WHO:           Mayor Dwight C. Jones                    Members of Richmond City Council                    Members of the Richmond School Board WHAT:         Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Ceremony of new Huguenot High School WHEN:         Monday, January 5, 2015                    Ribbon cutting at 7 a.m.                    Grand Opening Ceremony at 7:30 a.m. WHERE:      7945 Forest Hill Avenue                    Richmond, VA BACKGROU...

~New Public Service Announcement to be utilized by Richmond Public Schools and Others~ Who:         Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Herring                  Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Dana Bedden What:        Reveal of Public Service Announcement touting anti-drug message When:       Monday, November 24, 2014                 10 a.m. Where:     City Hall                 2nd Floor Large Conference Room                 900 East Broad Street                 Richmond, VA 23219 BACKGROUND: Celebrities often face court-ordered community service sentences for minor violations. Community service may involve picking up litter, public appeara...

The Richmond Police Department asks motorists to be mindful of runners, parking restrictions and street closings throughout the city that will begin on Friday, November 14 for the Anthem Richmond Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K on Saturday. Illegally parked vehicles on Broad Street will be towed starting at midnight Friday, November 14 to make sure the course is clear. Drivers need to be patient and on the lookout for runners along the routes. Please be aware of signs restricting parking and detours throughout the city starting at 4 p.m. on Friday and continuing through 5 p.m. Saturday, November 15 . The following streets will be closed or modified during the designated times: East Grace Street between 3rd and 6th Street will be changed to a two-way traffic pattern from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 6th Street between Canal and Cary streets will be changed to a two-way traffic pattern from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday East Canal Street between 5th and 6th streets will be changed to a two–...

In observance of Veteran’s Day, City government offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. City offices will reopen at regular business hours on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. This Veteran’s Day closing includes all branches of the Richmond Public Libraries and all City community centers, which will reopen on Wednesday. Refuse collection will not be performed on Tuesday as the City’s Solid Waste Management Division will also be closed. This closure will result in a one day delay of refuse collection for the week, as the collection schedule will resume on Wednesday, November 12 and continue through Friday, November 14. The East Richmond Road Convenience Center and Hopkins Road Transfer Stations are also closed on Tuesday, November 11. Each facility will resume its normal schedule on Wednesday. For more information on City services and schedules, please visit www.RichmondGov.com .

WHO:         Mayor Dwight C. Jones                  Linda Forem, General Manager of Radio One Richmond                  Clovia “Miss Community” Lawrence, Radio One Community Outreach Director                         WHAT:       Event to kickoff the City of Richmond and Radio One Holiday Toy Drive WHEN:      Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 10 a.m. WHERE:   Richmond Fire Station 17                  2211 Semmes Avenue                  Richmond, Virginia Background: Donations of new, ...

The City of Richmond will be holding a public hearing to receive comments on the housing and community development needs, including priority non-housing community development needs, within the city of Richmond.  The City is encouraging all citizens, and especially individuals, interested citizens, and groups that advocate for the housing, social, and economic needs of low and moderate income persons/households, special needs populations, and fair housing, to provide comments, written or oral. Comments received will be considered as part of the development of the Annual Action Plan for the City’s four HUD entitlement programs for which the City of Richmond receives funds: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). A public meeting is planned for Tuesday, November 4, 2014 , at 5:30 PM to receive comments.  The meeting will be held at the Richmond Departmen...

The City of Richmond is beginning preparation of the fiscal year 2015-16 and 2016-17 City General Funds (CGF) Non-Departmental budget and fiscal year 2015-16 Annual Action Plan for the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds.  The Federal funds are entitlement dollars allocated to the City through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for neighborhood development and supportive services.  Only applications for projects within the City of Richmond will be considered, except for HOPWA funds for which the City administers funds for the entire Metropolitan Statistical Area. Application packages will be available by November 10, 2014 on the City’s website at http://www.yesrichmondva.com/neighborhood-revitalization/Federally-Funded-Programs   Applications packages will also be available at the Main City Library located ...

The City of Richmond and McGuire VA Medical Center are partnering to host the 2nd Annual Veterans and Families Resource Fair on Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Virginia War Memorial, 621 South Belvidere Street. This resource fair is a tremendous opportunity for all men and women who have served in the U.S. military, and their families, as they will be able to connect with service agencies, non-profits, corporate and community partners to receive information pertaining to employment opportunities, health care benefits and other helpful information. In an effort to be a more family centered event, this year’s fair will also have numerous activities for children. Veterans and Families Resource Fair attendees should come prepared to obtain employment as more than 20 employers will be onsite. Event attendees will also be able to meet representatives from more than 50 different agencies that provide care and services to veterans and their families. Enrollment specialists ...

City of Richmond Housing Trust Fund (RHTF) Application Guidance introduction Purpose:   The City of Richmond hereby notifies interested organizations of the availability of funds to provide housing production and housing supportive services targeted to low and moderate income citizens. Funds are intended for projects and programs that are aligned with regional, state and federal plans, and follows best practices to address the housing needs of the population. Projects and services will be evaluated to determine whether they are eligible for RHTF funding, per and ready to proceed. Projects and services must demonstrate a need for RHTF funds in order to proceed and/or operate. RHTF Funds may not be used to supplant existing commitments of permanent financing.   Projects will be considered in earnest if they meet the following criteria: Project and program costs are considered reasonable, per current State and federal guidelines. Project is likely to have all necessar...

The City of Richmond invites the community to the 10th annual Imagine Festival at Broad Rock Sports Complex, 4802 Warwick Road, on Saturday, October 18, from noon to 5:30 p.m. This year’s Imagine Festival will feature dance performances, arts, crafts, exhibitors, diverse food vendors, and fun activities for the entire family. Approximately 15 local community groups will perform throughout the day and approximately 40 area organizations will be providing information about their services, to include free health screenings through the Una Vida Sana program, screenings through the Richmond City Health District, and a variety of sports, such as soccer and softball. To close the event, the local bachata band, Cheito Davoice, will perform at 5 p.m. Admission to this community and family event is free. “I am pleased that we are able to again bring the Imagine Festival to the residents of Richmond. For ten consecutive years, it has provided a venue that encourages the celebration and uniting o...

On October 19, 2014, the 17th Street Farmers' Market and Enrichmond will host the inaugural Kickin’ Chicken WingFest presented by Center of the Universe Brewing Company. This unique event will bring together the best wings Richmond has to offer! Wingfest will include local restaurants and food trucks, live music, local craft beer from Center of the Universe, and an expanded craft and fresh foods market. To spice things up there will be three exciting new contests at this event: Richmond’s Best Wings contest that is open to Richmond-based restaurants, food trucks and caterers. The winner will be determined by a blind taste testing by a panel of judges. People’s Choice Award contest open to event attendee voting. Chicken Wing Eating Competition presented by Buffalo Wild Wings. Think you have what it takes to be the next RVA Wing King? Join Brady from Classic Rock 96.5 at Buffalo Wild Wings for the preliminary wing eating satellite rounds! Two winners from each satellite round w...

The City’s Office of Minority Business Development, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, invites individuals interested in starting a mobile food business or learning more about the mobile food business industry to attend a Mobile Food Vendor Workshop . The workshop will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22 in training rooms one and two of 730 East Broad Street. Workshop attendees will take part in educational sessions detailing the steps to launching a food truck business. The Mobile Food Vendor Workshop is free however registration is required. Registration is quick, easy and can be done online at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0A49A4AD23A3F85-mobile . Immediately following the workshop is Eats in the Streets-Curbside to Go , from noon until 2:30 p.m., at Richmond CenterStage in the area of 6th Street and East Broad Street. RVA’s finest mobile food vendors will be selling their signature dishes, so come enjoy lunch downtown, support l...

WHAT:  Mayor’s Schools Funding Work Group Meeting on October 2 WHEN:  Thursday, October 2, 2014 at 3 p.m. WHERE:  City Hall 2nd floor large conference room 900 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 BACKGROUND: Mayor Dwight Jones’ Schools Funding Work Group will meet on Thursday, October 2, at 3 p.m. in the 2nd floor large conference room of City Hall, 900 East Broad Street.

  NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS September 25, 2014 City of Richmond, VA Dept. of Economic & Community Development Division of Neighborhood Revitalization 1500 E. Main Street, Suite 400 Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-7025 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Richmond. REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about October 13, 2014, the City of Richmond will submit a request to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended and HOME Investment Partnership under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended, to undertake a project(s) known as:  Mimosa Creek – SCDHC $300,000 for site preparation, infrastructure improvements, new construction o...

WHO:         Shawn M. Garvin , Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA - Mid-Atlantic Region                   Honorable Bobby Scott , U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd Congressional District                   Honorable Cynthia Newbille , Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, 7th Voter District                   Chris Beschler , Interim Chief Administrative Officer, City of Richmond                   Jakob Helmboldt , Pedestrian, Bicycle and Trails Coordinator, City of Richmond                   Will Payne , Union Hill Civic Association WHAT: ...

WHO :        Mayor Dwight C. Jones , City of Richmond                  Cynthia Newbille , Richmond City Council, 7th District                  Craig Dodson , Founder and Director of Richmond Cycling Corps                  Peter J. Bernard , CEO, Bon Secours Virginia WHAT:         Grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Armstrong Bike Park WHERE:     Behind Armstrong High School (near running track)                   2300 Cool Lane                   Richmond, VA 23223 WHEN:      Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 11 a.m. BACKGROUND: Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Cynthia ...

~On-site document shredding will be available~ WHO:   Department of Public Works WHAT:   E-Cycle Day for City residents. Items accepted include all household electronic               items (e.g. computers, monitors, radios, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, etc.);               Gone 4 Good Shred will be on-site for document shredding. Residents can dispose               of up to five boxes of unwanted paper. WHEN:  Saturday, September 13                9 a.m. to 2 p.m. WHERE:  1710 N. Boulevard                  (corner of North Boulevard and Robin Hood Road) BACKGROUND:  The City of Richmond’s E-Cycle Day offers City res...

The City’s Minority Business Development (MBD) office is hosting a September information session for companies interested in participating in the agency’s Money Smart for Small Business program. MBD is partnering with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to present the 10-module business course. The curriculum provides introductory training for new and aspiring entrepreneurs on the basics of organizing and managing a business. MBD will hold a brief informational session on Tuesday, September 9 at the Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 West Graham Road. The session will describe the program, participant’s responsibilities, benefits and the graduation requirements. This 25-minute information session will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. Businesses interested in participating in this informative opportunity should register at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0A49A4AD23A3F85-money . For additional information contact MBD at (804) 646-5947 or email Patricia Foster at Patrica.Foster@RichmondG...

Peter J. Bernard, CEO, Bon Secours Virginia, will douse Mayor Jones to raise awareness of ALS WHO:  Mayor Dwight C. Jones, City of Richmond              Peter J. Bernard, CEO, Bon Secours Virginia WHAT:  Mayor Dwight C. Jones will be accepting the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge issued last                week by Peter J. Bernard. Peter Bernard will douse Mayor Jones today in front of the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. WHEN:  Tuesday, September 2, at 5:30 p.m. WHERE:  Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center                   2401 W. Leigh St.                   Richmond, VA 23220                   *In front of training center

WHO:  Hon. Dwight C. Jones, Mayor, City of Richmond WHAT:  Call for adjustment to city real estate tax rate and update on schools funding issue WHEN:  Tuesday, September 2, 2014, 10:30 a.m. WHERE:  City Hall, 2nd Floor, Large Conference Room

The City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is partnering with Target this September to support National Preparedness Month by hosting an outreach event. The event will take place at the Forest Hill Target – 7107 Forest Hill Avenue on Saturday, September 13th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free and the public is strongly encouraged to attend. Event attendees will receive preparedness information from the Richmond Police Department, Richmond Fire Department, Richmond Sheriff’s Office, 911-Communications, Richmond Ambulance Authority and the American Red Cross. Multiple giveaways will be distributed at the event along with free food. Event attendees can join in the nationwide preparedness conversation by tagging images they post on social media with #NatlPrep. Sponsored annually by the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ), National Preparedness Month aims to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters ...

In observance of Labor Day, city government offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2014. City offices will reopen at regular business hours on Tuesday, September 2, 2014. The Labor Day closings include all branches of the Richmond Public Libraries and all City community centers, which will reopen on Tuesday. Refuse collection will not be performed on Monday, as the city’s Solid Waste Management Division will also be closed. This closure will result in a one day delay of refuse collection for the week, as the collection schedule will begin on Tuesday, September 2 and continue through Friday, September 5. The East Richmond Road Convenience Center and Hopkins Road Transfer Stations are also closed on Monday, September 1. Each facility will resume its normal schedule on Tuesday. For more information on City services and schedules, please visit www.RichmondGov.com

WHO:         Mayor Dwight C. Jones WHAT:        Response concerning CIP and Facilities report on Schools WHEN:       Monday, August 18, 2014 at 10 a.m. WHERE:    City Hall, 2nd Floor Large Conference Room                     900 East Broad Street

The City invites the community to join in celebrating the ten year anniversary of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, during the 7th Annual Latin Jazz and Salsa Festival at Dogwood Dell, 1300 Blanton Avenue. The City of Richmond’s Office of Multicultural Affairs originated as the Hispanic Liaison Office, which was established in 2004. In 2006, the Hispanic Liaison Office transitioned to the Human Services portfolio to provide greater visibility within City structure and more support for the expansion of the office’s initiatives. In July 2012, the City transitioned the Hispanic Liaison Office into the Office of Multicultural Affairs. While the new office continues to serve Spanish-speakers, the expanded office is working to become more inclusive in engaging Richmond’s immigrant and refugee communities through enhanced collaboration with community-based organizations, non-profits, educational institutions, and the private sector. The office works closel...

Do you have a family member or friend who is 100 years of age or older? The City of Richmond is seeking to identify all Centenarians so that they can be recognized during the Mayor’s Third Annual Centenarian Celebration on Saturday, September 27, 2014. Individuals will be recognized for their contributions to the community, wealth of experience, and longevity as residents of the City of Richmond. This event is being sponsored by the City of Richmond Office on Aging and Persons with Disabilities. "The City of Richmond embraces the opportunity to acknowledge those among us who have witnessed the events of the past century. This remarkable group of Richmond residents is deserving of recognition as we can learn so much from their experiences and rich histories,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “We urge all families and neighbors to help us find our oldest residents, those who have reached or will soon be the glorious age of 100.” If you are aware of a person 100 years of age or older and...

Entire community invited and encouraged to attend events WHAT: The Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission welcomes The Honorable Hayato Shimizu, Mayor of Saitama, Japan and the Saitama, Japan Junior Baseball Team to Richmond for the 20-Year Saitama, Japan and Richmond, Virginia Sister City Junior Baseball Exchange.   During their visit, the delegation will enjoy educational tours and cultural activities; and, the baseball team will play a game with a Little League team.   One of Richmond’s five international Sister City relationships, the first baseball exchange with Saitama began in Richmond in 1994 and rotates each year (missing 2011 due to the tragic earthquake and tsunami that severely impacted Japan) from Richmond to Saitama. The events are free and open to the public and may include three or more members of Richmond City Council and/or members of the Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission. The entire community is invited and encouraged to attend. The ...

WHO:              Mayor Dwight C. Jones                       Sheriff C. T. Woody WHAT:            Opening of City’s Justice Center WHERE:         Richmond City Justice Center                     2nd Floor Lobby Area & Sheriff’s Command Center                     1701 Fairfield Way                     Richmond, VA 23223 WHEN:           Monday, July 28, 2014           ...

For the third consecutive year, RVA Latches On! encourages nursing mothers to come together with their children and babies to participate in synchronized breast-feeding. This year’s RVA Latches On! event is scheduled for Saturday, August 2 at the Capitol Square Bell Tower, at the intersection of 9th and East Franklin streets. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. however participants should arrive at 10 a.m. for registration. Parking is available in the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church garage. Entrance to the garage is on 8th Street between East Grace and East Franklin streets. For more information please visit bit.ly/RVALatchesOn. RVA Latches On! is sponsored by the Richmond Health Action Alliance, a Healthy Communities Action Team (HCAT) funded by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth and administered by the Richmond Healthy Start Initiative, a division of the City of Richmond Department of Social Services. The Richmond Health Action Alliance seeks to reduce childhood obesity in the city of...

~New trees need at least 15 gallons of water weekly~ The City is currently experiencing extremely dry weather, which is putting trees in jeopardy. Those planted within the past three years are at a greater risk, as that is the time most critical to their survival.  The City’s Department of Public Works and the Richmond Tree Stewards are asking residents to help water City trees by filling any empty green water bags on newly planted trees near their home. The water bags, also called gator bags, provide a continuous supply of water to the trees until the bags are empty.  Typically, in order to withstand hot temperatures, a newly planted tree either needs 15 gallons of water each week or one inch of rainfall.  A City contractor waters new trees during the first year.  Adopt-A-Tree participants water them for the first two years and City crews water them during the second and third year following transplantation. So, while the City has been getting occasion...

The City’s Public Art Commission seeks to commission an artist to create outdoor public art along the James River adjacent to or within the project site for the Brown’s Island Dam Walk and Southbank Pathways. Interested artists should review the Request for Qualifications and submit all required materials by 5 p.m. on September 5, 2014. The estimated budget for this project is $200,000. This project is overseen by the Riverfront Public Art Project #1 Site Selection Team (SST), which has 11 members from the Public Art Commission and the Richmond community. The SST will select the artist, approve the artwork, and select and approve the artwork location. For Public Art Commission meeting announcements including date, time and location visit www.richmondgov.com/content/CommissionPublicArt/index.aspx .

WHO:             Mayor Dwight C. Jones                         Members of the School Board of the City of Richmond                         Dr. Thad Williamson, Director, Mayor’s Office of Community Wealth Building              WHAT:           Special meeting to discuss the City’s Anti-Poverty Initiative WHEN:          Monday, July 14, 2014                         5 p.m. WHERE:        City Hall                          2nd Floor Large Conference Room                         900 East Broad Street BACKGROUND: Mayor Dwight C. J...

The City’s Minority Business Development invites small business owners to attend the Building Better Business Mentorship program informational session on Wednesday, July 9 at 9 a.m. at Main Street Station, 1500 Main Street. The Building Better Business Mentorship program is designed to help develop the capacity of minority and emerging small businesses. A participating business can expect the following from the mentorship program: ·         A 12- month relationship commitment with an associate who takes active interest in their business success ·         Consultation in a specific, needed area of expertise ·         Business development suggestions ·         A sounding board  ·         One-on-one interaction (by phone or in person) for at least one hour per month ·         A meaningful business relationship with a qualified mentor. · ...

WHO:      Mayor Dwight C. Jones , City of Richmond                 Matt McGee , President, Strickland Machine Company                Jamison Manion , Programs Administrator, City of Richmond’s Workforce Development Program                Thad Williamson , Director, Mayor’s Office of Community Wealth Building                Jakob Helmboldt , City’s Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Coordinator WHAT:        Workforce Development and Social Enterprise Announcement WHEN:       Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. WHERE:     Strickland Machine Company             ...

~ Support learning throughout the community on Summer Learning Day, June 20~ Mayor Dwight C. Jones joins leaders across the country to recognize the importance of learning throughout the summer and encourages City youth to participate in Summer Learning Day. Friday, June 20 is Summer Learning Day, a national advocacy day to spread awareness about the importance of summer learning for the nation’s youth in helping close the achievement gap and support healthy development. “I encourage all City youth to participate in Summer Learning Day by reading for at least 15 minutes this Friday and I am hopeful that our youth will continue to read for at least 15 minutes every day this summer,” said Mayor Jones. “Reading is a wonderful tool that can expand learning opportunities while taking the reader on amazing journeys, provide insightful how-to’s and teach the reader more about our world. I encourage everyone in our community to stop and read 15 minutes a day, every day, especially wi...

Residents are invited to attend the official unveiling of the Mr. Smedley Statue at his new location in Jefferson Hill Park, at the intersection of North 21st Street and Princess Anne Avenue. The unveiling will occur on Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. during the annual Union Hill Civic Association Potluck Picnic. Mr. Smedley, also known as “The Street Entertainer”, is a statue of a smiling, tall, lanky entertainer doffing his bowler hat, revealing a mouse perched on his head. The statue was crafted by sculptor John Temple "Jack" Witt and was originally placed in the food court of the former 6th Street Marketplace. The location of Mr. Smedley in Jefferson Hill Park along a walkway, near a lighted entrance, will allow the statue to greet visitors of the park. The statue will also be visible from the right-of-way and will be in close proximity to the park’s playground, allowing interaction between children and the statue, which is the original intent of the sculptor. ...

Inspired by open street projects all over the world, RVA Streets Alive! is about closing streets to cars and opening them to the public -- for one day -- to create a whole new health, sustainable and vibrant city street experience. FREE and open to every to do what you wish -- run, walk, bike, roller blade, WHATEVER! Make sure to check out the vendors lining the streets with free activities for the entire family. RVA Streets Alive! is on Saturday, June 21 and runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The route is Broad Street from 2nd Street to N. Henry Street and Brook Road from Adams Street to Leigh Street. Click here to see a map of the route . Any activity that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle is encouraged along the streets which will be closed to vehicular traffic. We are looking for a diverse mix of different sports organizations, active lifestyle groups, preventative health & wellness programs, and any other organization that wants to promote physical activity. To apply to ...

~ Ceremony will also recognize retiring Judge Margaret P. Spencer ~ The Honorable Terence ‘Terry’ R. McAuliffe, Governor for the Commonwealth of Virginia, will be the guest speaker for the Richmond Adult Drug Court graduation ceremony on Friday, June 20, at 1 p.m. at the Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 West Graham Road. The Honorable Betsy B. Carr, of the Virginia House of Delegates for the 69th District, will present a commemorative resolution to the Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court for the program’s outstanding work in the field of criminal justice for the past 15 years. Additionally, a special presentation will take place honoring the years of service for retiring Judge Margaret P. Spencer; Richmond Circuit Court and Presiding Drug Court Judge from 1998 through 2014. The graduation ceremony will mark the completion of an intensive 18-month outpatient program of drug treatment, probation supervision, judicial monitoring and community service for seven Adult Drug Co...