Posted Mar. 3, 2025

In observance of International Women’s Day, City of Richmond offices will be closed on Friday, March 7, 2025. We will resume regular business hours on Monday, March 10, 2025.

The City of Richmond announced the permanent appointment of five directors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to public service. These appointments strengthen the City of Richmond's leadership team with experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the City's commitment to building a responsive, effective, and accountable City Hall staffed with talented professionals dedicated to serving Richmond residents.

"Transforming City Hall into an organization residents can rely on requires leaders who bring both expertise and passion to their roles," said Mayor Danny Avula, "I'm thrilled to welcome these leaders-who do just that-to the team."

"Each of these individuals has already proven their ability to deliver results for Richmond. By making their appointments permanent, we're ensuring continuity in our efforts to make Richmond a healthy, thriving city for all our residents" said Interim Chief Administrative Officer Sabrina Joy-Hogg.

Today, the City also announced the resignation of Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Traci DeShazor. "Traci's tireless advocacy for our most vulnerable residents has made Richmond a more equitable city," said Joy-Hogg. "Her leadership in human services has created lasting positive change that will benefit Richmond families for years to come. I thank her for all she has done and wish her well in the future."

Maggie Anderson, Director of the Office of Intergovernmental

Affairs Maggie will bring extensive experience in policy development and implementation to building and strengthening the City's partnerships with a diverse set of stakeholder groups. Prior to accepting this role, Maggie served as Mayor Levar Stoney's Chief of Staff. She also served as the City's first LGBTQ+ Liaison and continues that work today. Maggie brings over a decade of public policy experience, including at the local, state, and federal level. Previously, Maggie worked for Senator Mark Warner in Washington, DC as a Legislative Correspondent managing the agriculture, environment, budget and appropriations policy portfolio. Maggie also has a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Virginia and is the co-author of A Courageous Fool: Marie Deans and her Struggle Against the Death Penalty. She also was a recipient of the 2024 American Society for Public Administration's National Public Service Award.

Ross Catrow, Director of the Office of Strategic Communications

Ross will bring diverse experience, unique perspective, and a deep love for Richmond to the City's internal and external communications. Prior to accepting this role, Ross was the Deputy Director for the City's Office of Strategic Communications. Previously, he served in state government as the Director of Communications for the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. He's most proud the work the Health District did during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the public updated with ever-changing vaccination information. Ross holds a BS in mathematics from Virginia Tech and was previously the executive director of RVA Rapid Transit, a local non-profit that advocates for frequent and far-reaching public transit in the Richmond region. He'd rather be riding (one of) his bike(s).

Gail Johnson, Director of the Department of General Services

Gail brings over two decades of experience with the City of Richmond to the work of optimizing the City's real estate portfolio, fleet, and parking services. Prior to accepting this role, Gail was the Customer Service Manager in both the Department of Finance and Utilities, Program Manager for the Richmond Police Department, and for the last 10 years, she has been the Senior Deputy Director for the Department of Public Works. As the Sr. Deputy Director, Gail was responsible for managing the department's financial operations, which included a budget of over $266M. She was also responsible for the oversight of the City's Fleet and Facilities' divisions. She has also held leadership roles for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transportation Authority (MARTA) in Atlanta. She received a Finance degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a graduate of the Senior Executive Institute at University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. Gail is a member of VGFOA, GFOA, ICMA, and is currently the President of the Central Virginia Chapter of NFBPA. She is a native of Richmond with over 23 years of service with the City of Richmond.

Merrick Malone, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development

Merrick will lead the City's housing efforts, including its focus on affordable housing. Prior to accepting this role, Merrick served as the City of Richmond's Acting Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Before coming to Richmond, Malone served as President of DC Housing Enterprises, a subsidiary of the District of Columbia Housing Authority, leading the development, and modernization project team. From 1998 to 2010, Malone was a Principal and EVP of Metropolis Development Company, a Washington D.C. based real estate development firm, which developed urban mixed use residential and retail projects. Malone's extensive experience includes his tenure as Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Director of Housing and Community Development for the District of Columbia, where he negotiated landmark developments like the Capital One Arena and Black Entertainment Television's Corporate Offices. Merrick holds a JD from Georgetown University, is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, a past president of the District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA), and past Chair of the Board of Commissioners for the Alexandria Housing and Redevelopment Authority. He has also co-authored several Urban Land Institute publications.

Scott Morris, Director of the Department of Public Utilities (previously announced)

Prior to accepting this role, Scott served as Director of Water at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) as well as Chief Deputy at the agency. He previously held a series of roles with progressively increasing leadership responsibility in the Chesterfield County Utilities Department over a decade of service and spent four years working in wastewater plant operations for the City of Richmond. Morris is a decorated veteran of the United States Navy. He graduated from the naval nuclear program. His final duty station was the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He earned a Doctorate of Business Administration degree from Liberty University, a Master's in Information Services degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology with an area of study in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Thomas Edison State College, and an Association of Science degree in Wastewater and Technology from Mountain Empire Community College.

Additionally, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Traci DeShazor has announced her resignation at the end of March. Throughout her tenure at the City of Richmond, Traci has served tirelessly in her role leading the City's Human Services portfolio and has done an outstanding job serving, supporting, and creating opportunities for the most vulnerable residents. She has shown a deep commitment to the City and its residents.

Posted March 4, 2025

~All service requests in the system by March 14 deadline will be processed ~

RICHMOND, Va. – City residents who still need vacuum leaf removal must request the service by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 14. No requests will be accepted after that date. Service requests currently in the system and those made by the deadline will be processed. Vacuum service requests can be made using the RVA311 app, by visiting https://www.rva311.com or calling 3-1-1.

Residents have the option of paying the $30 vacuum leaf collection fee by adding it to their utility bill using the RVA 311 system (or by calling 3-1-1) or by mailing a check/money order to the Department of Public Works, Leaf Collection Program, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 704, Richmond, VA 23219. The payment must be received before the collection will be scheduled. If mailing a check/money order, the payment must be received by the March 14 deadline.

Vacuum Leaf Collection Reminders:

• Leaves must be raked and ready for pickup at the time of the request
• Rake leaves to the property line (front or side) but not in the street
  
  •  Do not block ditches, gutters or the street
• Remove any sticks, stones or other objects that may damage equipment
• Leaves will not be collected from the alley

For information on DPW, go to www.rva.gov/public-works or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov.

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA

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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 Mar. 4, 2025

This crucial real estate transaction paves way for the Diamond District public infrastructure and mixed-use development project.

The City of Richmond; Diamond District Partners, LLC (DDP), led by Thalhimer Realty Partners, Inc.; and the City's Economic Development Authority (EDA) are excited to announce the sale and transfer of the 18-acre Phase 1A parcel from the EDA to DDP. A part of the Diamond District redevelopment project, this an important first step in bringing to life a large, sustainable mixed-use development to one of Richmond's budding neighborhoods.

"This is a major milestone in the redevelopment of the Diamond District and would not be possible without strong partnership between the City of Richmond, the EDA, and DDP," said Mayor Danny Avula. "It's the result of hard work by so many people, including staff, City Council, and community and development partners. Their effort has brought us one step closer to realizing an inclusive and sustainable mixed-use Diamond District project that incorporates quality infrastructure and amenities with a true neighborhood feel that Richmonders can enjoy."

The Phase 1A parcel will include six acres of public infrastructure (such as streets and parks), which DDP will convey back to the City and the EDA following completion. Approximately 12 acres will become private development that will include a 180-room hotel, 161 workforce housing units (at 60 percent of the area median income), 730 market-rate housing units, and 30,000 square feet of commercial space (with room to build more if there is demand). Phase 1B and Phase 1C will include an additional 177 affordable units, 625 market-rate units, and 126,000 square feet of commercial space.

"This is another critical step for the Diamond District Project, and one that may not have happened if not for the resolve of our staff, council, mayor and our local development team partners," said City Council Vice President Katherine Jordan. "I'm grateful for everyone's commitment to the project, especially to the Richmonders who helped shape the vision for this dynamic, new mixed-use neighborhood."

The Phase 1A parcel sold for $11.4 million, per the terms of the approved Purchase and Sale and Development Agreement between DDP and the EDA, and an additional payment by DDP to the EDA of $500,000 will help to reimburse the EDA for the costs to administer the Diamond District RFP process.

CarMax Park, the future home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, is under construction and is scheduled to open in 2026. DDP anticipates breaking ground on the public infrastructure components of the project in the coming months as soon as permits are released. The public infrastructure will provide utilities and access to CarMax Park as well as private development parcels.

"Bringing a project like this to life requires cross-collaboration between government and private sector partners to achieve world-class results," said John Molster, Board Chair for the EDA. "I am grateful for the countless hours that city staff and members of the development team have dedicated to achieving this milestone."

"The Diamond District is a monumental undertaking that will drive economic development in the City of Richmond for years to come," said Jason Guillot, General Manager of DDP and Principal at Thalhimer Realty Partners. "While closing on the land represents a major step forward, there are still many innings ahead of us before we can walk our families through the streets of this new, sustainably built neighborhood. As CarMax Park continues to rise out of the ground, Diamond District Partners will begin work on the necessary infrastructure, utilities, streetscapes, and park features that will support the new ballpark and the future community around it. We look forward to the continued partnership with the EDA and the City to implement Richmond's vision for the Diamond District."

Posted March 3, 2025

~ The program provides neighborhoods across the city with two planned curbside clean-up events ~

RICHMOND, Va. – The Department of Public Works (DPW) will kick-off the city’s annual Neighborhood Clean-Up Program Saturday, March 15. Over the next nine months, DPW crews will visit each of the 15 neighborhood zones twice, offering residents a chance to dispose of bulk items and trash at no cost. This program is in addition to the city’s biweekly bulk and brush program.

Details:

• The program is operational on select Saturdays, March 15 through November 15
  
  • See the specific schedule with dates and locations in the chart below
  • Residents can use the DPW Service Finder to verify clean-Up dates for their neighborhood
• All clean-ups are from 8 a.m. until Noon (rain or shine)
  
  • Residents should place items out Friday evening
• DPW crews will collection items curbside and in alleys
  
  • Wherever trash is normally placed to be collected

Examples of acceptable items include:

• Furniture, mattresses, tires (four per household), appliances and brush
  
  • Note: all brush must be cut into four-foot lengths and bundled

Items NOT collected include:

• • Electronics, construction debris, hazardous waste items and glass

For more information, go to rva.gov/public-works/neighborhoodcleanups or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X (formerly Twitter) @DPW_RichmondVA

2025 Neighborhood Clean-Up Schedule

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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.