Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the City’s Office of Minority Business Development recently held a graduation ceremony for the third round of participants who have successfully completed the City’s Money Smart for Small Business program. The Money Smart program is a nationally acclaimed, comprehensive financial education curriculum developed jointly by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the U.S. Small Business Administration, to assist minority and emerging small businesses in specific areas that will increase their ability to be sustainable and successful. “The Money Smart for Small Business program provides small and minority owned businesses with a wealth of business resources and knowledge which strengthens the diversity of businesses, consumers and employers. Entrepreneurship and a vibrant small business community are vital components in our efforts to reduce poverty and the city’s unemployment rate,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. Since the program’s 2012 inception, the 10-mod

The City’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services will be operating a two person bike team on Saturdays and Sundays through Monday, September 7, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Belle Isle. These teams have had a direct impact on the safety of visitors and they will serve as water safety ambassadors during peak season. This year alone, the department has responded to 30 emergency calls resulting in 24 people rescued from the James River, two body recoveries, and responding to four good intent calls. The James River Park System is Richmond's largest, most unique and best known park and receives well over 500,000 visitors a year. It is actually a system of parks along both sides of the James River as it passes through the city, making Richmond the only urban city in the country with Class IV white water rapids in the middle of downtown. Regardless of its natural beauty, there are many dangers when visiting the James River or any body of water. Here are some water safety tips we