The Richmonder held its first live event on Thursday. Titled "The (Real) State of the City," the goal was to educate the audience on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Richmond as a new administration begins.

As part of the presentation, David Poole, The Richmonder's Development Director, presented a handful of slides based on his deep dive into the city's finances as we enter a new budgeting cycle.

Collective bargaining

A decade ago, 40% of city employees made less than $40,000 a year. There has been a concerted effort to pay city employees a livable wage, particularly as it becomes more expensive to live in the city.

But there has also been significant movement on the upper rungs.