City of Richmond, Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Washington Redskins agree to eliminate local cash contribution to team for 2019 and 2020

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The City of Richmond and the Washington Redskins are pleased to announce a significant modification to the current Redskins Training Camp agreement that eliminates the requirement of the city’s Economic Development Authority to pay a local cash contribution to cover some team expenses.

The modification applies to both 2019, for which the EDA had a contractual obligation to pay $161,767.85 due to the team, and for 2020, the final year of the original eight-year pact.

This contract modification has been under discussion among the parties for many months but comes at a time when the city is focusing its resources on helping local businesses and residents respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds saved as a result of this partnership will help the EDA fund the small business loan program the city and EDA announced today.

The mutually agreed upon decision between the city, EDA and the Redskins is based on their longstanding partnership, with a focus on the community's local economic development needs and established goals. 

“We’re pleased we were able to negotiate this relief for the city,” said Mayor Stoney. “We value the investments and contributions the team has made in our community and look forward to continuing our work together this year and further exploring ways to grow our partnership.”
  
Under the original agreement signed in 2013, the City of Richmond Economic Development Authority agreed to make an annual contribution to the Redskins in the form of in-kind services and cash to help defray some of the incremental expense of relocating the team’s training camp. The Redskins collaborated with the city, Bon Secours and other community stakeholders to deliver a unique fan experience, facilitate growth and encourage development in the area.

The partnership has led to generous charitable initiatives by the team that have resulted in the construction of new playgrounds and high school football facilities, the implementation of high-impact educational programs in elementary and high schools and donations of sports equipment.

The 2020 training camp is the last under the original eight-year contract. As part of the original deal, the team has the option to extend the agreement, but it does not obligate the city’s EDA to provide a cash contribution.
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