James Gorham, economic development director for the City of Richmond, said nine homeowners had participated in a restoration program, with more than $21,000 invested into those properties, during the Oct. 11 City Council meeting. The city and Community Bank of Missouri and Missouri Farm & Home Insurance have partnered to develop the Restore Richmond program. This initiative provided eligible residents with up to $2,000 to begin restoring and improving the appearance of their homes. Gorham said, if there were a bid exceeding the $2,000, then the resident paid out of pocket for the rest. The Restore Richmond program was created to help eligible residents improve the safety and appearance of their property while beginning the process of rehabilitating the city’s aging housing stock. During the meeting, it was announced the city would double its contribution, going from $5,000 to $10,000 for the 2023 budget year. “I consider this year a success. This was our…