As Richmond’s mayoral election approaches, one thing has become clear: the conversation about our city’s future is missing a key element—the Richmond Arts District on Broad Street. Despite its immense creative potential, this vibrant part of downtown has been struggling, especially since the pandemic.
Between 2010 and 2016, the Arts District was truly hitting its stride. There was a real momentum and sense of community, but several factors contributed to its decline. Over-policing on First Fridays and over-regulation began to stifle the free spirit of the area. There was also a growing clash between the goals of higher-end businesses and the mom-and-pop shops that lined both sides of Broad Street. Meanwhile, the nightlife culture—responsible for issues in Shockoe Bottom—started moving into the district, resulting in negative press. Adding to these challenges is the large swath of abandoned buildings, many owned by out-of-town developers, which has created a sense of stagnation and neglect.
All of this was pushing the area into a downturn well before the pandemic hit, and while there have starts and stops along the way, there is an overall sense that the current administration wasn’t addressing these challenges head-on has left the Arts District hanging in limbo, with no clear direction.
The recent mayoral forum on arts and culture didn’t offer much in the way of actionable solutions, just broad stroke talking points that left many feeling like whoever is the next mayor has no clue what to do either. But if we’re serious about making Richmond a place where both residents and tourists want to spend their time, the next mayor must prioritize the Arts District and unlock its full potential.
The Arts District should be a crown jewel of Richmond—a destination, not just a place people pass through. Below are a few concrete ideas that could transform the district into a thriving hub of creativity, commerce, and community. These are a starting point for candidates to consider as they finalize their platforms with a few weeks left before the vote. If Richmond is going to thrive, it starts right here.
Editor’s note: I sent this to several people for feedback, and a few responded. I have been told there is progress happening but I’m hoping that after this is published, it’ll start a larger conversation. I will update as we get going. – Anthony
Safety and Accessibility
1. Bring Back Neighborhood Beat Cops
The first step toward revitalization is making the district safe and welcoming. We have been told that the Richmond Police Department has already started taking action by introducing bike patrols, but we need a more sustained and visible presence. Imagine 8–10 neighborhood beat cops walking or biking through the district from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. And this isn’t just about preventing crime—it’s about building relationships with business owners and residents, creating a safer environment, and making people feel at ease.
Ian Hess, owner of the local art store Supply, sees promise in early efforts: “RPD has started doing this with bike cops. They’re understaffed, but they’re making an effort to meet business owners on Broad Street. It’s an early start, but they recognize the disconnect and are taking action.”
To add to that, safety is about more than just visible policing. We also need to address the root causes of some of the challenges, as one business owner pointed out: “Safety issues often stem from mental illness and drug use among the homeless. More social workers, not just police, are needed to help people get off drugs, find mental health services, and resolve housing issues.”
On this last point, back in 2020, the Broad Street Task Force proposed an initiative focusing on mental health, youth support, improved police training, and a more humane approach to the use of force. However, it seems that these recommendations have yet to be fully implemented. You can learn more about it HERE.
2. Light It Up
If you’ve ever walked the Arts District at night, you know how dark and unwelcoming some areas can feel. Improving street lighting would be an easy, effective way to increase safety and make the district more inviting.
But this is also an opportunity to enhance the aesthetic of the district. “Street lighting should also be beautiful,” says Hess. “Looking at old photos of Richmond, you see some of the most beautiful lighting fixtures. Now it’s fluorescent, bland, sterile. We should hire designers and artists to restore the city’s character.”
There has been progress on what is called the Broad Street Streetscape Project which addresses this point somewhat, you can read that HERE.
3. Speed Bumps to Stop Drag Racing
One recurring issue I’m all too familiar with, living downtown, is the drag racing and off-road four-wheelers that tear through the streets, particularly on Broad Street. It’s a constant disruption and one that seems like it should have a simple solution: speed bumps. Just like those installed around VCU, speed bumps could significantly reduce the noise, danger, and illegal activity, making the area safer and more inviting, especially at night.
Economic Growth
4. Tax Breaks for New and Existing Businesses
If we want more galleries, shops, and creative spaces to flourish in the Arts District, we need to make it financially viable for entrepreneurs. Offering near-zero sales tax for four to eight years to any new business willing to take a chance on the district could provide the boost small business owners need to get started. We could tie this program to election cycles, ensuring that each new administration continues to support the growth of the district.
5. Anchor Business: A Double-Edged Sword?
My thought was an anchor business like Trader Joe’s or Target could bring consistent foot traffic to the area, which would benefit surrounding galleries and shops.
However, not everyone supports the idea of a corporate presence in the Arts District. As one person pointed out, “I’m inclined to think that folks would not appreciate a large corporate anchor here… it risks displacing businesses and galleries that have been part of this community for years.”
Maybe the solution lies in balance? Perhaps zoning laws or tax incentives can be used to ensure local businesses are protected.
6. Hold Property Owners and Delinquent Property Owners Accountable
Too many buildings in the Arts District sit empty or fall into disrepair. The city needs to start holding absentee property owners accountable through escalating tax penalties if they fail to maintain their properties. But there’s room for creativity here: waive those penalties if property owners allow short-term leases for pop-up galleries or events. This approach incentivizes action while fostering creativity and activity in the district.
Cultural Investment
7. Bring Back First Fridays Street Closures
First Fridays used to shut down a section of Broad Street, transforming the area into a pedestrian-friendly space where art lovers could freely explore and enjoy the district’s cultural offerings. The city, unfortunately, stopped this practice, but it’s time to bring it back. These street closures created a lively, energized hub of activity that Richmond desperately needs again.
Ian Hess suggests extending the hours: “First Fridays shouldn’t end at 9 p.m. Why not 11 p.m. or midnight? Four hours isn’t enough to experience everything the district has to offer. And with over-policing and over-permitting, it’s no wonder the event has lost its momentum.”
Building on what Ian suggested, why not extend First Fridays throughout the entire weekend? Imagine a First Fridays Weekend every month, allowing businesses to benefit from increased foot traffic across two or even three days, rather than just a single four-hour period on a Friday. This would not only alleviate the pressure of bad weather—something anyone living in Virginia knows can easily rain out or freeze up those precious few hours—but also give more time for people to experience all the Arts District has to offer.
8. WPA-Inspired Program to Hire Artists
We could take a page from history and start a modern version of the WPA. During the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration hired local artists, designers, musicians and tradespeople, to work on public projects, and it was a game-changer. What if the city hired locals to clean up graffiti, create books and PSAs, paint murals, create public art, or even put on plays and musical performances in public spaces? It would create jobs, beautify the area, and give people another reason to come downtown.
Marketing the Arts District
9. Marketing and Branding the Arts District
Richmond Arts District needs a brand that people recognize and love, much like Carytown’s iconic new sign. Installing two signs—one at either end of Broad Street—would announce the Arts District with pride and help turn it into a recognized destination. It’s not just about wayfinding; it’s about building an identity for the area.
10. Arts District Business Discount Card
To encourage foot traffic and sales, we could launch an Arts District Business Discount Card, offering deals at local galleries and shops. Participating businesses would get marketing materials and access to a shared email list—helping small businesses build their clientele.
As Hess points out, however, the logistics would need careful planning: “Discounts could impact the bottom line, so any card would need backing, perhaps with city support, to make it viable for small businesses.”
The Time For Action Is Now
The Arts District is more than just a section of Richmond—it’s a symbol of the city’s potential. By addressing safety, supporting local businesses, and investing in arts and culture, the next mayor need to support a thriving, bustling hub of creativity and commerce downtown. It’s time for Richmond to embrace its arts district, and artists, as a cornerstone of its future, not a neglected afterthought.
