The City of Richmond, in partnership with the County of York, Va., recently pioneered the pilot and development of a new American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard to enhance the electronic data exchange between alarm monitoring companies and 911 centers. This is the first time that the City of Richmond has pioneered an American National Standard. The standard was subsequently approved by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), and allows alarm companies that monitor burglar, hold-up, fire, and medical alarms to bypass calling 911 centers via telephone to deliver the notice of an alarm signal. Rather, this data will be delivered to the 911 centers electronically, resulting in a two to three minute reduction in processing and response time by police, fire, and emergency medical first responders. This reduced response time will likely increase the speed and efficiency of apprehending criminals, extinguishing fires, and saving lives. “This standard w...

WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones Acting CAO Chris Beschler Director of Community Development Rachel Flynn WHAT: A “New Beginning” announcement to increase efficiency and excellence in City Government with communication, cooperation, and collaboration. WHEN: 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 28, 2009 WHERE: City Hall Second Floor Large Conference Room 900 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 BACKGROUND: In keeping with his pledge to “Stand Up for Efficiency and Excellence,” Mayor Jones announces his fourth “New Beginning” to chart the course for his administration. Contact: Michael Wallace, (804) 646-2772

Mayor Dwight C. Jones made his third “New Beginning” announcement today to improve efficiency and excellence in City government with communication, cooperation, and collaboration. The Mayor is allowing the City Auditor open access to all City departments, and removing the need to send audit requests through the office of the Chief Administrative Officer. The Mayor also declared the administration’s commitment to follow through on recommendations made by the City Auditor. “The auditor and his recommendations are critical to a smooth-running and financially sound city, which is why we are granting the City Auditor full and direct access to all City Departments,” said the Mayor. “It is good government and good business, as a well-executed audit is the source for ideas to make improvements to government operations.” The Mayor was joined in making this announcement by City Council President Kathy Graziano, City Council Vice President Ellen Robertson, Acting Chi...

Temperatures along the East Coast are expected to reach record lows this weekend. The City of Richmond would like all of its citizens to remain safe and warm, and offers the following suggestions should temperatures drop below normal: Stay inside if possible. If you need to go out, dress in several layers of lightweight clothing. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears, and mittens or gloves. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite. Avoid overloading electrical outlets. If space heaters are being used, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use the heater. Make sure your space heater is three feet from any flammable material. Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from your space heater. Stoves or ovens should not be used as an alternate source to heat your home. Bring your pets indoors. If you are unable to bring them inside, provide adequate shelter...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones declared a local state of emergency today, January 15, 2009, in preparation for the January 20, 2009, United States Presidential Inauguration. The City will also activate its emergency operations center (EOC) at 8 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2009. The EOC will be fully staffed on Tuesday, January 20. The emergency declaration and EOC activation is a proactive approach to emergency preparedness. It will aid in providing for the safety and well being of citizens in the City, Commonwealth, and Nation. The City’s EOC will operate in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and in collaboration with Virginia State Police. For up-to-date information from the City of Richmond, tune to WRIR 97.3 FM or visit www.RichmondGov.com . Contact: Michael Wallace, (804) 646-2772

WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones City Council President Kathy Graziano City Council Vice President Ellen Robertson Acting Chief Administrative Officer Chris Beschler City Auditor Umesh Dalal WHAT: A “New Beginning” announcement to increase efficiency and excellence in City Government with communication, cooperation, and collaboration. WHEN: 2 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2009 WHERE: City Hall Second Floor Large Conference Room 900 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 BACKGROUND: In keeping with his pledge to “Stand Up for Efficiency and Excellence,” Mayor Dwight C. Jones announces his third “New Beginning” to chart the course for his administration. Contact: Michael Wallace, (804) 646-2772

WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones Acting CAO Chris Beschler Director of Real Estate Jane Ferrara WHAT: Announcement of a second “New Beginning” strategy to increase efficiency and excellence in City government with communication, cooperation, and collaboration. WHEN: 2 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2009 WHERE: City Hall Second Floor Large Conference Room 900 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 BACKGROUND: In keeping with his pledge to “Stand Up for Efficiency and Excellence,” Mayor Dwight C. Jones delivers his second “New Beginning” objective to chart the course for his administration. Contact: Michael Wallace, (804) 646-2772