VCUarts Programs Ranked Nation's Top Public Graduate Program

The U.S. News & World Report has ranked VCU as the nation's top public graduate program in the Fine Arts category. The Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts tied for #4 with UCLA, behind three private universities: Yale University, Rhode Island School of Design, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

To learn more, please click here.

City of Richmond Honored for Online Government Transparency

According to the Washington Post, a national nonprofit that promotes government transparency honored 14 public sector websites in Virginia, including the city of Richmond. Over 6,000 government websites were evaluated and graded. To read the full article, please click here.

Manchester Revitalization Continues

A March 13, 2012 Richmond BizSense begins its story with "Manchester is on fire." The article highlights additional new development in Manchester, including 44 new apartments being built by Urban Development Associates, as well as news that the former Reynolds Souths packaging plant is under contract. To read the full article, please click here.

The Port of Richmond Attracts International Shipping Line

The Richmond Times Dispatch reports here on the Port of Richmond's newest client - Mediterranean Shipping Co., which is the world's second-largest shipping line. "We believe in the future of the Port of Richmond," Mediterranean Shipping USA President Caudio Bozzo said in a statement. "There are significant savings to be realized by our clients on intermodal movements, and likewise, we know how customers in Virginia are very attentive to initiatives that have a 'green' effect."

There's an app for that! City earns Foursquare badge

The social networking application Foursquare has awarded Richmond a city badge, one of only five cities to receive a badge from a recent competition. Click here to read the full Richmond Times Dispatch article.

Mayor Jones Budget Proposal Places Emphasis on Key Tourism Initiatives

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) being prepared by the Jones Administration for submission to City Council on March 6 includes what Mayor Jones is calling key tourism economic drivers designed to spur the area's creative economy.

Included in the Mayor's proposed budget is $14 million in proposed improvements to the historic Landmark Theater, $5 million for Shockoe Bottom Revitalization plans, and $5 million for riverfront development.

To read the full press release, please click here.

More Downtown Redevelopment Coming

According to a March 1, 2012 Richmond Times Dispatch article, construction will begin next week to renovate five historic buildings along the Haxall Canal in downtown Richmond. Jack Berry of Venture Richmond states, "The development will bring retail and restaurants to the water's edge along with hundreds of apartments." To read the full article, please click here.