The Richmond City Public Safety Standing Committee convened on July 22, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding emergency management and community response initiatives. The meeting highlighted the city's ongoing efforts to enhance its emergency operations framework and the training of personnel involved in these processes.

A key focus was on the requirement for each city department to have at least three emergency management liaisons. These liaisons are tasked with acting on behalf of their department heads during emergencies, allowing for efficient resource and staff allocation in the emergency operations center. Currently, the city conducts quarterly training for these liaisons and is in the process of establishing baseline training for all city employees, with additional training tailored to specific roles.

The committee also addressed the continuity of operations plans, which are essential for maintaining city services during emergencies. The city is transitioning to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards, having previously used the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) standards. This shift aims to create more robust and comprehensive plans. Officials indicated that they are just beginning this process and anticipate reaching at least 60% completion within the next year, prioritizing agencies based on their risk to citizen services.

Additionally, the committee discussed the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, which has seen improvements over the past year with the hiring of a part-time contractor to enhance its operations. While specific numbers of active participants were not provided, officials committed to sharing this information with council members to ensure transparency and accountability.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to strengthening its emergency management capabilities and ensuring that all personnel are adequately trained and prepared for potential crises. As the city moves forward, the focus will remain on developing effective plans and fostering community engagement in emergency preparedness.