Authored by Kyndelle Johnson, RPA intern

In August, the RPA announced its collaboration with community members and community organizers to develop The Listening Project, a people-centered process to guide our local transition away from the fossil fuel industry. To build this project, we have happily invited four new organizers to help us uplift voices left behind in the city’s political and economic history.

At the upcoming City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 14, the council will consider whether to extend the Reimagining Public Safety Community Task Force, whose mandate is set to expire on September 30. It is crucial that our community voice its support for the Task Force’s continuation.

Authored by Tony Tamayo, RPA Intern

Photo Credit: Tony Tamayo

Art is exploding in the mainstream in our city. We are beginning to see new art investments centered around community involvement and inclusivity. Paired with the rise of social media that was fast-tracked by the pandemic, artists in Richmond are being newly discovered and uplifted through the community on and off the cellphone screen. Art is important for many reasons: art uplifts our spirits, art can help relieve stress, art can be a source of income, and most importantly, art can preserve critical aspects of our culture here in Richmond. 

Check out this video of Councilmember Martinez reflecting on his current term, and visioning ahead to the future.

Many thanks to RPA intern Tony Tamayo for reviving this discussion from a Richmond City Council meeting in 2016. Former Councilmember Jovanka Beckles demonstrated tremendous leadership in her minority vote to not adopt a City Council resolution which included the harmful language of Blue Lives Matter. 

Here are upcoming RPA meetings and events. Please note, most meetings are only open to RPA members, although allies and guests are often welcome. If you are interested in becoming a member, you may do so here. Dues may be waived if they are a barrier to you joining the RPA. If you have questions about joining the RPA, or are interested in attending a meeting as a non-member, please contact [email protected]   

Comentarios públicos pueden enviarse por correo, correo electrónico y/o videoconferencia Zoom de la siguiente manera; cada participante tendrá la oportunidad de hacer un comentario por tema.

From homelessness services to tenant protections, housing issues in Richmond are hugely important. RPA's Housing Action Team (HAT) needs help from more members to work toward affordable and fair housing outcomes.

In support of a transition away from fossil fuels in the City of Richmond, the Richmond Progressive Alliance (the RPA) is undertaking a community-engagement process around Just Transition in Richmond, which we’re calling the Listening Project. The goal of the Listening Project is to better understand the concerns and needs of Richmond communities that have historically suffered the greatest harm from generations of fossil fuel operations in our City. The RPA has secured funding to support this Listening Project, which will be overseen by a dedicated subcommittee of the RPA and allied organizations and individuals. As such, although the Listening Project itself is a short-term project with defined tasks and time periods, depending on funding and success, we hope this role will expand into next steps when the Listening Project concludes. 

Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA) has launched an internship program. Doing so serves joint purposes of cultivating the talent of young Richmonders around short term, action-oriented projects and also increasing visibility of RPA among Richmond youth. We are simultaneously creating opportunities for youth to work on emerging issues in a progressive political environment while also expanding RPA’s capacity. This small employment opportunity will enhance the local workforce and re-circulate money back into our own community through the hiring of Richmond youth.