RVA Dirt was founded in August 2016 by three political activists: Francesca Leigh-Davis, Jessee Perry, and Melissa Vaughn. Their shared twitter account - @RVADirt - quickly became a go-to-source for clever, irreverent, and reliable coverage of City Council and School Board Meetings, candidate interviews, and city events. They found a new audience in 2017, when they launched Municipal Mania on WRIR 97.3 Richmond Independent Radio.

Today, RVA Dirt consists of four busy women making time to stick their noses into Richmond politics.

 
 
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Mission

We believe that government works best when it is accessible, accountable and transparent. As self-appointed watchdogs, we are committed to bringing these principles to Richmond politics.

Goals

We use edutainment to connect Richmond residents with the information they need to confidently vote their interests at the ballot box.

01.
–Fact-Based Recaps

We go to the meetings, do our research, and relay what we learn. We’re more “commenters” than journalists, but when we share our opinions, we’ll share the receipts supporting them, too.

02.
–Reliable analysis

Why did that happen? and, Why does it matter? We consider the local, national, and historical context to better understand the events unfolding in the River City.

04.
–Accessible Information

Can’t make it to a 5 hour Board Meeting, or find a ride to (or parking at) City Hall? We reach across these equity barriers to bring the latest news right to your Twitter feed, Youtube, and airwaves.

03.
–Engaging Community Conversations

Come for the dirt - stay for the jokes! Our irreverent punditry is cheeky, honest, and ripe for public engagement.

 
 
 

“Politics can be infuriating, entertaining, and down right boring. But it is an absolutely integral part of our lives that frankly gets overlooked, misunderstood, and easily ignored. I do this to make it accessible… and fun.”

FRANCESCA LEIGH-DAVIS  |  Co-Founder

 
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Awards & Accolades

MEET THE SAVVIEST, SHADIEST PUNDITS IN THE CITY

RVA Mag | Feb. 1, 2019

TOP 40 UNDER 40

Style Weekly | Oct. 23, 2018

KEEPING WATCH

Richmond Magazine | JUNE 5, 2017

FIELD NOTES: THE #RVA MAYOR RACE

RICHMOND MAGAZINE | NOV. 8, 2016