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# The (Real) State of the City: A Richmonder event
- URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-real-state-of-the-city-a-richmonder-event/
- Published: 2025-10-26T18:55:08.000Z
- Updated: 2026-01-16T03:21:29.000Z
- Description: Last year's sold-out event drew rave reviews from attendees, and this year's event promises to be just as engaging.
- Author: Richmonder Staff
- Tags: Events

⏰

This event has already taken place. [****Read a summary here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-creating-housing-stock-responsible-rezoning-are-key-to-stabilizing-market/)

On the morning of January 15, The Richmonder will once again welcome business and civic leaders, as well as engaged citizens, to take a deep dive into Richmond's civic health. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/11/StateofCity_CoStar.jpg)

Last year's sold-out event drew rave reviews from attendees, and this year's event promises to be just as engaging.

**Speakers this year:**

- **Michael Phillips, The Richmonder's founding editor:** Learn about the numbers and trends shaping the year ahead in this TED Talk-style presentation.
- **Taikein Cooper, CEO, Richmond Ed Fund:** How a nonprofit is reshaping the future of public education in the city.
- **Greta J. Harris, CEO, Better Housing Coalition:** Explore the state of housing development and affordability in the region.
- **Mayor Danny Avula:** Will participate in a Q&A with Richmonder reporter Graham Moomaw

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/10/Richmonder_JP101224-web.jpg)

Graham Moomaw and Mayor Danny Avula at last year's event. (Jay Paul Photography)

**The program will run from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Thursday, January 15**, and will be held at The Jefferson Hotel. **Plan to arrive at 7:30** in time for coffee and breakfast beforehand; the program will begin promptly at 8.

**Sponsorship opportunities:** Sponsorship includes a table at the event, as well as branding and potential speaking opportunities during the event, and online branding alongside The Richmonder's coverage of the event.

**Table sales:** A table of eight seats costs $2,000, with special prices available for nonprofit organizations and Richmonder sponsors.

**Additional support provided by:**

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/11/additionalsponsors.jpg)

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### **Coverage of last year's event:**

[Data: Charts showing insights on Richmond’s financesA deep dive on collective bargaining, fiscal stress, property taxes, debt, pensions and more, as told through charts presented at The Richmonder’s live event.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-206.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/EM4W20-2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/data-charts-showing-insights-on-richmonds-finances/)

[Interview: As water crisis settles, Danny Avula prepares for the ‘long haul’ as mayorAvula said he plans to form an Infrastructure Council to evaluate what Richmond’s priorities should be.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-207.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_JP101181-web-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/interview-as-water-crisis-settles-danny-avula-prepares-for-the-long-haul-as-mayor/)