Richmond’s Public Art Master Plan will be developed with the input of the community, key stakeholders and other arts groups so that the plan will reflect Richmond’s vision for public art. The City will embark on a series of public meetings and focus groups as well as providing methods for the public to give input and feedback on the types of public art projects funded by the City. Currently all public art projects receive funding through a 1% allocation for art, earmarked from the City’s Capital Budget, of all new or renovation construction projects having budgets over $250,000. It is envisioned that the Master Plan will also identify ways to fund the preservation and long term maintenance of the current public art sites in Richmond. “We want this roadmap to help ensure that our public art program is reflective of Richmond’s diverse communities,” said Mayor Jones. “This effort will help to refine policies and procedures that ensure equal opportunities for local and regional artists...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the City’s Public Art Commission (PAC) announced today a new monument commemorating Maggie L. Walker that will be created by artist Antonio Tobias “Toby” Mendez. The Public Art Commission worked with a Site Selection team of neighborhood leaders and stakeholders to choose the artist and the location that would best reflect the important legacy of Maggie L. Walker and her contributions to the City of Richmond. The monument will be integrated into a new plaza and gathering space on Broad Street at North Adams Street. The Maggie L. Walker monument will become embedded as a landmark in the City’s Downtown Arts District. “Not only will Richmond gain an important new monument that can reflect the diverse heritage and history of a significant local hero, but this effort will also underscore her role as a champion for civil rights on the national landscape,” said Mayor Jones. “Maggie Walker was a revolutionary leader in business, a champion for breaking down barri...

The City of Richmond today released its annual leaf collection program schedule, which is set to begin Monday, Nov. 30.  The Department of Public Works will conduct one 10-week cycle to vacuum leaves throughout the entire city. In addition, the department will collect bagged leaves on a continual basis. “Public Works will vacuum leaves throughout all Richmond neighborhoods beginning Nov. 30 through Feb. 5,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “The schedule we are issuing allows us to serve the entire city, and to deliver services in an efficient and cost-effective manner.” In previous years, Public Works conducted two vacuum collection cycles that often lasted as long as 22 weeks. Following budget reductions approved earlier this year, City officials initially were faced with either eliminating vacuum leaf collections in many neighborhoods, or seeking additional funding. Mayor Jones asked that an alternative be identified that would maintain leaf collection services for the entire Ci...

Construction will begin on Friday, October 9 on a major transportation project designed to improve traffic safety at the intersections of Monument Avenue and Allen Avenue by converting the existing traffic circle into a modern roundabout. The work is expected to last through early January 2016. The scope of the work at the four legs, or intersections, leading into the current circle includes the installation of medians and corner island extensions, concrete sidewalks, ADA compliant curb ramps, pedestrian crosswalks, signage, pavement markings and landscaping. The improvements will create an easier and safer means for motorists to travel through and pedestrians to cross the intersecting roads. Those driving through the area may experience occasional single lane closures. Allen Avenue may be closed at times during construction, however proper work zone signage will be provided throughout the project construction. The total project cost is estimated at $550,000, with half being ...

The Administration of Mayor Dwight C. Jones today announced that Deputy Chief John J. Buturla will serve as the Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Operations, effective October, 14, 2015. Buturla will be filling the position being vacated by Christopher Beschler following his appointment to a state position which was announced last month. The DCAO for Operations has the management and oversight responsibility for the Department of Public Works, Department of Public Utilities and Animal Care and Control. Buturla, who at one time served as a Chief Administrative Officer for the City of New Haven, Connecticut, is seen as having the management experience and knowledge necessary to lead the operations portfolio. Mayor Dwight C. Jones recently tapped Buturla as the lead coordinator for the execution of the City’s logistics responsibility in hosting the UCI Road World Championships (Worlds). The success of the Worlds was in part attributed to his leadership. “I am ...

Today, the City of Richmond presented the completed 2014 CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) to the Richmond City Council’s Organizational Development Committee. This completes the process for the outstanding 2014 report and allows the City to move forward with preparations for the 2015 CAFR. To read the 2014 CAFR, click here .

Mayor Dwight C. Jones thanked workers and the community following the conclusion of the 2015 UCI Road World Championships. The nine-day event is estimated to have exceeded anticipated attendance with approximately 645,000 onsite spectators over the entirety of the event, including the Opening Ceremony. “The Worlds in Richmond were a huge success thanks to the hard work of a great many people, including the city’s Department of Public Works, the Richmond Police Department and surrounding law enforcement and emergency management officials, fire crews, volunteers, the corporate community and the event management personnel,” said Mayor Jones. “My thanks and congratulations go out to everyone that helped Richmond show so well over the course of this event, and particularly to the people of the region whose excitement and enthusiasm has really shown off the best of Richmond.” “We’ve delivered a spectacular World Championships and I’m extremely proud of the way the region pulled together in ...