Melvin Lee Willis, Jr., a current Richmond City Councilmember, was born and raised in Richmond, where he attended local public schools. Since 2011, he has worked as a Community Organizer with the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), defending the rights of renters and homeowners and advocating for tenants and the homeless.
As a councilmember, Melvin was instrumental in passing the first California rent control law in 30 years, extending health care to undocumented residents in Contra Costa County, and introducing an ordinance to increase Richmond's minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Melvin previously served as a Richmond Planning Commissioner and is familiar with government protocols and policies. In 2013, he was honored with the "Mario Savio Young Activist Award." His top priority is to build coalitions and increase community participation in all aspects of government, with a vision for a Richmond where everyone rises together.