Yesterday, city officials provided the Planning Commission with updates on where the city stands in hitting its 300th birthday goals — aka Richmond 300.
Richmond’s award-winning master plan, “Richmond 300: A Guide for Growth,” was adopted in December 2020. It contains 17 goals, 73 objectives, and 415 strategies to achieve a citywide vision of innovation, sustainability, and equity by the time Richmond turns 300 in 2037.
The annual report provides updates on the plan’s six "Big Moves” — umbrella-type goals to move the city forward. Here’s some of the progress that’s been made for each move.
📍 Re-Write the Zoning Ordinance
The three proposed zoning changes that the city has been kicking around — eliminating parking minimums, revising short-term rental regulations, and permitting accessory dwelling units — are included here.
🏗 Re-Imagine Priority Growth Nodes
This includes ongoing neighborhood projects like the City Center Innovation District, Shockoe Small Area Plan, and Jackson Ward Community Plan. Pro tip: A “node” is a place where people and jobs are today or may be in the future.
🏡 Expand Housing Opportunities
Most of the priority growth node projects above include some form of housing expansion, but there’s also the Equitable and Affordable Housing Strategy, which was adopted last February.
🌳 Provide Greenways and Parks for All
The Fall Line Trail is coming soon, plus planning is underway for five parks in Southside and the Urban Forestry Master Plan.
🏙 Reconnect the City
See: Reconnect Jackson Ward, which recently applied for grant funding. This category also includes progress with transportation projects like Richmond Connects, the North South Pulse line, and some bridge replacement plans.
🏟 Realign City Facilities
The biggest update here is the progress with the Diamond District, which when complete will include a new baseball diamond. Plans are also ongoing for new community centers.
Check out the full report and let us know what city news matters to you.
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