A CNN report this week ranked our little ol’ River City as the top of their list of “America’s Best Towns to Visit 2024.” The report suggested that our “creative capital” deserves more attention. And they went on: “Richmond, Virginia — or “RVA,” as locals call it — has top-notch museums and intriguing neighborhoods, and it’s a great spot for dining, drinking and getting outdoors. There’s an impressive arts scene and a nearly year-round lineup of festivals.”

This is good news for the city. Being recognized on a national level as a thriving, vibrant community that’s making efforts to reckon with its troubled past, is something that economic developers probably dream about. As much as we discuss and debate the challenges that Richmond faces, there are some good things happening here and we should celebrate them.

We should also do the work to make sure the things that make us unique and interesting survive. It’s hard to have an arts scene in a city where artists can’t afford a place to live. A thriving restaurant scene won’t last long if taxes and bureaucratic procedures continue to threaten the survival of existing businesses and discourage new ones from opening up. Our success as a destination city should not come at the cost of displacing longtime residents or erasing our cultural identity.

CNN’’s recognition is a testament to how far we’ve come. We should use this as inspiration to work towards a better, more inclusive future.