RVA’s Got Issues
RVA’s Got Issues delves into politics and big issues in the news that are defining life in and around Richmond, Virginia. Should taxes be raised to build a new baseball stadium? Should old schools get a makeover or be replaced? Are more bike lanes a good idea? Host Rich Meagher will speak with guests who shed light on the present, past and future implications of these questions.
And in a time when faith in government is at an all-time low, many people say they can’t make a difference in politics. RVA’s Got Issues will counter this feeling of civic alienation by featuring guests who share stories of how they are making a difference. Listeners will gain new insights and ideas for how to become more engaged in their communities. The upshot is a podcast that helps listeners understand not only what’s happening around them but what they can do about it.
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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
9
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
10
RVA's Got Issues: Season 4
RVA's Got Issues returns for its fourth season.
2 min
11
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
12
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
13
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
14
The Tattoo Capital of Virginia?
What's with Richmond and tattoos? Rich tries to find out by talking to tattoo artists – and getting a tattoo.
28 min
15
Giving Thanks in RVA
28 min
16
Kenya Gibson on Transparency and Politics
Richmond City Council member Kenya Gibson takes on the big issues. What makes her tick?
28 min
17
The Persistent Problem of Gun Violence
28 min
18
Richmond vs. Poverty
The poverty rate is way down in Richmond. How are we doing it?
28 min
19
Detainments and Trust Policies: ICE in Richmond
After a series of high-profile ICE arrests, Richmonders are wondering what’s next for immigration enforcement in the region.
28 min
20
A Lifetime Lost to Bad Evidence
The city of Richmond just paid out millions for a wrongful conviction. How far does Virginia’s problem with faulty evidence go?
28 min
21
The State of the Arts in Richmond
With all the changes in City Hall and D.C., what’s in store for the arts in Richmond?
39 min
22
Without a Net: RVA Healthcare
Is Richmond’s healthcare safety net starting to fray?
28 min
23
Mayor Avula on What’s Next
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula returns to the show. What’s next for Richmond under his leadership?
27 min
24
Vaper Trails
What’s with all the vape shops in RVA?
28 min
25
Code Refresh Report
The City of Richmond is updating its housing code. What are people getting right and wrong about the Code Refresh? And how will it shape the future of housing – and, well, everything?
28 min