Tuesday, May 27, 2025

The council voted down a earthquake safety study and retrofit grant program for older buildings by a vote of 4-2, with Jimenez, Robinson, Brown, and Wilson opposing. The proposal would have addressed risks to more than 15,000 Richmond homes built before modern safety codes.

The council approved a community-led bus stop bench program that allows volunteers to install seating at transit stops. Residents showed strong support during public comment, with all 9 speakers backing the bus stop bench program that has already installed benches across the East Bay.

The council approved $100,000 for a gender-based violence prevention campaign led by a local coalition. The funding will support a multilingual public awareness campaign based on recommendations from a January 2024 report on ending gender-based violence in Richmond.

The council approved 19 routine items on consent, including a $275,000 contract extension with a law firm for code enforcement advice and $600,000 for three electrical contractors to maintain Port of Richmond infrastructure. Discussion of limiting corporate property purchases was continued to a future meeting.