EXPERIENCE RICHMOND

SUSTAINABILITY
& INCLUSION

EXPERIENCE RICHMOND

SUSTAINABILITY
& INCLUSION

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Public Stakeholder meeting of the city’s wastewater treatment plant on the Southside

Protecting our natural world, treating people fairly, and ensuring every voice has a seat at the table are just a few ways we approach doing business in Richmond.

Why Richmond

SUSTAINABILITY

We view protecting the environment and proactively addressing climate change as integral to the quality of life and well-being. In 2023, the City of Richmond adopted the Climate Equity Action Plan 2030, part of RVAgreen 2050 efforts, that envisions a future where all Richmonders, regardless of their identity or neighborhood, thrive in a climate-resilient and climate-neutral community. Specific goals include a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.

In fact, in 2024 the City of Richmond was rated the #1 city in the U.S. for climate resiliency. (Source: USA Today, 2024)

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

As a city, we recognize the importance of providing equitable opportunities for all Richmonders. Although more work is needed, we are united by the ambitious initiatives moving us toward a more inclusive future. The City’s Equity Agenda provides a roadmap to address historical injustices in our city, and the Strategic Plan for Equitable Economic Development (SPEED) informs all economic development efforts and aims to build a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economy for Richmond. The Human Rights Campaign gave the City of Richmond a perfect score for its non-discrimination policies, programs, and efforts. In addition, the City’s Office of Minority Business Development helps to advance opportunities for disadvantaged and minority business enterprises.

Top 10

METRO AREA FOR BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP

2022

Source:
SmartAsset

100

MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX SCORE

2022

Source:
Human Rights Campaign

Top 3

BEST TOWNS IN VIRGINIA FOR LGBT FAMILIES

2022

Source:
Movoto

45%

REDUCTION IN GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 2030

2023

Source:
Climate Equity Action Plan 2030

Want to learn more about Richmond? Reach out to Richmond Economic Development.

Matt Welch

Matthew Welch

ACTING DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

804.646.5874
Matthew.Welch@rva.gov

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Katie McConnell

SENIOR DEPUTY DIRECTOR

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Statia Gibson

BUSINESS INVESTMENT & JOB CREATION

804.646.6737
Statia.Gibson@rva.gov

Jackie Circle@2x

Jacquelyn Craft

BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION