~ Long-term issues to be addressed as work continues ~ The Mayor’s Schools Accountability and Efficiency Review Task Force today completed the first phase of its review of the Richmond Public Schools’ budget gap of $23.8 million, and closed the gap with recommendations that exempted teacher layoffs and focused on non-instructional efficiencies. In its report the Task Force prioritized efficiencies in non-instructional programs and recommended several areas for managed competition. Some managed competition initiatives could take more than a year to implement, but will provide for long-term savings. The recommendations include, in part:  -  Immediate hiring freeze to place the decision of filling each position subject to the review and approval by the Superintendent; -   Reduction of 50 non-teacher positions across the school system, of which up to 27 are vacant;   -  Immediate in-house reform of transportation to reduce the number of rou...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced today that the Board of Directors of Richmond 2015, the organization that will produce the 2015 Road World Cycling Championships, has appointed Wilson H. Flohr, Jr., as its Chief Executive Officer. Richmond 2015 is Co-chaired by Mayor Jones and Thomas Farrell, the Chairman and CEO of Dominion Resources.    In making the announcement on behalf of the 2015 Board, Mayor Jones said, “Wilson’s experience as a tourism leader and business executive makes him ideally suited for this important role in our community.” “Wilson will bring the leadership and focus that we need as we prepare for Richmond to be on the international stage in 2015,” he added. Mr. Farrell said, “Wilson has demonstrated his abilities in a similar role with Richmond Region 2007, where corporate and community financial support was critical for its success.”  He added that “Richmond 2015 will be an even larger event where major local and national sponsorships will ...

Build a Barrel – Save the Bay” Rain Barrel project to be showcased during season opener of 17th Street Farmer’s Market   WHO:             Dwight C. Jones, Mayor Alicia Zatcoff, Sustainability Manager George Bolos, 17th Street Farmers’ Market Marketing Manager   WHAT:           Release of the RVAGreen Sustainability Plan Showcase of the “Build a Barrel – Save the Bay” Project  Official Season Opening of the 17th Street Farmers’ Market WHEN:           Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 10 a.m. WHERE:       17th Street Farmer’s Market 100 N 17th Street Richmond, VA Please join Mayor Dwight C. Jones on Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m. for the season opener of the 17th Street Farmers’ Market and the unveiling of the RVAGreen Sustainability Plan.  Artwork from the “Build a Barrel – Save the Bay” project will also be showcased at the market as part of th...

The Mayor’s Food Policy Task Force would like to thank all of the residents who attended the community forum to discuss and prioritize recommendations concerning access to quality, affordable, healthy fresh foods in the city of Richmond. Residents who could not attend the community forum are encouraged to visit www.RichmondGov.com   and click on the Food Policy Task Force Survey article link to provide their input on the task force’s recommendations. Resident input will help shape the action plan to address identified needs to ensure that the city has a healthy and accessible environment for all. Click here to take the survey. Haga clic aquí para tomar la encuesta. This survey will remain open until Friday, April 13, 2012. The Food Policy Task Force is part of Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ Healthy Richmond Campaign that was created to help improve the health of City residents by addressing the disparities affecting access to health care and health resources in the city of Richmond. Th...

Chief Administrative Officer, Byron Marshall issued the following statement regarding the Art 180 artwork on display along Monument Avenue. “The city of Richmond supports the arts community and continues to have a good working relationship with Art 180. We recognize the honorable work being done through Art 180 to serve the youth of Richmond and acknowledge that this work is important to the social fabric of our communities. “It is unfortunate that an erroneous permit was issued for the display in question. I’ve met with city attorneys today as well as agency officials to review this matter. It is clear that a mistake was made and it is now incumbent upon us to uphold the law. “The Work in Streets Permit (WISP) was issued in violation of Richmond Code Section 38-113, which details unlawful signage in City medians. A review of the ordinances by which the city issues permits is underway to ensure that city employees have a clear understanding of the parameters involving the city’...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced today that the Mayor’s Schools Accountability and Efficiency Review Task Force will receive funding from the Greater Richmond Chamber Foundation in the amount of $35,000. The funds will be used to procure the services of the Robert Bobb Group and Alvarez and Marsal, two firms specializing in public sector turnarounds. In thanking the Greater Richmond Chamber, the Mayor said, “The Greater Richmond Chamber has a long history of commitment to education in the City, including its focus on early childhood education. I appreciate the Chamber’s willingness to step forward to help us with this important effort, through both the short term and long term. This assistance will help the Task Force meet the quick deadline for addressing the short-term budget issue.” Greater Richmond Chamber President & CEO Kim Scheeler said that the grant from the Foundation, “reflects the importance that business leaders place on education in the city of Richmond. The syst...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced the appointment today of Sharon Judkins to the position of Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) of Finance and Administration. Judkins has more than 25 years of strategic leadership and executive management experience, and is noted for her expertise in financial planning, organizational development and performance-based management. She previously served for more than 19 years in various leadership capacities for the City of Richmond and was recognized as a knowledgeable and results-driven leader. Her first day of City service is March 26. Mayor Jones stated, “Sharon Judkins’ accomplishments and comprehension of government finance and management reforms will prove to be a tremendous resource as we continue to position ourselves to become a Tier One City.” Prior to returning to the City of Richmond to accept the DCAO position, she served as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Santa Clara Valley Water District in San Jose, CA. As a key execu...