Richmond Grand offers RVA new jobs, revenue and community investment

This fall, Richmond voters have the chance to vote yes for more well-paying jobs, a projected $30 million in new revenue and community investments like a new 55-acre park in Southside and more dining, entertainment and recreation opportunities.

All this and more will be available at the Richmond Grand Resort and Casino, a proposed $562 million resort, gaming and entertainment complex just off I-95 in South Richmond.

But first, the question will go to voters on a ballot referendum this fall.

A powerful addition of family-sustaining jobs

Richmond Grand will be a powerful force for job creation in Richmond. The project will create 1,300 well-paying careers with a clear path to unionization and the higher wages and benefits that come with it. The average annual compensation is projected to be at least $55,000, with benefits including health care, dental and retirement. The construction of Richmond Grand will also create thousands of well-paying careers in the building and construction trades, allowing Richmonders of all experience levels to begin a lucrative career and with the opportunity to raise their families into the middle class. In fact, there is already a Project Labor Agreement that will ensure the construction jobs are family-sustaining positions with benefits.

Private sector investment that benefits all of Richmond

Richmond Grand will be one of the largest private sector investments in Richmond in decades. Unlike most economic development projects, Richmond Grand will be entirely privately financed with no tax breaks, incentives or public subsidies. Not one penny of taxpayer money will be spent on the project.

Needed investments in Richmond’s kids

Richmond Grand is expected to generate $30 million of tax revenue every year to invest in a stronger city. Under a plan endorsed by the City Council, Richmond Grand’s forecast $19 million in gaming tax revenue will be used to make child care and early childhood education more affordable and accessible through the new Richmond Child Care and Education Trust Fund, which will be managed by an independent agency so politicians can’t touch the money.

A true entertainment complex

Richmond Grand will be much more than just a casino. It will be a true destination resort and entertainment complex with a 250-room luxury hotel, 15 bars and restaurants, a 3,000-seat concert venue and a state-of-the-art soundstage to attract film and television production to Central Virginia.

Greenspace in Southside

Richmond Grand will create a brand new 55-acre park — one of the largest in Southside — where one is badly needed. This new greenspace will give families a place to come together to picnic, play and enjoy free activities like concerts, festivals and farmers markets. It will give kids a place to get outside and play safely, and yes, it will even bring pickleball courts to Southside.

An ideal location

Richmond Grand’s location in Southside was chosen with care to make a positive community impact while protecting Richmond’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. The site is currently a long-vacant lot in a commercial area that will be transformed into a beautiful new resort right off I-95, allowing easy access for tourists from up and down the East Coast, and eliminating any traffic concerns in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Voting is underway

Richmond Grand must be approved by voters through a ballot referendum being held right now and continuing through Election Day. Richmond Grand is Question 1 on the front of Richmonders’ ballot. Richmonders can vote on Election Day, or vote early Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Richmond Office of Elections, City Hall or Hickory Hill Community Center. Early voting will be held on Saturday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all three locations.

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