RVA Thrives
GREENING & BEAUTIFICATION
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VISION
A greener, cleaner, cooler southside
A 2017 community listening process surveyed 700 people who live along the Richmond Highway Corridor.
Forty-two percent of respondents said that neighborhood clean-up was the top priority.
For neighbors this means more than just picking up the trash. At the heart of the issue is a desire to take pride in the community and encourage investment that will provide additional resources to the people who here.
Neighbors believe that the drive for neighborhood cleanup is not simply about picking up trash, mowing lawns, and fixing buildings. Instead residents see these activities as the first step towards greater investment in the community, more resources in the form of businesses and parks, and greater community cohesion.
2021 Community Conversations about Greening revealed similar priorities.
“Well, I’m proud of the people that live here, but I’m not proud of what I see as far as the cosmetics of the neighborhood. The neighborhood is pretty much neglected as far as on the city’s behalf. They have neglected this neighborhood. They have neglected the school system. They have neglected the neighborhood parks, recreation.”
Data
Centering Neighbors: People and communities affected first and worst by climate change must be at the center of solutions and action. However, historically, black and brown communities have been marginalized in decision-making, policy-making, resource allocation about the natural and built environment.
Greener: Many areas on Richmond’s Southside are considered greenspace deserts, meaning they lack access to safe, open, green spaces. See Climate Equity Index for interactive tool.
Cleaner: Southside has a lot of trash, particularly along the Richmond Highway Corridor, which is frequently used as a bypass for I-95.
Cooler: The Southside is hotter on average than other areas of the city. It is considered a heat island.
Climate Resilient: The Southside is more prone to flooding and heavy rainfall events are becoming more frequent and intense, often leading to flooding because stormwater systems are overwhelmed.
Equitable Solutions
Since 2017, RVA Thrives members have been hosting regular clean-up days, tree planting, and beautification projects.
Since 2021, a Greening Working Group has been learning about climate change and resilience strategies and working to align neighborhood efforts with the City’s Climate Action Plan.
In 2022-2023 VACV supported neighbors in building and planting 22 raised bed gardens at TB Smith, Hickory Hill Community Center and Oak Grove Playground!
VACV also has launched a Garden Stewards program, a team of local residents who are trained and paid to maintain community gardens, educate their neighbors about climate resilience and mobilize people to take action to make Southside greener, cleaner, and cooler.
