Mayor Dwight C. Jones made his third “New Beginning” announcement today to improve efficiency and excellence in City government with communication, cooperation, and collaboration. The Mayor is allowing the City Auditor open access to all City departments, and removing the need to send audit requests through the office of the Chief Administrative Officer. The Mayor also declared the administration’s commitment to follow through on recommendations made by the City Auditor. “The auditor and his recommendations are critical to a smooth-running and financially sound city, which is why we are granting the City Auditor full and direct access to all City Departments,” said the Mayor. “It is good government and good business, as a well-executed audit is the source for ideas to make improvements to government operations.” The Mayor was joined in making this announcement by City Council President Kathy Graziano, City Council Vice President Ellen Robertson, Acting Chi

Temperatures along the East Coast are expected to reach record lows this weekend. The City of Richmond would like all of its citizens to remain safe and warm, and offers the following suggestions should temperatures drop below normal: Stay inside if possible. If you need to go out, dress in several layers of lightweight clothing. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears, and mittens or gloves. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite. Avoid overloading electrical outlets. If space heaters are being used, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use the heater. Make sure your space heater is three feet from any flammable material. Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from your space heater. Stoves or ovens should not be used as an alternate source to heat your home. Bring your pets indoors. If you are unable to bring them inside, provide adequate shelter

Mayor Dwight C. Jones declared a local state of emergency today, January 15, 2009, in preparation for the January 20, 2009, United States Presidential Inauguration. The City will also activate its emergency operations center (EOC) at 8 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2009. The EOC will be fully staffed on Tuesday, January 20. The emergency declaration and EOC activation is a proactive approach to emergency preparedness. It will aid in providing for the safety and well being of citizens in the City, Commonwealth, and Nation. The City’s EOC will operate in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and in collaboration with Virginia State Police. For up-to-date information from the City of Richmond, tune to WRIR 97.3 FM or visit www.RichmondGov.com . Contact: Michael Wallace, (804) 646-2772

WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones City Council President Kathy Graziano City Council Vice President Ellen Robertson Acting Chief Administrative Officer Chris Beschler City Auditor Umesh Dalal WHAT: A “New Beginning” announcement to increase efficiency and excellence in City Government with communication, cooperation, and collaboration. WHEN: 2 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2009 WHERE: City Hall Second Floor Large Conference Room 900 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 BACKGROUND: In keeping with his pledge to “Stand Up for Efficiency and Excellence,” Mayor Dwight C. Jones announces his third “New Beginning” to chart the course for his administration. Contact: Michael Wallace, (804) 646-2772

WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones Acting CAO Chris Beschler Director of Real Estate Jane Ferrara WHAT: Announcement of a second “New Beginning” strategy to increase efficiency and excellence in City government with communication, cooperation, and collaboration. WHEN: 2 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2009 WHERE: City Hall Second Floor Large Conference Room 900 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 BACKGROUND: In keeping with his pledge to “Stand Up for Efficiency and Excellence,” Mayor Dwight C. Jones delivers his second “New Beginning” objective to chart the course for his administration. Contact: Michael Wallace, (804) 646-2772

Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced the first of his “New Beginning” plans to improve efficiency and excellence in City government with communication, cooperation, and collaboration. Today’s announcement focused on employee recognition and ethical expectations. “I want City employees to know how thankful we are for the job that they do,” said the Mayor. “Fire, police, animal control officers, buildings maintenance, finance personnel, refuse collectors, parks and recreation employees, waste water treatment plant operators - every City employee - we value each one of you for helping to build a better Richmond on a daily basis.” Today’s announcement included a performance pay increase to be reflected in the January 23, 2009 paychecks. City employees will also be recognized with the advent of an employee of the month spotlight to air on the first floor lobby monitors of City Hall and on City government channel 17. Additional initiatives include the Mayor hosting “brown bag lunches” with Ci

WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones Members of City Council WHAT: Presentation of Outstanding Achievement Award to the University of Richmond Spiders Football Team WHEN: 6 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2009 WHERE: City Hall City Council Chambers, Second Floor 900 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 BACKGROUND: The University of Richmond Spiders football team, on December 19, 2008, won the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I National Football Championship Subdivision title. The University of Richmond and the Spiders football team strive for excellence both on and off the field. This past fall the team achieved the highest team grade point average for a season on record and is recognized nationally for its high level of student-athlete graduation rates. Contact: Michael Wallace, (804) 646-2772