During its January 28, 2021 meeting, the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond approved awarding a $120,000 grant to local restaurant delivery company ChopChop.  The grant will allow ChopChop to create the Richmond Rate Reduction Program.    The Richmond Rate Reduction Program reduces delivery fees charged to local restaurants from 20% to 7% for a three-month period.  The company will also add 75-100 new restaurants, breweries, and distilleries to its delivery platform and create 150 new jobs (3-5 permanent employees and 145-148 contracted delivery jobs) during the three-month period.  The long-term objective is for ChopChop to keep its delivery fee charged to restaurants at 7 percent.   “My team and I are very excited for this opportunity to not only expand our offerings, but also allow restaurants to retain more profit when they need it most,” said ChopChop Owner and Operator Chris Chandler. “A 13 percent rate reduction will make a ...

Staff ready to assist; residents can apply all-online, by mail, in person The City of Richmond has opened the 2021 Tax Amnesty Program for applications.   The program, made possible by the collaboration of the Department of Finance, Office of the City Attorney, and members of Richmond City Council, allows the city to waive existing penalties and interest on delinquent real estate taxes during the month of March and admissions, lodging and meals taxes during the month of April.   “If you owe penalties or interest on any delinquent taxes, this program is designed to help you,” offered Mayor Stoney. “During such a challenging period for Richmond residents, we want to maximize accessibility to and participation in this program. It’s yet another way the city strives to offer compassionate care.”   Interested parties can learn more about the program and begin the application at  RVAStrong.org/taxamnesty. For those who do not know if they qualify or need help filling out th...