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