Government

The upgrade from the city’s previous AA+ rating was announced Wednesday by Fitch, which assigned the highest-possible AAA rating to two bond series including $130 million in bonds to fund the new Diamond District ballpark.

Held jointly by the Manchester Alliance, Shockoe Partnership and Bike Walk RVA, the meeting centered on the upcoming replacement of the 111-year-old bridge that connects Shockoe to Manchester via 14th Street.

In the works since 2011, the Art Deco-style sign with neon tube lighting would be suspended above Cary Street, creating an arch-like entrance that cars would pass under approaching Nansemond Street.

Officials announced the plan Thursday, three weeks after supervisors directed staff to do something more than the county already has to address the housing affordability gap that’s growing across the region.

The county is partnering with a private group to redevelop the blighted apartment community – and re-home its residents – in what officials describe as a first-of-its-kind approach.

Local development firm Hourigan is one vote away from securing approval for a massive industrial development in Varina that’s planned to include multiple data centers.

The proposed spending plan for fiscal year 2025 has been slightly amended with requests from councilmembers, including a reduction in the requested demo funds in favor of other priorities and more funding for schools.

Local attorney and activist Paul Goldman filed the lawsuit Thursday challenging City Council approvals to allow Richmond to issue $170 million in bonds to finance the ballpark-anchored development’s first phase.

A special meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. tomorrow on the new approach to financing the stadium and infrastructure improvements for the development’s first phase. Citizens will have a chance to weigh in.