Unlocking the James
Developing the James River
"The James River is our greatest, most underutilized natural asset. It is time we stop turning our backs to the water and transform our riverfront into the premier destination of Central Virginia."
The Forgotten Waterfront
Lynchburg was built on the banks of the James River, yet for decades, our downtown development has largely turned its back to the water. While other mid-sized cities across the Southeast have transformed their waterfronts into massive economic and cultural engines, our riverfront remains fragmented, largely industrial, and remarkably difficult for the average citizen to access or enjoy.
This isn't just an urban planning failure; it is a massive missed economic opportunity. When we fail to develop our riverfront, we miss out on vital tourism dollars, restaurant tax revenue, and the kind of vibrant, outdoor lifestyle amenities that attract and retain young professionals. We have a world-class river flowing right past our front door, but right now, there are virtually no places to sit, eat, or easily launch a kayak to actually experience it.
Difficult Public Access
Decades of fragmentation and industrial land use have cut our community off from our primary natural feature, making our local riverfront difficult for average residents to access, explore, or enjoy.
Dave's Riverfront Strategy
Public-Private Riverfront Development
City Hall cannot build restaurants, but it can pave the way for those who do. Dave will actively court private developers and offer strategic incentives to build mixed-use dining, retail, and entertainment spaces directly overlooking the water, replicating the massive success of riverwalks in cities like Greenville, SC, and Richmond.
Why Rivers Should Be Treasured
Waterfront Multiplier
Urban Land Institute (ULI) analyses consistently show that public riverfront infrastructure acts as a massive economic catalyst. Cities investing in riverfront revitalization often see surrounding commercial property values outpace citywide averages by double, and achieve private development multipliers ranging from $2.20 to $3.60 for every $1 of public money spent.