Happy National Entrepreneurs' Day!

President Barack Obama proclaimed this week of November 14 through November 20, 2010 as National Entrepreneurship Week and November 19, 2010 as National Entrepreneurs' Day. To read the full Presidential Proclamation, please click here.

ECD Launches Richmond Workforce Pipeline

The City of Richmond's Department of Economic & Community Development Workforce Development Division has launched the Richmond Workforce Pipeline, an initiative to prepare residents for jobs, including ones tied to the planned construction of new jail and four schools. To learn more and read the Richmond Times Dispatch article, please click here.

The City is Accepting Applications for the 2011-2013 General Fund Non-Departmental and Federal Fund Budgets

The city of Richmond's Department of Economic & Community Development Neighborhood Revitalization Division is now accepting applications for the 2011-2013 General Fund Non-Departmental and Federal Fund Budgets. For full details, please click here.

Mayor, City Council and School Board Present Unified Front

The City of Richmond presented its legislative priorities for the 2011 Virginia General Assembly during a breakfast meeting with members of the state delegation. This is the first year the Mayor, City Council and Richmond Public Schools have presented a unified legislative agenda.

The City is calling for support from the state delegation in moving forward with educational opportunities for all of Richmond's children; reducing urban blight; increasing economic development; creating and retaining businesses and jobs; and investing in workforce readiness, training and development.

For additional details and the full press release, please click here.

The City is Now Accepting Applications

The city of Richmond's Department of Economic & Community Development Neighborhood Revitalization Division is now accepting applications for the 2011-2013 General Fund Non-Departmental and Federal Fund Budgets. For full details, please click here.

Kick Off of Shockoe Bottom Economic Revitalization Strategy

The City of Richmond’s Department of Economic and Community Development has hired Bay Area Economics for the purpose of developing an Economic Revitalization Strategy for Shockoe Bottom to guide the area’s future growth.

The Strategy will build upon previous planning efforts, including the recently adopted Downtown Plan, by further refining the vision of the future for this portion of Downtown Richmond. Evaluation of land use/zoning, architecture, urban design, economic development, history, the natural environment, storm water management, public infrastructure, multi-modal transportation, tourism/culture, and parking will be considered and compiled into an implementable strategy. The Strategy will include up-to-date demographic and economic profiles, a retail gap analysis, existing and future market competition as well as market demand for specific uses and recommendations. The Strategy will provide stakeholders in the area, from both the public and private sectors, with specific guidance toward effectively implementing the vision.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT: CHARRETTE AND TEAM WORK SESSIONS:

Public forums and team work sessions have been scheduled to engage the Shockoe community to insure public engagement and inclusion in the development of the Economic Revitalization Strategy. The focus will be the citizens and their vision for their community. The work shops are intended as listening and learning sessions, for the collection of ideas, concerns and observations. Please plan to attend these sessions on November 16, 17, 18.

Monday November 15, 6 – 8 PM
Opening Session and Charrette
Location: Main St. Station, Train Station – 2nd Floor
1500 E. Main St., Richmond, Va. 23219

The Opening Session will be a brief overview of existing physical and market conditions and issues and opportunities of development in Shockoe. The majority of the meeting will be small working groups working on exercises Bay Area Economics will lead the community through. The exercises are tailored to confirm overall vision, but mostly focus on the “catalytic projects” (both public and private).

Tuesday November 16, 9 – 5 PM
Wednesday November 17, 9 – 5 PM

Team Work Sessions
Location: Main St. Station, Office of Economic and Community Development – take elevator to 4th Floor, take stairs to the 5th Floor
1500 E. Main St., Richmond, Va. 23219

The Team Work Sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday are the consultants’ work sessions. The public is invited to attend to stop in and observe the process. If you are unable to attend on Monday night’s Opening Session and you want to share information with the consultant team, please stop by one of the Team Work Sessions.

Wednesday November 17, 6 – 8 PM

Presentation of Findings & Concluding Session
Location: Main St. Station, Train Station – 2nd Floor
1500 E. Main St., Richmond, Va. 23219

The Presentation of Findings on Wednesday evening will be a presentation of proposed plans and conceptual projects for public comment. The public will be asked to advise what projects they would consider priority.
Please see the attached Shockoe Bottom Economic Revitalization Strategy Public Input Sessions information flyer for details.

FREE PARKING FOR ALL SESSIONS:

Plaza at Main St. Station: directly across from Main St. Station (free with validation, bring your parking ticket with you to the sessions)
West Lot: accessible via Franklin St. on the west side of Main St. Station