Our Coalition formed in 2015 out of concerns over public transit in Richmond. With representatives from the NAACP, Monument Avenue Preservation Society, The Fan District Association, Kinfolks, The Museum District, Historic Jackson Ward, The Fan Area Business Alliance, West Grace Street Association, West Avenue Association, the Arts District, and others.

As the Pulse was being debated, our racially and socioeconomically diverse group advocated for improved and equitable transit in our city where 47 per cent of residents have no bus service. Instead of spending tens of millions of dollars on a Broad Street bus (well served by the #6), we continue to advocate for the half of our population for whom public transit remains insufficient or unavailable.

In 2018, we heard from Coalition member and Carver Area Home Improvement League president Jerome Legions that the Carver Elementary School music program was underfunded. The orchestra class had only half the number of instruments needed – so half the students were pantomiming instead of actually making music. The Coalition committed to raising $3,500 for the cause. After two months, with leadership from West Grace Street and especially Monument Avenue, the Coalition delivered over $10,000 for the purchase of musical instruments for the school. Support for public education remains a priority.

Since 2015, we have been working with the Planning Department, City Council, and the administration to support growth, development, and increased density throughout all of Richmond – while simultaneously honoring the architectural legacy and unique sense of place that distinguishes our city. We are eager for all stakeholders, including developers, neighborhoods, the nonprofit community, and government to collaborate for the common good.

Our Coalition connects civic associations from all corners of the city because neighborhood issues are bigger than the neighborhood. We share our concerns and our wish lists, and we speak with a larger voice when we speak together.