Immediate benefits of organizational restructuring realized As part of the recent reorganization of several city of Richmond departments, the city has implemented a new program aimed at reducing urban blight. The new program, being orchestrated by the Department of Public Works (DPW) will address the maintenance needs of vacant properties in four city precincts. To date, more than 250 privately owned properties, which previously came under the purview of the Department of Community Development (DCD), will now be mowed and maintained by DPW. “I believe this new program follows Mayor Dwight Jones’ dedication to ensure the best use of taxpayer dollars and implementing operational efficiencies,” said city Chief Administrative Officer Byron Marshall. “The Mayor takes great pride in the city, its beauty and rich history. As such, all neighborhoods will receive the same level of service to maintain the aesthetics and integrity of our community, as we work toward making Richmond a tier o...

Office of Real Estate Services is also part of change City of Richmond Chief Administrative Officer Byron C. Marshall, along with Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Economic and Community Development, Peter H. Chapman, put forth a restructuring plan today that will enable local government to pursue a more comprehensive and strategic approach to economic and community development. "We are announcing the first of several organizational changes that are designed to make the Richmond City Government a much more effective facilitator of both economic development and community revitalization," Marshall said. "The Mayor has asked for a more competent, responsive and technically proficient administration and I believe the changes being put forth will bring about many of the operational efficiencies he is looking for." Central to the changes being announced is the consolidation of the City's Office of Real Estate Services into a proposed Department of Econ...

Local Entrepreneur Crystal Richards will open Nappy by Nature, a hair salon, with assistance from the city of Richmond Department of Economic Development’s Commercial Area Revitalization Effort (CARE) and Enterprise Zone Programs. The salon, located at 1820 Hull Street, will hold a grand opening today, September 15, 2009, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. “At a very young age, I knew I wanted to be in the hair care industry,” said Richards. “My goal was to one day operate my own salon and I am very excited that the day is finally becoming a reality.” “It is extremely fulfilling to see a business excel to this point and utilize the financial incentives offered through the city’s CARE program,” said city Director of Economic Development Carthan Currin. “By providing business assistance through financial and enterprise zone incentives, we are stimulating private investment in the city.” To celebrate the grand opening, Nappy by Nature is offering specials to youth ages 4 -17 on Tuesday. The salon spec...

The Richmond Healthy Start Initiative has been notified that they will receive $4.5 million over the next five years through the Healthy Start program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is dedicated to ensuring that low-income and disadvantaged pregnant women receive the health care they need. Services include outreach, home visitation, case management, health education, perinatal depression screening, interconceptional care and other effective approaches to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy birth. U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott stated, “Healthy Start is exactly the type of community-based prevention program that will save lives and also millions of dollars in healthcare costs down the road.” “I am thankful that the Richmond Healthy Start Initiative has been selected to receive this funding,” said Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “Congressman Scott has been a true champion for our program and I thank him for his efforts in ensuring we receive this fund...

50 Million Pound Challenge Walk Off Set For Saturday WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones Dr. Ian Smith (founder/creator of The 50 Million Pound Challenge, New York Times bestselling author of The 4 Day Diet) WHAT: 50 Million Pound Challenge Walk/Run Off WHEN: September 12, 2009 Registration begins at 8 a.m. Opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. Challenge Walk/Run Off begins at 9 a.m. WHERE: Chimborazo Park East Broad Street and 32nd Street BACKGROUND: The 50 Million Pound Challenge is a free national health initiative encouraging people to come together and take control of their health by getting fit. Richmond joins 15 cities and more than 37,000 teams from across the country that will be participating in the Challenge Walk Off on September 12. Challenge event activities include a 2-mile walk/run-off, line dancing, clowns, arts and crafts, and wellness vendors. State Farm will provide raffle prizes during the event to i...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Dr. Ian Smith, founder and creator of the 50 Million Pound Challenge, invite residents to participate in the 50 Million Pound Challenge Walk Off, from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 12, at Chimborazo Park. In an effort to encourage citizens to take a step toward a healthier lifestyle, Mayor Jones, the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities and the Richmond City Health District have planned a family friendly event at Chimborazo Park, East Broad and 32nd Streets. Event registration begins at 8 a.m. and the 2-mile walk/run begins at 9 a.m. Other activities for the Challenge include line dancing, clowns, arts and crafts, and wellness vendors. State Farm will provide raffle prizes during the event to include $100 Visa gift cards, iPod Shuffles, a Wii Fitness system, and more. Everyone that signs up for the Challenge walk or run will receive free healthy snacks and a free 50 Million Pound Challenge t-shirt provided by State Farm. To join ...

Internal panel designed to help ensure compliance The City of Richmond announced today its intent to step up efforts to ensure departmental compliance with procurement rules for city contracts. The enhancements are partly a result of an administrative review recently conducted by Mayor Dwight Jones' Administration following an Inspector General's report on the city's Procurement Services Department. The Inspector General's report was issued as a result of a 2007 complaint alleging that the Procurement Services Department incorrectly awarded a sole source contract for the purchase of police vehicles. "Our internal review of this matter indicates that the Procurement Services Department did not properly follow procurement rules in the awarding of the contract in question. The Department took corrective actions within 60 days of the questionable procurement. However, our findings indicate that there still aren't sufficient safeguards to ensure full complianc...