They know it’s going to take drastic measures to foster significant, lasting change, and are willing to put everything on the line to make it happen. The prospect of raising millions of dollars does not daunt them. Detractors do not deter them. The failed promises of Sixth Street Marketplace and Valentine Riverside do not dampen their enthusiasm for development.

Talk to people like city economic-development chief John Woodward, arts complex project helmsman Brad Armstrong or businessman Jim Ukrop about the possibilities for our city and soon you will be dreaming big too.

I love that so many people believe so passionately in making Richmond a better place to live. I love that Richmond is not afraid to have big ideas. I love imagining what Richmond might be in 10 or 20 years. And I love going downtown to watch it slowly happen. S

Jessica Ronky Haddad is a writer who lives in Richmond. She is a former arts and culture editor at Style.