Building a Stronger RVA 

Your Voice, Our Future

As Richmond continues to grow and embrace ambitious climate goals through the RVAgreen 2030 Climate Equity Action Plan, we believe that empowering our community members is the bedrock of a truly resilient and equitable city. At the Office of Sustainability, we are committed to fostering transparent, accountable, and community-driven development that benefits every resident.

This page is your gateway to understanding key initiatives designed to ensure your voice is not just heard, but actively shapes our city's future. Here, you'll learn about the tools and policies that put our community at the heart of every project.

Explore Our Community-Focused Initiatives:

Below, you'll find pathways to understand how we're working to elevate community input, ensure fair compensation, and measure the real-world benefits of development in Richmond. Click on each section to learn more!

Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs): Shaping Our Future, Together!

• What it is: Discover how these legally binding agreements ensure new development projects provide concrete benefits—like local jobs, affordable housing, and environmental protections—directly to our neighborhoods.
• Why it matters: Learn how CBAs empower communities to negotiate directly with developers, fostering inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration for equitable growth.

Community Compensation: Valuing Your Voice our Approach for Richmond

• What it is: Understand the City's approach to recognizing and compensating community members for their valuable time and effort in contributing to city policies and projects.
• Why it matters: See how this initiative aims to remove barriers to participation, encourage diverse voices, and acknowledge the expertise residents bring to critical discussions.

Community Benefits Scorecards: Measuring Success for a Stronger Richmond

• What it is: Learn about the tools we're developing to evaluate and track the true impact of development projects on our community, focusing on social, economic, and environmental benefits.
• Why it matters: Find out how scorecards enhance transparency, promote accountability, and ensure that projects align with our community's priorities for climate action and resilience.

Why These Tools Matter to YOU:

Each of these initiatives—Community Benefits Agreements, our Community Compensation Approach, and Community Benefits Scorecards—are interconnected pieces of a larger strategy. Together, they form a robust framework designed to:

• Elevate Community Power: Ensure your priorities are at the forefront of development.
• Promote Fairness: Recognize and value the time and expertise you contribute.
• Ensure Accountability: Track and verify that promised benefits materialize.
• Build a Better Richmond: Create a city that grows equitably and sustainably for all its residents.

Your Partnership in Action:

The success of these initiatives relies on your active participation and engagement. We invite you to explore the pages above, learn more about how these tools work, and consider how you can get involved in shaping Richmond's future.

Your insights, experiences, and dedication are invaluable as we work together to build a more resilient, equitable, and vibrant Richmond.