Mayor Dwight C. Jones today announced that he has accepted the resignation of Peter Chapman, the City’s Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Economic and Community Development. Chapman has accepted the role of Deputy City Manager for Economic Development and Housing for the City of Norfolk. “Peter has been a strong member of Richmond’s leadership team for more than five years,” Jones said. “He has spearheaded the transformation of Richmond’s East End, creation of the Arts District to spur development downtown, and repositioning the historic Main Street Station for next-generation rehabilitation and development.” “Peter is pursuing a great professional opportunity, and we wish him all the best,” Jones said.

Mayor Dwight C. Jones issued the following comment today regarding speculation about a free-standing children’s hospital in Richmond: “Our region would be well-served by a free-standing, independently operated children’s hospital. The city of Richmond certainly would do everything we can to gain the opportunity to house such a facility within the city, where it can be easily accessible to all. This discussion stands on its own, and we anticipate that a decision about a children’s hospital location will be made independent of other issues, including the ballpark.”

Mayor Dwight C. Jones today announced that he has accepted the resignation of Byron Marshall. Marshall resigned from his position as chief administrative officer (CAO) after having served over five years in the top operations position. “Mr. Marshall has served in the position of CAO longer than most would have had an opportunity to do so, as a result of my being elected to a second term,” said Jones. “We are grateful to have had his service for more than five years, and we wish him well in his future endeavors. The city has benefited in many ways during his tenure.” Christopher Beschler, deputy chief administrative officer for operations, has been named as interim CAO by Jones. Beschler has served in this capacity previously and is seen as amply-qualified to manage city operations during the transition period. “Along with Chris, we have a capable team in place – many of whom have been with me since the beginning – and we are anticipating moving forward without interruption.”

Mayor Dwight C. Jones invites the public to join in a Day of Service and Remembrance on Thursday, September 11, 2014 in recognition of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The event will be held outside of Marshall Plaza at 900 East Marshall Street. The formal event will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the ringing of bells, color guard and moment of silence. One of the youngest first-responders at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, Evandra Thompson will be the event’s keynote speaker. Additionally, United States Army Brigadier General Jack Haley, 38th Chief of Ordnance at Fort Lee will also bring remarks regarding preparedness. Following the formal event, there will be an opportunity to learn more about emergency preparedness with the City’s Office of Emergency Management and to tour the City’s Mobile Command Post. The Richmond Fire Department will review fire safety in the home with the use of the City’s mobile Fire Safety House. The Richmond Ambulance Authority will provide Hands-Only...

~Funding options for schools is focus of finance experts~ Mayor Dwight C. Jones today announced that the following individuals have agreed to serve as part of a working group reviewing financing options for school needs: Matt Grossman                 CFO, Health & Beauty Group, MeadWestvaco Jeff Hemp                         CFO, Philip Morris USA & Director, Altria Client Services Scott Hetzer                      SVP & Treasurer, Dominion Resources Inc. Alma Showalter                VP of Tax, Dominion Resources Inc. “I am grateful to these companies for their willingness to lend us these valuable hum...

In just 15 days, Richmond’s children will be heading back to classrooms all across the city, and I wanted to take this time to address the funding needs that we’ve all heard about of late with respect to school facilities. Education has been a priority for me since I took office, and it remains a priority.  I believe that the investment we, as a city, make in our children is the best investment we can make. That’s why I’ve pushed for and built new schools, representing over $170 million dollars in investment – am building the first new high school in 40 years – and have increased the schools maintenance budget by nearly 700%. We’ve reduced capital funding in other areas to help with school needs. I’m encouraged that we also have a Governor that wants to increase the focus on the education and general welfare of youth through 21 years of age. Last week, our Governor established a Children’s Cabinet.  The initiative, in part, is meant to address students in high poverty, low-ac...

~Scheduling changes are effective August 24, 2014~ The following routes will have significant schedule changes .      Routes: 11, 43, 62, 101      New Route: 21 Brook Azalea      Discontinued Routes: 22 and 67      Routes 24, 44, 45 and 72-73 will have Transfer Plaza Bay changes. Routes that serve the Temporary Transfer Plaza may have minor schedule changes.  Please check the new printed public timetables/schedules available closer to August 24. Look for new individual route schedules on ridegrtc.com , closer to August 24, 2014, or call the Customer Service Center at 804-358-GRTC (4782).