The Conrad Center Career Station for the Office of Community Wealth Building (OCWB) is moving to the East District Initiative (EDI) building at 701 North 25th Street. The move is scheduled for October 15, 2018. The Conrad Center Career Station assists residents seeking employment by offering classes, career planning, coaching and training for in demand occupations, all at no cost to the individual.  The Conrad Center (1400 Oliver Hill Way), will serve as the temporary home for the Cold Weather Overflow Shelter from October 1, 2018 through April 15, 2019. The Cold Weather Overflow Shelter is a public safety program managed by the City of Richmond Department of Social Services. The Cold Weather Overflow Shelter is only open when the overnight temperature is forecasted to drop to 40 degrees or below.   For more information about Community Wealth Building services, please call (804) 646-6374 or visit the OCWB website .   -->

Work will begin on October 6 to retime 300 signalized intersections around the city’s downtown area.  The project is a part of an initiative that began in January and included the retiming of 71 intersections in the Southside and 17 in the Northside.   The city is working on the project in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the Richmond Regional Planning Organization (RRTPO) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).  The retiming initiative began in January and is part of an upcoming comprehensive initiative to deploy low cost, systemic pedestrian safety improvements at signalized intersections through 2020. These improvements include: high visibility crosswalks, accessible ramps, pedestrian countdown signals and improved signal timings. These improvements will increase pedestrian safety on our major arterials citywide at more than 390 signalized intersections.  The project is in alignment with Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s announcement last October o

Mayor Levar M. Stoney today announced he will submit legislation to City Council for its October 8 meeting establishing the Richmond History and Culture Commission. “I think it is important that a city with such a rich culture and complex history as Richmond have an entity dedicated to understanding, evaluating and advancing its significant sites and landscapes,” said Mayor Stoney. In recent years, the City of Richmond has undertaken serious efforts to determine how to effectively tell a more holistic and inclusive narrative of its history, from the work of Slave Trail Commission, to the Monument Avenue Commission, to the recent Urban Land Institute Rose Fellowship focus on Shockoe Valley. “In order to take the next steps forward, we need to create a broad and coherent framework that will seek out the voices of local Richmonders and guide us as we embark upon these important projects,” the mayor added. Commissions dedicated to historic resou

The City of Richmond’s annual Leaf Collection Program begins October 1.  This season’s program offers several options for leaf pick-up and disposal.  Vacuum service, which begins Nov. 1 can be requested through the RVA311.com customer service portal.  There also will now be an option to have the $30 vacuum service fee included on customer utility bills.  On October 1, residents can call 3-1-1 or 646-LEAF for schedule information or for updates in the event inclement weather causes delays. Residents may also send e-mail inquiries to Leafprogram@richmondgov.com. For more information on the leaf program, such as where residents can dispose of loose leaves on their own or how elderly or disabled city residents may be able to get assistance raking leaves, visit http://www.richmondgov.com/PublicWorks/Leafcollection.aspx 

On Monday, Richmond City Council unanimously approved the city’s first-ever Public Art Master Plan, a 145-page document expanding avenues to fund public or publicly displayed art and providing a clear vision for art in Richmond over the next decade. “I am grateful to City Council for approving this important Public Art Master Plan,” said Mayor Levar M. Stoney. “This plan will provide more ways to further enrich Richmond with art and to expand options for funding public art in our city.”  Public Art Commission chairwoman Sarah Cunningham said the final approval is a positive step forward for the city. “Public art is one of the most tangible ways the story of a city is told. Long after everyone has forgotten technical legislative battles, public art provides a lasting legacy for the greatness of what happened here or what can and will happen in this great city. We are grateful to everyone who participated in making this happen.”   The Public Art Master Plan defines goals an


 Bringing awareness to domestic violence and sexual assault one step at a time. The Richmond City Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church for its first Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. This initiative is to help bring awareness to domestic violence and sexual assault.  This event will be on Saturday, October 6 at 8:30 a.m. at the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church located at 700 East Belt Blvd. Richmond, VA 23224. The event will feature workshops, vendors and a speaker who will share their personal experience with domestic violence. The walk will begin at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church. We are encouraging the public to participant by attending, walking or sponsoring a walker. To register as a participant or to sponsor a walker please visit the registration link below Click here to register. The proceeds from this event will benefit the YWCA Domestic Violence Program.  If you have questions about this event, please contact Alexis Carey, at (804) 514-2782 or alexis.car

Mayor Levar M. Stoney today announced he will submit legislation to City Council for its September 24 meeting establishing a regulatory framework for the operation and use of motorized dockless scooters and bikes in the city.  “I support innovative transportation options for Richmonders – such as the previously established RVA Bike Share Program that helps residents ‘go the last mile,’” said Mayor Stoney.   “Dockless scooters are a unique addition to Richmond’s transportation options. However, just as with any mode of transportation – whether car, bus, or bicycle – proper safety and operation guidelines are a must.”    A Motorized Dockless Scooter and Bicycle Share Pilot Program will be introduced to City Council on September 24 that, if approved by City Council, would allow dockless scooters to legally operate in the City of Richmond’s right-of-way as an extension of the public transportation system. This permit program will: Require a non-refundable application fee of $1,

As a result of the recent weather that the City of Richmond has experienced, beginning today and over the next two weeks (through October 2), the Department of Public Works (DPW) will be picking up storm debris.  Residents who would like storm debris to be picked up are asked to place it at their property line for pick-up.  This service is being offered in addition to regular trash pick-up, which will continue on regular trash collection days.   For questions, visit RVA311.com or call 311 or (804) 646-7000.

Beginning September 20, Richmonders will have an opportunity to share their vision for Richmond’s future at upcoming open houses held throughout the city.   “The Richmond 300 Master Plan impacts housing, zoning, transportation and recreational assets,” said Mayor Levar M. Stoney. “Providing a vision for the Master Plan update is an important first step. These open house events will help ensure every Richmonder has a say in how the city grows, and I encourage everyone to make an effort to attend.” Richmond 300 Open House details are as follows: East End :   Thurs. Sept. 20, 6 - 8:30 p.m., MLK Middle School, 1000 Mosby St. Downtown :   Fri. Sept. 21, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., City Hall Lobby, 900 E. Broad St. South Side :   Sat. Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m. – noon, South Side Community Service Center, 4100 Hull St. Rd. Bellemeade :   Tues. Sept. 25, 6 - 8:30 p.m., Bellemeade Community Center, 1800 Lynhaven Ave. North Side :   Wed. Sept. 26, 6 - 8:30 p.m., Hotchkiss Community Center, 701

WHAT - The Richmond Office of the General Registrar is looking for 200 Election Officers to serve during the upcoming election on November 6, 2018. Election Officers are critical to ensuring that elections are conducted in a fair and impartial manner so that the outcome reflects the will of the citizens of Richmond. Dedicated individuals that are registered to vote in the Commonwealth of Virginia, who take pride in their work, are patient, and enjoy working with people are invited and encouraged to apply to serve as a Richmond Election Officer. Election Officers are paid for their service, starting at $130.00 for their work for the day. Duties on Election Day may include: ·         Arranging a voting location (polling place) ·         Greeting and helping manage the flow of voters ·         Setting up voting equipment and preparing voting location/polling place for voting ·         Helping determine if voters are qualified to vote and process them in the voter pollbook ·         Admit

Enhancements to improve bicyclists’ mobility and safety The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin work in early September on the Grayland Avenue Bike Lane Improvement Project. The project, which runs between South Robinson and South Harrison streets, includes pavement markings and signage for bike lanes that allow cyclists to travel westbound on Grayland Avenue in a contraflow lane – a bike lane that goes in the opposite direction on a one-way street. DPW Director Bobby Vincent says, “DPW continues to underscore the vision of Richmond as a multimodal city. This project is another step in that direction.” Construction is expected to last two months, weather and other outside factors permitting. Access will be maintained at all times along Grayland Avenue for residents and emergency vehicles. The bike lane project will improve bicyclists’ mobility and safety by providing a separated buffered westbound bike lane that will greatly increase the level of comfort f

The City of Richmond is launching PassportParking®, a mobile parking application that allows motorists to pay for their parking through their smartphones. It is the first mobile payment option offered by the city. With signs pointing toward a steady increase in tourism growth in the Richmond region, the city is again upgrading its parking operations to keep up with the demand of tourists and its residents in high-traffic downtown areas. “The PassportParking® app will offer our residents and guests flexibility and convenience here in our city,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “This technology aligns with our transportation initiatives and will allow people the freedom spend more time enjoying Richmond’s great restaurants, shops and businesses and less time worrying about the meter.” Users can download the app then set up an account and get a four-digit pin number. Signs indicating parking zones have been placed throughout parking areas. Motorists enter the zone, their car and the length

The City of Richmond   will conduct a random,   citywide survey   of residents to assess   services currently being provided by the city.   The survey, which was last administered in 2014,  will provide reliable data to the city administration that will help guide its budgeting process, improve delivery of services and enhance overall operations.   ETC Institute ,   one of the nation's leading firms in the field of local government research, is preparing and conducting the survey. In the coming weeks, ETC Institute will mail approximately 13,500 surveys using the United States Postal Service. A minimum of 150 completed surveys from each of the City of Richmond’s nine districts are required to validate the results. Residents across Richmond have been randomly selected to complete the survey, and individual survey submissions will remain anonymous and confidential. Residents will have the opportunity to complete the mailed form or submit their resp

The Richmond City Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a grant for a drug collection unit from CVS’ Safer Communities Program. This unit will be located at the Richmond City Justice Center front lobby area and will provide Richmond residents with a safe and responsible way to dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Virginia had more than 1,000 overdose deaths due to opioids last year. This epidemic affects not only the individual but their families. The Richmond City Sheriff’s Office wants to reduce the amount of unneeded medicine in residents’ homes and decrease the potential for prescription drug abuse by providing the new drug disposal unit. In addition, this proper drug disposal will help to prevent the contamination of local landfills and water supplies from unused medications. The Richmond City Sheriff’s Office is proud to partner with CVS’ Safer Communities Program to help communities address and prevent drug abuse. Th

Richmond, VA – Mayor Levar M. Stoney is pleased to announce that the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) has expanded the operating hours of five city community centers. The expanded operating hours for the five community centers are from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. This change in operational hours began on July 14. City community centers had been closed on weekends unless they were being used for special events. The five community centers affected by this change are: ·         Bellemeade Community Center, 1800 Lynhaven Avenue ·         Hotchkiss Community Center, 701 Brookland Park Boulevard ·         Powhatan Community Center, 5051 Northampton Street ·         Randolph Community Center, 1415 Grayland Avenue ·         Southside Community Center, 6255 Old Warwick Road As a result of this operational change, the indoor pool at Bellemeade Community Center is open to the public on Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to

City will receive $25,000 plus other assistance and support to help fight blight Cities of Service today announced Richmond as a winner of its Cities of Service City Hall AmeriCorps VISTA Love Your Block competition. Love Your Block enables local governments to engage communities in neighborhood revitalization efforts benefiting low-income communities. In Richmond, the city will provide mini-grants to collaborative community organizations and other groups to address blight associated with derelict houses and businesses, graffiti, illegal dumping and trash in the public right-of-way. The Love Your Block investments will be made where economically, racially and culturally disadvantaged residents are concentrated, as well as where there is a diminished voice in influencing policy and investment.  Removing blight from the city is a top priority for Mayor Levar Stoney, who understands the adverse impacts of blight on individuals, families and communities in areas of health, employment,

On Saturday, July 14, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site and the city of Richmond invite the public to celebrate the life and legacy of Maggie L. Walker and the Jackson Ward community in which she lived. In honor of the 154th anniversary of Mrs. Walker’s birthday, public events will be held at the historic site and in the area of the Maggie Walker statue. These events will feature a variety of activities to include a community engagement fair, open-house tours, special program, children’s activities, entertainment and refreshments. The national historic site will host a special event on July 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The festivities begin at 11 a.m. with the site’s Common Good Fair, which features children’s activities and community engagement groups highlighting ways individuals can take action and make a difference in the community. A recognition ceremony honoring the Maggie L. Walker Summer Youth Leadership Institute Class of 2018 will be held at 11:30 a.m., followed by ligh

Mayor Levar M. Stoney is pleased to announce an expanded Parental Leave Policy for City of Richmond employees. The expanded policy, which took effect July 7, provides: 8 weeks of paid maternity leave for birth mothers, 8 weeks of paid bonding leave for the non-birthing parent, 8 weeks of paid parental leave for the adoption/foster care placement of a child (City of Richmond employees), 4 weeks of paid sick parent leave to care for a sick parent with a serious health condition. 
 To be eligible for Paid Parental leave, city employees must meet the eligibility criteria for Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and meet one of the FMLA criteria for these four Paid Parental leave categories. The City of Richmond was among the first localities in the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide paid parental leave. The latest expansion of the city’s benefit from four to eight weeks is in line with the recent paid parental leave policy announced by Gov. Ralph S. Northam covering qualifying state emp

At a recent  meeting, DESMAN and VHB (the parking consultants) presented the parking existing conditions, which include an inventory of parking (number of spots) and an occupancy analysis (number of cars in the spots). Some of the most interesting maps they showed are the "utilization maps" which show the parking hot spots in the neighborhoods - see the links below to view the utilization maps for each neighborhood. Please review the meeting materials and provide your comments in this survey   by July 8, 2018.   (If you attended one of the meetings and filled out the printed version of this form, you do not need to fill this out again.) All the meeting materials can be found on the   Richmond 300 website   and by clicking on the links below: Brookland Park Blvd/Six Points Key takeaways:  public assets have additional capacity to support non-public uses, standardization of curbside stalls would make utilization more efficient, large scale developme

The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities proudly present Movies in the Park. This annual series of free movies will be held every Friday night, from June 22 through August 16, in a different city park. Activities begin at 8 p.m. and the movies start at 8:30 p.m., or as soon as it is dark. Families are invited to bring blankets or chairs and refreshments. Vendors will also have refreshments for sale. The following is this summer’s Movies in the Park schedule Date               Location                                           Movie June 22 **       Byrd Park                                           DESPICABLE ME 3 **POSTPONED UNTIL MONDAY, JUNE 25 June 29         Summer Hill Park                              THE LEGO NINJA MOVIE July 6             Hotchkiss Field                                 WONDER WOMAN July 13           Jefferson Park                                  CARS 3 July 20           Southside Community Ctr.               JUMANJI: WELCOME TO

The East Riverfront Improvement Project is a quarter mile stretch of East Main Street between Nicholson Street and the CSX Bridge; but its potential for bringing growth to that area along the James River is significantly larger. There are expectations it will boost economic development, promote growth and provide connectivity of bikes and pedestrians to the James River area.   Mayor Levar M. Stoney will cut the ribbon to officially open the enhanced gateway a short distance from the Intermediate Terminal Dock on Tuesday, June 19 at 1:30 p.m.  Construction began in February 2017 on the more than $13 million revitalization project for the East End gateway into the city. Upgrades include street widening, bike lanes, parking on East Main Street west of Gillies Creek, sidewalks, traffic signals, landscaping, lighting and a newly constructed roundabout above the 100 year flood plain at East Main and relocated Dock Streets. From design to completion the project finished in a record 2.5 years

Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced today that he has authorized the city administration to enter into negotiations with The NH District Corporation (“NH District Corp.”) for the North of Broad/Downtown Redevelopment Project.  The selection of NH District Corp. follows a comprehensive and thorough review process during which City staff analyzed the voluminous materials contained in the proposal in addition to information provided by NH District Corp. pursuant to the City’s request for clarifications. “Though many questions remain and there are important points to negotiate, based upon the results of this review process, I believe there is potential in this proposal to provide transformational change in an underutilized portion of downtown, without negatively impacting the City finances or debt capacity,” the Mayor said. “After briefing the members of city council, I’ve instructed staff to negotiate with NH District Corp with the understanding that we will only take the next ste