City of Richmond Announces Launch of ARPA Business Support Grant Applications to Support Small Businesses 

Richmond, CA – The City of Richmond is pleased to announce the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds to assist local small businesses in recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of a national effort to support small businesses most affected by the pandemic, the City of Richmond has partnered with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to distribute $350,000 in grant funds. This initiative aims to revitalize Richmond’s small businesses while also providing free technical support, business training, workshops, and consultations. These resources are designed to build capacity and support the recovery and growth of Richmond's small businesses impacted by COVID

Latest News from Richmond City Hall

Catch up on hot items from this week’s 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.

Storm Preparedness

Keep your family safe from the atmospheric river by picking up free sandbags at these locations. Seniors and disabled residents are welcome to request home deliveries by calling 510-231-3011. There is a limit of 10 bags per household.

Sandbag Locations:

Bayview Fire Station | 4801 Bayview Ave., Richmond, CA 94804

Rear entrance to the Corporation Yard (next to 10 Harbour Way)

How to Fill and Use Storm Sandbags

Shining a Light on Contra Costa Arts and Culture

The Creative Pulse report is a groundbreaking study that highlights the vibrant arts and culture sector of Contra Costa County. Spanning 18 months of in-depth research, the report provides a comprehensive inventory of over 300 arts organizations, showcasing the creativity and resilience of communities like Richmond, Concord, San Ramon, and beyond.

Contra Costa County, one of the fastest-growing areas in the Bay Area, faces unique challenges in leveraging resources and addressing significant disparities in arts funding. While ranking among the lowest counties in California for per capita arts investment, Contra Costa’s arts community continues to thrive, driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and passion.

Latest News from Richmond City Hall

Catch up on hot items from this week’s 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.

Latest News from Richmond City Hall

Catch up on hot items from this week’s 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.

The recent Richmond City Council meeting covered various critical topics, from staffing and budget concerns to fire safety and race equity initiatives. Here are the key takeaways.

By Steve Early

This article was originally published on www.socialpolicy.org on October 8, 2024.

RICHMOND, CA.-On a Saturday evening last spring, Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA) co-chair Claudia Jimenez hosted a high-spirited rally and party with 200 supporters of her re-election campaign for the Richmond City Council. 

Jimenez is a 46-year-old immigrant from Columbia, who worked as an architect and community organizer before seeking elected office four years ago in her diverse, blue-collar city of 114,000, that’s 80-percent non-white.

On the 7-member council, which includes an RPA majority, she has immersed herself in municipal finance questions, public safety issues, and the longstanding challenge of making Chevron, the city’s largest employer, more responsive to community concerns about its environmental impact.

Primaries would force city council and mayoral candidates to gather at least 50% of the vote to take office. This would be a costly and lengthy ordeal for Richmond voters. The financial strain of running an early campaign could deter less affluent candidates, reducing the diversity of who can afford to run. This shift would also increase costs for local government, adding an unnecessary strain on public resources.

Mayoral and City Council elections would occur in a low-turnout March or June primary. 

Historically, communities of color and young people vote in higher numbers during general elections, with national voter turnout in June only 20-40% of November turnout. In Richmond, there have been 25.23% fewer voters in primary elections than during presidential primary election years on average.

More voters in general elections than primaries or midterms.

2024 Data Analysis of Richmond California Voting Behavior. Jamin Pursell.

Midterm versus primary elections in Richmond.

2024 Data Analysis of Richmond California Voting Behavior. Jamin Pursell.

Latest News from Richmond City Hall

Catch up on hot items from this week’s 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.

New Richmond Fire Chief

Congratulations are in order for Richmond's new fire chief Aaron Osorio. Osorio has served in many capacities, including training director, infection control officer, and director. He's also a California State Fire Marshal, certified chief officer, and company officer — with numerous certifications in fire rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, and incident command.

Taste of Richmond Is Here

This week is the first ever “Restaurant Week” in Richmond. The Economic Development Commission continues to express gratitude for the city’s use of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to stimulate the local restaurant economy. 

Swing by your favorite places this month. Featured events will be held at CoBiz, The Craneway, Johnny Boi, Factory Bar, Tacos El Tucan, Perfusion Winery, and The Backyard.

Learn more about Taste of Richmond at www.tasteofrichmondca.com

In this podcast, we interviewed Doria Robinson, a longtime community leader, Richmond City Councilmember (District 3), and Executive Director of Urban Tilth. Read on to learn about how residents can contribute to the responsible upkeep of Richmond’s shoreline, public lands, and other natural resources.

Listen To The Podcast

The Power of Collective Action

Doria is a third-generation Richmond resident, whose family moved to the city from rural Louisiana and Iowa. After settling in, her grandparents and parents quickly became involved in churches and organizations like the NAACP. Doria’s grandfather, a minister at Easter Hill Church, inspired her to adopt the cooperative economic model into her work.

"Seventeen families came up together from Louisiana and Arkansas…When they got here in Richmond, they collectively helped each other buy houses…and built the church together, and ultimately also purchased a 350-acre ranch."

Her family’s rural roots have strongly influenced Doria’s leadership style at Urban Tilth, which she initially joined as a volunteer. Founder Park Guthrie quickly noted her talent and offered her to take the helm. 

With over 70 year-round volunteers and employees, Urban Tilth has become a nationally recognized model of land stewardship. It currently operates an urban farm in North Richmond, two community gardens on the Richmond Greenway, and two school gardens at Richmond High and Verde Elementary. 

Latest News from Richmond City Hall

Catch up on hot items from this week’s 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.