Vallerie Reilly became the first resident to receive solar panels through Solar Access Henrico, a new program offered to eligible homeowners. Henrico and Dominion Energy Solutions are partnering to help homeowners take advantage of sustainable technologies while saving money on electricity and reducing the community’s environmental impact.

“We're the only place in the commonwealth where we were directly involved in making sure that low or minimal-income residents have access to this type of program,” said Varina District Supervisor Tyrone Nelson, who dropped by Reilly's home when the panels were being installed last week. “We do a lot of firsts here, and this is one that I'm super proud of.” 

The program was created through a $5 million grant, which will support the installation of solar panels on as many as 250 homes. Because funding is limited, interested homeowners are encouraged to apply promptly.

To be eligible, applicants must live in Henrico, own their own home and have a household income at or less than 100% of the area’s median income. Their home also must be deemed a good fit for solar.

HEART announces inaugural Community Impact Grants

Eight organizations have been awarded the first Community Impact Grants from Henrico's Environmental Action Resource Team (HEART). Each will receive between $1,000 and $2,400 for projects such as building pollinator gardens, hosting a cycling event and offering beekeeping training programs.

“Henrico has implemented many projects over the years to support a stronger, more resilient environment," Sustainability Division Director Samantha Hudson said. "To truly move the needle in protecting the environment, we must invest in collective impact and lift up others in the community who are doing this important work.”

The application period for the second round of grants will open after July.

Residents have one more opportunity to attend a Suggestion Session for the HenricoNext 2045 comprehensive plan. The meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 5, at Highland Springs High School, 200 S. Airport Drive.

The meeting, which is arranged in an open-house format, enables participants to drop by at their convenience and review draft maps that show potential land use designations through 2045 for properties in the county.

Residents who have been unable to attend one of the five Suggestion Sessions can still review and comment on the proposed land use maps at the HenricoNext website. 

The Enchanted Treehouse, Narnia Nook and Hagrid’s Hut (pictured right) are among the whimsical, one-of-a-kind playhouses that supporters of Henrico CASA can win in the Home for Good benefit event.

The annual fundraiser supports the child-advocacy work of Henrico CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which serves some 400 children each year in the Henrico County court system who have experienced abuse and neglect. 

Seven playhouses are on display at Short Pump Town Center through May 11. Participants can make a donation to Henrico CASA for their favorite playhouse and have their names entered for a random drawing. Winners will be selected May 12.

The playhouses are designed, constructed and donated by area home builders and by students from Henrico County Public Schools’ Workforce and Career Development program.

InVESTing in Student Safety, an initiative under the Watch Out Ahead Henrico! program, launched this spring to distribute a free reflective safety vest to every student in Henrico County Public Schools. Public Works is hosting an event at one school in each magisterial district to talk about pedestrian safety and allow students to engage with county and HCPS leaders.

Distribution to schools is ongoing and is expected to continue until the end of the school year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take the opportunity to have age-appropriate conversations with their students on the importance of staying safe while playing, biking or walking near roadways.

Students aren’t the only ones who can receive a free vest! Stop by any of Henrico’s government centers, libraries, police stations and recreation centers to pick up a WOAH! vest during normal operating hours.

Next Board of Supervisors meeting is

Tuesday, May 13

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 13. The meeting can be viewed live online, and all agendas and recordings of meetings are archived.

If you wish to speak at this Board meeting during the public comment period, please fill out the meeting participation form.