Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond is proud to announce several improvements to the visitor experience on City Hall's first floor. The changes, which are part of a broad effort to improve accessibility and transparency between government and the public, include improvements to City Hall wayfinding, re-opening of the Marshall Street entrance, the addition of first floor service kiosks, improved security measures, and the re-introduction of a staffed concierge desk to assist visitors.

"City Hall is the people's building," said Director of General Services Gail Johnson, who is overseeing the improvements. "Richmonders should be able to walk through those doors and safely and conveniently find the services they're looking for; our improvements are meant to ensure just that."

"These changes are part one of a multi-step effort to realize a vision of City Hall that is more accessible and more valuable to the residents we serve, said Mayor Danny Avula. When I envision a thriving City Hall, I see a building teeming with the work of city government, where citizens can walk through the doors to find the resources they need, when they need them."

Among the changes visitors can expect to see when they enter City Hall:

Improved Security Measures

Frequent visitors to City Hall may have already noticed the installation of new weapons detectors at our 9th Street entrance. These next generation Evolv sensors, located just outside of the building's entrance, offer enhanced detection capabilities, beyond what is available with standard metal detectors.

The detectors allow for enhanced security screening precision and reduced wait times, thereby improving ease of access to the facility.

Updated Wayfinding

Once inside the building, visitors will notice new signage throughout the main floor. The signs are color-blocked and make use of clear iconography to aid visitors in the location of various first floor services:

• Green
  • Tax and Utility Payments
• Orange
  • Assessments
• Blue
  • City Treasurer
  • Human Resources
  • Public Utilities
• Pink
  • Permits, Inspections, and Zoning

Please see the linked map, complete with the color-blocked zones, for a more in-depth look at the wayfinding updates. This map and an accompanying breakdown of available services will be printed and available in both English and Spanish at City Hall entrances and at the Concierge Desk early next month.

Staffed Concierge

Beginning on Monday, visitors now have a full-time, staff member available during normal business hours at the Concierge Desk, just inside the Marshall Street entrance. The staff member, who is bilingual (English, Spanish) will be able to assist visitors in quickly locating the services they need and is yet another resource the City is providing to better meet the needs of its residents.

Additional improvements to the City Hall experience, including a thoughtful consolidation of in-person planning and permitting processes, the addition of more foreign language signage, and the inclusion of public art, are expected later this year.

Any input on the City Hall experience? Please email AskOSC@rva.gov and let us know!

RICHMOND, VA- Beginning September 1, 2025, updates to the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities PromisePay payment plan terms will go into effect to support the upcoming transition to a new customer portal in early 2026.

Key Changes:

• New PromisePay plans established on or after September 1, 2025, will be eligible for repayment terms of up to 12 months (reduced from current 36 months). Customers with existing payment plans established before September 1, 2025 can keep their existing repayment terms.
• Customers in good standing will have one opportunity to add an additional balance to their current PromisePay Payment Plan balance.

Customers needing longer repayment terms for significant past due balances are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity now!

These updates reflect an effort to streamline services ahead of the upcoming launch of DPU’s upgraded customer portal, designed to improve customer experience and account management. Additional financial assistance options are available at rva.gov/public-utilities/billing, including MetroCare assistance programs.

PromisePay Payment Plans are a convenient, flexible payment option available to residential and commercial gas or water utility customers with a past-due balance. The PromisePay portal offers a range of payment plan options, an automatic payment feature, opt-in payment reminders and other account notifications through text messaging.

On Wednesday, July 30, at approximately 7:03 a.m., Richmond Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Clarkson Road for the report of a missing person, an adult male. When officers arrived they observed agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were operating in the area of the Southwood neighborhood.

RPD officers consulted with the agents who confirmed the subject of the missing person report was in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. RPD officers contacted the individual who reported the male missing to advise that the male was in federal custody.

RPD did not participate in the activity of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as is standard practice for the Richmond Police Department.

To locate a detained individual, use the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Online Detainee Locator System: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search

Actividad confirmada del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) de EE UU en Vecindario de Richmond

Esta mañana alrededor de las 7:03 a.m. oficiales del Depto. de Policía de Richmond (RPD) respondieron a un reporte de una persona extraviada, un hombre adulto, en la cuadra de 1500 Clarkson Road. Al llegar los oficiales, observaron la presencia de agentes del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) de Estado Unidos en el vecindario de Southwood.

Los oficiales de RPD consultaron con los agentes, quienes confirmaron la detención y custodia de la persona reportada como extraviada. Oficiales de RPD prosiguieron a contactar al individuo que hizo el reporte para notificarle que dicho hombre estaba en custodia de agentes federales.

De acuerdo con las normas de la Ciudad, el Departamento de Policía de Richmond no participó en la actividad de ICE.

Para localizar a cualquier persona detenida por ICE, use el sistema de localización del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de los Estados Unidos: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search

Richmond, VA - Last night, the Richmond City Council voted to amend ORD. 2024-187, increasing the threshold for business, professional, and occupational license (BPOL) taxes from $250,000 to $500,000.

The change, which is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026 for revenues collected in calendar year 2026, means that business owners with gross receipts totaling $5,000 to $500,000 will only be required to pay an annual $30.00 license tax. Previously, businesses with gross receipts totaling over $250,000 were required to pay higher annual licensing fees, as much as $2,900, in some cases.

"Richmond small businesses are the heartbeat of our City," said Mayor Danny Avula. "By lowering their tax burden, we're giving small business some additional breathing room to grow, to innovate, and to hire the staff they need to realize their business goals. In doing so, I hope we're sending a clear message to the small business community: you are a valued part of Richmond and this City wants to see you thrive."

Nearly 70% of businesses in the City are under the $500,000 threshold and will experience some measure of tax relief, according to estimates from the City's Department of Finance.

"After years of discussion and advocacy, I'm pleased to have finally brought this one across the finish line," said 5th District Councilmember Stephanie Lynch, who took over as the lead patron for this amendment after the departure of former Councilmember Andreas Addison. "This was the number one issue brought up by our small business communities. I'm pleased that we are moving in the right direction to show the care, compassion, and support to the small businesses who make our City so special."

A more detailed accounting of the conditions set forth in ORD. 2024-187, as amended, can be found on the City's website.

Posted July 29, 2025

RICHMOND, Va.  – The Department of Public Works (DPW) is set to launch a Centralized Transit Signal Priority (TSP) and Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) Project this fall. This project builds upon more than a decade of groundwork by the Department, which has successfully funded the connection all 490 traffic signalized intersections into a centralized transportation management system. With the deployment of Econolite Centracs Priority software, Richmond will be equipped with one of the most advanced, fully integrated traffic signal systems in the nation. As part of this system, the city’s traffic signals will be directly linked to the GRTC Operations Center and the City’s Emergency 911 Call Center, ensuring real-time responsiveness for buses and emergency vehicles. Initially, up to 150 intersections will be equipped with this technology. This technology advancement further elevates Richmond’s standing and recent ranking by ConsumerAffairs, as the 4th best city in the nation for public transportation.

This project introduces new capabilities to the city’s transit and emergency response network with three core goals:

1. Boost Transit Reliability:
   
   • By giving priority to GRTC buses at intersections, the system will improve efficiency across Richmond’s fare-free bus network. This system supports ridership growth, already up 17% since 2018, setting a national example.
2. Speed Emergency Response:
   
   • Fire trucks will benefit from real-time signal preemption, helping crews reach emergencies faster and enhancing public safety across Richmond.
3. Safe Access for All:
   
   • Coordinated signals will continue to reduce delays for people walking, rolling, biking, and driving, fostering a safer, more predictable transportation environment, and supporting a growing city population.

Project Timeline (the Department will roll out the project in phases):

• Fall 2025: System design and integration begins
• Spring 2027: Testing and full deployment across all signalized intersections

By deploying Econolite Centracs Priority, this initiative aims to keep buses on schedule and help fire trucks to reach emergencies faster – all while improving transportation movement for people walking, biking, and driving across the city’s 490 signalized intersections.

Imagine a Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) bus, running just a few minutes behind schedule, approaching an intersection. Instead of idling at a red light, the signal extends its green, allowing the bus to glide through and stay on track.

The Greater Richmond Transit Company, which has seen ridership soar with its fare-free Pulse bus rapid transit line, views this as a vital enhancement. “Reliable transit is the backbone of an equitable city,” said Sheryl Adams, CEO of GRTC. “The Centracs Priority system ensures our buses keep to their schedules, connecting Richmonders to jobs, healthcare, and opportunities without delay. It’s a commitment to our riders and our community.”

Dironna Moore Clarke, Public Works Deputy Director and Administrator of the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility, said, “this project reflects Richmond’s commitment to putting people first – by making transit faster, and more reliable. Giving priority to transit and emergency vehicles improves access to services and reinforces our public safety mission, while also advancing our sustainability goals. By reducing transit idling, supporting zero-fare, short-wait transit and cutting response times, we’re building a smarter, greener, and more efficient transportation system for all.”

For the Richmond Fire Department, the stakes are even higher. “Every second counts when lives are on the line,” said Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal. “This technology clears the way for our crews, ensuring we can reach emergencies faster and save more lives. It’s a lifeline for our city.”

With the newly improved signal system, traffic signals will sense a fire truck’s approach, turning red lights green to clear a path, shaving precious seconds off response times.

“This project is a game-changer for Richmond’s transportation system,” said Michael B. Sawyer, City Transportation Engineer. “By integrating cutting-edge technology, we’re not just improving transportation safety—we’re building a safer, more equitable city where transit is more reliable, and first responders can act swiftly.”

For more information on the Department of Public Works, go to rva.gov/public-works or email askpublicworks@rva.gov

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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. 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