RVA Thrives
Housing Working Group
PURPOSE: To ensure that housing and commercial developments benefit everyone in the community.
Shape housing policies and development projects that promote equitable growth and prevent displacement
Using advocacy, education, and direct intervention, this initiative is creating sustainable, inclusive housing solutions
Developed a tool - Equitable Development Scorecard to negotiate with developers to ensure new projects meet community needs
EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT SCORECARD
The RVA Thrives Equitable Development Scorecard is a tool developed by neighbors on Richmond’s Southside in 2019-2021. The scorecard is used to hold developers and the City of Richmond accountable to community priorities for development.
A development is scored by neighbors and other stakeholders through a collective review process. The score is used to start a conversation with the developer about how to bring the new development back into alignment with community priorities.
RVA Thrives plays a crucial role in advocating for and facilitating community benefits agreements in local development projects. A notable example is the redevelopment of the Oak Grove apartment project. RVA Thrives Members utilized an Equitable Development Scorecard to assess the project, engaging in negotiations with developers to ensure a substantial portion of units were made affordable to residents earning 50% AMI or less. This approach ensures that developments contribute positively to the community by providing accessible housing options.
2025 HOUSING WORKING GROUP GOALS
Complete the Scorecard process with Marquez Plaza that will end in a joint legally binding agreement with the Bellemeade community
Build a relationship with Harper & Associates so we can shape the City Central project with them