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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Divorce Recovery Workshop and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. The Agenda: Local government briefs for 9.14.26 (richmondbizsense.com) — Richmond City Council returns from its August break tonight to consider a Gilpin Court redevelopment agreement, new townhome and apartment projects, and a Virginia Union University housing proposal. The city also just secured $32.8 million in state funding to upgrade its water treatment plant filters, while nearby Hanover and Henrico advance major development and tourism initiatives that could affect regional jobs and traffic.
2. Regional water workgroup recommends $32.8M for Richmond treatment plant upgrade (vpm.org) — Richmond's main water treatment plant is in line for a $32.8 million state grant toward a $43.8 million filter upgrade, aimed at improving reliability after the 2025 flooding crisis. Regional officials are pressing for assurances the money meets state rules and doesn't replace other funding, while the city races to finalize a grant agreement and construction contracts this fall.
3. As Richmond's FOIA foibles persist, city claims it has no 'Flock' contract (richmonder.org) — Richmond residents are learning more about how City Hall has repeatedly mishandled public-records requests, including initially denying it had a contract for Flock license-plate cameras despite nearly 100 devices operating on city streets. The mayor says staff acted in good faith and promises better FOIA training, but transparency advocates warn these wording-based denials erode public trust in local government.
4. Corn, geese and a closed trail: Richmond canal deals with derailment aftermath (12onyourside.com) — A key stretch of Richmond's Capital Trail remains closed more than two months after a CSX derailment dumped corn into the Kanawha Canal, forcing walkers and cyclists onto a hazardous Dock Street detour. City officials haven't given a reopening timeline, while leftover corn has fueled geese activity and earlier stressed canal aquatic life, underscoring ongoing safety and environmental concerns for nearby residents.
5. "Stick with us": Richmond DPU call center volume nearly triples amid billing system issues (foxrichmond.com) — Richmond utility customers are facing ongoing billing errors after a new system rollout, with call center volumes nearly tripling and some residents seeing confusing or delayed bills. City leaders say account data is accurate, have doubled call center staff, and plan longer service hours, open houses, and more resources so residents can get audits and faster resolution of problem bills.
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Ok Richmond! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
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