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City Council Passes the Cultural Stewardship Heritage Plan
Richmond City Council Approves Cultural Stewardship Heritage Plan
A Major Step Forward for Inclusive Preservation and Community Engagement
Richmond, VA — October 1, 2026 — The Richmond City Council has officially adopted the Cultural Stewardship Heritage Plan, a comprehensive framework designed to guide the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of Richmond’s diverse cultural and historical resources.
The plan establishes a citywide vision for protecting historic sites, cultural landscapes, public collections, and community heritage assets—ensuring they are thoughtfully integrated into future planning and development initiatives.
A Collaborative and Community-Centered Approach
Developed through extensive community engagement, the Cultural Stewardship Heritage Plan reflects input from residents, historians, cultural organizations, neighborhood associations, and advocacy groups. The planning process prioritized diverse perspectives, particularly from communities whose histories have been historically underrepresented in formal preservation efforts.
“The Cultural Stewardship Heritage Plan is more than a policy document—it’s a commitment to honoring every community’s story,” said City officials. “This plan ensures that Richmond’s heritage is preserved in a way that is inclusive, transparent, and reflective of our shared values.”
Key Goals of the Plan
The Cultural Stewardship Heritage Plan outlines several strategic priorities, including:
• Strengthening preservation policies to protect historic and cultural resources.
• Supporting equitable storytelling and interpretation that reflects Richmond’s full history.
• Expanding digital access to historical information and public education tools.
• Building partnerships with cultural institutions and community organizations.
• Investing in documentation, restoration, and long-term maintenance of heritage assets.
Preserving the Past While Planning for the Future
Richmond’s adoption of the plan underscores the city’s commitment to integrating cultural stewardship into broader planning efforts. By proactively identifying and managing heritage resources, the city aims to foster a stronger sense of place, enhance tourism and public engagement, and ensure future generations can connect with Richmond’s rich and complex history.
Implementation of the plan will occur in phases, with ongoing opportunities for public participation and interdepartmental collaboration.
For more information about the Cultural Stewardship Heritage Plan, please contact:
Maxwell Olarinde
804-646-7085
Richmond City Council Passes Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan
Richmond City Council Approves Cultural Stewardship Heritage Plan
A Major Step Forward for Inclusive Preservation and Community Engagement
Richmond, VA — October 1st, 2026 — The Richmond City Council has officially adopted the Cultural Stewardship Heritage Plan, a comprehensive framework designed to guide the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of Richmond’s diverse cultural and historical resources.
The plan establishes a citywide vision for protecting historic sites, cultural landscapes, public collections, and community heritage assets—ensuring they are thoughtfully integrated into future planning and development initiatives.
A Collaborative and Community-Centered Approach
Developed through extensive community engagement, the Cultural Stewardship Heritage Plan reflects input from residents, historians, cultural organizations, neighborhood associations, and advocacy groups. The planning process prioritized diverse perspectives, particularly from communities whose histories have been historically underrepresented in formal preservation efforts.
“The Cultural Stewardship Heritage Plan is more than a policy document—it’s a commitment to honoring every community’s story,” said City officials. “This plan ensures that Richmond’s heritage is preserved in a way that is inclusive, transparent, and reflective of our shared values.”
Key Goals of the Plan
The Cultural Stewardship Heritage Plan outlines several strategic priorities, including:
• Strengthening preservation policies to protect historic and cultural resources.
• Supporting equitable storytelling and interpretation that reflects Richmond’s full history.
• Expanding digital access to historical information and public education tools.
• Building partnerships with cultural institutions and community organizations.
• Investing in documentation, restoration, and long-term maintenance of heritage assets.
Preserving the Past While Planning for the Future
Richmond’s adoption of the plan underscores the city’s commitment to integrating cultural stewardship into broader planning efforts. By proactively identifying and managing heritage resources, the city aims to foster a stronger sense of place, enhance tourism and public engagement, and ensure future generations can connect with Richmond’s rich and complex history.
Implementation of the plan will occur in phases, with ongoing opportunities for public participation and interdepartmental collaboration.
For more information about the Cultural Stewardship Heritage Plan, please contact:
Max Olarinde
804-646-7085
Richmond CAO to Host September 8 Billing and Customer Service Working Session with DPU
Limited availability for customer service staff
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is committed to continually improving the quality, accuracy, and responsiveness of its billing and customer service operations. As part of this ongoing effort, on Tuesday, September 8, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., a limited number of DPU billing and customer service staff will be available while team members participate in a working session with Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. This session will focus on strengthening internal processes and enhancing the overall customer experience.
During this two-hour period, customers may experience minimally longer-than-usual wait times when contacting DPU for billing or customer service support. Normal staffing levels will resume immediately following the meeting at 2:00 p.m., ensuring full-service availability for the remainder of the day.
DPU appreciates the community’s ongoing patience and understanding as we take deliberate steps to improve service delivery and better meet the needs of our customers. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to deliver the modern, dependable utility experience customers expect and deserve.
DPU Announces Fall 2026 Citizens Academy
The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 Citizens Academy. This is an interactive series that gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at the essential services that help keep Richmond running every day.
The four-week program invites participants to meet the teams who deliver water, wastewater, stormwater and natural gas services across the city. Through facility tours, hands-on demonstrations and presentations from industry professionals, residents will gain a deeper understanding of how DPU provides essential services, protects public health, supports growth and responds to community needs.
Citizens Academy is designed to be informative, engaging and accessible for residents who want to learn more about their utilities.
Sessions will be held weekly on Tuesdays throughout October:
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, October 6 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Tuesday, October 13 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Tuesday, October 20 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Tuesday, October 27 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
Locations and detailed session information will be shared with registered participants.
Because the Academy builds week-to-week, participants are requested to attend all sessions to get the full experience. Applications will be reviewed and selected to ensure representation from across Richmond’s City Council districts. Residents from all areas of the city are encouraged to apply.
Ready to learn how your utilities work?
Apply for the Fall 2026 Citizens Academy using the link below.
City of Richmond announces Labor Day closures
The City of Richmond will close in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 7. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 8. Scroll through for information about City service schedules during the holiday weekend.
For the full city holiday calendar, please visit the Holiday Closings page .
- There will be no trash collection or bulk and brush collection on Monday, September 7. All collections will be delayed by one day. Collections scheduled for pick-up on Monday will be picked up on Tuesday and so on through Friday, September 11.
- The East Richmond Road Convenience Center (ERRCC) Landfill, located at 3800 East Richmond Road, will be closed Saturday, September 5, and Monday, September 7. ERRCC will reopen on Tuesday, September 8.
- Recycling will not be collected on Monday, September 7. Collections will be delayed by one day. Collections scheduled for Monday will be picked up on Tuesday and so on through Friday, September 11.
- All Richmond Public Libraries are closed on Monday, September 7, and will reopen on Tuesday, September 8.
- RVA311 will be open Saturday, Sept. 5, and will be closed on September 7. The public will have 24/7 access to self-service via RVA311.com and mobile apps. RVA311 will reopen on Tuesday, September 8.
- Richmond Public Schools are closed on Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7. Schools will reopen on September 8.
- All Parks and Rec offices and community centers are closed Monday, September 7 and will reopen on September 8.
- Outdoor Pools will operate 1 – 7 p.m. on Monday, September 7, for their last swim.
- The Department of Public Utilities Call Center is closed Monday, September 7 and will reopen Tuesday, September 8. For utility emergencies, customers should call 804-646-4646, stay on the line, and press Option 1. For gas leaks, leave the area and call 911.
- Richmond Animal Care and Control will be closed on Monday, September 7. RACC will reopen by appointment only on Tuesday, September 8, and will have regular walk-in hours on Wednesday, September 9.
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