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What's next for Chesterfield's $173M Shoosmith Landfill cleanup

The bigger fights over test results, long-term funding and accountability are just beginning.

News

Virginia lawmakers are demanding the release of environmental test results at the bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill as work to stabilize the site moves forward, saying they want proof that it poses no public health risks.Why it matters: The Chesterfield landfill has become one of Virginia&#x27;s biggest environmental cleanup challenges, with an estimated $173 million cleanup cost that may ultimately fall to taxpayers.

Richmond's potato building gets the love it deserves

An architecture-loving creator spotlighted the quirky Markel Building and its baked potato inspiration.

Real Estate

Richmond&#x27;s baked potato-inspired office building is finally getting the love it deserves, thanks to a roving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="architecture-loving content creator." data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DadrEcutX2I/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="feefba92-8865-4318-bfe4-37b437f379b2" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s potato building gets the love it deserves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DadrEcutX2I/?hl=en" target="_blank">architecture-loving content creator.</a> Why it matters: Once maligned as one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;10 ugliest buildings in the world" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-markel-building-richmond-virginia" data-vars-content-id="feefba92-8865-4318-bfe4-37b437f379b2" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s potato building gets the love it deserves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-markel-building-richmond-virginia" target="_blank">&quot;10 ugliest buildings in the world</a>,&quot; The Markel Building is a local treasure and now at least one influencer seems to agree.

A make-your-own ramen bar in Short Pump has 100+ flavors

The Ramyum Zip has floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with over 100 different ramen flavors.

Food and Drink

There&#x27;s a newish make-your-own ramen bar in Short Pump.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ramyun Zip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/theramyunzip.richmond/" data-vars-content-id="73fbfe21-5cf8-4571-a1cb-0b608029bd52" data-vars-headline="A make-your-own ramen bar in Short Pump has 100+ flavors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/theramyunzip.richmond/" target="_blank">Ramyun Zip</a> has floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with over 100 different ramen flavors.

Virginia's best-paying jobs are most exposed to AI, report says

Virginia ranks fifth for workplace AI adoption, putting many white-collar jobs at greater risk of change.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/02/richmond-ai-job-impact-young-workers-entry-level-hiring-decline-virginia" data-vars-content-id="b85c5a9e-11c9-4835-8490-fecd80d34dd9" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s best-paying jobs are most exposed to AI, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/02/richmond-ai-job-impact-young-workers-entry-level-hiring-decline-virginia" target="_self">AI</a> is rapidly reshaping Virginia workplaces and it&#x27;s doing so faster than previous technology shifts, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://virginiaworks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Implications-Report-June-2026-FINAL-LOCKED.pdf" data-vars-content-id="b85c5a9e-11c9-4835-8490-fecd80d34dd9" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s best-paying jobs are most exposed to AI, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://virginiaworks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Implications-Report-June-2026-FINAL-LOCKED.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> from the state&#x27;s workforce development agency. Why it matters: Virginia&#x27;s high-paying, higher education-backed jobs are the ones most vulnerable to AI-driven disruptions.

The 3 biggest debates left in Richmond's zoning rewrite

Officials are narrowing in on housing rules, church land use and household occupancy limits.

After two years of public meetings, proposals and feedback, Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive zoning code overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/10/richmond-zoning-code-refresh-debate-duplex-single-family-housing-density-2026" data-vars-content-id="a9c9fc7f-7e72-49c1-9d45-8f15b9d0270f" data-vars-headline="The 3 biggest debates left in Richmond&#x27;s zoning rewrite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/10/richmond-zoning-code-refresh-debate-duplex-single-family-housing-density-2026" target="_self">massive zoning code overhaul</a> is entering its final stretch with the third (and hopefully final) draft expected next month. Why it matters: City leaders — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and many locals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/07/10/richmond-affordable-housing-survey" data-vars-content-id="a9c9fc7f-7e72-49c1-9d45-8f15b9d0270f" data-vars-headline="The 3 biggest debates left in Richmond&#x27;s zoning rewrite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/07/10/richmond-affordable-housing-survey" target="_self">and many locals</a> — seem to agree that Richmond needs more housing. What&#x27;s left to decide is how much new housing the city will allow and where.

Richmond buyers are waitlisting homes that aren't for sale

Through Unlisted, a growing number of buyers are trying to connect with homeowners before a "For Sale" sign goes up.

Richmonders are joining waitlists for houses that aren&#x27;t for sale — yet.Why it matters: Richmond&#x27;s inventory has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="getting tighter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/richmond-real-estate-2026-homebuyers-inventory-competition-mortgage-rates" data-vars-content-id="61929241-86eb-4003-96f1-334a86c216c6" data-vars-headline="Richmond buyers are waitlisting homes that aren&#x27;t for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/richmond-real-estate-2026-homebuyers-inventory-competition-mortgage-rates" target="_self">getting tighter</a> for years, single-family homes are moving fast and often above asking, and that scarcity has buyers looking for an edge.<ul><li>That&#x27;s where a website called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Unlisted" data-vars-click-url="https://unlistedhomes.com/" data-vars-content-id="61929241-86eb-4003-96f1-334a86c216c6" data-vars-headline="Richmond buyers are waitlisting homes that aren&#x27;t for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://unlistedhomes.com/" target="_blank">Unlisted</a> comes in.</li></ul>

Richmond joins movement to end pet rent

A petition urges lawmakers to cap pet deposits and monthly pet rent charges.

Some Richmonders are getting in on a growing movement to end <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pet rent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/05/dog-rent-rules-security-deposit" data-vars-content-id="62a5b12b-aa4a-4889-b3f6-27586cc5fcad" data-vars-headline="Richmond joins movement to end pet rent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/05/dog-rent-rules-security-deposit" target="_self">pet rent</a>. Why it matters: Pet rent and upfront fees can tack hundreds of dollars onto the cost of renting housing in the city.

Richmond bucks "accidental landlord" trend amid hot housing market

About 1.5% of listings flipped to rentals, as strong demand keeps metro Richmond's housing market competitive.

Around 1.5% of metro Richmond&#x27;s rental listings on Zillow are from sellers the platform calls &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accidental landlords" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" data-vars-content-id="54953c9b-21e9-42eb-b8ba-6df1cd9bedde" data-vars-headline="Richmond bucks &quot;accidental landlord&quot; trend amid hot housing market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" target="_blank">accidental landlords</a>.&quot;Why it matters: That&#x27;s one of the lowest shares in the nation of people who pulled their homes off the market and rented them out instead.

Richmond survey shows housing costs are squeezing renters most

A new survey finds unaffordability is pushing many Richmond renters to consider leaving the city.

A new survey from a pro-zoning refresh group found nearly 70% of Richmonders support allowing more housing types in the area, such as duplexes, small apartments and condos.Why it matters: Changing neighborhoods that are currently only single-family homes has become a hot-button issue as the city completes its biggest code rewrite in a generation.

Construction workers lead Richmond homeownership gains

But they're not the ones most likely to own a home.

Skilled trades and construction workers saw the biggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/richmond-real-estate-2026-homebuyers-inventory-competition-mortgage-rates" data-vars-content-id="86fc5fbb-eab7-4430-b020-085567ecf1bf" data-vars-headline="Construction workers lead Richmond homeownership gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/richmond-real-estate-2026-homebuyers-inventory-competition-mortgage-rates" target="_self">homeownership</a> gains in metro Richmond over the past decade, according to a new analysis shared with Axios.Why it matters: They&#x27;re outpacing teachers, police and health care workers, per the National Association of Realtors&#x27; analysis of census data comparing homeownership rates in 2014 and 2024.

Richmond home sales jump, but buyers face inventory crunch

Even as sales climb, low supply and competition keep Richmond a seller's market this spring.

Richmond is headed into the spring real estate market with renewed sales activity compared to last year, but little relief on supply. Why it matters: Richmond&#x27;s real estate market is something of an outlier compared to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/real-estate/housing-market-predictions/" data-vars-content-id="7aef990f-ce6b-4367-9c58-8997da46ac7f" data-vars-headline="Richmond home sales jump, but buyers face inventory crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/real-estate/housing-market-predictions/" target="_blank">national scene</a>, but there&#x27;s still some bright spots for homebuyers.

Richmond rents climb even as U.S. prices fall

While U.S. rents fall amid a building boom, Richmond prices keep rising as demand outpaces supply.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rents are falling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/rent-prices-metro-map" data-vars-content-id="962446a9-90e2-4b58-84c3-8139e549afc5" data-vars-headline="Richmond rents climb even as U.S. prices fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/rent-prices-metro-map" target="_self">Rents are falling</a> across the county, driven by a building boom that&#x27;s flooded the market with new apartments.Why it matters: Richmond is one of a handful of metros where rent is going up, not down.

Richmond zoning overhaul sparks heated debate

With draft three due this spring, rival groups are rallying Richmonders over housing density.

The fight over how to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best update" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/19/richmond-duplex-zoning-single-family-change" data-vars-content-id="00e3de1a-b08c-4c4a-8dc3-1877d876fc31" data-vars-headline="Richmond zoning overhaul sparks heated debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/19/richmond-duplex-zoning-single-family-change" target="_self">best update</a> the city&#x27;s decades-old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="zoning code" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/17/richmond-zoning-districts-new-single-family-homes" data-vars-content-id="00e3de1a-b08c-4c4a-8dc3-1877d876fc31" data-vars-headline="Richmond zoning overhaul sparks heated debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/17/richmond-zoning-districts-new-single-family-homes" target="_self">zoning code</a> is heating up as Richmond approaches the two-year mark on the effort.Why it matters: The city hopes to have a final proposal before City Council by summer, but first there&#x27;s at least one more draft to go, possibly more, as debates rage in community meetings and online neighborhood groups.

Real Estate 🏠

Richmond's potato building gets the love it deserves

The 3 biggest debates left in Richmond's zoning rewrite

Richmond buyers are waitlisting homes that aren't for sale

Richmond joins movement to end pet rent

Richmond bucks "accidental landlord" trend amid hot housing market