Current Initiatives

Safety starts with eduction and sharing resources. Below are the Watch’s current, primary areas of focus.

Homelessness

The Business Watch is committed to supporting compassionate, long-term solutions to homelessness by connecting business owners, residents, and unhoused individuals with meaningful resources. We partner with local organizations like the Daily Planet to support clothing and food drives that directly benefit those in need within our footprint. For longterm success, we believe that support and services are best delivered through organizations and professionals trained in social work. This is why we partner and stand behind the work of the downtown’s social worker Leon Dangerfield and initiatives like the HOPE Unit (Homeless Outreach Partnership Enforcement), which focus on outreach, mental health, and substance abuse recovery as pathways to stability and housing. Rather than take a NIMBY approach, we believe in addressing these issues with dignity and collaboration—working toward solutions that lift our entire community.

Graffiti

Graffiti prevention and cleanup are central to the Business Watch’s mission of maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for all. In addition to regular cleanups and graffiti removal efforts, we support public art and community mural projects as powerful tools to deter vandalism and celebrate local culture. We continue to advocate for Art Parks, Alley Activations and Sanctuary Spaces—designated spaces where emerging artists can legally express themselves and build skills, reducing unwanted tagging elsewhere. By embracing creativity and investing in community-led art, we transform problem areas into places of pride and inspiration.

Beautification

Neighborhood beautification is a key initiative of the Business Watch, aimed at fostering pride, safety, and community engagement in our shared spaces. We believe clean, well-maintained storefronts and sidewalks contribute to a stronger local economy and a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. Through coordinated efforts like graffiti removal, plantings, and public art projects, we help create a visually vibrant district that reflects the creativity of our community. Beautification is more than aesthetics—it's a shared commitment to investing in the health and future of our neighborhood.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Community Activation

Community activation is one of the most effective deterrents to crime—busy, well-loved streets naturally discourage unwanted activity. The Business Watch supports efforts to increase foot traffic, public events, and vibrant storefronts that keep our neighborhood active and engaged. By encouraging outdoor dining, pop-ups, local festivals, and collaborative marketing, we help bring more eyes, energy, and positivity to our shared spaces. A lively neighborhood is a safer neighborhood—and we’re committed to keeping ours both.

Communication

The Arts District Business Watch uses CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) to make our neighborhood safer by improving visibility, managing space, and encouraging community pride. Simple actions like better lighting, trimmed landscaping, and clean, art-filled storefronts increase natural surveillance and deter crime. Clearly marked paths, mural projects, and regular maintenance signal that the area is cared for and monitored. By working together on these improvements, we create a safer, more vibrant downtown for everyone.

Communication is a core value of the Business Watch, and we believe stronger connections lead to a safer, more supportive neighborhood. We promote open lines of communication between businesses through our shared Slack channel, bi-monthly newsletters, and regular in-person meetings. As part of this effort, we feature monthly speakers who give members direct access to city officials, nonprofit leaders, and individuals proposing new initiatives to strengthen our area. We also prioritize collaboration with local law enforcement—including VCU Police, Capitol Police, and Richmond Police—as well as ongoing dialogue with neighborhood associations, City Council, and the Mayor’s office.