ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Anyone Who Wants a Job Should Have a Living Wage Job

Our economic development should focus on what makes Richmond the City we already love – not using taxpayer dollars to subsidize projects to turn our City into something it’s not. Let’s focus on supporting our world class river and its ecosystem, our incredible small business and restaurant community, and the amazing arts and culture that already exists here.

Together we can:

  • Make sure neighborhood amenities and utility needs are met. Small and mid-sized businesses rely on the City following through on its obligations no matter how big or how small. This can range from ensuring that city services and utilities function reliably to making sure that Richmonders have access to first-in-class public transportation and transit infrastructure. Regardless of where these businesses are located throughout Richmond, it is imperative that they can count on City Hall to deliver on providing high quality core services so that their businesses can flourish.

 

  • Improve businesses’ experiences interacting with City Hall, ranging from finance matters and tax payments to permitting and city requirements. Just as we need to make sure we are delivering exceptional customer service to all Richmonders, we need to make sure that interfacing with City Hall is easy for businesses and that communications are clear and accurate. Our goal should be to create an environment where every small business wants to operate, and that starts with lifting up and supporting small businesses, not overburdening them.

 

  • Promote local businesses in tourism efforts. Local businesses contribute immensely to Richmond’s character and are the backbone of our local economy. Highlighting all that our local business scene has to offer not only promotes Richmond to those looking to travel to Richmond from afar, but also encourages tourists to visit and spend their money at small businesses while they are here.

 

  • Expand affordable housing across the city. This is critical for not only providing workforce housing for businesses looking to move to or expand in Richmond, but also for the Richmonders that already live and work here. We need to further invest in and increase the supply of affordable housing throughout the city so that everyone who lives and works here can afford to do so.

 

  • Collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to strengthen economic and workforce development efforts. Work with Virginia Economic Development Partnership as much as possible to explore economic development opportunities. Work with the Greater Richmond Partnership to identify strategies for our region to promote economic growth. Communicate with regional institutions of higher education to discuss workforce development and talent needs, what the City is hearing from businesses and local/regional organizations, and how the region’s higher education institutions can support these efforts.

Harrison Roday is a non-profit and business leader running to be the next Mayor of Richmond. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Support Harrison’s campaign by making a donation online or signing up to volunteer. 

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Mail a Contribution to the Campaign:

Roday for Richmond
P.O. Box 14532
Richmond, VA 23221

Paid for and authorized by Roday for Richmond