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.