RICHMOND, Va. -- On Monday night, the Richmond City Council approvedthe resolution to name ONE Casino Resort as Richmond's preferred casino gaming operator for a proposed resort casino project on Richmond's Southside.
The Urban ONE proposal was picked out of three finalists, whittled down from six bids from interested companies.
Richmond will now submit the preferred operator and site to the Virginia Lottery Board for pre-certification.
Upon successful pre-certification and approval by the City Council of the full Host Community Agreement, Richmond will petition the Circuit Court to hold the November 2 voter referendum on the negotiated project.
Mayor Levar Stoney made a formal proposal of the casino project to the council last month.
“ONE Casino + Resort is a $562.5 million project that will create 1,300 well-paying jobs with benefits in South Richmond, and every Richmond resident will benefit from the new revenue created by the project,” Stoney said. “City Council’s vote tonight paves the way for every voting Richmond resident to have their voice heard on this important project.”
Alfred Liggins, Urban ONE's Cheif Executive Officer, shared the following statement in response to Richmond City Council's approval:
ONE is extremely grateful and proud that Richmond City Council has voted to move forward with a first-class casino and resort in Richmond’s Southside. This project will be funded entirely with private investment and will generate millions of dollars in critically needed new tax revenue that can be used for schools, affordable housing, workforce development, infrastructure and other city priorities.
This will be a transformational project for the city, attracting additional tourism revenue that will lift up all of Richmond and improve the quality of life for those who call this city home. At the same time, ONE will create 1300 well-paying jobs with profit-sharing for employees and pathways to successful careers. We will also be true community partners, investing with non-profits and worthwhile causes across the city.
We look forward to sharing our great story and the tremendous benefits of our proposal with Richmond voters in the months ahead in advance of the November referendum.
