Building Our Future Together

Social Development Strategy (2025-2035)

On December 17, 2025, Richmond City Council endorsed Building Our Future Together: Social Development Strategy (2025–2035). The Strategy builds on the achievements of the previous plan, Building Our Social Future: A Social Development Strategy for Richmond (2013–2022) and demonstrates the City’s commitment to enhancing residents’ well-being and fostering a more inclusive and thriving community. It strengthens the capacity of both the City and the community to respond to social issues, while fostering strategic partnerships that promote shared responsibility in building a future grounded in equity, opportunity and social well-being for all. The Strategy outlines five strategic directions and 73 priority actions that will guide and inform the City’s planning and response to Richmond’s diverse social needs over the next 10 years.

The five strategic directions are: 

1. Improve Access to Basic Needs 
   Help residents access services and resources to meet their basic needs, such as food and shelter. 
2. Enhance Inclusion and Belonging 
   Celebrate Richmond’s diversity by building cross-cultural understanding and fostering mutual respect.
3. Foster a Safe, Resilient and Accessible Community 
   Create more welcoming public spaces in the city while strengthening social networks.
4. Strengthen Community Voice and Engagement 
   Increase access to information and offer inclusive opportunities for residents to take part in local decision-making processes.
5. Empower Community Capacity for Collective Action 
   Promote coordinated action across sectors and all levels of government to develop effective solutions that address Richmond’s social needs. 

The Strategy serves as an overarching framework that aligns with and reinforces other City Council-adopted plans and strategies, ensuring a comprehensive and collective approach to social development. Through ongoing monitoring, the City will stay informed of Richmond’s evolving social landscape, with a formal progress report presented to City Council and shared with the public every three years.  

Related links

Plans and Strategies - Social Development Strategy

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