11.02.2023

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Today’s Forecast

49º | Sunny | 5% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:24 a.m. | Sunset 5:07 p.m.

City Council eyes new commission

City Council looks to create Public Utilities and Services Commission

RICtoday_DrinkingWaterFacility_Richmond_DPU

The commission would advise on utilities including clean drinking water. | Photo by RICtoday

Changes could be coming to how the city’s utilities are managed. In October, legislation was introduced to create a Public Utilities and Services Commission.

🚰 What it would do

If formed, the body would provide city officials with information and advice concerning management and operations of public utilities — think natural gas, drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater. The commission would also head up education initiatives for Richmonders, ideally to increase transparency and public engagement in the future.

The commission is also tasked with advising the city on a “transition of the gas utility” in accordance with the Climate Equity Action Plan, which has a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030.

In addition to its prescribed duties, the commission would have to provide a written report of its activities each year by the end of October.

RICtoday_RichmondCityHall — The new commission got the green light from the Governmental Operations Committee in October.
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Photo by RICtoday

💼 How it would be structured

The ordinance calls for 13 voting members and eight non-voting members. Of those numbers, eight would be appointed by City Council and five by the mayor.

Non-voting members would include representatives from DPU, DPW, the Office of Sustainability, and Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. There would also be non-voting representation from Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Goochland.

At least seven of the voting members would have to be residential utility customers, with at least one living north of the river and one living south.

🎤 Get involved

At its Oct. 25 meeting, the Governmental Operations Standing Committee reviewed the ordinance and recommended it for approval by City Council. A public hearing will be held at Council’s meeting on Monday, Nov. 13.

Events

Thursday, Nov. 2

Of Good Nature | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 7 p.m. | The Camel, 1621 W. Broad St., Richmond | $17 | The Charlotte, NC band blends alternative, funk, pop, and soul for a night of fun with Soundwave Supply Co.

Friday, Nov. 3

ThinkSmall12 Opening Reception | Friday, Nov. 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Artspace Gallery, 2833-A Hathaway Rd., Richmond | Free | Artists from Virginia and beyond contribute artwork for this biennial show.
CNTR 1 Year Anniversary | Friday, Nov. 3 | 6-11 p.m. | CNTR, 318 W Broad St. Floor 1, Richmond | Free entry | Celebrate one year of the creative hub with performances, art, and food all to support The Crystal Bennett Foundation of America.

Saturday, Nov. 4

RPL 100 Celebration and Special Collections Open House | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | RPL Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St., Richmond | Free | Enjoy a presentation on the history of the Richmond Public Library and get an inside look at the Special Collections with members of staff.
Legacy Reunion of Earth Wind & Fire Alumni | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | The National, 708 E. Broad St., Richmond | $49-$99 | Get ready for a high energy night of danceable hits from the 1970s.

Sunday, Nov. 5

The Altars Festival | Sunday, Nov. 5 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Art Works, 320 Hull St., Richmond | Free | Musicians, speakers, and artists gather to celebrate cross-cultural ancestor remembrance at this art exhibition.
The Richmond Greater Virginia Bridal Show | Sunday, Nov. 5 | 1-4 p.m. | The Marble Room, 7193 Stonewall Pkwy., Mechanicsville | $10 | Meet with wedding vendors for makeup, food, and more, plus enjoy musical entertainment and giveaways.

November events here

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News Notes

Biz

Local chicken restaurant Cocky Rooster has announced that it is beginning to offer franchise opportunities. The spot touts its 3.5 day work week, low overhead, and creative menu as strengths of its model.

Real Estate

Costco scooped up another five acres of land around its Henrico store in a $13 million deal this month. The retail company has not announced what it plans to do with the acquisition. (Richmond BizSense)

Outdoors

Learn more about the future of trails in Virginia — including the upcoming Fall Line Trail — at a virtual town hall tonight at 6 p.m. The Virginia State Trails Office will share details about the Statewide Trails Plan and answer questions. Register to attend.

Shop

Come on Barbie, let’s go to Short Pump — the Barbie Truck will make an appearance at Short Pump Town Center this Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. You’ll be able to find the merch-filled vehicle at the main entrance near Pottery Barn. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Sports

Kickers midfielder Nil Vinyals made USL League One’s All-League First Team. Vinyals was a leader on the pitch for the Roos this season with 66 chances created, four assists, and six goals.

Holiday

Already planning for winter events? The Richmond Symphony can get you in the holiday spirit with its “Let It Snow!” concerts the weekend of Nov. 25-26. The annual tradition will feature special guest artist Desirée Roots and Soul Santa. Tickets are on sale now.

Regional

There are only a few days left to scurry up to DC and see the giant pandas at the National Zoo before they return to China. Their exact departure date is not public information, but it will be within the next three weeks. (DCist)

Asked

Keep giving us your recommendations for mac and cheese around Richmond — we’re building our ultimate mac and cheese map and want to make sure it’s legen-dairy.

Wellness

Why optimize hormones as you age? You can improve strength, bone density, libido, blood pressure, and mood. Learn about your testosterone levels with Wellcore’s At-Home Assessment Kit.*

Arts

🗓️ First Friday festivities

Mark your calendar for these First Friday November events

Last year’s InLight took place at Bryan Park. | Photo by Brandon Goldstone

Tomorrow is the November edition of First Fridays in the Arts District. The festivities get started around 5 and go until 11 p.m., depending on the venue.

Here are a few highlights:

InLight returns with a theme of “Reflection and Refraction” between the 200 and 400 blocks of West Broad.
Explore the fiber art underway at Mob Studio (205 E. Broad St.) from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Basement is hosting a grand re-opening with free burlesque performances starting at 8 p.m.
And Dim Sum opens in the former Max’s on Broad space, serving up small bites from 4 to 10 p.m.

Bonus: Head over to Jackson Ward for the premiere of a multi-sensory show called “New Ways to Scare Children.” The exhibition will explore the fears and future of AI in creative settings. It’ll be on display until Sunday, Nov. 26.

The Buy

The Buy 11.03.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A party host gift for your weekend plans (do we spy a puzzle?).

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The Wrap

Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin

From the editor

I had a great time on Halloween night at the All the Saints Theater Company Halloween Parade in Oregon Hill. RVA Mag has some fun videos of the conclusion.

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