City planners want more feedback on rezoning maps from Southside residents

September 16, 2025, The Richmonder

While members of the Planning Department have been attending neighborhood association meetings to discuss the code refresh over the past few months — city spokesperson Michael Hinkle said officials have been to nearly 30 such meetings to date — Southside has fewer established neighborhood groups, meaning other outreach strategies are necessary. 

Asked about the city’s approach, Hinkle said the Planning Department has used community ambassadors and worked with Southside City Council members and community organizations like Virginia Community Voice and Southside Releaf to hold feedback sessions “in an effort to meet these communities where they are.”