In today's newsletter, we share opportunities to celebrate Black History Month across the City, provide a look ahead to this upcoming week's City meetings, and more. As always, be sure to check out the bulletin board for upcoming events, City resources, and engagement opportunities.
Upcoming City Meetings
I want to highlight a number of important City meetings coming up next week, including:
The City Planning Commission meets on Monday at 1:30pm. You can view the full agenda, which includes an update on the City's process for a comprehensive re-write of the zoning ordinance, here.
Council's Organizational Development Committee meets Monday at 5pm. The agenda includes updates on the City's American Rescue Plan spending, the Central Virginia Transit Authority, and more.
The City Charter Review Commission will hold its next public meeting at on Wednesday at 6pm at City Hall, in the 5th floor conference room. The plan is for the meeting to be streamed as well. Check out the agenda and more meeting info here.
Council's Education and Human Services Committee meets on Thursday at 2pm. The meeting will feature discussion of the RPS budget, and an update from the Superintendent. More info here.
Black History Month Events
There are numerous ways to honor Black History Month in the Second, and across the City:
Second District's very own Elegba Folklore Society is putting on the "Black Book Expo" throughout the month
Also in the Second, the Black History Museum is hosting a special event tomorrow at 2pm
Inclement Weather Shelters
In preparation for the extreme cold that we will experience this weekend, all three inclement weather shelters for those without access to housing – RVA Sisters Keeper, United Nations, and Commonwealth Catholic Charities – will operate on a 24/7 basis through Sunday, February 5th. More information is included in the graphics below the bulletin. Please share with your networks, on social media, and with anyone who you think may be in need of these resources.
Finally, a quick reminder about some other great events coming up this weekend, including First Fridays tonight, and the "Art & Beyond" event in support of the Binford PTA tomorrow at 6pm. Hope to see you out there!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely, Katherine
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Office Contact Katherine Jordan
Councilmember
Office: (804) 646-6532 Email Sven Philipsen
Council Liaison
Office: (804) 646-6532
Cell: (804) 201-5069 Email
RVA311
The quickest way to report a City customer service request or delivery of service issue is to use Richmond’s online web portal, rva311.com.
The COVID-19 Community Level in Richmond is MEDIUM
For more information on testing options, the latest CDC guidance, and vaccinations, check out the RCHD's latest weekly update here.
Bulletin Board
General Assembly Update: two big updates on major pieces of legislation the City is following:
SB 780: Senator Morrissey's legislation that would allow Petersburg to hold a referendum to become a casino host City, and would block a second referendum in the City, failed to pass through the Senate Finance Committee.
SB 1391: the bill that would exempt realtors who operate short-term rentals from local zoning regulations, failed in Senate committee earlier this week.
Jackson Ward Community Plan: there will be a workshop to review and provide feedback on the draft Jackson Ward Community Plan next Saturday, February 11th, at 10AM, 1PM, and 4PM at the Calhoun Community Center. More info here.
Richmond Connects feedback needed: Richmond Connects is an equity-centeredprocess to identify and prioritize multimodal transportation projects and programs in the City of Richmond. An initial data-driven needs analysis has identified priority investment areas throughout the City. Take a look at a map of those areas, provide comments, and consider joining a focus group. More here. The feedback window closes February 6th!
DPU Financial Assistance: Richmond DPU is now participating in the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), which helps Virginia residents pay their water and wastewater bills. The program will run through December 31, 2023, or until all funds have been distributed. More info here, and below the bulletin board.
Historic Façade Grant Program: do you live in Jackson Ward? Historic Richmond has launched a grant program to provide up to $10,000 for eligible property owners to improve their facades, and you may be eligible. More info here.
Early Voting: all Richmond votershave until February 18th to vote early in the special election that will be held on February 21st. You can find more information on the candidates here, and more information on early voting options here.
City & Community Resources
Call 804-205-3501 to register for free community testing. Events are subject to change or cancellation. Locations are accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility support devices. Click here for non-community testing options.
