Ep. 31 | Mayor Ron Oler, Ph.D. Discusses Development, Housing, and Quality of Place on The Hub with Michael Allen
Mon Jan 26 2026
Big plans only matter when they change how people live, and that perspective frames this episode of The Hub with host Michael Allen and guest Mayor Ron Oler, Ph.D. The conversation takes a grounded look at Richmond’s most visible shifts, starting with a refreshed city brand that gives developers something solid to build against, a comprehensive plan that actually guides where housing, commercial space, and industry belong, and a downtown strategy that balances historic preservation with modern, amenity driven living.
Michael and Mayor Oler dig into the five building restoration effort and the fast moving 6th & Main project that is redefining what apartments mean in Richmond. Gyms, pet amenities, community rooms, pools, and lockers are becoming the standard. The target residents may surprise some listeners, with strong interest not only from emerging professionals but also from empty nesters looking for weekday convenience and weekend freedom. The discussion also highlights the Wayne County Foundation’s land trust model for smaller downtown buildings, keeping properties occupied, maintained, and taxable while avoiding the absentee owner cycle that often stalls momentum.
The conversation expands beyond the downtown core into housing efforts in the Starr District and the Vaile, where owner occupied rehabs and new infill aim to stabilize neighborhoods and address a well documented shortage of quality housing. Parks and quality of place take center stage as well, with a dedicated 1% food and beverage tax funding trail upgrades, gorge activation, and long needed reinvestment at Glen Miller Park. The focus is on turning everyday spaces into places people want to stay, gather, and move.
Michael and Mayor Oler also tackle questions shaping the next decade, including how I 70 tolling could prioritize out of state freight over local commuters, what a resort style casino would look like under Indiana’s rules with hotels, meetings, and entertainment, and why a new airport terminal matters for regional business access. Throughout the episode, transparency outweighs noise. Social media may amplify the loudest voices, but permits, bids, and cranes tell the real story.
If you care about urban revitalization, housing strategy, civic finance, and placemaking, this episode offers grounded insight and realistic timelines.
Learn more about The Hub and explore all episodes at
https://www.mprichmond.com/the-hub-podcast
Support the show
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Big plans only matter when they change how people live, and that perspective frames this episode of The Hub with host Michael Allen and guest Mayor Ron Oler, Ph.D. The conversation takes a grounded look at Richmond’s most visible shifts, starting with a refreshed city brand that gives developers something solid to build against, a comprehensive plan that actually guides where housing, commercial space, and industry belong, and a downtown strategy that balances historic preservation with modern, amenity driven living. Michael and Mayor Oler dig into the five building restoration effort and the fast moving 6th & Main project that is redefining what apartments mean in Richmond. Gyms, pet amenities, community rooms, pools, and lockers are becoming the standard. The target residents may surprise some listeners, with strong interest not only from emerging professionals but also from empty nesters looking for weekday convenience and weekend freedom. The discussion also highlights the Wayne County Foundation’s land trust model for smaller downtown buildings, keeping properties occupied, maintained, and taxable while avoiding the absentee owner cycle that often stalls momentum. The conversation expands beyond the downtown core into housing efforts in the Starr District and the Vaile, where owner occupied rehabs and new infill aim to stabilize neighborhoods and address a well documented shortage of quality housing. Parks and quality of place take center stage as well, with a dedicated 1% food and beverage tax funding trail upgrades, gorge activation, and long needed reinvestment at Glen Miller Park. The focus is on turning everyday spaces into places people want to stay, gather, and move. Michael and Mayor Oler also tackle questions shaping the next decade, including how I 70 tolling could prioritize out of state freight over local commuters, what a resort style casino would look like under Indiana’s rules with hotels, meetings, and entertainment, and why a new airport terminal matters for regional business access. Throughout the episode, transparency outweighs noise. Social media may amplify the loudest voices, but permits, bids, and cranes tell the real story. If you care about urban revitalization, housing strategy, civic finance, and placemaking, this episode offers grounded insight and realistic timelines. Learn more about The Hub and explore all episodes at https://www.mprichmond.com/the-hub-podcast Support the show