RVA’s Got Issues

4.7 (27)
Politics
Updated Biweekly

RVA’s Got Issues examines the big issues defining life in and around Richmond, Virginia. What’s being done to keep housing affordable? How do we combat gun violence? What's with all the vape shops? Every Wednesday, host Rich Meagher takes a deep dive into complex issues that impact Richmond, providing clear analysis through conversations with public officials, reporters, activists and community members.

6h ago

Richmond’s Future Housing: Code Refresh Part 2

Who is the latest draft of Richmond’s Code Refresh FOR? And really, what does the resulting vision of the city’s future tell us about the kinds of neighborhoods we want – and the kinds of families who will live in those neighborhoods? Featuring: Andrew Breton, Richmond's First District City Councilmember Casey Overton, Zoning Advisory Council --- ⁠⁠⁠Please fill out our listener survey here.⁠ Your feedback makes a difference. Tell us what you're enjoying about the show, what you want to hear more of, or what's not working for you. Thank you!
Sep 2

Affordability vs. Character: Code Refresh Part 1

The latest draft of Code Refresh doesn’t do as much for affordable housing as some people want. Did we expect too much from Code Refresh? And what happens now? Featuring: Keyris Manzanares, Richmond city reporter for VPM News --- ⁠⁠Please fill out our listener survey here. Your feedback makes a difference. Tell us what you're enjoying about the show, what you want to hear more of, or what's not working for you. Thank you!
Jun 24

Is Carmax Park a Win for Richmond?

Fans love Carmax Park, the new home of the Flying Squirrels. But with disputes behind the scenes and questions about costs, is the investment we’ve made worth it? Featuring: Scott Bass, News Editor of Richmond Magazine Michael Phillips, Founding Editor of The Richmonder
Jun 17

Mayor Avula on Earning Richmond’s Trust

Danny Avula’s campaign for Richmond Mayor is in the rear view mirror, and he’s digging deep into governance. Can he keep the trust of Richmonders while turning campaign promises into reality? Featuring: Danny Avula, Mayor of Richmond
Jun 10

When Will Virginia Legalize Marijuana?

After YEARS of negotiations, state lawmakers passed a bill to create a retail market for marijuana. Then the Governor got out her veto pen. Can legalization advocates find another way? Guests: Dean Mirshahi, VPM News reporter Chelsea Higgs Wise, Executive Director of Marijuana Justice Barbara Biddle, co-founder of the Cannabis Small Business Association Valerie Slater, Executive Director of RISE for Youth
Jun 3

The Return of Prison Education in Virginia

We used to do higher education in Virginia prisons, but not so much anymore. What happened? And what’s being done now... to bring it back? Featuring: Terri Erwin (Director) and Kenneth Hunter (Organizer) with the Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison Scott Richeson (Deputy Director of the Division of Programs, Education and Reentry) and Zacc Allen (Chief Information Officer) for the Virginia Department of Corrections
May 27

Returning as a Citizen

In Virginia, a felony conviction can lead to a lifetime ban on voting. This November, a constitutional amendment might change this. Rich talks to VPM News reporter Whittney Evans about how big those changes might be. Will the amendment help returning citizens... actually return as citizens. To learn more about returning citizens read VPM's Curious Commonwealth: https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-05-28/quadaire-patterson-voting-rights-felony-convictions-rvas-got-issues Featuring: Whittney Evans, Features Editor for VPM News
May 20

RVA Loves Our Animals

From Francine the cat to drunken raccoons, we love our animals in RVA. But how are they doing, especially the most vulnerable: the ones who need new homes? On this episode, we talk animal adoptions. Plus: bears. Fat ones. Featuring: Christie Chipps Peters, Director of Richmond Animal Care and Control Larry Eason, Executive Director of Richmond Animal League Robin Keegan, Reading Interventionist at Frances W. McClenney Elementary School

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Trailer

Introducing: RVA's Got Issues

Launching May 22, 2024, RVA’s Got Issues delves into the politics and big issues defining life in and around Richmond, Virginia. What’s being done to keep housing affordable? How do we combat gun violence? Will longer school years resolve decades-long education gaps? Host Richard Meagher connects with guests to discuss the past, present, and future impact of these questions so YOU know what’s happening in the news. RVA’s Got Issues will also spotlight people who are pushing for change in their communities. You’ll hear stories of people who are making a difference, despite widespread civic apathy. Who knows, maybe you’ll get some ideas. If you do, or if you have questions about your community, write to us at rvasgotissues@vpm.org. Episodes drop biweekly on Wednesdays.

4.7

out of 5

27 Ratings

One of the best local podcasts

09/25/2025

snoopy_collins

It’s like they read my mind with the topics they cover, and I learn a new perspective every time. Engaging and insightful!
Intelligent, thoughtful and entertaining

06/26/2024

Pattimus

This show is taking a deep dive into issues facing our city. It’s thoughtful and not filled with rhetoric or individual agendas.
pb for capital iprovements is not new

08/22/2024

Tracy at TOMA

the transparency is welcome but citizen reps (civic associations; stadium, randolph et al )voted and spent funds determined to be discretionary. city council ended it to so as to not have to divy up the $$.
RVA's Got Issues

06/17/2024

🏀🔥 K

I'm very impressed with this - good to see local policies and issues explored in a thoughtful and easy-to-digest format. The host is doing a great job; guests have been very insightful. It will be interesting to hear how more complicated issues are handled.

RVA’s Got Issues examines the big issues defining life in and around Richmond, Virginia. What’s being done to keep housing affordable? How do we combat gun violence? What's with all the vape shops? Every Wednesday, host Rich Meagher takes a deep dive into complex issues that impact Richmond, providing clear analysis through conversations with public officials, reporters, activists and community members.