July 23 Newsletter: The affordable housing strategy you didn't know about
Weather: High of 84. Read Sean Sublette's complete forecast here: "Persistent July storms are done in RVA, but heat and humidity return this weekend"
On this date in 1961, four Richmonders are injured when an explosion of gasoline occurs on their boat, which is sailing in Urbanna.
Today's newsletter sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University: As a top 20% global university, Virginia Commonwealth University is an unparalleled powerhouse of innovation and creative problem solving. VCU attacks challenges as opportunities. It's truly a university unlike any you’ve ever seen.
It might be Richmond’s biggest push to create affordable housing. But many residents don’t even know it exists.
Reporter Sarah Vogelsong takes a deep dive into the Affordable Housing Performance Grant Program, which has reached agreements to add 3,213 affordable units to the city's housing stock.
- One developer said the program can make housing sites work in Richmond that wouldn't in Chesterfield.
- Enforcement is largely handled by the IRS and the state, instead of the city.
- Builders have to commit funds for upkeep as well.
New CAO promises focus on ‘nuts and bolts’ of city government
As he settles into his new role as the top unelected official at City Hall, Richmond’s new Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II says he’s gotten the message that residents want “top notch service” from City Hall.
Meet Donald, and hear more of his thoughts, here.
How DPU got rid of the convenience fee for online utility bill payments
Starting this month, it no longer costs an additional fee to pay utility bills online. The previous policy netted more than $1 million a year, but the city said it will be able to make up the difference by spending less on mail-in check processing. Read more here.
After 25 years in Richmond, 'Eddy the barber' is still living the American dream
Eddy Gonzalez immigrated from Cuba in 2000 after winning a visa lottery. He quickly fell in love with the city.
It was quiet, had good schools, and there were many “beautiful people,” he said.
Now, he's a barber who takes pride in cutting the hair of a broad swath of Richmonders, including people from Australia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
Clearing the air about the hidden danger in vapes
Michelle Peace, Ph.D., a forensic toxicologist at Virginia Commonwealth University, is exposing the dangerous chemicals in vaping and cannabis products — and the lack of oversight protecting the public. Her research has uncovered everything from deadly synthetic cannabinoids to brake cleaners, which are inhaled by teens and adults alike.
Peace’s research informs national policy and fuels grassroots efforts. She has testified before lawmakers, advised the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and helped schools uncover what students are actually inhaling. Read more.
In other news
- RRHA hired firm to pay Gilpin residents to attend council meeting, support Gilpin transfer (Times-Dispatch)
- The Bottom Line: What’s Really Happening in Shockoe, and What Needs to Change (RVA Mag)
- Richmond Ed Fund Launches “Give 804” Campaign to Rally Citywide Support for Literacy and Public Education (Richmond Ed Fund)
The editor's desk
Now that we get texted a six-digit number to access everything online...do you think you've ever received the same number twice?
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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