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June 22 Newsletter: Making the news

Weather: High of 94. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible but not a certainty.

On this date in 1978, the clock outside the Science Museum begins working again for the first time since railroad companies vacated the building two years earlier.

Today’s email sponsored by Richmond Region Tourism, celebrating the 19.1 million visitors our region welcomed in 2025. Richmonders can get involved by taking an I Am Tourism class.

City Hall is making its own news, and paying the RTD to distribute it

Each Sunday, the Richmond Times-Dispatch runs the "Richmond Report," a look at the latest news from City Hall, as told by City Hall.

The $22,000 deal with the newspaper also includes an event and podcast series.

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Sponsored content deals are increasingly common as media companies search for new ways to make money in a challenging industry. But City Hall collaborating with the newspaper marks a shift in a relationship that’s historically been somewhat fraught.

Henrico and Chesterfield counties also have their own podcasts to communicate with residents, but create them in-house.

The Richmonder obtained the sales pitch sent to the city. “Control the narrative before it controls you,” it said. Read more, and see the Richmond Report, here.

As Richmond’s rezoning begins to solidify, a proposal to allow more duplexes may be on shaky ground

City Council’s first public meeting on the proposed citywide rezoning was a freewheeling affair. 

  • One councilor declared that if approved, "Your American Dream is going to be gone."
  • Another noted that increases in density are consistent with the city's master plan, which was approved in 2020.

A third criticized misinformation from both sides, adding, "I think we will make very common sense decisions that reflect the needs of our communities, because that’s what we’re here to do.”

With a third draft of code refresh imminent, there's now also the threat of a lawsuit or public referendum from a local activist. Read more here.

City, RRHA announce agreement on framework for Gilpin Court redevelopment with one-for-one replacement

The final agreement will allow all “eligible households” to return to the redeveloped Gilpin if they choose, and include outreach to help residents become eligible.

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The overhaul of Gilpin, the city’s oldest and largest public housing community, is expected to take at least 10 years.

A city official said one of the focuses of the redevelopment will be the revitalization of Jackson Ward as “a premier Black-centered neighborhood in our city.” Read more here.

Manchester's track coach leaving after 42 years

Gene Bowen graduated from George Wythe in 1976, then attended VCU before launching into a distinguished career that included a state title.

“When the kids are trying and you can see it in their faces and they perform well, it gives you a feeling I don’t think you can get in too many other jobs,” he said. Read more here.

Today's sponsor:

Tourism is a force for good 

Tourism strengthens our economy, supports the places that make living here special and builds community pride. Last year, the region welcomed 19.1 million visitors – that’s 800,000 more people than in 2024. The latest visitor numbers included 7.3 million overnight trips as well, a 5.5% year-over-year increase. Richmond Region Tourism offers free I Am Tourism classes throughout the year to help residents learn about all the things to do in their own backyard. 

In other news

The editor's desk

Kudos to the Richmond Forum, as well as the hundreds of other organizations around town who organized the National Speech and Debate Tournament last week. More than 7,000 participants arrived from all over the county, and experienced the best of our city and its people.

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

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