Notes That Developing Strong Neighborhoods Is Key To Making Progress in Richmond

Delegate Dwight C. Jones (D-Richmond) strongly endorsed Governor Timothy Kaine’s Executive Order to establish the Sub-Cabinet on Community Investment.

According to the Governor’s office, “the Sub-Cabinet is tasked with promoting smart, sustainable growth through investment in projects that reduce suburban sprawl.  Through better land use decisions, Virginia will slow the loss of open space, mitigate transportation problems, and provide for present needs, while preserving resources for the needs of the future.”

“Richmond is a city of wonderful neighborhoods,” Delegate Jones said.  “One of the reasons I chose to run for office was to help grow and preserve our historic neighborhoods.  Governor Kaine’s efforts and establishment of the Sub-Cabinet on Community Investment will help cities like Richmond restore and revitalize our neighborhoods and slow the urban sprawl which has lead to more traffic and less open-space in Richmond.”

The Governor’s office states the Sub-Cabinet on Community Investment will distribute state discretionary funds to incentivize desirable growth and will evaluate decisions on the funds with the following principles:

• Invest in innovation;
• Invest in the use of existing infrastructure;
• Invest in compact development;
• Protect and restore Virginia's natural resources;
• Conserve Virginia's limited natural resources;
• Invest in diverse housing opportunities;
• Invest in alternative transportation choices; and,
• Take a long-term view to planning.

Delegate Jones noted that Richmond needs leaders willing to partner with the state in order to receive discretionary funding to help revitalize the city.

“Richmond has missed many opportunities in the past because we have not taken advantage of the resources and opportunities available to us.  We need visionary leaders who will make progress instead of waiting for it to happen. 

“Revitalizing our neighborhoods is essential to making progress in our City. I have experience with building affordable housing and revitalizing distressed business areas in Richmond.  And as a member of the House of Delegates for over 14 years I have the experience necessary to work with the state, city, civic and neighborhood leaders to put together a long-term plan for our city and its neighborhoods.”