On the agenda: Richmond ramps up downtown, equity, and vendor enforcement
Richmond’s City Council is set for an action-packed October 22 meeting. On the docket: revitalizing Downtown Richmond through a Main Street Initiative presentation, strengthening racial equity with a dedicated Race Equity Action Plan update, and enforcing sidewalk vendor rules with a $500,000 contract. Council members will also decide whether to rename a local park and hear from mosquito control experts on Tuesday, October 22.
Richmond Main Street Initiative Presentation
The Richmond Main Street Initiative will give a presentation about the Downtown Richmond Property Business Improvement District. RMSI will outline its operational efforts, services, and future plans for the district.
The district was developed by a coalition of property and business owners as an assessment district to improve Downtown Richmond. Governed by the Richmond Main Street Initiative, with oversight from the Richmond City Council, the DRPBID directs various programs to increase commercial activity in Downtown Richmond.
DRPBID offers maintenance, safety, marketing, business development, and administrative services to enhance district cleanliness, safety, and economic growth.
Update on the Race Equity Action Plan
The council will receive an update on the Race Equity Action Plan. The plan aims to enhance public services and outcomes for "marginalized communities and ensure everyone can lead fulfilling lives, regardless of race, class, or gender." The program includes employee training, community forums, and Race Equity Action Plan updates.
Staff says the work is complex, and Richmond needs a dedicated staff member who solely works on race and equity projects.
The draft Race Equity Action Plan was created by city employees who volunteered to join the Richmond Government Alliance for Racial Equity Team. The Government Alliance for Racial Equity is a joint project of Race Forward and the Othering and Belonging at UC Berkeley.
The team used its experience serving Richmond residents to create four action items to increase racial equity in the city.
• Internal work - City of Richmond employees understand and are committed to achieving race equity.
• Community Engagement - Residents of Richmond consider our local government as an effective and inclusive government that engages community.
• City Service Provision - City of Richmond is a Racially Equitable Employer and Promotes Racial Equity in Contracting and Procurement.
• Healthy Life Outcomes - Healthy life outcomes are increased and racial disproportionalities are eliminated.
Rename Virginia Playlot to Floria Evans Park
The council will hold a public hearing to rename Virginia Playlot Floria Evans Park and waive cost recovery fees. According to the application, Floria Evans is currently 105 years old and has lived in Richmond for more than 80 years. Evans is a neighborhood hero who helped raise and care for dozens of children who have grown up in that neighborhood. She was a mentor and a neighborhood icon. Her home is adjacent to the park, and she has resided there for 65 years.
Bugs and Rats report
The Public Affairs Director of the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District, Nola Woods, will share information about the district’s creation, services, and the implications of the mosquito species found in Richmond.
Mid-year report from the Richmond Shimada Friendship Committee
Richmond Shimada Friendship Committee has requested $10,000 for Richmond Friendship Ambassadors’ travel and for creating a commemorative gift to present to the Shimada delegates at the 65th anniversary in 2026.
The Richmond Shimada Friendship Commission has coordinated in-person exchanges with Richmond’s Sister City Shimada, Japan for over sixty years.
According to the report, in-person exchanges continue to be an invaluable tool for furthering cross-cultural understanding and peacebuilding by creating lifelong friendships between the people of Richmond and Shimada.
In 2024, Richmond hosted ten Shimada Friendship Ambassadors for ten days in March. In June, the first post-pandemic delegation of five Richmond Friendship Ambassadors visited Shimada for three weeks.
On the consent calendar
Project Labor Agreement for Neighborhood-Scale Building Decarbonization Project
Richmond is embarking on a new, equitable model of building decarbonization with this neighborhood-scale project that allows all residents of one area, regardless of demographics, to receive the benefits of energy-efficient, healthy, and resilient homes at once.
The council will adopt a resolution to support entering into a Project Labor Agreement for the Richmond Clean Energy and Healthy Homes project and direct staff to work with the Contra Costa Building Trades and Construction Council and other partners on this project to finalize the agreement.
Proclamation recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance
Proclamation recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance 2024 to acknowledge the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed in late November in recognition of the 1998 murder of Rita Hester. Rita was a highly visible member of the transgender community in her native Boston, MA, where she worked locally on education around transgender issues.
Approve a $500,000 contract for Sidewalk Vendor Enforcement
The City of Richmond is looking to bolster its Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance enforcement by entering into an on-call contract with 4Leaf Inc. for up to $500,000. City staff say the contract will provide necessary resources to ensure public safety, clear pathways, and maintain an organized vending environment.
Soren Hemmila
According to a staff report by Daniel Chavarria, PE, Director of Public Works, the contract with 4Leaf Inc. will provide essential field support, allowing their code enforcement consultants to engage with sidewalk vendors, monitor compliance, and issue citations when necessary.
“They will work alongside City staff to ensure adherence to the ordinance while promoting public safety,” Chavarria wrote.
The funds will cover costs related to developing enforcement procedures, hiring consultants, producing informational materials, and mapping vendor locations.
Rather than initiating a new procurement process, Richmond plans to utilize a piggyback procurement method under California Public Contract Code Section 20118 and Richmond Municipal Code Section 2.52.330. This approach allows the city to leverage an existing contract that the City of Pinole secured for similar services, streamlining the process and reducing costs.
Soren Hemmila
4Leaf Inc., known for its work with municipalities on regulatory compliance and enforcement, will assist Richmond in enforcing the Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance by conducting inspections, monitoring compliance, and issuing citations. The contract also includes support for the development of Standard Operating Procedures and educational outreach to vendors.
City officials say the temporary contract will cover the fiscal year, after which a permanent staffing solution is expected. The move is aimed at meeting immediate enforcement needs without long-term reliance on external contractors.
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