Careers in tech are booming across Richmond and beyond — are you in? 👀

Bootcamp curriculums are up to date with current industry trends, so students gain knowledge + experience they can use in the real world. | Photo provided by Flatiron School

Did you know? Employment in the tech industry is expected to grow ~15% by 2031 — adding 680,000+ jobs to the US labor force. Read: If you’re looking to switch jobs or enter the industry, now is a good time to expand your skills (and make your resume more attractive).

One educational option? Flatiron School, which offers online or in-person options to fit most budgets, lifestyles, and experience levels — whether you’re a college graduate just starting out or a seasoned professional in a mid-career pivot.

Course options:

Software Engineering: This course is crafted for all skill levels — whether you have zero coding knowledge, are self-taught, or are somewhere in between. Flatiron’s approach focuses on applying skills through hands-on, collaborative experiences, whether that’s pair programming, code reviews, or coding challenges. Students will further hone their communication skills and become part of the tech community as they build, share, and refine their Github portfolios.
Data Science: Data is only as valuable as the person behind it, and Flatiron trains you to be that person. Experienced instructors show students how to extract and visualize data, leverage it to find actionable insights, and make powerful predictions with machine learning — all rare yet highly-desired skill sets.
Cybersecurity: Employers are actively seeking and hiring cybersecurity professionals at more than twice the rate of the average job outside of the tech industry. This course focuses on the core aspects of cybersecurity, including network security, Python (no, snakes aren’t involved), pen testing, threat intelligence, cryptology, and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (one of the most important building blocks in the curriculum).
Product Design: Students gain hands-on UX/UI (user experience and user interface) design skills using modern tools like Figma + Webflow, building a professional portfolio (intentionally crafted to catch hiring managers’ eyes upon graduation).

Flatiron School students sit at a table and work on their laptops — Build long-lasting relationships with your cohort and establish a community for you to lean on for the rest of your career. | Photo provided by Flatiron School

How it works:

Flatiron offers both full-time programs (15 weeks) and flexible-pace programs (up to 60 weeks).
Both program options are available online. Flatiron also has Denver, CO + New York City campuses for in-person courses.
Flatiron offers graduates up to 180 days of one-on-one career coaching to help students succeed during their job search.
Flexible financing is available with a 12-month, no-interest installment plan. Chat with Admissions to see what works best for you financially; some students qualify for additional support, like cost of living loans.

How to apply:

Interested? Prospective students can chat with admissions virtually to see if Flatiron might be a good fit, then complete an online application followed by an admissions interview + assessment. Pro tip: Enrollment is open year-round, so you can apply anytime.

See you in the (virtual) classroom, Richmond.*

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This content was created in partnership with Flatiron School and written by Rachel Taylor-Northam.*

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EVENTS

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Wednesday, March 8

Dominion Energy Jazz Café | Wednesday, Mar. 8 | 6-8 p.m. | VMFA, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | Free | The Charles Owens Trio will play original tunes and groovy arrangements in the atrium.

Thursday, March 9

5th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival | Thursday, Mar. 9 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond | $15-$35 | See award-winning films about nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, environmental justice, and indigenous cultures.
“Cross Stitch Bandits” | Thursday, March 9-Sunday, March 19 | Times vary | Dominion Energy Center Gottwald Playhouse, 600 E. Grace St., Richmond | $40 | Cadence and Virginia Rep present the world premiere of this play.

Friday, March 10

Central Virginia Blacksmith Guild 25th Anniversary Hammer-In | Friday, Mar. 10-Sunday, Mar. 12 | Times vary | Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Rd., Chesterfield | $35-$50 | Explore three tents of blacksmithing and bladesmithing demonstrations all weekend long.

Saturday, March 11

“Fried Green Tomatoes” | Saturday, Mar. 11 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | The 1991 film adaptation of the novel stars Kathy Bates, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Mary-Louise Parker.

Monday, March 13

Monday Mini Market | Monday, Mar. 13 | 6-9 p.m. | Crafted RVA, 4900-151 Libbie Mill E. Blvd., Richmond | Cost of purchase | Sip and shop local décor, art, jewelry, and apparel.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

FINANCE

Average retirement savings by age: Are you on track?

When it comes to building your retirement savings, there’s no better time to get started than right now. | Photo by SmartAsset

Many Americans worry they’re not saving enough for retirement, and rightfully so. Do your current savings meet the recommended amount for people your age? Find out. 👀

The amount some people have saved may be shocking, but it’s not too late to seek advice. A financial advisor could help increase your returns and alleviate stress. Try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*

GET YOUR (FREE) FINANCIAL ADVISOR MATCHES

NEWS NOTES

Weather

54º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain

Coming Soon

There’s another restaurant coming to the former Mill on MacArthur space. Owners Rawleigh and Jaya Easley say the new concept, Neighbor, will specialize in made-from-scratch, family-friendly American fare. It could open in the next few weeks. (Richmond BizSense)

Community

The city’s neighborhood clean-up program starts this Saturday, March 11. DPW crews will collect items from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on select Saturdays through November. You can throw away anything except electronics, construction debris, hazardous waste items, and broken glass. The Bellevue/Ginter Park/Washington Park area is up first. 🗑

Number

$1 million. That’s how much will be going towards reviving the Pump House — the Victorian Gothic building in Byrd Park. Half of the money comes from federal funding; Historic Richmond will match that amount with private donations. (Richmond Magazine)

Biz

The first Buc-ee’s in Virginia could open in 2027 in New Kent. The new location for the Texas-based convenience store chain is set to feature 120 fueling positions and 557 parking spaces. It would be the furthest east location for Buc-ee’s. 🦫 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Sports

VCU men’s basketball player Ace Baldwin Jr. has been named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. The junior guard is only the fourth player in conference history to win both awards in the same season. Baldwin averages 12.6 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.46 steals per game. 🏀

Announced

Hey, soul sisters. Train is heading to Richmond to play a special Virginia Credit Union LIVE! show with Better Than Ezra. The all-ages concert will be on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 10 at 10 a.m.

Try This

Explore Richmond history on a trip through the James River and Kanawha Canal. The 2023 season of Riverfront Canal Cruises starts Saturday, April 1. Individuals or groups can book narrated tours in styled canal boats. Single tickets are $8 for ages 5-12 and 65+ and $12 for adults.

Home

Need a new air purification system? Woodfin - Your Home Team offers a variety of fresh air systems for homes and businesses. Bonus: Take advantage of this money saving special.*

Arts

The Richmond Performing Arts Alliance’s annual Women Take the Stage event is happening March 27 at 4 p.m. This year’s event features two-time Emmy Award-winning comedian + author Sara Schaefer alongside esteemed local panelists moderated by Kelli Lemon with Delaney Hall as emcee. Proceeds benefit RPAA’s BrightLights Education Initiatives. Snag tickets.*

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CIVIC

Break down the budget 💸

We’ll get even more into the numbers next week. | Photo by @cwclarke_photos

Mayor Levar Stoney introduced his budget proposal for fiscal year 2024 — that’s July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024 — to City Council on Monday, March 6. In his speech, Stoney pointed to several areas the budget would address, including funding for affordable housing, education, city services, and city employees.

Here are some key numbers.

💸 ~$221.5 million for Richmond Public Schools | Context: That’s less than what RPS asked for, but still a 10.5% increase from last year.

💸 $50 million for affordable housing projects over the next five years

💸 $7 million for park improvement projects

Also included in the budget were raises for city employees, funds to help keep GRTC fare free, and money to revive the city’s History and Culture Commission.

After collecting comments and considering changes, City Council should vote to approve the budget in May.

We’re digging deeper on each of the areas Mayor Stoney highlighted.

Housing

The mayor’s proposal to contribute $10 million to affordable housing projects over the next five years is detailed in the FY 2024 Proposed Capital Improvements Plan — basically a longer-term budget document for projects that are multiple years in the making.

For fiscal year 2024, the following line items are proposed:

$1.4 million to establish a first-time homebuyer fund for city employees who want to live within city limits | Context: Money for this project comes from federal ARPA funds.
$500,000 to expand the Alternative Housing Program | Context: The city plans on partnering with a nonprofit to make it easier for Richmonders to access new kinds of housing, such as manufactured homes.
$800,000 for the Eviction Diversion Program

The budget also includes funds for homeless services. The mayor wants to hire another homeless services liaison and allocate $1.75 million towards a year-round emergency services shelter.

Education

A big point of emphasis in Mayor Stoney’s original proposal was his $21,152,485 increase in funds for Richmond Public Schools. Stoney also highlighted that there has been an 46.1% increase in RPS funding since he became mayor in 2016.

Connected to education, the proposal includes:

$800,000 in new funding for the Richmond Public Library | Context: The money will go towards adding Sunday hours at the Main, Ginter Park, Broad Rock, and West End branches
$474,000 in increased funding for Communities in Schools
$1.36 million in increased funding for NextUp RVA

Meanwhile, the mayor’s Capital Improvement Plan — which covers FY 2024-2028 — proposes $2.5 million per year for school maintenance, $200 million in FY 2024 for school modernization, and $15 million specifically to help rebuild Fox Elementary.

City Services

RICtoday_BudgetBreakdown_Services — Dig into proposed city spending on facilities, streets, and other services.

This umbrella term covers facilities, transportation, utilities, public programming — the list goes on. Here are a few key numbers:

$8.9 million more in the city’s contribution to GRTC
$14.1 million to address maintenance needs at city facilities | The mayor highlighted priority projects at City Hall, Main Library, fire stations, cemeteries, and the James River Park System, among others.
$21 million for the Complete Streets program | Context: Complete Streets is a continuous capital project that includes funds for sidewalks, curbs and gutters, pedestrian crossings, and paving.

There’s also $7 million in the proposed Capital Improvement Plan for park improvements around the city, particularly in Southside.

City Employees

RICtoday_BudgetBreakdown_Employees — See what the mayor’s proposing for the city’s 4,000+ employees.

The budget proposal includes funds to increase the salaries of city employees and provide more benefits. In his introduction, the mayor cited that the city dedicated $33.6 million in FY23 to increasing wages for all city employees.

Context: Since City Council approved a collective bargaining ordinance for city employees in July 2022, all five designated units of workers — police, fire and emergency services, labor and trades, professional, and administrative and technical — have filed for union elections.

The FY24 plan includes an 8% salary increase for all non-sworn employees as well as an $18 minimum wage. Here are some more figures:

$1.4 million towards a First Time Homebuyer’s Assistance program for city employees who want to live within city limits
$650,000 to establish a Tuition Assistance Program
$500,000 to continue the language incentive program for employees who provide multilingual services

Still have budget questions? Let us know and we’ll try to get them answered.

City Council will host budget work sessions throughout April. In May, City Council will introduce amendments and adopt the budget before FY24 begins in July.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Robin.

Editor’s pick: I’ve never been to a Buc-ee’s, but I’m intrigued by a quote from the RTD piece describing it as “better than Wawa and Sheetz on steroids.” What’s your take? Personally, my friends have converted me to a Wawa loyalist.

Missed our last newsletter? How to attend the free film festival starting this weekend.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Robin Schwartzkopf, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Peter Baldassare | Advertise with us.

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