Richmond’s first-ever civic hack-a-thon to seek solutions for city challenges

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond residents will soon have the chance to put their programming skills to the test while also helping solve some of the city's most persistent challenges.

Hack for RVA, the city's first-ever civic hack-a-thon, is coming to Richmond next month. From March 27 through March 29, community members can participate in the event and use technology to develop community-centered solutions for problems modeled after real-life issues.

The problem sets, created by city leaders, will reflect Richmond's most demanding challenges, whose solutions are aligned with the seven pillars of Mayor Danny Avula's Mayoral Action Plan (MAP). Released in October 2025, the 25-page strategy outlines ways to meet community and housing needs, support families and children, improve Richmond's economy, protect residents' rights, build a "greener" community and recognize and empower the city's history.

MORE: Avula lays out his plan for a ‘thriving’ Richmond

“Richmond’s challenges are complex, and the best solutions don’t come from any one office or institution alone; they come from listening, collaborating, and acting together,” Avula said. “Hack for RVA reflects the kind of City we are working to build: one where residents, community organizations, and innovators roll up their sleeves and help shape solutions that are grounded in lived experience and focused on real impact.”  

Participating teams will have a chance to present their work and win three awards totaling $10,000, including a Mayor's Choice Award selected by a committee for $5,000, a Moonshot Award selected by the public for $2,500 and seven MAP pillars prizes for $1,000 each.

The inaugural 48-hour challenge is hosted by the City of Richmond, AI Ready RVA, Plan RVA and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business. For more information, visit Hack for RVA.