VIRGINIA COMMUNITY VOICE INC

HOUSING WORKING GROUPNeighbors worked to get the Equitable Development Scorecard - a tool developed by neighbors in 2019 to partner with developers to make sure their projects reflect community needs recognized as part of the Citys planning process.Neighbors also began the scoring process with projects proposed by Hanson Development for Marquez Plaza and Harper & Associates for City Central. GREENING WORKING GROUPNeighbors worked to expand gardens at Oak Grove, Bellmeade, and Hickory Hill and partnered with Parks and Rec, Southside ReLeaf, and the Richmond Tree Stewards to plant and donate trees to community members. Established Garden Steward program to ensure consistent maintenance of local gardens and promote leadership and economic development opportunities.ARCA ART, RECONCILIATION, AND CIVIC ADVOCACYEngaged 18 students consistently in a partnership with the City and local artists to create placemaking art in Broad Rock Creek park.Students and their parents participated in a bus tour of a local museum, street art and murals and learned how these types of efforts change perspectives and affect community development.SOUTHSIDE RICHMOND LEADERSHIP ACADEMY12 Neighbors collaborated with the VACV team over the course of 6 weeks to create the curriculum and design for the leadership academy.Hired and onboarded the official Leadership Academy Coordinator to implement and inform the launch of the academy in 2025.STEERING COMMITTEEAfter being approached by the City of Richmond Participatory Budgeting staff, neighbors agreed to support the process by creating a VACV Participatory Budgeting process. Neighbors re-established its criteria for membership and designed lawn signs in an effort to continue to let communities know who we are.Contributed to the United States Environmental Protection Agencys call for input to improve flood water management on the Southside.HEALING HUBEstablished a design team of 18 to 20.A building has been vetted and we are in the process of leasing the space.BLUEPRINT11 clients received customized training, speaking engagements, or contracted community engagement service.Developed three new trainings and created the Human Centered Workplace Program.