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!

Guests Eric Helms and Jeremy Scarrette join host Lindsay Darnell on Inside Richmond: The City's Pulse for a powerful look behind the scenes of one of Richmond’s most cherished traditions.

Each Independence Day, Glen Miller Park lights up with a dazzling fireworks display—but surprisingly, it's not hosted by the city. For 81 years and counting, American Legion Post 65 has been the driving force behind this beloved community event.

For many, it’s more than just fireworks. It’s a rare chance to unplug and be present with family. As Eric Helms from the American Legion puts it, “It’s a time where you can get your family together all at once and enjoy an evening together, because it doesn’t happen a lot. Phones are down… Nobody’s looking at their phones.”

But the magic doesn’t happen overnight. It takes months of planning, technical precision, and serious fundraising. Jeremy Scarrette of Scarrette Pyrotechnics calls Richmond’s show “the most difficult shoot we do” out of the 30–35 shows they handle annually. What makes it unique is its thoughtful design for viewers on Roosevelt Hill—combining high-flying bursts with low-level effects in a seamless, rhythmic experience.

The cost of creating that magic? Between $25,000–$30,000—covered entirely through community donations. Some shells cost as much as $750 for just a few moments of brilliance. And this year, the American Legion is still working hard to fill the funding gap ahead of the July 5th show.

The festivities kick off at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 5th, at Glen Miller Park, with food trucks, community fun, and live music from G-101-3 starting at 3:00 PM. Jeremy also teases a brand-new surprise element never before seen at Richmond’s show.

Want to keep the tradition going? Donations can be made directly to American Legion Post 65 at 109 North 6th Street.

As one grateful resident told Jeremy, “You saved my family.” A powerful reminder shared on Inside Richmond: The City's Pulse of how shared moments of wonder can bring our community closer—year after year.

Discover the heartbeat of Richmond’s local food scene in this engaging conversation hosted by Lindsay Darnell, Community Development Coordinator, as she sits down with Hannah Snoddy, Coordinator of the Richmond Farmer’s Market. What began 50 years ago as a handful of farmers on a street corner has grown into a thriving community hub featuring over 40 vendors every Saturday at Jack Elstro Plaza.

Hannah shares insights into the market’s producer-only policy, which guarantees that everything you buy is made or grown by the person selling it. Many vendors prioritize sustainable practices, demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental care and future generations. Lindsay and Hannah also explore impactful programs like SNAP Double Dollars, which doubles the value of EBT benefits, and the upcoming Farm to Pantry initiative, which will transform excess produce into meaningful food support for local families.

Go behind the scenes as Hannah describes the unique challenge of vendor selection—what she calls “human Tetris”—and how the team works to maintain a balance between farm-fresh goods and artisan offerings. Upcoming events include Kids Farmers Market Day on June 7th and the Tuesday Twilight Markets beginning in July, featuring live music, food trucks, and a relaxed summer vibe.

What shines most in this episode is the sense of connection the market fosters. Shoppers build real relationships with vendors who remember their names, their stories, and their favorites. It’s a kind of commerce rooted in community—a far cry from the big-box store experience.

Whether you’re a loyal visitor or a curious first-timer, Hannah’s passion for local food and community building is sure to inspire. Join us every Saturday from 9 AM to noon at Jack Elstro Plaza or on Tuesday evenings this summer from 4–7 PM. As Lindsay reminds us, just showing up makes a difference—because every visit is an investment in the people who make Richmond special.

To learn more about our Parks & Recreation Department and the Richmond Farmers Market, visit:
👉 https://www.richmondindiana.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation