Mayor Oler joins host Lindsay Darnell to dive into Richmond's ambitious dual initiatives aimed at reshaping the city's future—a comprehensive branding effort and a crucial refresh of the Richmond Rising comprehensive plan. For the first time in its history, Richmond is creating a unified brand that genuinely reflects its current identity, moving beyond outdated references like the "Rose City" or the "Gateway to Indiana."

"The city, as far as we can tell, has never had a comprehensive, holistic, or citywide brand that truly unites its identity," explains Mayor Oler. He draws a distinction between the logo that has adorned City Hall since 1969 and the need for a brand that communicates Richmond’s values and aspirations.

The comprehensive plan refresh serves as Richmond's strategic roadmap for the next five years, tackling everything from zoning and infrastructure to economic development and sustainability. What makes this update particularly significant is its response to post-COVID lifestyle shifts—such as remote work and increased home deliveries—that have fundamentally changed how people interact with the city.

Both initiatives are driven by community input, with surveys gathering citizen perspectives on priorities and perceptions. The branding effort is set to conclude in August, feeding directly into the comprehensive plan to create a cohesive vision for Richmond’s future. As projects like the redevelopment of the Elder Beerman site take shape and Mayor Oler prepares for his State of the City address on March 14th, there's a strong sense of momentum. As the Mayor puts it, "The city's having a rebirth."

Don't miss this insightful conversation about the strategic efforts shaping Richmond’s identity and future. Visit www.richmondindiana.gov for employment opportunities and to participate in upcoming surveys that will help define the next chapter of Richmond’s story.