After a tumultuous 2020 that not only shook the lives of Richmonders, but also our local economy, I am hopeful of Richmond’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. I am hopeful because our recovery has already started and is centered on economic development to create economic justice.
Our Department of Economic Development has been working overtime throughout the pandemic to seize any and all opportunities before us, and there are strong signs that economic development interest in our city has not diminished.
In fact, in an analysis of 38 major metropolitan areas across the U.S., LinkedIn said Richmond attracted the third-largest amount of new residents during the pandemic.
Economic development over the last 12 months — and development projected over the next 12 months — is proof that as vaccinations help city residents stay healthy and return to work outside of their homes, our economic recovery is also on the horizon.
During the height of the pandemic, the City of Richmond distributed more than $7 million in CARES Act funding.
