22. All concerts are free and open to the public. They will be held from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. on the patio at Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street Station.

Bring your family, friends, and co-workers to enjoy the magic of music against the backdrop of Richmond’s iconic and historical venue – Main Street Station. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

The concert line-up Includes - DJ Danja Mowf with Host Kai Valdez (each week) with the following musicians:  

• May 1 
  
  • Soul Expressions
• May 8
  
  • J Tucker and the Krewe
• May 15
  
  • Junkyard Band
• May 22         
  
  • High Definition Band

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or send an email to 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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Main Street Station (MSS) is owned and operated by the Department of Public Works. Built in 1901, the station is centrally located in the heart of the city and is a historic transportation hub offering a blend of modern amenities, historic charm and classic, stunning architectural design. It features a grand central atrium, intricate stonework, head house, train shed, outdoor space (and patio), and a distinctive clock tower creating a lasting impression of Richmond along the I-95 corridor. This historic venue offers a unique setting for both public and private events. It provides Virginia and the northeast corridor a unique world-class event space that includes 47,000 square feet enclosed in glass, providing breathtaking views of downtown Richmond. It’s a top venue for weddings and events, appearing on numerous “best of” listings. Main Street Station serves as a key point for both Amtrak and local commuter rail services. The station is a vital connection to the region’s transportation network which include partnerships with bus services, such as, GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit, Greyhound and various Megabus services. It also offers bike paths connecting to the Virginia Capital Trail. Described as an “architectural gem” by the United States Postal Service, MSS was selected and featured on a postage stamp!

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

Posted April 23, 2025

Richmond, VA – The City of Richmond is proud to announce that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has recognized the City’s Department of Public Works for meeting all requirements of the Locality Sustained Performance Program (LSPP). This acknowledgment underscores Richmond’s commitment to excellence in managing transportation projects and delivering meaningful infrastructure improvements for our residents and visitors. 

The LSPP, overseen by VDOT, evaluates localities across the Commonwealth on their effective use of federal and state transportation funding. Performance is measured in three critical areas: 

1. On-Time Project Delivery (Target: >70%), 

2. Reasonable Progress on Projects (Target: >70%), and 

3. Fiscal Management (Target: <80% of unexpended allocation). 

Richmond not only met but exceeded expectations in all three categories, solidifying its position as a leader in transportation project management. The City currently oversees more than 75 active transportation projects, valued at over $300 million, making it the locality with the largest number of active locally administered projects in Virginia. 

This achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the City’s Department of Public Works (DPW) Project Management Team, whose efforts through every phase of project development ensured timely and efficient delivery. The DPW team is supported by the Department of Procurement Services (DPS), whose working in advertising and awarding projects was instrumental in meeting VDOT’s rigorous deadlines. 

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition from VDOT, which reflects the hard work and collaboration of our City teams,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Richmond’s ability to manage a robust portfolio of transportation projects while maintaining fiscal responsibility and timely progress demonstrates our commitment to building a safer, more connected community.” 

VDOT highlighted Richmond’s success at the annual Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) Forum on April 18, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia. 

The City of Richmond remains dedicated to advancing infrastructure projects that enhance mobility, safety, and quality of life for all. For more information about the City’s transportation initiatives, please visit rva.gov. 

For more information on the Department of Public Works, go to rva.gov/public-works

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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

Posted on April 21, 2025

Business Recovery Centers available to assist interested business owners

Richmond, VA – Businesses impacted by the January 2025 severe winter storms that resulted in power and water outages and boil water advisories can now apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to support their recovery.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), which are made available by the U.S. Small Business Administration, are working capital loans to help small businesses and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet those ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. An SBA Fact Sheet provides additional details on interest rates and loan requirements.

These loans are being offered separately from the Small Business Recovery Grant Fund, which is funded by the City of Richmond Economic Development Authority (EDA), Dominion Energy, and Altria to alleviate the financial strain for City businesses impacted by January's water crisis.

In addition to the City of Richmond, the SBA disaster declaration covers businesses located in Goochland, Hanover, and Henrico, as well as Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Fluvanna, King William, Louisa, New Kent, Powhatan, and Spotsylvania counties.

Learn more and apply

Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal or at one of two designated SBA Business Recovery Centers. In addition, SBA will host a virtual information session for interested business owners on Thursday, April 24 from 12:00PM to 1:00PM EDT. Details for both the information session and the Business Recovery Centers can be found below.

For further assistance. please contact the SBA's Customer Service Center by email or by phone at 1-800-659-2955. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, can dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Virtual Information Session

Business owners who are interested in learning more about the SBA loan program and how to apply can register here to attend a virtual information session. Event details are as follows:

Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00PM EDT
Location: Virtual

Business Recovery Centers

From Tuesday, April 22 through Tuesday, May 6 the SBA will have two temporary Business Recovery Centers located at the Main Branch Library in the City of Richmond (101 E Franklin St.) and at the North Park Library in Henrico County (8508 Franconia Rd.). Businesses can visit either location to receive hands-on loan application support from an SBA employee. Please see the below chart for specific hours of operation.

SBA Business Recovery Center Hours (April 22 – May 6, 2025)

April 21, 2025

Richmond, VA — The City Treasurer's Office of Financial Empowerment, in partnership with the Office of Community Wealth Building, will present its 5th Annual Financial Literacy Fair on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the lobby of City Hall (900 E. Broad Street). The Financial Literacy Fair is an opportunity for Richmonders to learn how to be more secure in their finances.

"Finances are a constant challenge throughout the nation, and that includes in our beloved City of Richmond. We are excited to use this platform to equip both our residents and employees with tools to navigate financial obstacles and identify strategies to breakthrough financial barriers," said Richmond City Treasurer Nichole R. Armstead.

Attendees can expect vendor tables and workshop sessions offering financial information, tips, and resources.

Workshops

Workshops will be presented in quick, 30-minute segments on the following topics:

• Simple Keys to Rebuilding Credit
• Estate Planning & Building Wealth
• How to Grow a Business

Special attendees include:

• Miss Community Clovia Lawrence, Host
• Councilmember Ellen Robertson, 6th District
• Shunda Giles, Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Human Services
• Caprichia S. Spellman, Office of Community Wealth Building Director
• Nichole R. Armstead, Financial Empowerment Ambassador and Richmond City Treasurer

All participants will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes and gift cards. Light refreshments will be available. Residents can RSVP in advance to expedite registration at the event by using this RSVP link or visit rva.gov/treasurer.

Posted on April 17, 2025

City has made "significant improvement on attention to emergency preparedness and infrastructure improvements"

Richmond, VA — Yesterday, April 16, the Virginia Department of Health released a new after-action report detailing the root causes of the January 2025 Water Crisis and offering a needs assessment for Water Treatment Plant infrastructure and procedures.

The new report — which reflects and aligns with much of the findings of HNTB's final report — can be found on the City's Water Crisis webpage.

"First, I'm incredibly proud of the work Director Scott Morris and his team have done to address both the infrastructure and organizational needs at DPU — and I'm so glad to see that work recognized by the state's Department of Health," said Mayor Danny Avula. "VDH's report overlaps with the independent investigation conducted by HNTB for the City of Richmond. We'll of course review it and think through the best ways to integrate its recommendations into our work moving forward."

The City's proposed 5-year Capital Improvement Plan allocates over $60 million in improvements to the Water Treatment Plant and related infrastructure. Additionally, the City has already invested $5 million in Water Treatment Plant repairs and improvements since this past January.

"[VDH's Office of Drinking Water] has observed significant improvement on attention to emergency preparedness and infrastructure improvements since the water crisis. The new DPU management team is changing the organizational structure to improve communication among its staff, especially maintenance and operations." said Dr. Karen Shelton, State Health Commissioner in a statement. "Culture and organizational complacency are being replaced with active management and an emergency preparedness mentality."

The City of Richmond anticipates further correspondences with VDH to address outstanding issues and remains fully committed to implementing long-term solutions.

"The City of Richmond is committed to improving the way we do business at our Water Treatment Plant," said DPU Director Scott Morris. "We are focused on ensuring our citizens and regional partners receive safe and reliable water services and will do everything we can to improve our infrastructure and procedures. Whether recommendations come from internal discussions, VDH, HNTB, or anywhere else, we're going to do the right thing for our residents."