“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...

Mayor Dwight Jones' choice for Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Richmond was confirmed tonight by a unanimous vote during a special session of the Richmond City Council. Marshall will immediately assume the role of CAO on a part time basis for the duration of July and assume the role in a full-time capacity as of August 1, 2009. He was sworn in tonight by the City Clerk, Lou Brown Ali. During the special session, Mayor Jones said, "we all want viable neighborhoods, effective youth programs, great schools and a responsive City administration. I'm offering you one of the best and the brightest to fill out our administration's organization." Following a national search for the City's CAO which began when Jones took office in January, Marshall became the candidate of choice in mid-June. He addressed the City Council during its regularly scheduled session on June 22, 2009, at which time he answered many questions that had arisen in the media. Counc...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced today that Christopher L. Beschler will serve in an expanded role as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Operations, following the appointment of a permanent Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Beschler presently serves as Acting CAO and the DCAO for Operations. The Operations portfolio includes the Departments of Public Works, Public Utilities, and General Services. "I'm expanding the responsibilities of this DCAO position and adding priority areas for my administration which include major renovations for schools, and the $138 million jail project," Mayor Jones said. "I've come to rely upon Chris for advice and guidance in key areas of city governance, and I'm looking forward to having his leadership in these important areas." Mayor Jones' prioritization of long-needed jail replacement is evident in the Capital Improvement budget for fiscal years 2010-2014, which includes $138.4 million in capital fundin...

The City will open three cooling shelters on Friday, June 26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., as temperatures are forecasted to exceed 95 degrees. City cooling shelters are opened to assist residents 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 of a heat related emergency, please call 9-1-1. ...