In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the city of Richmond, asking the provocative question: Does VCU own Richmond? When we recorded this, VCU had recently backed out of a major real estate deal, leaving $56 million in debt hanging in the balance. At the time, the state had not yet decided whether to forgive it, but the possibility alone raised questions about financial accountability and institutional power.

Since then, Virginia has officially forgiven the debt. But the situation sparked a deeper conversation that still matters: What happens when a public university’s footprint keeps expanding across a city? We dive into the broader impact of VCU’s presence on Richmond, its role in gentrification, rising property values, and the displacement of longtime residents. As campus developments and new housing reshape the urban landscape, we ask: When does a university’s growth stop serving students and start redefining an entire city?