Client Services Will Not Be Impacted Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ administration announced today efforts to reorganize the Richmond Department of Social Services and to correct what has been determined to be major financial management failures. This week the administration became aware of billing errors that have been generated by the department to the Commonwealth of Virginia. “We’ve identified financial management failures that have resulted in an estimated $3.8 million in over billing to the Commonwealth of Virginia. We’ve already begun the process of correcting the billing with the proper State representatives and we're working closely with the City's Auditor,” said City Chief Administrative Officer Byron Marshall. “This management failure has highlighted for us an area of City government that must be retooled. We have no evidence that any of this is based in fraud or corruption, but rather poor management and record keeping which indicates a need to make significant proced...

The City has opened three cooling shelters to assist residents during the anticipated heat this week. The cooling shelters are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., today, Monday, August 10 through Wednesday, August 12. City cooling shelters are opened when the temperature/heat index reaches or exceeds the 95 degree mark. Cooling shelters are located at: -Southside Community Center, 4100 Hull Street -Department of Social Services, 900 East Marshall Street -East District Center, 701 North 25th Street Bottled water will be available, but food will not be provided. Pets, with the exception of service animals, will not be allowed. All residents should take measures to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat during the day. For more information regarding cooling services, citizens can contact the Department of Social Services Fuel Assistance Office, 646-7046. Elderly citizens with heat related issues can contact the Adult Protective Service Unit, 646-7367. In the event ...

The Circuit Court of Richmond’s Adult Drug Court will hold a graduation ceremony for five Adult Drug Court graduates on Friday, July 31, at 1 p.m., at the Richmond Police Academy, 1202 Graham Road. David Hicks, City Senior Policy Advisor to the Mayor will be the guest speaker. The ceremony and reception to follow, which is open to the public, marks the completion of an intensive 18-month outpatient program of drug treatment, probation supervision, judicial monitoring, and community service for participants in the Adult Drug Court. One of 1,500 drug courts operating in the United States and one of 26 drug courts in Virginia, the Richmond Adult Drug Court monitors non-violent drug-addicted offenders with pending cases in Richmond’s Circuit Court. Offenders volunteer for the program, and participate only after approval of the Richmond Commonwealth Attorney. Participants must meet all program requirements to graduate, including maintaining gainful employment, abstinen...

“Bringing City Hall to the Community” WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones City Officials WHAT: Town Hall Meeting WHEN: 6 – 8 p.m. - Wednesday, July 29, 2009 WHERE: Southside Community Service Center 4100 Hull Street Richmond, VA 23234 BACKGROUND: Mayor Dwight Jones invites residents to the initial Town Hall Meeting at Southside Plaza with the emphasis of the event being “Bringing City Hall to the Community.” During this meeting, the Mayor will specifically discuss crime, federal economic stimulus funding, and the 2010 census. Officials from the City departments of Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Fire and Emergency Services, General Services, Hispanic Liaison Office, Human Resources, Justice Services, Libraries, Minority Business Development, Parks and Community Facilities, Police, Public Works, Public Utilities, Richmond City Health District, Richmond Public Schools, Sheriff’s Office, Social Services, an...

Canal Walk Serves as Catalyst for Ten Years of Economic Success Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Venture Richmond Executive Director Jack Berry issued an economic progress report regarding the 32 acres of Downtown riverfront property. The Canal Walk has served as the economic engine spurring growth along the Riverfront with more than $390 million in private sector investment in the Riverfront development area. In the 1990’s, the business community and the City worked together to create a master plan for Downtown riverfront development. "I can remember the early planning stages for the Canal Walk and it is so exciting to be able to report on the tremendous success and growth that the project has generated for the Riverfront area so far," said Mayor Jones. "It is clear why the total assessed value of our Riverfront development area has tripled, increasing from $242 million in 1998 to $757 million in 2009. Imagine what those numbers will look like when the Reynolds site is red...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones today issued an update highlighting changes in the Richmond Police Department's (RPD) Take-Home Car Policy. Acknowledging the benefits of a take-home car policy within City limits, the Mayor noted his desire to begin the process of completely phasing out assigning marked take-home vehicles to officers who live outside the City. "Within the City limits, a take-home marked vehicle program offers the benefit of an increased police presence and heightened visibility in our neighborhoods. This works to deter crime. Allowing selected individuals (special operations, sector lieutenants and command staff) who live within 15 miles of the City limits to take vehicles home allows for a quicker response to critical incidents and enhances the solvability of crimes. What we don't want is a lax policy that allows for vehicles to be taken out of the City to distant localities. I believe the proposed changes that Chief Norwood has brought forth will strengthen o...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones issued the following statement regarding the City Auditor’s report on the Procurement Services Department: “These are very serious allegations. I’ve had discussions with my leadership team about this matter. As a result, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Byron Marshall, has initiated an administrative review that will be conducted by the Deputy CAO for Operations, Chris Beschler and will be completed within a week to ten days. While this review is underway, Garland Williams will serve as acting director of Procurement Services. Williams is presently acting as assistant director of the City’s Department of Budget and Strategic Planning and has previously served as acting director of the City’s Department of Economic Development. “This administration has respect for the rules of law and will not condone any misuse of public office. In follow up to the City Auditor’s submission of his report to the Commonwealth’s Attorney, I contac...