Richmond ranks fourth nationally in economic growth potential of mid-sized cities

The Metro Rankings Report published by Business Facilities Magazine ranks the City of Richmond and its metro area fourth in economic growth potential for mid-sized cities, second in corporate leadership, and seventh in attracting millennials.

The report, conducted annually by the staff of Business Facilities, ranks metro areas on a series of relevant economic development indicators ranging from gross domestic product and cost of living to startup viability and “Millennial magnet” status.

The Richmond region’s top 10 rankings in three categories come on the heels of an announcement that Amazon will locate a new fulfillment center in South Richmond creating 150 jobs and news that Richmond-based CoStar would add 100 additional jobs to the city.

“This acknowledgment from Business Facilities Magazine recognizes Richmond’s strong potential for economic growth, an energized corporate climate, and the desirability of our reliable and diverse job market,” said Mayor Stoney.

“Every day, we work to make sure Richmond is not just a top 10 place to visit, but a top-ten place to live, work, and play,” said Mayor Stoney. “These high rankings underscore our commitment to achieving that goal through responsible economic growth.”

Leonard Sledge, the City of Richmond’s Director of Economic Development, said Richmond is moving in the right direction. “Our city and our metro area’s high rankings in these core categories bode well for Richmond’s growth trajectory. These rankings present an opportunity to learn from the innovative practices of higher-ranked cities and continually improve.”

A copy of the report can be found here: https://businessfacilities.com/2019/07/business-facilities-2019-metro-rankings-report/

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Mayor Stoney announces new Commissioner of Buildings

Mayor Levar M. Stoney today announced the appointment of Jason Carangelo as Commissioner of Buildings for the City of Richmond.

A registered architect and LEED accredited professional, Carangelo brings 20 years of professional experience to Richmond. In his previous position, Carangelo served as the building inspections administrator for the City of Savannah’s Development Services Department, managing a building construction investment portfolio of over $4 billion.

In his new role, Carangelo will oversee administration of the city’s Permitting and Inspections Division as well as the Division of Code Enforcement. Over the last two years, the city’s Permitting and Inspections Division has experienced a 100% increase in permit applications, illustrating the substantial development interest and investment in the city.  The new commissioner will now report directly to Sharon Ebert, DCAO for Economic and Community Development, reflecting the commitment to focus on the growing demands of the division.

“As Richmond continues its explosive growth, it’s important this department meets the challenge to ensure permitting, plan review, building and code enforcement inspections are performed in a timely and efficient manner,” said Mayor Stoney. “Jason’s experience in private and public permitting and code enforcement makes him the right person to take on this challenge.”

Carangelo obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from the State University of New York at Buffalo. In 2014, he served as the president of the Savannah Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

“I look forward to the opportunity to serve the citizens and business community of Richmond by fostering effective and efficient building and code enforcement programs,” says Carangelo.

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Mayor Stoney recognizes Richmond’s YMCA Power Scholars on Summer Learning Day

Mayor Stoney celebrated National Summer Learning Week by spotlighting the Richmond Public Schools’ first class of YMCA Power Scholars and proclaiming July 11, 2019 as Summer Learning Day in the City of Richmond.

The nationally-implemented Power Scholars Academy, provided by the YMCA of Greater Richmond with curriculum designed by BellXcel, augments traditional summer school with academic enrichment, field trips, mentorship, and family engagement activities. 

Over 2,500 students across Virginia will participate in Power Scholars Academy this summer. This summer, all RPS elementary and middle summer school sites are participating in Power Scholars Academy. Richmond’s program is the largest site in the nation with over 1,000 students currently enrolled.

“With so many of our RPS scholars enrolled, Richmond is leading the way in summer learning,” said Mayor Stoney. “We have willing and able partners in the city; this is what happens when we bring them together.” 

Mayor Stoney was joined at Broad Rock Elementary School by RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras; Dr. Lauren Gilbert, CEO of BellXcel; Tim Joyce, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Richmond; Turner Thompson, Regional Market Manager for Walmart; and Dr. Jamelle S. Wilson, Dean of the School of Professional & Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond and chair of the Community Foundation’s Board of Governors’ Community Impact Committee.

The Power Scholars Academy combines a number of best-practice elements to meaningfully engage with students and beat the “summer slump.” For at least six hours a day, five days a week, the Scholars will learn on- and off-site. The extended day model both allows parents to work later into the afternoon and provides ample time for extracurricular enrichment activities.

“The Y is committed to equity in learning in all of our communities, and the Power Scholars program is one way that we can partner with school systems to ensure our students are not experiencing summer learning loss.  We are excited to extend this partnership to the entire Richmond Public School system and continue our service to kids and families,” said YMCA CEO and President Tim Joyce.

Local partners including Art180, the Science Museum, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, the University of Richmond, and Virginia Commonwealth University have ensured that Richmond’s own Power Scholars will enjoy field trips to experience the rich offerings in the metro area.

“Our students deserve access to rigorous and exciting opportunities all year long,” said Superintendent Jason Kamras. “We are grateful for our continued partnership with YMCA and the Community Foundation, as well as our new partnership with Walmart. We also thank the Mayor for his leadership in prioritizing high-quality out-of-school time options for our students that will ignite a love of learning through the summer and beyond.”

Because summer learning loss is a significant contributor to the achievement gap, the partners sought out an evidence-based program with tested curriculum. Power Scholars Academy’s curriculum, designed by BellXcel, aligns with the Virginia Standards of Learning while incorporating social-emotional learning. Past participants have shown significant, measurable growth in literacy and math skills. The use of the BellXcel curriculum was made possible by a generous contribution from Walmart. 

"Walmart is excited to support Richmond Public Schools and the YMCA’s Power Scholars Academy program this summer for kids in our community,” said Turner Thompson, Walmart’s Richmond Market Manager. “By supporting the highly innovative and effective BellXcel curriculum, we are confident the participating students will engage in a highly productive and meaningful summer experience."

Summer learning is a component of Mayor Stoney’s out-of-school time initiative, which convenes key community partners like the YMCA, the Community Foundation, Richmond Public Schools, and the Mayor’s Office with the goal of providing high-quality activities and programming outside of the traditional school day.

“This collaboration to enrich summer school is one more step towards giving our kids the opportunities they need and deserve year-round, both in and out of school,” said Mayor Stoney. “We look forward to continuing to deepen and expand access to activities like these for all of Richmond’s children.”

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