Find complete results and analysis of the Richmond casino vote. This article details the final referendum tally, the resort proposal, and the arguments from both campaigns.

Richmond Decides Casino's Future in Second High Stakes Referendum

A "yes" on the upcoming ballot measure for the ONE Resort + Entertainment project should be predicated on a rigorous analysis of its financial promises. Proponents forecast the creation of 1,300 permanent positions with an average salary of $55,000 and project $30 million in annual tax revenue for the municipality. These figures must be carefully weighed against the documented socio-economic costs reported by similarly sized cities following the introduction of large-scale wagering establishments.

This fall's popular decision marks the second attempt in three years to secure public approval for a major entertainment complex. The 2021 plebiscite failed by a narrow margin of just 1,500 ballots. The development team, a partnership between Urban One and Churchill Downs Inc., asserts that the current proposal specifically addresses the public's previous objections, citing a new Southside location and more robust community benefit agreements.

Opposition groups, however, are unconvinced, pointing to the potential for severe traffic increases along the I-95 corridor and questioning the long-term stability of the projected economic gains. They champion alternative development strategies for the 100-acre parcel, arguing that a mixed-use complex without a gambling component could provide more diversified and sustainable growth for the Southside community.

A Voter's Guide to the Richmond Casino Referendum

Analyze the projected $30 million in annual tax revenue for the city before the upcoming plebiscite. The developer, Urban One in partnership with RCI Hospitality Holdings, designates these funds for specific municipal services, including childcare programs and infrastructure repairs. Your decision on the ballot measure directly impacts the allocation of these potential new funds.

The proposed Southside entertainment complex promises 1,300 permanent positions with an average salary of $55,000, including benefits. An additional 1,500 temporary construction jobs are projected for the $562 million project. These roles span hospitality management, security services, and skilled gaming floor operations.

Opponents of the facility highlight traffic congestion reports for the I-95 and Walmsley Boulevard interchange. Community organizations also point to studies from similarly sized municipalities, which showed a measurable uptick in calls to problem gambling helplines following the opening of a betting parlor. This is a primary concern for some local neighborhoods.

The ballot question asks for a "Yes" or "No" on authorizing one resort-style gaming establishment within city limits at the designated Southside location. Review the full text of the measure and the city's independent fiscal impact analysis, available on the official RVA government website, to inform your choice.

To participate in the popular consultation, confirm your registration status and find your assigned polling station via the Virginia Department of Elections online portal. Early in-person opportunities to make your selection begin 45 days prior to the official polling day at the Office of the General Registrar.

Analyzing the Financial Projections: Job Creation and City Tax Revenue Estimates

Evaluate the developer's claim of 1,300 permanent jobs by demanding specifics on average annual compensation and the availability of full-time benefits packages. The headline number obscures the distribution between salaried management and hourly, entry-level positions. Of these proposed roles, a verified report should detail what percentage will offer a salary above the city's median income and include health insurance and retirement plans. Without this breakdown, the economic impact on local households remains theoretical.

The projected $30 million in annual tax revenue for the city requires independent verification of its timeline and assumptions. Proponents anticipate this figure being reached within the third year of operation. A thorough analysis must account for potential revenue displacement from other local hospitality and entertainment venues. Citizens should ask for a net revenue calculation that subtracts this potential economic cannibalization from the gross projection to understand the true fiscal benefit to the capital's treasury.

Distinguish between the 1,500 temporary construction roles and the permanent operational positions. While the construction phase provides a short-term economic stimulus, the long-term benefit is tied to the quality of the permanent jobs. The city's economic development office should confirm what percentage of management-level positions within the entertainment complex are contractually obligated to be filled by local hires, preventing a scenario where top-tier salaries go to out-of-state executives.

Before the upcoming public decision on the project, residents should compare the economic forecasts provided by the development consortium against figures from J.P. Morgan's 2021 study on similar regional gaming establishments. This comparison offers an external benchmark to gauge the realism of the job and tax figures presented for the proposed Southside resort. Scrutinize the assumptions behind visitor numbers and average spending per visitor, as these are the primary drivers of the financial models.

Evaluating the Community Impact: Traffic Studies, Public Safety Plans, and Zoning Changes

The developer's traffic analysis for the proposed entertainment complex requires independent verification, particularly its projection of 14,000 additional daily vehicle trips. A peer review should focus on the I-95 interchange at Bells Road and the Commerce Road corridor. Funding must be secured for suggested mitigation measures, such as the $4 million signal timing optimization and the addition of a dedicated right-turn lane from Walmsley Boulevard onto Commerce Road, before any construction permits are issued. The current study lacks sufficient data on non-vehicular traffic, failing to account for pedestrian or public transit access from the Southside Plaza area.

Public safety proposals demand a detailed breakdown of recurring annual costs. The plan to add 15 law enforcement officers and two detectives would increase the city's police budget by an estimated $2.8 million per year for salaries and benefits alone. This figure omits initial capital expenses for vehicles and equipment, calculated at over $750,000. Furthermore, the plan for a small, on-site security office is insufficient; a fully-staffed police substation within a one-mile radius of the facility should be established to reduce response times to the surrounding neighborhoods, not just the gaming establishment itself.

Proposed zoning changes to reclassify the 100-acre parcel from M-2 Heavy Industrial to a bespoke B-8 Central Business District carry specific consequences. This re-zoning permits a structure height of 250 feet, which is 150 feet taller than anything currently allowed in the area. It also codifies 24-hour operation, which directly conflicts with noise ordinances affecting nearby residential zones.  https://spingeniecasino.casino  must stipulate specific decibel limits at the property line, particularly between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM, as a condition of approval. The land use permit for this locality needs to include a provision for review after 36 months of operation to assess actual impacts against the projected models.

Navigating the Vote: How to Check Your Registration Status and Find Your Polling Place

Verify your elector status for the city-wide referendum at the Virginia Department of Elections citizen portal. This is the most direct method for confirmation.

1. Access the state's official elections website.
2. Locate and select the option to check your registration record.
3. You will be prompted to enter your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
4. The system will display your current status: Active or Inactive.

Should your record show as "Inactive" or not be found, you must contact the RVA General Registrar's Office. Their physical location is 2134 West Laburnum Avenue, and the contact number is (804) 646-5950.

Your specific balloting location is displayed directly on your voter record after you look up your status on the state's portal. The portal provides the full name and street address of your assigned facility for the upcoming plebiscite on the proposed entertainment complex.

• Double-check the facility address, as locations can sometimes change between different public decisions.
• Precincts are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on the day of the popular decision.
• It is advisable to confirm your location a week prior to the event.

To express your preference in person, you must present a valid form of photo identification. Acceptable forms include:

• A Virginia Driver's License or state-issued ID card.
• A United States Passport or Passport Card.
• A student identification card with a photograph from a Virginia institution of higher education.
• An employer-issued photo identification card.

Individuals without one of the approved forms of identification can obtain a free Virginia Voter Photo ID Card at any local registrar's office within the Commonwealth, including the one in Virginia's capital.