RVA’s Got Issues
RVA’s Got Issues examines the big issues defining life in and around Richmond, Virginia. What’s being done to keep housing affordable? How do we combat gun violence? What's with all the vape shops?
Every Wednesday, host Rich Meagher takes a deep dive into complex issues that impact Richmond, providing clear analysis through conversations with public officials, reporters, activists and community members.
1
Richmond’s Future Housing: Code Refresh Part 2
Which voices were heard in the latest draft of Richmond’s Code Refresh, and what does that tell us about our future neighborhoods – and the future families who will live there?
29 min
2
Affordability vs. Character: Code Refresh Part 1
Code Refresh may update Richmond’s outdated zoning rules. But will it do anything about housing affordability?
24 min
3
Is Carmax Park a Win for Richmond?
Is having a shiny new ballpark in Richmond worth the costs?
24 min
4
Mayor Avula on Earning Richmond’s Trust
The campaign is over, and Mayor Danny Avula is deep into governing Richmond. Can he keep the trust of Richmonders?
27 min
5
When Will Virginia Legalize Marijuana?
2026 was FINALLY going to be the year that Virginia legalized weed. What happened, and is it really over?
38 min
6
The Return of Prison Education in Virginia
We used to do higher education in Virginia prisons. What’s being done to bring it back?
28 min
7
Returning as a Citizen
In Virginia, a felony conviction can lead to a lifetime ban on voting. Can a new constitutional amendment help returning citizens... actually return as citizens?
20 min
8
RVA Loves Our Animals
RVA loves our animals, but how are the most vulnerable of them doing?
28 min
9
VCU and Richmond: Growing Together?
Can Richmond and VCU grow together? How does VCU grow and thrive while the city does the same?
28 min
10
Richmond's Economic Development: Building New, ...
One Richmond business has a big plan to capture international attention. But do we actually need to build more to get more?
28 min
11
Dispatches from RVA’s Frontlines
We talk a lot about issues, but what’s it like for people on the frontlines of those issues?
28 min
12
The Human Cost of Public Budgeting
Sure, budgets are about numbers, but what about the human cost? Rich sits down with an expert on government budgets.
25 min
13
Rezoning Richmond
The city’s 50-year-old zoning code is being revised. Rich sits down with experts to learn how to balance the urgent need for more housing with preserving the Richmond we love.
29 min
14
Flock Cameras in RVA
Flock cameras take pictures of your license plate, and they’re everywhere in RVA. Are there limits to living our lives on camera?
28 min
15
General Assembly Required: The (Data) Center of...
The two biggest words in VA Politics right now? DATA and CENTERS. How did they land at the very center of Virginia politics? Part of General Assembly Required, a new series on state government.
34 min
16
General Assembly Required: Redistricting, Yes o...
The national battle for redistricting has come to Virginia. So why should we have to back down? Part of GENERAL ASSEMBLY REQUIRED, a new series on state government.
27 min
17
General Assembly Required: Virginia's New Labor...
New labor laws are coming to RVA. Will they help or hurt us? Part of General Assembly Required, a new series on state government.
29 min
18
A Richmonder's Guide To Civic Matters
We’ve got three stories about civic engagement, from the general assembly to the People’s Assembly to drawing a line on a map and making it real.
28 min
19
Richmond’s Food Safety Net
What does the safety net for hunger look like in RVA? What COULD it look like, and how do we get there?
33 min
20
Pedestrian Safety in Richmond
Richmond has a plan called Vision Zero – the goal is zero pedestrian deaths. But so far this year, that goal seems farther away than ever.
35 min
21
Sarah Abubaker on Budgets and Thinking Big
Rich sits down with the Richmond City Council’s Sarah Abubaker to talk about the city budget, big thinking, and the balance of power in Richmond.
28 min
22
RVA's Got Issues: Season 4
RVA's Got Issues returns for its fourth season.
2 min
23
Odie Donald: Richmond’s New CAO
Rich talks with Odie Donald, Richmond’s new CAO, about how he's helping the Mayor - and why his job might be the key to Richmond’s future.
29 min
24
Bobby Vincent on Fixing Richmond's Roads
When is that pothole or broken sidewalk going to get fixed? Rich gets answers from Richmond's Department of Public Works.
28 min
25
What's New on the Richmond School Board?
There may be new vibes on the Richmond City School Board. But what does that mean for the future of Richmond Public Schools – and our city?
28 min