Hello, RVA First District!

It’s Richmond Marathon Week! This weekend, thousands of runners will be hitting the City for the 2025 Richmond Marathon. Be sure to check out the course map and road closure schedule so you can plan your travels accordingly. Good luck to all participants, we’ll be cheering you on!

Last week, Councilmember Breton joined the Richmond Fire Department for the ceremonial “push-in” of their newest fire engine at Fire Station 19 on Maple Avenue. This longstanding tradition honors the arrival of a new apparatus and the brave firefighters who serve our neighborhoods daily. Congratulations to Engine 19!

Beginning today, November 10, the 6000 block of Patterson Avenue will undergo stormwater improvements. Expect left-lane closures in both directions from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily through December 1. Please drive with caution and follow posted traffic control signage. For updates, follow @DPUStreetNews or download CivicReady app for alerts.

City offices and facilities will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in observance of Veterans Day. Essential services (public safety and emergency operations) will continue as normal. For department-specific closures and updates, visit the City’s website.

Our next district meeting is December 10, 2025, from 6–8 PM, location TBD. Please register to attend. 

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Be mindful of these upcoming deadlines and important reminders:

• From November 10 to December 1, 2025, the 6000 block of Patterson Avenue will undergo stormwater improvements. Expect left-lane closures in both directions from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily through December 1. Please drive with caution and follow posted traffic control signage. For updates, follow @DPUStreetNews or download CivicReady app for alerts.

• Richmond is finalizing its agenda for the 2026 General Assembly session, working closely with the Mayor and the Administration. After presenting the draft agenda at the October Development Committee, we will soon meet with our General Assembly delegation. However, that has been postponed due to the upcoming special session. In the meantime, you can review the draft agenda and share your thoughts with us and our delegation on the issues you want the City to prioritize.

• The Department of Public Utilities is offering free weatherization kits to Richmond seniors (age 65+) to help reduce drafts and lower heating costs this winter. Each kit includes weather stripping, draft stoppers, and an energy-efficient light bulb. Kits will be distributed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations: October 23 at the Southside Community Services Center, November 6 at the East District Initiative, and November 13 at Brookhill Azalea Shopping Center. For more information, visit rva.gov/public-utilities or follow @RichmondDPU on social media.

• The Planning Department just released details for the second round of engagement on the updated zoning maps and district regulations. The new draft will be shared during a series of open houses this month, with opportunities for residents to provide additional feedback. Details below—and you can read more in the Planning Department's recent newsletter. Here's the timeline: PDR will provide an update to Council on November 10th on the gist of the changes that will be forthcoming based on the comments they have received thus far, the full second draft will be released in advance of the open houses on the 17th., and PDR anticipates the next comment period lasting into January of next year --- so there will still be plenty of time to give feedback.

Panel Discussion: Housing, Economic Development, & Zoning

• Monday, Nov. 17 | 6–8 PM | Main Library
• Open House 1: Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 4–7 PM | Main Library
• Open House 2: Thursday, Nov. 20 | 9 AM–12 PM | City Hall Lobby
• Open House 3: Thursday, Nov. 20 | 4–7 PM | Southside Community Services Center

All open houses will have the same content—stop by anytime during the listed hours.

• Save the date! Our next district meeting is on December 10, 2025, from 6 pm to 8 pm, location TBD. Please register to attend. 

• The VMFA is expanding! The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is embarking on an expansion and renovation project that will enable the museum to share more art, welcome more visitors, and provide more enjoyment on a seamless journey through the collections. To learn more, visit The Expansion Project at VMFA.

• The City of Richmond’s Gap Grant Program is one of seven programs collectively known as RVA Stay. The Gap Grant Program provides a one-time income-based grant in the amount of $1,200 to qualifying applicants. Applications are currently being accepted through December 31, 2025. $3.9 million worth of grant funding will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Please review the Gap Grant Program eligibility requirements to learn more about the program.

Thank you for being an engaged part of our district. We look forward to sharing more updates with you soon.