Returning for its 13th season, the Valentine’s Controversy/History series invites Richmonders to take stock of the city’s most pressing issues. Everyone in the room is encouraged to share their perspective on hot-button topics, engaging with historical case studies, data, and expert voices along the way. This year, we will examine the “Common Good(s),” highlighting the key shared resources that support a thriving city – and what investment is needed to support them for the future. From transit to infrastructure to arts and media, we will take a look at the threats facing the goods we rely upon as a community. The Valentine is excited to once again partner with PlanRVA to dig into key data around each of these complex topics.

“Common Good(s): The Future of Richmond’s Aging Infrastructure” will explore the biggest infrastructure challenges on the horizon for our city. Hear from PlanRVA as they share cutting-edge data on the state of Richmond’s critical infrastructure, as well as new research on flood risks. Our panel discussion will feature experts working on urban conservation, sustainability, and city government sharing their insights on the practical and political steps towards building climate resilient city infrastructure for future generations. We are excited to feature the following panelists:

• Nathan Burrell, Executive Director of Groundwork RVA
• Reverend Dr. Faith Harris, Executive Director at Virginia Interfaith Power & Light
• Samuel Parker, City Politics Reporter at the Richmond Times-Dispatch