The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities announces MyHQ - a new eBill option available for enrollment.

Starting from Wednesday, February 28, there will be changes to the working hours of the Finance Department's City Hall Finance Office located on the first floor. Every Wednesday, the office will close at noon. This schedule alteration will allow the staff to handle pending items more efficiently and work on the transition to RVAPay.

If you want to request a callback, please email us at mealstax@rva.gov. In the subject field, type "ESCALATED," and in the body of the email, provide a brief description of your issue. This will help us prioritize your request for completion. One of our team members will contact you on the first Wednesday following your request between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. If you have a preferred day and time, please let us know. 

Both the Southside Plaza location (4100 Hull Street) and the East District Initiative location (701 North 25^th Street) remain open and available to taxpayers wanting to pay in person.

This information will be updated on the City's website, shared on social media, and communicated to neighborhoods via Nextdoor. 

Release:

City of Richmond City Hall Finance Office to start modified operating schedule Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Richmond, VA – Beginning on Wednesday, February 28, the City of Richmond City Hall Finance Office will begin a modified operating schedule – closing at 12 noon each Wednesday.

Starting on February 28, 2024, the department will operate on a modified schedule through Wednesday, December 18, 2024. This modified schedule will help the department to address pending items, perform important work related to RVAPay, and focus on improving customer satisfaction. The modified hours will allow the staff to concentrate on addressing tax issues, which will help ensure better communication and timely and accurate billing.

If you want to request a callback, please email us at mealstax@rva.gov. In the subject field, type "ESCALATED," and in the body of the email, provide a brief description of your issue. This will help us prioritize your request for completion. One of our team members will contact you on the first Wednesday following your request between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. If you have a preferred day and time, please let us know. 

According to Finance Director Sheila White, the department's goal is to provide timely and correct bills to the public. Given the amount of work required, along with the migration to RVAPay, a modified schedule will allow the team to focus on service, address immediate issues, and do the necessary work to ensure RVAPay is up and running effectively and efficiently. The department recognizes that its work is essential for the community and asks for patience from the public.

Both the Southside Plaza location (4100 Hull Street) and the East District Initiative location (701 North 25^th Street) remain open and available to taxpayers wanting to pay in person.

For more information and updates on the department's plans to improve customer service levels, please visit the following link:

The Office of Minority Business Development (OMBD) is participating in the National League of Cities (NLC) CivStart CIE Program.  The NLC is promoting and recruiting startups for their Pitchfest which takes place on April 30^th in Kansas City, Kansas.  Minority businesses/entrepreneurs here in Richmond, Virginia will have the opportunity to apply to participate.  Please contact Patricia Foster at Patricia.foster@rva.gov to participate and receive more information. Also, please read release below for additional information.

CivStart Announces Startup Challenge & Pitchfest in Collaboration with Five Participating Municipalities

Pitchfest to Take Place on April 30th, 2024, at the Kauffman Foundation Building in Kansas City, MO

WASHINGTON, DC – Jan 22, 2024 – CivStart, a leading organization in civic innovation and entrepreneurship, announced the launch of the 2024 Government Innovation Challenge and Pitchfest, an exciting initiative in collaboration with five participating municipalities: Miami-Dade County, Los Altos Hills CA, Richmond VA, Arlington VA, and Houston TX. The program is conducted as a part of the NationalLeague of Cities’ (NLC) City Inclusive Ecosystems Program, supported by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

The Challenge, scheduled to culminate in a Pitchfest on April 30th, 2024, at the Kauffman Foundation Building in Kansas City, MO, aims to address critical issues faced by local entrepreneurs and residents. With a focus on supporting ecosystem-building, access to local government resources, workforce development, and data for decision-making, the Challenge is an integral part of CivStart's mission to foster innovation and collaboration within local communities.

“By engaging with this transformative event, we are dedicated to redefining the landscape of government support for entrepreneurs, demonstrating our commitment to innovation and collaboration,” said City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity Director, Marsha E. Murray in a statement. “Through the NLC Technology PitchFest, we are not only championing small businesses but also propelling local entrepreneurs toward a future of unprecedented success.”

CivStart is currently accepting startup applications to be a part of the pitchfest at civstart.org/challenges

For more information on the details of the program municipalities participate in as part of the 2024 Government Innovation Challenge and Pitchfest, visit civstart.org/cie.

Municipal leaders participating in the program may be available for interview upon request. For more information, contact Nick Lyell at nick@civstart.org or (608) 234-2166.

Road to Richmond: The Rebirth

“Finesse Fest” Connecting Young Entrepreneurs to Local Resources

What:         The City of Richmond is set to host Finesse Fest: Entrepreneurs of the City event. The main objective of the festival is to inspire young adults and help them achieve their dreams and aspirations. The event aims to promote entrepreneurship and create generational wealth. This social marketing event will showcase several small black-owned businesses in Richmond. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to market their products and services to attendees while sharing their stories of becoming self-employed. Free resources will be available on-site to provide information on starting and maintaining a business. It promises to be a fun and interactive evening.

When:         6 –10 p.m., Friday, February 9, 2024

Where:       Main Street Station

       1500 E Main Street

       Richmond, VA

Visuals:  

• • 40 vendor tables
  • Special Guest Speakers: Q&A session
  • Catering provided by local restaurants
  • Business Promotion and Manifestation Booth
  • Finesse Fest T-Shirts
  • Raffle prize giveaways

Background: The City of Richmond is organizing a series of events to commemorate Black History Month. These events aim to inspire and connect our community through meaningful discussions about important issues and topics, and to promote generational wealth. Richmond recognizes the need for providing equal opportunities for all residents and businesses.

To this end, the city has created the Strategic Plan for Equitable Economic Development (SPEED), which focuses on community, innovation, and industry, and has set five ambitious economic development goals to achieve by the end of Fiscal Year 2026.

The Office of Minority Business Development is another area that reflects Richmond's commitment to equity and inclusivity. Their mission is to help minority business enterprises (MBEs), emerging small businesses (ESBs), and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) succeed in the full range of contracting opportunities available in the City of Richmond.

Moreover, the Office of Sustainability is working closely with historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged communities that are most affected by climate change. This initiative aims to prepare these communities to be more climate-ready and resilient.

In Richmond, the city is connecting families through genealogy and census projects through the dedicated work of the Human Services and Planning and Development Departments. Although we cannot rewrite history, Richmond and its partners' efforts can help tell a more comprehensive story for those whose history has yet to be fully shared.

The Road to Richmond: The Rebirth highlights the city's ongoing evolution, growth, and the emergence of new leaders. Richmond is committed to promoting equitable and inclusive development and building the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.

Media Availability:  5 – 6 PM

Thomeisha Coleman

• Participating vendor
• Personal Trainer
• Owner of Infinite Curves

Ryan Austin Williams

• Participating vendor
• Owner of Juice Life RVA

Lisette Johnson

• Program and Operations Supervisor for the Office of the Minority Business Development Department with the city of Richmond
• Assist aspiring business owners to properly develop a successful business

Join the city for three groundbreaking events next week that will explore art, food, and black love/relationships.

The City of Richmond and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) are hosting a series of events to celebrate Black History Month. On February 15th, from 7-8 PM, in the VMFA Atrium, there will be a conversation about the arts, entertainment, and Richmond's African American heritage. The discussion, titled "Art: A Platform for Change," will focus on the art infrastructure in Richmond and Virginia, and seek to inspire meaningful dialogue around issues related to art creation by Black artists in RVA.

On February 16th, the city, partners, and leaders will come together at the VMFA to discuss healthy food disparities in the Black community. The event will explore topics such as access to nutritious food, strategies for promoting healthier eating, and initiatives making a difference. Participants will also learn about the impact of food deserts in Black neighborhoods and the cultural significance of food in Black heritage.

On Saturday, February 17th, the city will host an event titled “Black Love,” highlighting newlyweds and seasoned partners, to share their experiences of navigating challenges and breaking stereotypes, while celebrating their unique role in society.

"Black Love" will be an open conversation that highlights communication and recognition of diverse narratives within the Black community. The event promises to have unique surprises that add to the robust reclamation of love. Everyone is invited to participate in this transformative experience, where we transcend obstacles and foster understanding, even in the face of adversity.

High Water Bill FAQs 

Concerned about high water bills? We understand how distressing it can be. 

Read below or click here to better understand what to do if you have received one and require an investigation.

Why are customers receiving high water bills? 
DPU’s goal is to ensure you will only be charged for services used. During the pandemic, higher than normal meter readings were being estimated. For the past year, the Department of Public Utilities has been clearing that backlog and obtaining actual meter reads. Customers with high bills are alerted of such via a letter of explanation.  

What are reasons the meters could not be read? 
If a customer’s meter has been inaccessible for an electronic reading then the consumption was estimated. Inaccessibility can occur due to trash cans, cars, flower beds, mulch and other obstructions that block the transmission signal from the meter. 

Now that DPU is obtaining actual reads from the meters, what does that mean? 
When an actual read occurs, adjustments to the bill are then made based on that reading – which can result in higher or lower actual consumption.  

 What are reasons for an increase in consumption? 

• A reminder that lifestyles have changed as a result of the pandemic, which could mean higher consumption based on occupancy 
• A source of water leaks in the home is another for increases in consumption 
• A faulty meter reading due to equipment malfunction or transmission interruption 

What to do if you suspect a leak? 
You are encouraged to engage the services of a licensed plumber for professional assistance. If the related repairs are made, you have the option to submit your receipt to DPU for potential consideration of an account adjustment. Customers are eligible for one leak adjustment every 12 months. For guidance on household leak detection or how to fix a leak, please visit https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week#  or Fix A Leak Week Demo - YouTube 

What if I have my home checked for leaks and none were found? 
If you are certain that your property does not have a leak, DPU will change the meter and/or the meter transmitting device. Once a new meter is installed, the old meter will be tested against standards published by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).  

How do I request an investigation? 
Please email DPU at dpucustserv@rva.gov or call (804) 646-4646 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm so that we can dispatch a technician for field support.  To help us identify and track your email request, please insert “METER READ REQUEST” in the subject line.  If a billing adjustment is warranted, DPU will place a courtesy hold and send a corrected bill, which could take up to 3 billing cycles. Please note DPU will use the newly installed meter to establish a daily average consumption (DAC) for billing purposes, which could take up to 45 days to calculate.  

What happens if the actual meter readings are correct, the meter tests as “PASS”, and I owe a significant balance? 
If the test results from the old meter are confirmed as “PASS”, DPU offers convenient payment plans to allow you to manage your balance over time.  Please visit www.richmond.promise-pay.com