The City of Richmond has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).  “This is another mark of achievement in our efforts to maintain the highest levels of fiscal responsibility in Richmond,” said Mayor Stoney. “I congratulate our Department of Budget & Strategic Planning for this significant achievement.” The award represents a significant achievement by the city’s Department of Budget & Strategic Planning. Richmond had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation to receive this award. These guidelines are designed to assess how well the city’s budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device. Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories. “I am very proud of our budget staff,” said Richmond Budget Director Jay Brown. ...

Mayor Levar M. Stoney today marked the first day of Teacher Appreciation Week by announcing a new partnership between the Richmond Fire Department and Richmond Public Schools to offer CPR certification to RPS teachers free of charge.  The partnership is the result of a proposal by the Mayor’s Teacher Advisory Council (MTAC), a group of RPS teachers who provide insight into what attracts teachers to Richmond and what will keep them living and working here. The Virginia Department of Education requires all individuals applying for or renewing teacher licenses to be certified in CPR, which can cost as much as $150 per course.  Mayor Stoney worked with Chief Melvin Carter of the Richmond Fire Department and Superintendent Jason Kamras of Richmond Public Schools to formalize a partnership that will allow RPS teachers to sign up for free training courses to be held monthly at RFD headquarters beginning in June.  “Our teachers give selflessly of their love, time, talent, ...

In partnership with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Richmond will co-host the official dedication of Arthur Ashe Boulevard on Saturday, June 22 at 11 a.m. on the museum’s front lawn, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard. The dedication will include remarks from local and state elected officials and a ceremonial sign unveiling. The event is free and open to the public. “This summer we officially honor one of Richmond’s native sons and humanitarians as we are telling the stories of ALL of RVA’s people,” said Mayor Levar M. Stoney. “Arthur Ashe is a true champion, and this recognition is well-deserved as he took what he learned growing up in our neighborhoods and used those experiences to make the world a better place.” Growing up in Richmond, Virginia in the 1950s, and denied access to Byrd Park, the premier, all-white recreational facility, Ashe learned to play tennis in the city’s park for blacks,...

In an effort to encourage a faster project completion turnaround time, which would return the public use of rights-of-way, the city is increasing the cost to obtain a Work-in-Street Permit, or WISP. The increase, approved by City Council, takes effect on May 1. This is Richmond’s first WISP fee schedule revision since 1982.  The fee hike includes a $75 application fee and will be structured on a ‘pay-by-time’ format, which uses the day/week/month to calculate rates. There is no maximum fee. The current flat rate fees that range from $20 to $100 are being eliminated.    Under the new schedule the exact scope of the planned work will be clarified and applicants will be charged based on that work and the time it will take to complete it. Currently all permits are separated into five classes. The revisions will make the city uniformly consistent with other municipalities.     Implementation of the new fees will support the city’s Vision Zero initiative ...

Mayor Levar M. Stoney today announced the appointment of three highly skilled professionals to fill three executive positions currently being held by interim appointees. Sharon Ebert has been selected to serve as the new Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the Economic and Community Development Portfolio. Douglas Dunlap has been named as the Director of Housing and Community Development. Valaryee Mitchell, interim Director of the Office of Community Wealth Building, has been appointed to lead the office on a permanent basis. “Our city is blessed to have top-tier talent assuming these key leadership roles,” said Mayor Stoney. “Sharon, Doug and Valaryee have the expertise and dedication to lead these departments and I look forward to all we will accomplish together working for the residents of the City of Richmond.” Sharon Ebert has more than 25 years of experience working in state and local government. Her work experience has resulted in over a billion dollars in inve...