Dec. 27 Newsletter: What we'll talk about in 2025
Weather: High of 48 today, but a warmer, and rainier, weekend ahead.
On this date in 1988, Richmond's firefighters reach a legal settlement with the city after alleging a drug testing program was unconstitutional. As part of the settlement, the number of tests was restricted to once a year.
Crystal ball
With the year coming to an end, we asked local experts to weigh in on what we'll be talking about in 2025. On Monday, you'll hear from our staff writers.
City Hall, with Jon Baliles
Baliles is a former member of City Council, and writes the RVA 5x5 newsletter.
- The city's general fund budget grew by 65% during the Levar Stoney administration, driven by an increase in real estate tax collection. But as costs rise, Baliles says it's time for a discussion about how to bring spending under control in future years.
- This year brings an election for Richmond Sheriff, and recent reports of issues at the city jail are likely to be brought up during the campaign.
Read more, including a promising new approach to gun violence, here.
Transportation, with John Barclay
Barclay writes the Richmond transportation and infrastructure newsletter "What's Next, Richmond?" (WNR).
- The Pulse will debut new higher-capacity buses, while also replacing some low-ridership routes with on-demand service.
- More traffic calming measures will be implemented, part of a push to improve safety on the city's streets.
Read more on what's ahead in transportation here.
Music, with Lucas Fritz
Fritz owns The Broadberry Entertainment group, which manages a variety of live-music venues in Richmond.
- It's back to the pre-pandemic normal at local venues, after pent-up demand produced a backlog of shows and tours over the past couple years.
- Richmond's new downtown amphitheater will bring artists who haven't played the city in years, or ever, because of its connection with promoter Live Nation. Ultimately, a new venue means more options for consumers and artists, who will be the winners.
Read more, including a local artist to watch in 2025, here.
Sports, with Michael Phillips
Phillips is the founding editor of The Richmonder, and a host on 910 The Fan sports radio.
- The progress of the new Flying Squirrels stadium will be closely monitored. It's scheduled to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, and the subsequent demolition of The Diamond will kick off a building boom.
- Sports tourism will remain red-hot. A top driver of local tourism dollars, facilities in Chesterfield, Henrico and Richmond are capitalizing on the trend as young athletes join travel teams earlier than ever before.
Read more on what's next in the world of sports here.
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And remember to get your tickets for our first live event, a breakfast on Jan. 16 diving into The (Real) State of the City.
