A Message from the Mayor's Office

Welcome to our newsletter!

This first edition of our newsletter features a curated selection of brief updates

covering a wide range of topics from the past month, along with forward-looking

insights and segments.

The Latest

Council Items

Month of February

Celebrating the Life of Mayor Irma Anderson

Earlier this month, our community was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our esteemed former Mayor, Irma L. Anderson. A pioneering leader and the first African American woman to hold the office in Richmond, Mayor Anderson created a legacy of compassion, dedication, and groundbreaking achievements. From her early days as a public health advocate to her tenure on the city council and as mayor, she championed the well-being of all Richmond residents. Her passing is a great loss, and she will be remembered with profound respect and gratitude for her contributions to our community.

A celebration of life ceremony was held at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium on February 29.

Street Sweeping Enforcement Returns with Changes to Ensure Equity in Implementation

We have embarked on a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing street cleanliness and environmental responsibility, with a strong emphasis on equity. On February 6, 2024, the city approved a $550,000 allocation from the general fund for the installation of street sweeping signs across the city, signaling the resumption of parking restrictions enforcement. This citywide effort, expected to complete within eight to nine months, includes an educational campaign to ensure all community members are well-informed. The initiative addresses the challenges of debris and pollution, contributing to cleaner streets and improved air and water quality, while acknowledging the past pause in enforcement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This move reflects Richmond's commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable, and equitable community.

See the agenda report here.

City Manager Highlights 2023 Accomplishments

In 2023, the City of Richmond saw a flurry of city-wide accomplishments under the leadership of City Manager Shasa Curl and the City Council.

Key achievements included securing a balanced budget for the second consecutive year, enhancing reserve levels to 21%, and making significant investments in the City's Capital Improvement Program, which included the Main Library Renovation and expansions at the Booker T. Anderson Community Center. The city also efficiently allocated all $27.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and saw the successful partnership for community events like Cinco de Mayo and Juneteenth.

Additionally, the collaboration with the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative led to strategic planning efforts focused on the Port of Richmond, enhancing city leadership through global networking opportunities. Departments across the board, from the City Clerk’s Office to Public Works, made notable strides in improving services, infrastructure, and community engagement. These efforts collectively advanced Richmond’s health equity, safety, environmental standards, and overall community well-being.

See the presentation here.

City of Berkeley and Berkeley Health Department Provide an Update on the Future of Alta Bates

The planned closure of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley by 2030 has raised significant concerns for the City of Richmond and the wider East Bay community. Alta Bates, serving as a critical healthcare facility with 347 beds and a high-volume emergency department, has been a primary care site for approximately 50,000 emergency patients and over 5,000 births annually. The closure, prompted by the financial impact of state-mandated earthquake safety upgrades, is expected to displace patients, particularly the vulnerable populations, and overburden remaining hospitals. Additionally, the move will likely increase emergency response times, reduce local employment, and impact the economy and community health initiatives.

We will monitor developments closely and provide support where we can. We know how important it is for our community to keep this hospital open.

See the agenda report here.

BAAQMD Rule 6-5 Agreement with Chevron Richmond

Photo from ABC7

On February 27th, we received a comprehensive update on the agreements reached between the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Chevron, and Martinez Refining Company. These agreements, resulting from the enforcement of Regulation 6, Rule 5, signify a key moment for emissions management and a step towards accountability from Chevron. They include unprecedented penalties and payments up to $138 million, potentially significant emissions reductions, and the creation of a Richmond area community air quality fund.

I want to share with you what I said before the presentation from BAAQMD began:

This is not a joyous day. This is not an event to celebrate. This day is long overdue and was brought about due to community, agency, and political diligence. We are not here today to rejoice. We are here today to acknowledge what this agreement means. The monies that have resulted because of this delayed action by Chevron are not a windfall, they are the result of suffering. The health of our residents is the collateral for the fines. The money that will be received were paid for by the respiratory systems of our friends, family, and neighbors, and the environment that have the unfortunate proximity to an industry that delayed technology that they now acknowledge that would have improved the air quality and existence of life near their facility. So, if anyone is here expecting a thank you, I say to you “you are in the wrong building.” That would be the equivalent of someone abusing another person for years and expecting the victim to say thanks. This day exemplifies that the days of Richmond being victimized by corporate greed and maleficence are over. We will stand up for the many and fight the powerful few that don’t see our worth.

The health of our residents come first above all.

See the agenda report here.

See BAAQMD press release here.

See the Chevron BAAQMD Settlement Agreement - Attachment A - Compliance Measures here

See the agreements graphic here

Events on my Radar

These are events currently on my radar. If you have a free event you would like to like us to consider, please send us the details at MayorsOffice@ci.richmond.ca.us