~ 2015 UCI Road World Championships event goals exceeded ~ The 2015 UCI Road World Championships Sustainability Report to be released next week by Mayor Dwight C. Jones shows that the event achieved or exceeded all of its sustainability goals. A goal was set to divert a minimum of 60% of event waste from going to the landfill, and the efforts undertaken surpassed that goal, achieving a 76% waste diversion rate. Waste diversion was achieved by composting food wastes; requiring caterers and vendors to use compostable serve ware; operating a robust recycling effort that included cardboard, pallets, and plastic bags, reusing event signage, recovering and donating unused food, collecting cooking grease to turn into bio-fuel, using water filling stations and reusable beer cups in lieu of plastic.  An additional goal of offsetting 100% of the greenhouse gas emissions produced from event operations was met. Sources of emissions included electricity use in the Greater Richmond Convention

All three Wall Street bond rating agencies have re-affirmed their rating of general obligation bonds to be issued by the City of Richmond. The re-affirmations follow six bond rating increases the city has received since Mayor Dwight C. Jones took office in 2009. “We’re gratified to earn this re-affirmation of Richmond’s fundamental financial strength,” said Mayor Jones. “Wall Street looks only at the facts when they review a city’s finances. It’s clear that investors are confident in Richmond’s progress and our future outlook.” Here are the key points from each agency: Moody’s: Aa2 rating, Outlook is Stable • “The Aa2 rating incorporates the city’s prominent role in the regional economy and as the state capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a tax base that is expected to exhibit long-term stability, satisfactory financial operations characterized by conservative budgeting and an elevated but manageable debt position.” • “The stable outlook reflects the expectation of long-