On Saturday, March 23 at 8:30 p.m. the City of Richmond will participate in the global initiative known as Earth Hour. Earth Hour is a World Wildlife Fund campaign that encourages individuals, businesses and governments to turn all non-essential lights off for one hour. Through this symbolic action, participants show leadership and make a commitment to ongoing change that reduces their impact on the environment. The City of Richmond is participating in Earth Hour by turning off all non-essential lights at 22 City facilities to include:             • John Marshall Courthouse                     • Manchester Courthouse             • Juvenile Courts Building                     ...

IDG’s Computerworld Honors Program recently announced the City of Richmond as a 2013 Laureate. The annual award program honors visionary applications of information technology promoting positive social, economic and educational change. The City received Laureate recognition in the Safety and Security category for the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol program. “Technology continues to play a pivotal role in transforming how business and society functions. For the past 25 years the Computerworld Honors Program has had the privilege of celebrating innovative IT achievements,” said John Amato, vice president & publisher, Computerworld. “Computerworld is honored to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of the 2013 class of Laureates and to share their work. These projects demonstrate how IT can advance organizations' ability to compete, innovate, communicate and prosper.” “Receiving Computerworld’s Honors Laureate acknowledges the outstanding achievement and advancement ...

View t he Proposed B iennial Fiscal P lan for FY 2014 - F Y2015 View the Proposed Capital Improvement Plan for FY2014 - FY2015 Mayor Dwight C. Jones today presented his administration’s FY2014 - FY2015 Biennial Fiscal Plan (the budget). A 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the period of 2014 – 2018 was also presented. The budget was crafted based on current revenue projections, which include revenues from the real estate tax rate, which is proposed to remain the same at $1.20. The total proposed spending plans for the General Fund are $760.5 million for FY14, and $766.3 million for FY15. Mayor Jones has called for a major change in the city’s water rate structure and particularly the base water and wastewater rates. The Mayor’s proposal calls for a substantial reduction in those base rates (from the current base rate total of $49.40 to $26.11) as well as a move to charging for volumetric usage. This means that residents and businesses will pay more for higher usag...

Located at Quarles Fuel Network’s Maury St. Facility , New CNG Station Will  Support Clean-Running CNG Refuse Trucks, Buses & Municipal Vehicles Natural Gas – CNG – has reached a major milestone in the River City.  The city’s new compressed natural gas fueling station has opened on Maury Street in Richmond, Virginia in partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, Clean Energy, Quarles Petroleum, and the City of Richmond.  This station, located at 211 Maury Street just off I-95, provides rapid fueling service to public and fleet CNG-powered natural gas vehicles, and is accessible 24/7 to anyone with a credit card or fleet card. CNG is one of the cleanest-burning transportation fuels available. In light-to medium-duty vehicles, CNG emits up to 30% less greenhouse gas than gasoline or diesel-powered models. This new infrastructure — a public ‘natural gas fuel station’ — is a first, big step in the Governor’s plan to transition state-owned vehicles t...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced today that the Mayor’s Youth Academy (MYA) is now accepting applications for the 2013 Summer Youth Employment programs. MYA is open to all city of Richmond youth, ages 14-19, who are enrolled in either a secondary or post-secondary educational institution. MYA will accept applications beginning today, March 1, through Saturday, March 23 by clicking here . Youth may also apply in person on Saturday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center located at 2903 Q Street. No applications will be accepted after 1 p.m. on March 23. Richmond residency and school enrollment will be verified for all applicants. “Our goal is to develop Richmond’s future leaders and workforce into determined, successful residents who will one day become our city’s leaders,” said Mayor Jones. It is the mission of MYA to provide development opportunities to youth throughout the city of Richmond which includes job readiness training, leadership devel...

Local forecast have indicated that the city of Richmond may be impacted by winter weather this week. As a result, the city of Richmond encourages residents to take precautions now in preparation for any winter precipitation. Residents are encouraged to make an emergency supply kit to include essential supplies that will last at least three days. Supply kits should include a hand-cranked or battery-powered radio and extra batteries, non-perishable food and water, toiletries, flashlights, a first aid kit and medications. Also, include items needed for infants, seniors, and pets. You may want to keep a second kit in your car in the event you must travel during inclement weather. The City asks that residents remain home during this weather event and offers the following safety recommendations: If you do have to drive, drive cautiously; If driving, decrease speed; Have a full tank of gas; Have a cell phone with a full charge with you; Stay inside if possible. If you need...

Local forecast have indicated that the city of Richmond may be impacted by winter weather this week. As a result, the city of Richmond encourages residents to take precautions now in preparation for any winter precipitation. Residents are encouraged to make an emergency supply kit to include essential supplies that will last at least three days. Supply kits should include a hand-cranked or battery-powered radio and extra batteries, non-perishable food and water, toiletries, flashlights, a first aid kit and medications. Also, include items needed for infants, seniors, and pets. You may want to keep a second kit in your car in the event you must travel during inclement weather. The City asks that residents remain home during this weather event and offers the following safety recommendations: If you do have to drive, drive cautiously; If driving, decrease speed; Have a full tank of gas; Have a cell phone with a full charge with you; Stay inside if possible. If you need to go out, d...