EXPERIENCE RICHMOND
SUSTAINABILITY
& INCLUSION
EXPERIENCE RICHMOND
SUSTAINABILITY
& INCLUSION
Public Stakeholder meeting of the city’s wastewater treatment plant on the Southside
Protecting our natural world, treating people fairly, and ensuring every voice has a seat at the table are just a few ways we approach doing business in Richmond.
Why Richmond
SUSTAINABILITY
We view protecting the environment and proactively addressing climate change as integral to the quality of life and well-being. In 2023, the City of Richmond adopted the Climate Equity Action Plan 2030, part of RVAgreen 2050 efforts, that envisions a future where all Richmonders, regardless of their identity or neighborhood, thrive in a climate-resilient and climate-neutral community. Specific goals include a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.
In fact, in 2024 the City of Richmond was rated the #1 city in the U.S. for climate resiliency. (Source: USA Today, 2024)
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As a city, we recognize the importance of providing equitable opportunities for all Richmonders. Although more work is needed, we are united by the ambitious initiatives moving us toward a more inclusive future. The City’s Equity Agenda provides a roadmap to address historical injustices in our city, and the Strategic Plan for Equitable Economic Development (SPEED) informs all economic development efforts and aims to build a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economy for Richmond. The Human Rights Campaign gave the City of Richmond a perfect score for its non-discrimination policies, programs, and efforts. In addition, the City’s Office of Minority Business Development helps to advance opportunities for disadvantaged and minority business enterprises.
Top 10
METRO AREA FOR BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP
2022
Source:
SmartAsset
100
MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX SCORE
2022
Source:
Human Rights Campaign
Top 3
BEST TOWNS IN VIRGINIA FOR LGBT FAMILIES
2022
Source:
Movoto
45%
REDUCTION IN GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 2030
2023
Source:
Climate Equity Action Plan 2030
Want to learn more about Richmond? Reach out to Richmond Economic Development.