Latest News from Richmond City Hall
Catch up on hot items from the last Richmond City Council meeting below. If you're interested in making public comments as a member of RPA or getting involved, contact us. Meetings are primarily held on the first, third, and fourth Tuesday of each month at 440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804.
Proclamations
Senior Winter Ball
The City’s Commission on Aging was celebrated for hosting the Senior Winter Ball for the past 25 years. This event is a cherished tradition, offering seniors an opportunity to socialize and connect. Mayor Eduardo Martinez and Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin acknowledged the Commission’s enduring efforts to make this annual event a success.
Current commissioners include Kiran Agarwal, Myrtle Braxton, Rose Brooks, Catherine "Cate" Burkart, Donna Decamp, Bryan M. Harris, Michelle Hayes, Lorene Holmes Dees, Gerry La Londe-Berg, Eric Moseley, Regina Whitney, and Beverly Wallace.
Event Details:
Date: December 14, 2024 | 6:00 - 10:00 PM
Location: Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804
World AIDS Day
The first of December is a somber day for those who’ve lost friends and loved ones to AIDS-related illnesses. Residents shared a variety of personal stories, enriching the dialogue and underscoring the need for continued action.
Eliminating Gender-Based Violence
Richmond’s Task Force to End Gender-Based Domestic Violence provided an update on activities and recommendations from its committees. Areas of focus include:
- Raising awareness about gender-based violence among Richmond residents
- Developing and aligning policies to end gender-based violence in all forms
- Creating a diverse and effective decision-making table that centers stakeholder needs
- Collaboration between the community and the organizations and agencies that serve them
Presenters and speakers included Katherine Rife, Michelle Milam, Maya Garcia, Ana Duran, Alyssa Gomez, Kira Lee, Lucinda Bazile, and Irma Gayosso.
The council discussed a resolution to recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25th) and the need for additional funding and support for the task force’s work.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP): A New Vision for Infrastructure
The Public Works Department provided a detailed update on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), showcasing a dashboard tracking over 80 current projects. This tool offers transparency on project status, costs, locations, and other key details.
While the dashboard is a valuable resource, councilmembers emphasized the importance of enhancing transparency and ensuring equitable resource allocation. Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez underscored the need for a "systematic, equitable process for District Six, but also for other places in the city."
Councilmember Robinson echoed this sentiment, advocating for a structured method to incorporate resident input: "I do feel like we should have an organized process to add things to the CIP list, or else, every council meeting we could be adding things."
The conversation also explored a shift from the current project-by-project funding method to a programmatic approach. Public Works staff explained that this strategy would allocate funding by infrastructure categories such as streets, traffic safety, or facilities, enabling long-term planning, efficient bundling of projects, and better alignment with community priorities.
Councilmembers expressed general support for the proposed approach but requested additional analysis and a clear framework for integrating resident feedback.
Carlson Crosstown Project
The council reviewed progress on the Carlson Crosstown Project, which aims to enhance safety and accessibility along this key corridor. Phase 2 of the project, focused on the stretch between Broadway and Tehama, was a central topic of discussion. Staff reported a $1.3 million funding shortfall for paving and an additional $1.7 million needed for traffic calming measures.
Councilmembers emphasized the urgency of completing the project, particularly given safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. While the project has already made progress, including improvements in other sections, the council acknowledged the need to secure additional funding to meet community expectations. Discussions explored potential funding sources and strategies to bridge the financial gap while ensuring the project stays on track.
Clinton Hill Circle Revitalization
Cosmo Martinez and Nancy Lewis with the Friends of the Circle group presented a heartfelt proposal to revitalize the roundabout at 36th St. and Clinton Ave. Their vision includes native plants, a walking path, a bench, and a centerpiece coast live oak tree, creating a welcoming and sustainable space for residents. The estimated cost for the project is $45,000.
Councilmembers commended the group’s dedication and creativity in driving this initiative. The project was praised as an excellent example of grassroots community engagement. The council discussed potential funding sources, including neighborhood grants, partnerships with local businesses, and private donations. They also encouraged the Friends of the Circle to formalize their proposal for inclusion in the city’s CIP process, ensuring long-term support and recognition for their efforts.