Ever wonder what secret document guides practically every decision in Richmond’s growth? Mayor Ron Oler, Planning Director Dustin Purvis, and host Lindsay Darnell pull back the curtain on the Comprehensive Plan—the city’s essential roadmap that’s used every day, not something collecting dust on a shelf.

This insightful conversation explores how the plan influences everything from downtown revitalization to tackling multi-generational homelessness. As Richmond updates this critical guide, your voice is needed to shape decisions about which neighborhoods get investment, where new housing will go, and how our community connects through transportation.

The city’s priorities are evolving—moving beyond just market-rate apartments downtown (already in the works) toward affordable housing and quality-of-place improvements. Did you know many people now choose where to live based on community amenities first and then look for jobs? That’s why Richmond is enhancing the Whitewater Gorge with kayak launches, extending multimodal trails to Earlham College, and reimagining public spaces.

Perhaps most surprising: 12,000 people commute into Richmond every day without living here. That’s a huge opportunity to grow our residential base by creating a community where workers want to stay. The updated Comprehensive Plan will help drive that transformation through smart land use, transportation upgrades, and economic development strategies.

Join the conversation and help guide Richmond’s next five years!
Public Workshop
📅 Thursday, July 31st
🕠 5:30 – 6:30 PM
📍 Starr Gennett Building, 101 S. 1st St, Richmond, IN

A short 15-minute presentation will share an overview of the plan updates, followed by an open house for questions and input. As Mayor Oler says: “If it’s not in our plan, we won’t pay attention to it.”

Questions? Reach out to Lindsay Darnell at ldarnell@richmondindiana.gov.

Come share your ideas for the future of Richmond!