Economic Development: LEONARD SLEDGE
DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, RICHMOND
Published
During the pandemic, Sledge has logged many hours on Zoom, working with Richmond City Council members, developers and other stakeholders on several massive projects. One of the biggest is the Diamond District redevelopment project, which is heading toward a council vote this year and would include a new baseball stadium and mixed-use neighborhood connecting formerly city-owned land to the trendy Scott’s Addition neighborhood.
Sledge also worked to woo the proposed $565 million Urban One Inc. casino, which failed in a November 2021 referendum, though the city has been trying to work with state officials to bring it back before voters.
Previously, Sledge led economic development in Hampton and Henry County, Georgia. He came to Richmond in 2019.
WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Slow down and make time to enjoy and appreciate the simple and complex things that surround me.
SOMETHING I’D NEVER DO AGAIN: Ride a bicycle in New York City
