Community Development
PlanRVA is dedicated to enhancing community development services for our partners and jurisdictions. By working closely with local stakeholders, including government officials, businesses, and community leaders, we aim to work in partnership to achieve impactful solutions that address housing affordability, promote economic diversification, and enhance overall quality of life. Supported by the integrated resources from our data analytics, environmental, transportation, and emergency management teams, we strive to foster vibrant communities where businesses flourish and residents thrive.
Economic Development and Housing are central to our Community Development program. PlanRVA works with member localities and partners to develop plans and provide support for strategic investments in human capital and physical infrastructure that will lead to a more dynamic Richmond region. Through efforts like this, PlanRVA provides a broad range of local technical assistance to its localities.
Much of PlanRVA’s Community Development work is guided by the Richmond Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This plan serves as a core strategic plan and compiled resources of local strategic plans and research findings from the work of allied partners. The Richmond Regional CEDS builds on a five-goal framework:
- Goal 1: Create Best-in-Class Pre-K to 12 Public Education System
- Goal 2: Expand Productive Workforce Participation
- Goal 3: Focus Capital Investments on Priority Economic Development Opportunities
- Goal 4: Grow and Retain Jobs That Advance the Region
- Goal 5: Expand Regional Choice in Housing and Transportation Access to Employment
The first Richmond Regional CEDS was adopted in 2014 and updated annually from 2014-2018. A comprehensive update to the region’s CEDS is proceeding in 2025 with EDA planning grant funds. Read the full CEDS and its goals here.
