Richmond marks National Public Works Week with community events

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Public Works Week (NPWW) from May 17 – 23, 2026. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Service Powered by Community,” highlights how employees in public works connect to and support their local communities.

Throughout the upcoming week, DPW will feature the crucial role its teams play in building a better Richmond – from maintaining roads, alleys, sidewalks and bridges to refuse collection to engineers and traffic technicians. DPW employees embody the values of people-centered service, purposeful work and reliable presence in every Richmond neighborhood.

National Public Works Week celebration highlights

• Proclamation recognizing NPWW
• DPW literature display: City Hall lobby | May 18 through May 22 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (daily) | 900 East Broad Street
  • Learn more about the DPW and the essential services it provides to the community.
• DPW Touch-A-Truck event: Tuesday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Main Street Station (back lot)
  • This is a closed, invitation-only event for pre-k and elementary school students featuring guided, up-close viewing of DPW vehicles and demonstrations led by staff. Students will have the opportunity to meet the teams behind the equipment and learn how DPW supports and impacts their lives.
• Speed Management Symposium: Wednesday, May 20 | 5:30 – 8 p.m. | Main Street Station, 1500 East Main Street | Free | Dinner | Open to the public
• DPW Employee Awards Ceremony & Luncheon: Thursday, May 21 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • A private, employee-only event recognizing outstanding service, employee and team awards, and commitment among DPW staff.
• Live music concert/Music at Main Street: Thursday, May 21 | 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Main Street Station (patio), 1500 East Main Street | Free | Open to the public
  • Music by Plunky and Oneness.
  • Celebrate the spirit of public works with a free outdoor concert on the patio at Main Street Station. Bring family, friends and lawn chairs for an evening of music, fun and appreciation.

Richmond is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States – a recognition that underscores the city’s commitment to excellence, innovation and public service.

The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; urban forestry; civil engineering and capital improvement projects along with the Department of Transportation (DOT). DPW delivers essential services that keep the city clean, safe and healthy. The DOT plans, builds and maintains the city’s transportation system to ensure safe, reliable and equitable mobility for all users. The department is responsible for traffic operations, street signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, bike lanes and transportation programs that support economic vitality, environmental sustainability and quality of life. Guided by the city’s Vision Zero commitment, the DOT works to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven policies, street design and community partnerships. In addition, the DOT issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station and the RVA Bike Share Program. Report service requests to RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.