Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the City’s Office of Minority Business Development recently held a graduation ceremony for the third round of participants who have successfully completed the City’s Money Smart for Small Business program. The Money Smart program is a nationally acclaimed, comprehensive financial education curriculum developed jointly by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the U.S. Small Business Administration, to assist minority and emerging small businesses in specific areas that will increase their ability to be sustainable and successful. “The Money Smart for Small Business program provides small and minority owned businesses with a wealth of business resources and knowledge which strengthens the diversity of businesses, consumers and employers. Entrepreneurship and a vibrant small business community are vital components in our efforts to reduce poverty and the city’s unemployment rate,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. Since the program’s 2012 inception, the 10-mod...

The City’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services will be operating a two person bike team on Saturdays and Sundays through Monday, September 7, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Belle Isle. These teams have had a direct impact on the safety of visitors and they will serve as water safety ambassadors during peak season. This year alone, the department has responded to 30 emergency calls resulting in 24 people rescued from the James River, two body recoveries, and responding to four good intent calls. The James River Park System is Richmond's largest, most unique and best known park and receives well over 500,000 visitors a year. It is actually a system of parks along both sides of the James River as it passes through the city, making Richmond the only urban city in the country with Class IV white water rapids in the middle of downtown. Regardless of its natural beauty, there are many dangers when visiting the James River or any body of water. Here are some water safety tips we...

The City of Richmond is creating a new public space in the train shed and the area around Main Street Station. The 100,000 square feet of soon-to-be glassed-in space within Main Street Station will be revitalized as a transportation hub with space for experiencing the best of Richmond through recreation, shopping, food and beverage, celebration, tourism, and events. With indoor space the size of an entire city block, this renovation can transform Downtown Richmond by creating a centrally located, historically significant destination for the RVA community. To ensure that this revitalization effort is successful, the City is undergoing a comprehensive research process. The Southeastern Institute of Research, located right here in Richmond, is leading this research effort. As part of this process, input from the Richmond community is needed. Please click here to take part in the survey to help transform the Main Street Station.

Mayor Dwight C. Jones today thanked Richmond City Council for their work on his proposed budget, but offered great caution concerning some of the actions taken during Council’s budget deliberations. The following statement was issued following Council’s budget vote: “I want to thank Richmond City Council for their hard work and due diligence in thoroughly reviewing my submission of Richmond’s FY2016-FY2017 Biennial Fiscal Plans and five year Capital Improvement Program. Since coming into office, I have consistently presented balanced budgets that have addressed large deficits, have avoided layoffs and furloughs, and have provided services that resulted in minimal disruption to core city services while setting the future direction and growth for our city. “The budget I presented to City Council brought spending in line with revenues, maintained essential services, met prior commitments and utilized sound fiscal principles, and I’m pleased that 98% of my budget remains intact. We are in...

Richmond’s First Bike Master Plan is Now Complete! During a Bike to Work rally at the James Center on May 15, Mayor Jones announced the completion of the City of Richmond’s first ever Bicycle Master Plan. Click here to view the City's Bike Master Plan. The following are Mayor Jones' prepared remarks for the Bike to Work rally. Good morning residents and cyclists of the city of Richmond and the surrounding metro area. It looks like we picked a nice day for a Bike to Work Rally and I personally thank you all for joining us here! I really enjoy telling everyone I can that we have a very enthusiastic and significant cycling community here in the city of Richmond. That fact is proven once again as I see so many of you enjoying this day with us and showing that you have truly embraced the spirit and meaning behind Bike to Work Day. As you well know, Bike to Work Day is an annual, nationally recognized event to support bicycling as a viable commuting option. I encourage all of ...

On Wednesday morning, May 13, prior to rush hour, 5th Street Bridge over Leigh Street will close to vehicular and pedestrian traffic to allow for bridge replacement.  Construction is expected to end in mid-August. The following changes will be in place during construction: 5th Street will be closed at Jackson Street to through traffic.  Traffic will be detoured to 3rd Street; south on 3rd Street to Marshall Street, east on Marshall Street to 5th Street Leigh Street will remain closed to vehicles, pedestrians and parking between 4th Street and 8th Street.  No on-street parking will be permitted. Motorists are encouraged to adhere to all detour and parking signage posted in the construction area. Meantime, work is continuing to replace the 7th Street Bridge, which has been closed since January. The bridge is expected to re-open in mid-June. The $3.6 million dollar project is being funded through City and state funds.  The contract has been awarded to Corman Cons...

The City’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor (N2N) initiative is partnering with the U.S Army Base at Fort Lee, Virginia to perform service projects in the City of Richmond. Ft. Lee has agreed to provide approximately 40 warriors (soldiers in training) once per month to serve in Richmond. The first project will begin on Saturday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to noon, with soldiers completing beautification efforts at two city locations, Lombardy and Park Avenue Triangle, and Petronius S. Jones Park. “This partnership provides a tremendous resource for civic engagements to help strengthen our city’s neighborhoods,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “Our nation’s military personnel stand ready to protect the freedoms we enjoy and I hope their willingness to volunteer inspires others to join in supporting their communities and neighbors with a commitment to service.” The Lombardy and Park Avenue Triangle project, 347 North Lombardy Street, includes the removal and installation of lumber borders, removal and ref...