Local Assistance Division

Overview

The Urban Construction Initiative (also known as the First Cities Initiative) was established as the result of a modification to the Code of Virginia in 2003. Traditionally, cities identified construction projects, which the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) would construct and the locality would then maintain.

Over the past several years, increasing emphasis has been placed on local administration of construction projects. The Urban Construction Initiative moves local administration from the project level to the program level, providing municipalities with the opportunity to manage their entire construction program.

The initiative places greater responsibility and control of the urban construction program in the hands of the local government. However, this includes the responsibility for meeting all federal and state legal and regulatory requirements, and Commonwealth Transportation Board policy.

Program Information

PDFs.

Urban Construction Initiative Program Administration Guide (1.2 MB)
How to join the Urban Construction Initiative (13 KB)
Benefits and realities of participation (87 KB)

WORD

Standard Construction Contract Bid Document - Template

UCI in the News

Moving in a New Direction (179 KB)
Our local partner’s perspective (223 KB)

Member Municipalities

Fiscal Year 2005: Hampton, Richmond (city) and Virginia Beach
Fiscal Year 2006: Charlottesville
Fiscal Year 2007: Harrisonburg and Bridgewater
Fiscal Year 2008: Lynchburg
Fiscal Year 2009: Blacksburg and Dumfries
Fiscal Year 2010: Colonial Heights
Fiscal Year 2011: Newport News
Fiscal Year 2012: Chesapeake and Purcellville

Annual Reports

2011 (180 KB)
2010 (103 KB)
2009 (280 KB)
2008 (120 KB)
2007 (138 KB)
2006 (115 KB)
2005 (192 KB)

Certification Program

Localities that are participating in the VDOT Urban Construction Initiative Program may apply to be certified to deliver projects with streamlined oversight from VDOT.

Certification with streamlined oversight applies to all projects, except for those located on the National Highway System, that have been noted as requiring federal oversight or that have been identified by the commissioner as requiring VDOT oversight.