~Staff to develop timeline in response to recommendations~ The Mayor’s Anti-Poverty Commission today presented its final report to the City of Richmond after close to two years of research, public input sessions, and committee work. The Commission offered what it termed “top-tier” and “second-tier” recommendations to begin to address a poverty rate (25%) in the city of Richmond that is over twice that of the metro area as a whole. “The report rightly acknowledges that City government has limited resources and capacity to tackle this problem,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “That’s why the work of this Commission has been so important in that this report can provide a roadmap for us to create a comprehensive anti-poverty strategy involving all stakeholders. I believe we can make a meaningful difference over time if we all work together.” The Anti-Poverty Commission is comprised of community advocates, academics, community leaders, members of the business sector and other stak...

Monday, January 21, 2013 marks the 27th anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday which is celebrated as a National Day of Service. Dr. King once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" To celebrate the Federal Holiday locally, the City’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor initiative is encouraging all city residents to take a “Day On, Not A Day Off” by committing to serve each other and the various communities of the city on this very special day. Mayor Dwight C. Jones stated, “Volunteering and helping others through service is a perfect way to honor the life, teachings and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is my hope that city residents will participate in the National Day of Service through our Neighbor-to-Neighbor initiative or on there on, as volunteering has a positive impact on our city.” The City’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor initiative is promoting the following volunteer opportunities that ...

The National Weather Service in Wakefield, VA, has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Central Virginia that will remain in effect from Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night. As a result, the city of Richmond encourages residents to take precautions now in preparation for any winter precipitation impact. Residents are encouraged to make an emergency supply kit to include essential supplies that will last at least three days. Supply kits should include a hand-cranked or battery-powered radio and extra batteries, non-perishable food and water, toiletries, flashlights, a first aid kit and medications. Also, include items needed for infants, seniors, and pets. You may want to keep a second kit in your car in the event you must travel during inclement weather. The City asks that residents remain home or indoors during this weather event and offers the following safety recommendations: If you do have to drive, drive cautiously; If driving, decrease speed; Have a full tan...

The deadline for submitting applications for summer employment opportunities with the Mayor’s Youth Academy (MYA) and Kings Dominion is today at 5 p.m. MYA and Kings Dominion have partnered this year to provide up to 100 city youth, ages 16-19, the opportunity to work at the amusement park this summer. Selected MYA participants will begin working at the park in April 2013 during their spring break and on weekends until summer vacation. Once schools close in June, selected MYA youth will work varying schedules throughout the summer months. Applications are available at all Richmond Public High Schools and on the MYA website . Applicants for this program are required to participate in four pre-employment training sessions prior to being referred to Kings Dominion staff for interviews and placements. GRTC has confirmed that it will again operate its Kings Dominion shuttle services which will offer MYA youth a reliable source of transportation to and from the park. Transportation...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones issued the following statement about the removal of trees from the development site of the Redskins summer training camp: “Since taking office, I’ve been focused on improving the tree canopy in our city, having supported the planting of more than 5,000 trees since taking office and making a commitment to pursue the planting of 2,000 trees a year for the next several years. Our city has been named as a Tree City USA 21 years and counting by the Arbor Day Foundation. This is something we are very proud of and we have the second longest streak in Virginia for holding this honor. “I remain very concerned about the loss of the trees at the development site for the Redskins training camp. We now have a better understanding of how we got to this point and where the communications were not clear about this matter. “In October a shift was made in the plans for the site. That shift, which moved our project roughly 100 feet west on the site, came about to prote...

Interim DCAO Lays Out Expectations Mayor Dwight Jones announced plans in December to engage a national agency to conduct an in-depth review of policies and procedures of the Richmond Department of Social Services (RDSS) Child Welfare Division. That decision followed an expedited case review, undertaken at the City’s request, by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) as a result of a number of allegations the City received about RDSS policies, procedures and management. VDSS has since agreed to conduct a broader assessment. The City has also engaged the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) to examine the agency’s overall practices. Steve Harms, the interim deputy chief administrative officer (DCAO) for Human Services, will oversee the studies and implementation by RDSS.  Interim DCAO Steve Harms today offered an update on the progress of the reviews. “In the few weeks that I’ve been on board as the interim DCAO for Human Services, my focus has been on coor...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones today released the following statement about the removal of trees from the development site of the Redskins summer training camp:   “I was taken aback to learn that more trees were removed from the site than originally anticipated. This is counter to our commitment to protect the older hardwood trees at the west end of the property. We are reviewing the matter to determine what mistakes were made so that we can prevent further problems from occurring. “I have always committed to replacing trees one-for-one, and I reiterate that commitment today. I have also directed that a new landscaping plan be developed and larger, more mature trees be used for the western area. I know that everyone is moving forward quickly with construction to meet our June 2013 deadline, but we need to be mindful of commitments. A mistake was made, and we need it to be rectified, and we need to prevent further problems.”