On Friday, the Baltimore Banner's founding editor announced she was leaving for a role at the Washington Post. The Banner is an early success story in the nonprofit journalism space, as is Cardinal News in Southwest Virginia.

We're proud to follow in that tradition, guided by a similar vision that information is the lifeblood of a community. As legacy outlets decline, we believe it is crucial to protect the community conversation, and invite all Richmonders to the table as we chart our region's future.

As our journalists take a breather on this holiday weekend, we invite you to revisit some of the in-depth storytelling we've done over the past couple months. I've shared some of my favorites below.

Thank you for reading The Richmonder,

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

Housing:

Richmond has identified 539 vacant buildings this year. Here’s where they are.
Our interactive map showing where the city has classified a building as "vacant," as well as information on what that means and how to report a property.

Tiny homes could be Richmond’s newest strategy to fight homelessness
A national organization wants to build about 30 homes, each measuring about 400 square feet, in a small gated community with on-site support just north of downtown.

All-cash home sales rise as sellers retain the upper hand in Richmond market
In 2023, about 19% of home sales in the region were cash-only, up from 14% before the pandemic. For sellers, taking a cash-only offer makes the transaction significantly less risky.

Government:

What’s coming with Richmond real estate tax bills? More growth, then a freeze
Richmond homes will be assessed this year, with expected 6% increases, but then won't be assessed in 2026. We explain why, as well as what awaits on the other side.

THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?
"I think we spent a lot of the last 70 years doing exactly the wrong thing," said one supporter of increasing density and housing variety in the city.

As the city cracks down on nonprofit funding, one group got $250k outside of the traditional application process
Despite receiving significant money from the city, the group did not appear to file the corresponding tax paperwork with the IRS.

Education:

RPS, bus drivers clash over alleged strike and firing of five employees
Far from an isolated incident, the dispute is the latest in a long-running debate over whether bus drivers should be guaranteed a minimum amount of pay during overtime shifts.

Former Gov. Doug Wilder accused ex-Wilder School adviser Bill Leighty of ‘prejudicial’ conduct before he was fired, emails show
More on the firing of a VCU teacher and adviser, who said he didn't ask a question requested by former Gov. Doug Wilder at a forum.

Leisure:

Woofy Wellness Ranch seeks to reinvent doggy daycare by making it educational
You've seen the bus driving around town. Here's where it is taking the dogs of Richmond...

New Mayo Island park ‘on track’ to open in fall of 2026
See renderings of what Mayo Island will look like once it is transformed into a city park.

Donor Q&A: How do we choose which people to quote?
You asked, we answered.

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