Alive After Five: Reimagining Richmond’s Future
Richmond has a lot to look forward to with Lacie Chambers stepping in as the new Executive Director of Develop Richmond! In this episode, Lacie shares her clear plan for transforming Richmond into a more vibrant, economically active destination through curated retail, new food concepts, and infrastructure investments like upcoming sidewalk and streetscape improvements. She walks us through how intentional planning, business attraction, and community input are shaping a more connected “live, work, play” environment. Most importantly, Lacie puts a spotlight on supporting local businesses as a foundation for attracting new industries and talent to Richmond. The momentum is real, and Richmond is only getting started.
Key Insights & Timestamps:
[05:00]: Lacie’s Journey to Richmond
[10:00]: Bringing Downtown Back to Life
[16:26]: Making Richmond More Walkable
[25:00]: Riverfront Plans and New Developments
[30:55]: Why Richmond Is “Alive After Five”
Key Takeaways:
● Downtown revitalization requires intentional design, not just growth. Lacie emphasizes that creating a destination isn’t about adding more businesses, but about curating the right mix: walkability, local retail, food experiences, and infrastructure improvements that make people want to stay, not just pass through.
● Supporting local businesses is the foundation for long-term economic growth. Rather than focusing only on attracting new companies, the strategy prioritizes helping existing businesses grow and succeed, creating a stronger base that naturally draws in new industries, talent, and investment.
● Community input and shared vision are critical to sustainable development. From park planning to downtown improvements, Lacie highlights that meaningful progress comes from aligning city leadership, business owners, and residents around a common direction, ensuring growth reflects what the community actually wants.
Guest Spotlight:
Lacie Chambers
Lacie Chambers is the Executive Director of Develop Richmond, where she leads efforts to drive economic growth, support local businesses, and shape the city’s long-term vision. With a diverse background spanning business, nonprofit work, and strategic development, she brings a relationship-driven approach to revitalizing downtown and attracting new opportunities. Lacie is focused on building a more vibrant, connected Richmond that blends its historic character with thoughtful, future-focused growth.
Resources Mentioned:
● Develop Richmond Corporation
● City of Richmond, Texas Official Website
● Small Business Development Center (SBDC National)
● Public Parks Survey
● Schedule a Pre-Application Conference
For More Information:
Born in the Bend is sponsored by Develop Richmond,, and is produced and mixed by the team at Speakerbox Media.
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