During its January 28, 2021 meeting, the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond approved awarding a $120,000 grant to local restaurant delivery company ChopChop.  The grant will allow ChopChop to create the Richmond Rate Reduction Program.    The Richmond Rate Reduction Program reduces delivery fees charged to local restaurants from 20% to 7% for a three-month period.  The company will also add 75-100 new restaurants, breweries, and distilleries to its delivery platform and create 150 new jobs (3-5 permanent employees and 145-148 contracted delivery jobs) during the three-month period.  The long-term objective is for ChopChop to keep its delivery fee charged to restaurants at 7 percent.   “My team and I are very excited for this opportunity to not only expand our offerings, but also allow restaurants to retain more profit when they need it most,” said ChopChop Owner and Operator Chris Chandler. “A 13 percent rate reduction will make a ...

Staff ready to assist; residents can apply all-online, by mail, in person The City of Richmond has opened the 2021 Tax Amnesty Program for applications.   The program, made possible by the collaboration of the Department of Finance, Office of the City Attorney, and members of Richmond City Council, allows the city to waive existing penalties and interest on delinquent real estate taxes during the month of March and admissions, lodging and meals taxes during the month of April.   “If you owe penalties or interest on any delinquent taxes, this program is designed to help you,” offered Mayor Stoney. “During such a challenging period for Richmond residents, we want to maximize accessibility to and participation in this program. It’s yet another way the city strives to offer compassionate care.”   Interested parties can learn more about the program and begin the application at  RVAStrong.org/taxamnesty. For those who do not know if they qualify or need help filling out th...

Mayor Stoney announced today that the City has opened the online registration for eligible small businesses in the City to receive an outdoor heat lamp.  The City’s Department of Economic Development and the Provisional Policy Advisor for Restaurants and Small Business are coordinating the distribution of the outdoor heat lamps   donated   by Evergreen Enterprises. The online registration process is designed to verify the eligibility of small businesses to receive an outdoor heat lamp.   Eligible small businesses in the City of Richmond   can register online to receive an outdoor heat lamp at   http://www.rvastrong.org/heatlamps .     Applications will be accepted beginning   on Thursday, January 28, 2021, through Monday, February 1, 2021, at 12:00pm EST.  Approved businesses will be notified via email or telephone with instructions to pick up their outdoor heat lamp(s).   “The donation of these outdoor heat lamps could not have com...

El discurso sobre el estado de la ciudad será pospuesto hasta el 11 de febreroEl alcalde Levar M. Stoney anunció hoy que dió positivo en la prueba de coronavirus. El alcalde fue informado del resultado esta mañana, tras haberse realizado una prueba PCR, debido a que este lunes presentó síntomas leves.  “Desde que el coronavirus empezó a difundirse en nuestra región, hace más o menos un año, más de 12 mil residentes de nuestra ciudad han sido infectados con el COVID-19. Hoy, me cuento como uno de ellos”, dijo el alcalde. “Aunque no me siento 100% bien, agradezco que mis síntomas son manejables en este momento y continuaré trabajando desde mi hogar para asegurar la continuidad del gobierno de la ciudad”, añadió.   Siguiendo las instrucciones del Centro de Control de Enfermedades (CDC), el alcalde se aislará en su casa. Aquellas personas que han sido consideradas como contactos ya han sido informadas, están en cuarentena y siguiendo las precauciones necesarias para mantener prote...

State of the City postponed until February 11 Mayor Levar M. Stoney today announced that he has tested positive for the coronavirus.   The mayor was informed of the result this morning after undergoing a PCR test following the onset of mild symptoms Monday.   “Since the coronavirus first started to spread in our region roughly a year ago, over 12,000 residents in our city have been infected with COVID-19. Today, I count myself as one of them,” the mayor said. “While I do not feel 100 percent, I am thankful that my symptoms are currently manageable and will continue to work from my home to ensure the continuity of city government.”   Per CDC guidelines, the mayor will isolate at home. Those persons considered contacts have been informed and are quarantining and taking the necessary precautions to keep themselves and those around them protected and healthy.   “As my personal experience should tell you, while there is reason to be hopeful due to the distribution of the ...

City offices located in City Hall, 730 East Broad Street and Main Street Station will be closed to the public on Tuesday, January 19 and Wednesday, January 20. Though these buildings will be closed to the public, city services, including online services, will continue to be available for residents.     The City of Richmond will also be closed on Monday, January 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.   ##

In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, city government offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Monday, January 18, 2021.   This closing includes all branches of the Richmond Public Library and Recreation & Community Facilities offices and community centers.   Refuse collection will be delayed by one day as the city’s Solid Waste Management Division will be closed Monday, January 18, 2021. The East Richmond Road Convenience Center and Hopkins Road Transfer Stations are also closed on Monday, January 18, 2021. Each facility will resume normal operations on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.   Richmond Animal Care and Control will remain open by appointment only until further notice.   For more information on city services and schedules, please visit   www.RichmondGov.com .   ##