InterCity Visit
We are Heading to Raleigh, North Carolina!
InterCity Visit – April 20-22, 2027
Our last visit to Raleigh was in 2010. Since then, the region has experienced remarkable growth, along with many of the same workforce and housing challenges the Richmond region faces today. As one of our strongest competitors for talent, investment, and economic growth, Raleigh offers valuable lessons from both its successes and its setbacks.
What We'll Explore:
Workforce & Talent
Learn how partnerships among employers, universities, and Research Triangle Park have created one of the nation's strongest talent ecosystems.
Housing
Examine Raleigh's decade-long approach to housing affordability, including zoning reform, major public investment, and long-term planning.
Regional Collaboration
Discover how Raleigh aligns local governments, business, and civic leaders around shared priorities, and explore how those principles can strengthen regional collaboration in Greater Richmond.
Raleigh has spent years navigating the opportunities and challenges that accompany rapid growth. Join us as we explore the ideas, strategies, and partnerships that can help shape the future of the Richmond region.
InterCity Visit Takeaways Since 2010
During our visit to Atlanta, shared ideas about business, community and culture with Atlanta’s representatives to expand and strengthen RVA’s economic and social fabric to help our city move forward.
Key Takeaways:
Cross-Sector Collaboration is Essential: Addressing complex challenges requires proactive and intentional collaboration across sectors. This approach should be a priority from the beginning, not an afterthought.
Inclusive Community Vision: There's a need to recognize that the business community plays a key role in shaping the overall well-being of the region. A shared, collective vision that includes all segments of the community is crucial for Richmond’s success.
Stronger Regional Collaboration: Enhanced cooperation across jurisdictions is necessary for the Greater Richmond region to thrive. Future discussions could focus on innovation as a pathway to growth.
Strategic Public-Private Partnerships: Key areas like affordable housing and infrastructure improvements will benefit from strong public-private partnerships, potentially supported by tax allocation funding and evidence-based strategies.
The Diamond District’s Potential: Development initiatives, like the Diamond District, have the power to be transformative for the entire Richmond region, acting as catalysts for economic and community development.
2023 InterCity Visit to Kansas City!
Kansas City is on the rise, and it will surprise and delight you. They boast a thriving business community, a growing downtown, and healthy regional cooperation. KC mirrors RVA in many ways: river cities, similar population size, presence of higher education, and an engaged business community.
In recent news, they have been named a top 10 city for launching a business, a top 10 city for net migration gains, the 8th hottest job market in the US, and adding the 3rd highest percentage of tech jobs anywhere in the US. They were one of the wettest cities during prohibition, and they relish their traditions of jazz music and barbeque.
In May 2022, ChamberRVA brought a delegation of approximately 175 businesses and community leaders to Columbus, OH to explore the challenges and successes of their region.
The agenda provided attendees the opportunity to dig into the dual issues of economic growth and economic mobility and discover how Columbus created a runway for continued success without losing its connection to the sense of community it has long embraced.
Key Takeaways:
- The Columbus Way – a model of radical collaboration between government, nonprofits and business to build a solid economic development track record
- Shaping a new narrative – how can history, values and shared aspirations for the region create pathways for change
- Components of a vital community – common principles that shape the stories we tell and the decisions we make
- Regional Blueprint for Action – shared regional vision and framework supported by data
- Affordable Housing as infrastructure – ensure communities and neighborhoods are diverse, flexible, connected and socially vital
In October 2021, ChamberRVA brought a delegation of approximately 175 business and community leaders to Charlotte, NC from October 5 – 7, 2021 to explore the challenges and successes of their region.
The agenda explored the dual issues of economic growth and economic mobility. On economic growth, this year’s delegation learned about Charlotte’s strategies related to talent attraction, placemaking, economic development, regional planning, branding and entrepreneurship. On economic mobility, they learned about the impact of Raj Chetty’s Equality of Opportunity study and Charlotte’s resulting “Leading on Opportunity” initiative. Specifically, how they’re addressing key determinants of economic mobility like early childcare and education, college and career readiness, and child and family stability, while simultaneously focusing on the cross-cutting factors of segregation and social capital. As always, the focus was on how the private sector – in collaboration with nonprofit and government partners – is working to advance solutions.
Key takeaways:
- Responding to a “defining moment” – how do we embrace our moment to stand for something different than our history?
- Understanding what we have before we identify what we need
- Changing the conversation – for ourselves and as we communicate with others
- Being focused on what matters most – data shows that child and family (housing) stability, early childcare/education and college/career readiness are the pathways that lead to the greatest economic opportunity
- Corporate leadership – community service is as much a part of our role as our role within our organizations
- Consensus building – asking ourselves, “can we live with it?” in an effort to more quickly build consensus and make progress
- Collective action – leaders can create a framework for action to coalesce around a set of goals that the entire community can accomplish together
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the 2019 InterCity Visit to Salt Lake City was a “yes” mindset. We heard from SLC’s leaders in business, government, nonprofits and education about how they first come to the table together saying “yes,” then figure out what the right questions are. This regional collaboration has been used to get big things done in SLC, from the 2002 Winter Olympics (and upcoming 2030 bid) to a major mixed-use downtown redevelopment at City Creek Center.
Other takeaways from Salt Lake City include the importance of investing in sports tourism to propel the regional economy – and in year-round cultural attractions and festivals to keep tourism dollars flowing amid traditional seasonal dips. ChamberRVA is also reexamining and evolving our ChamberWomen programming after learning more about the Women’s Leadership Institute in Salt Lake City. From HYPE Women programming for young professionals up to our executive women’s programming, we aim to elevate professional women at every point in their careers and mobilize them in support of a greater Richmond community.
Thanks to an in-depth look at Nashville’s Entrepreneur Center “The EC,” ChamberRVA unveiled Thrive, the revamped Small Business Development Center. Similar to The EC’s mentor-based model, Thrive is a one-stop shop offering assistance to individuals and small business owners by providing a wide variety of information, one-on-one guidance and education.
Participants also learned how collaboration between the business community and the Metro Nashville Public Schools led to a transformational learning model known as “Academies” which enable students to learn through the lens of a career or academic theme. The Richmond Public School system is working with RVA’s business community to launch an Academies model to better prepare students for life after high school.
InterCity Visit – May 5 – May 7
As one of the fastest-growing metros in the country, Phoenix is innovating around many of the same challenges we’re tackling in Richmond, offering real-world models and bold ideas for:
Workforce Development: The Greater Phoenix Chamber leads six employer-driven collaboratives that align talent pipelines with industry demands.
Downtown Revitalization: Once a government and business district, Downtown Phoenix has been reimagined into a vibrant, walkable community where people live, work, learn, and play.
Affordable housing: Nearly 3,600 new housing units are either complete or underway —and developers are incorporating workforce-affordable units to preserve middle-income housing amid rapid urban growth.
Young Professionals & Talent: The Future48 Workforce Accelerator is creating clear pathways for young talent to enter high-growth sectors like advanced manufacturing.
Transportation & Mobility: The South Central Light Rail Extension has improved transit equity while generating jobs and economic activity.
Education: ElevateEDAZ bridges business and education to better prepare students for college and careers.
Phoenix is thinking big, acting regionally, and delivering results.
InterCity Visit – April 29 – May 1, 2025
ChamberRVA’s InterCity Visit explored one of the Southeast’s most vibrant and rapidly growing cities - Greenville. Known for its impressive downtown revitalization, economic growth, and forward-thinking workforce initiatives, Greenville provided valuable lessons and inspiration for what’s possible in RVA.
Key Takeaways:
Affordable Housing: The Greenville Housing Fund demonstrated how public-private partnerships, innovative funding, and community collaboration can address the affordable housing crisis. Their approach showed meaningful progress in expanding affordable and accessible housing options for residents.
Downtown Revitalization: Greenville’s transformation of its once-sleepy downtown into a thriving hub for business, dining, and culture highlighted the impact of intentional investment and long-term vision.
Economic Growth: Strategic initiatives in Greenville fueled significant regional economic expansion, offering a model for driving sustainable development in RVA.
Workforce Development: Greenville’s cutting-edge programs to attract and retain talent reinforced its reputation as a leader in workforce innovation.
The visit allowed leaders from our region to connect, learn from Greenville’s success, and return with fresh ideas to strengthen RVA’s future.
During our visit to Atlanta, shared ideas about business, community and culture with Atlanta’s representatives to expand and strengthen RVA’s economic and social fabric to help our city move forward.
Key Takeaways:
Cross-Sector Collaboration is Essential: Addressing complex challenges requires proactive and intentional collaboration across sectors. This approach should be a priority from the beginning, not an afterthought.
Inclusive Community Vision: There's a need to recognize that the business community plays a key role in shaping the overall well-being of the region. A shared, collective vision that includes all segments of the community is crucial for Richmond’s success.
Stronger Regional Collaboration: Enhanced cooperation across jurisdictions is necessary for the Greater Richmond region to thrive. Future discussions could focus on innovation as a pathway to growth.
Strategic Public-Private Partnerships: Key areas like affordable housing and infrastructure improvements will benefit from strong public-private partnerships, potentially supported by tax allocation funding and evidence-based strategies.
The Diamond District’s Potential: Development initiatives, like the Diamond District, have the power to be transformative for the entire Richmond region, acting as catalysts for economic and community development.
2023 InterCity Visit to Kansas City!
Tuesday, May 2- Thursday, May 4
Key Learnings:
Building a Competitive Advantage for Economic Growth | Kansas City's success in attracting major employers is rooted in strong public-private partnerships and a relentless focus on talent.
- Engage CEOs and community leaders in regional growth strategies
- Align K-12 education with high-demand career pathways
- Invest in the quality-of-life amenities that help attract and retain talent
Expanding Access to Affordable Housing | Kansas City is tackling housing affordability through bold investments and regional collaboration.
- Reframe the conversation around workforce and affordable housing
- Create incentives for mixed-income housing development
- Coordinate partners around a shared housing strategy
Creating Inclusive Pathways into Construction Careers | Kansas City is strengthening its workforce by expanding access to careers in the skilled trades.
- Build opportunity-driven workforce programs
- Equip small businesses with the tools and support to grow
- Leverage and align existing workforce initiatives for greater impact
KC Rising: The Power of Regional Collaboration | Long-term success happens when communities work together around a shared vision.
- Align partners around common goals and measurable outcomes
- Foster intentional collaboration across sectors
- Build regional structures that support coordinated action
- Advance inclusive prosperity for the entire region
These insights continue to inform ChamberRVA's work to strengthen the Richmond region's economy, workforce, and quality of life.
In May 2022, ChamberRVA brought a delegation of approximately 175 businesses and community leaders to Columbus, OH to explore the challenges and successes of their region.
The agenda provided attendees the opportunity to dig into the dual issues of economic growth and economic mobility and discover how Columbus created a runway for continued success without losing its connection to the sense of community it has long embraced.
Key Takeaways:
- The Columbus Way – a model of radical collaboration between government, nonprofits and business to build a solid economic development track record
- Shaping a new narrative – how can history, values and shared aspirations for the region create pathways for change
- Components of a vital community – common principles that shape the stories we tell and the decisions we make
- Regional Blueprint for Action – shared regional vision and framework supported by data
- Affordable Housing as infrastructure – ensure communities and neighborhoods are diverse, flexible, connected and socially vital
In October 2021, ChamberRVA brought a delegation of approximately 175 business and community leaders to Charlotte, NC from October 5 – 7, 2021 to explore the challenges and successes of their region.
The agenda explored the dual issues of economic growth and economic mobility. On economic growth, this year’s delegation learned about Charlotte’s strategies related to talent attraction, placemaking, economic development, regional planning, branding and entrepreneurship. On economic mobility, they learned about the impact of Raj Chetty’s Equality of Opportunity study and Charlotte’s resulting “Leading on Opportunity” initiative. Specifically, how they’re addressing key determinants of economic mobility like early childcare and education, college and career readiness, and child and family stability, while simultaneously focusing on the cross-cutting factors of segregation and social capital. As always, the focus was on how the private sector – in collaboration with nonprofit and government partners – is working to advance solutions.
Key takeaways:
- Responding to a “defining moment” – how do we embrace our moment to stand for something different than our history?
- Understanding what we have before we identify what we need
- Changing the conversation – for ourselves and as we communicate with others
- Being focused on what matters most – data shows that child and family (housing) stability, early childcare/education and college/career readiness are the pathways that lead to the greatest economic opportunity
- Corporate leadership – community service is as much a part of our role as our role within our organizations
- Consensus building – asking ourselves, “can we live with it?” in an effort to more quickly build consensus and make progress
- Collective action – leaders can create a framework for action to coalesce around a set of goals that the entire community can accomplish together
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the 2019 InterCity Visit to Salt Lake City was a “yes” mindset. We heard from SLC’s leaders in business, government, nonprofits and education about how they first come to the table together saying “yes,” then figure out what the right questions are. This regional collaboration has been used to get big things done in SLC, from the 2002 Winter Olympics (and upcoming 2030 bid) to a major mixed-use downtown redevelopment at City Creek Center.
Other takeaways from Salt Lake City include the importance of investing in sports tourism to propel the regional economy – and in year-round cultural attractions and festivals to keep tourism dollars flowing amid traditional seasonal dips. ChamberRVA is also reexamining and evolving our ChamberWomen programming after learning more about the Women’s Leadership Institute in Salt Lake City. From HYPE Women programming for young professionals up to our executive women’s programming, we aim to elevate professional women at every point in their careers and mobilize them in support of a greater Richmond community.
Thanks to an in-depth look at Nashville’s Entrepreneur Center “The EC,” ChamberRVA unveiled Thrive, the revamped Small Business Development Center. Similar to The EC’s mentor-based model, Thrive is a one-stop shop offering assistance to individuals and small business owners by providing a wide variety of information, one-on-one guidance and education.
Participants also learned how collaboration between the business community and the Metro Nashville Public Schools led to a transformational learning model known as “Academies” which enable students to learn through the lens of a career or academic theme. The Richmond Public School system is working with RVA’s business community to launch an Academies model to better prepare students for life after high school.