Edited on 3/27/26 at 8:45 a.m.

The Richmond Fire Department is celebrating a significant milestone after one of its newly constructed stations was selected as the 2026 winner for the American Public Works Association (APWA) Project of the Year Award. 

Fire Station 12, the city’s oldest operating station, reopened last year after 1.6 years of construction. The redevelopment involved the complete demolition of the previous structure and construction of a modern, highly functional fire station on the same historic site.  

Sustainability was at the forefront of Station 12’s redevelopment, designing a fire station with both present needs and long-term performance in mind. From the earliest design phase, the project focused on the important foundational aspects of energy and water conservation, as well as creating healthier indoor environments.  

“Earning this recognition is a significant milestone for our department,” said Richmond Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal. “Our job is to protect people, including our firefighters, and Station 12 reflects that. It’s safer, healthier, and built for the future.” 

Advanced ventilation systems to help improve indoor air quality, specialized exhaust systems in the apparatus bay to help reduce firefighters’ exposure to harmful contaminants, and living and working areas designed to limit the spread of pollutants from equipment were some of the key features incorporated into the design of the station. The contractor for the project also took extra steps to protect nearby storm drains and recycle as much demolition waste as possible during construction. 

“A lot of work goes into a project like this that people don’t always see,” said Gail Johnson, Director of the Department of General Services. “That includes the work led by our project manager, Dexter Goode, and the coordination across teams to bring everything together. The redevelopment of Station 12 shows what’s possible when sustainability is built in from the very start.” 

These efforts helped Fire Station 12 earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, a nationally recognized sustainability designation from the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) rating system. This is the first time the City of Richmond has received a gold designation.  

“RVAgreen 2050 is about how we reduce our environmental impact and build a more resilient city over time,” said Laura Thomas, Director of the Office of Sustainability. “Projects like this are where those goals start to take shape in a real, tangible way, and we’re proud to see that reflected in a facility that supports our fire department.” 

Posted March 24, 2026

RICHMOND, VA. – The Richmond Department of Transportation will start construction of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Broad Rock Boulevard at Orcutt Lane in early April. This project is another example of the city’s commitment to Vision Zero. 

This project prioritizes pedestrian safety with the installation of:

• ADA-compliant curb ramps
• High-Visibility crosswalks, and
• Countdown pedestrian signal heads

New high-visibility traffic signals with reflective backplates (HVSB) will improve signal recognition for drivers by creating contrast and enhancing visibility at night and in low-light conditions. 

Together, these engineering improvements have been proven to provide gaps in traffic for people walking and biking to Broad Rock Elementary School and accessing transit. 

“Every element of this project is designed with safety in mind – for people of all abilities,” said Richmond Transportation Director, Andy Boenau. “From high-visibility signals to accessible ramps and visible crossings, these upgrades work together to reduce risk and help save lives. This is what Vision Zero looks like in action.”

Construction will start in early April, weather permitting, and is expected to be completed by Fall 2026. 

During construction, there will be intermittent lane and sidewalk closures. Please give our construction workers extra space. Please slow down in work zones and whenever you see orange cones.

This $780,000 project is funded through Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA), which supports transportation improvements across the region.

Vision Zero emphasizes safe systems approach to prevent severe crashes. By combining safe speeds, safe vehicles, safe roads, and safe people, and the best post-crash care, the City continues to build a healthier transportation network that prioritizes safe access using engineering, education, and enforcement.

For more information about Vision Zero, visit rva.gov/visionzero or email us at [email protected].

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

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 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; urban forestry; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Report service requests to RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.

Last week, the Richmond Fire Department proudly celebrated the graduation of its latest lateral recruit class, welcoming 22 experienced firefighters who have chosen to continue their service with the Richmond Community. 

Each member of the class brings prior fire service experience, but over the past several weeks, they’ve taken on the challenge of learning a new department, new operational procedures, and a new standard in the Richmond Fire Academy’s accelerated training program.  

Over the course of the academy, these firefighters trained in live fire conditions, search and rescue operations, ladder work, hose advancement, and physical readiness. While they entered the program with strong foundations, the focus of their training was on preparing them to operate together as one team within Richmond’s standards. 

“Bringing in experienced firefighters through our lateral program is a direct investment in the strength and readiness of this department,” said Richmond Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal. “We are happy to welcome class 108, and we’re confident they will serve with a spirt of excellence and support the level of service our community expects.” 

As these firefighters begin their service in Richmond, they do so as part of a broader effort to enhance fire prevention, improve operations, and ensure consistent, high-quality emergency response across the city. The Richmond Fire Department remains committed to investing in its workforce to better protect and serve its residents.  

For more information about the department or future recruitment opportunities, visit rva.gov/fire/employment.

Posted March 20, 2026

~All service requests in the system by March 31 will be processed ~

RICHMOND, Va. – City of Richmond residents who still need vacuum leaf removal must request the service by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31. 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 is scheduled. If mailing a check/money order, the payment must be received by the March 31 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 rva.gov/public-works or email us at [email protected].

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

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 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; urban forestry; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe, and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes, and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design, and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Report service requests to RVA311.com or call 3-1-1

New platform will increase transparency, save staff time, and improve the customer experience for requestors  

Richmond, VA — In celebration of Sunshine Week, the City of Richmond is incredibly excited to begin piloting a new, citywide Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) platform: JustFOIA. This platform provides an easy-to-use interface for both requestors and the City’s FOIA officers who fulfill those requests. JustFOIA handles the entire request lifecycle, from the initial request, to collecting responsive records, redaction, review, and (if necessary) payment. While other methods for submitting requests are still available (in-person, by phone), the City is excited to offer a more convenient option. 

“I'm proud of the work we’ve done to improve the City’s approach to FOIA over the last year. We’ve increased training across the organization, solidified our cross-departmental procedures, and I’ve made it abundantly clear to department leadership that FOIA is not only just a legal requirement but a responsibility we need to take seriously,” said Mayor Danny Avula.  

The full, public launch will take place this Maymand will include the establishment of the City’s FOIA Library, as required by the ORD. 2025-240, introduced by the Mayor last year. The FOIA Library will make frequently requested records and records of public interest easily available, free of charge. 

“I’m stoked to cut the ribbon on JustFOIA in the next couple of weeks! I want to thank the City’s FOIA Manager and our Department of Information Technology for all the hard work that went into getting this new platform ready to launch,” said Ross Catrow, Director of the Office of Strategic Communications . “I’ve been a part of Richmond’s media landscape for a long time, and it means a lot to me to contribute to making the City’s government more open and transparent.” 

FOIA by the numbers  

Over the last several months, the number of requests the City has taken an extension on has decreased, and the vast majority of the City’s requests are completed on time. 

About JustFOIA  

JustFOIA enables agencies to better serve their community by simplifying records request management. JustFOIA manages every step of the process from intake to delivery, saving valuable time through automating repetitive tasks, reminders, and communication with requesters and responders.  

About Sunshine Week  

Sunshine Week occurs each year in mid-March, coinciding with James Madison’s birthday, March 16 (1751). Madison was a driving force behind the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and presented the first version of the Bill of Rights to Congress. He also was the fourth president of the United States. Sunshine Week helps educate the public, journalists, lawmakers, and others on the right to know in the U.S. states and federal government.