March 4, 2025
City Council
DATE: March 4, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Council Member Jamelia Brown
Mayor Eduardo Martinez (co-sponsor)
Subject:
Presentation from Healthy Options at Point of Sale
(HOPS) Youth Advocates
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
On January 25, 2022, the Council received a report from HOPS youth advocates. In response, the Council
directed the preparation of a draft an ordinance within 60 days, requiring large retail stores to stock healthier items at checkout areas. However, due to transitions and
competing priorities, this directive was not implemented.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Retail stores in Richmond heavily promote unhealthy
snacks at checkouts, driving poor nutrition and increasing health risks like obesity and diabetes, particularly in underserved communities. The HOPS Initiative seeks to
address this by requiring large retailers to offer healthier options at checkout, supporting public health, and
promoting consumer choice.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECEIVE a presentation from Healthy Options at Point of Sale (HOPS) youth advocates; and DIRECT the City’s
Attorney’s Office to prepare an ordinance within 60 days, requiring large retail stores to stock healthier items at checkout areas - Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-
412-2050) and Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620- 6503).
AGENDA
REPORT
410
March 4, 2025
DISCUSSION:
On January 25, 2022, Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin introduced an agenda item during the Richmond City Council meeting to address the Healthy Options at Points of Sale (HOPS) initiative (Attachment 2). The agenda report presented at that time highlighted the overwhelming prevalence of unhealthy food and beverage promotions in Richmond’s limited number of full-service grocery stores. Specifically, the report noted that checkout aisles filled with unhealthy options are intentionally designed to encourage impulse purchases of snacks high in salt, saturated fat, and added sugars.
Research has shown that curated food environments in predominantly low-income communities of color contribute to health disparities, increasing the risk of dental cavities, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. To address this issue, the 2022 staff report recommended that the City Council direct staff to draft an ordinance requiring large retail stores to stock healthier food and beverage options at checkout areas.
Since coming before the council, a new cohort of HOPS youth advocates has continued assessing the local food retail landscape and gathering input from residents. Their findings reaffirm the need for a healthier retail environment and support the previously recommended policy action. As a result, this updated report reinforces the call for an ordinance requiring large retail stores to prioritize healthier snack and beverage options at checkout points. It aligns with the City Council’s strategic goal of improving quality of life and community health, which includes Health in All Policies (HiAP)
Moreover, the HOPS initiative aligns similar successful policies adopted in other cities:
In 2020, the Berkeley City Council unanimously passed the Healthy Checkout Ordinance, requiring large retail stores to replace junk foods, candy, and soda in checkout aisles with healthier alternatives containing less added sugar and sodium.
In 2023, the City of Alameda implemented a similar ordinance to promote healthier choices at checkout aisles.
By adopting this ordinance, the City of Richmond has the opportunity to join other Bay Area cities in prioritizing community health, reducing diet-related health risks, and fostering a healthier food retail environment for all residents.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Healthy Retail Powerpoint
Attachment 2 – Agenda Report for 1/25/2022
411
HealthyRetailRichmond
There’s an opportunity for checkouts to
offer more choice by expanding access to
healthier options.
2025
Presented by Richmond HOPS and Food Policy Council Youth Advocates! Built on an initial deck provided by Monique Blodgett & Ashley Trousdell 412
Introduction
W e ’re h e re to d a y to in tro d u c e H e a lth y R e ta il, s h a re its s u c c e s s in o th e r c itie s , a n d d is c u s s th e o p p o rtu n ity to b rin g it to th e C ity o f R ic h m o n d !
W e ’re s e e k in g y o u r s u p p o rt to jo in th is in itia tiv e to c o m b a t th e h e a lth d is p a ritie s a n d e n h a n c e h e a lth o u tc o m e s .
413
About Us
Richmond Youth Food Policy
Council and Healthy Options at
Point of Sale (HOPS) are youth
advocate teams leading this
initiative, who aim to address health
disparities that are exacerbated by
food inequity in Berkeley, Oakland,
Richmond and unincorporated
areas of Contra Costa County.
414
2018
History of the Coalitions
HOPS was
launched to
address health
disparities in
Berkeley, CA
2020
In October 2020,
Berkeley City
Council passed HCO!
2019
HOPS expands to
Richmond, CA
to address health disparities
2020
Berkeley became the
world’s first city to
implement a healthy
checkout policy.
2024
Contra Costa Board
of Supervisors vote
unanimously in favor
of Healthy Retail
2025
HRO heads to
Richmond
City Council!
HOPS expands to
Oakland, CA
to address health disparities
HCO heads to
Oakland City
Council!
415
Promote healthier
options
Raise
awareness
to underserved
communities
Increase nutrition
equity
HealthyRetailObjectives
In application, these objectives look like:
Requiring products sold at checkout contain
5 grams of sugar or less
200 milligrams of sodium or less
Beverages with no added sugar or
sweetener
(In stores over 2,000 sq ft.)
Keep soda in the soda aisle!
416
Success inBerkeley, CA
Pre-Ordinance Post-Ordinance
Compliance Rate of Retailers0
20 40
60 80
100
63 83
Pre-Ordinance Post-Ordinance
Healthy Foods and Beverages Sold at Checkout0
10 20
30 40
50 60
70 29
62 In percentages
417
Berkeley (2020)
Perris (2023)
PositiveResults
418
Expansion Opportunities
Passed and Implemented
Berkeley
Perris
Richmond
Contra Costa County
Ordinance Draft In Progress
Pending A Vote
Oakland
419
Why Richmond?
About 34 percent of
Richmond or 32,000 people
(some in this room) reside in
“critical food access areas” or
“areas considered underserved
when compared to the study
area as a whole.”
Source: Food Justice & Community Health in Richmond by Othering & Belonging Institute On average, Richmond residents must
travel almost a mile to reach a full
service grocer, though some residents
must travel even further to access food.
Given that approximately 10 percent of
households in Richmond do not have a
vehicle, these distances to food retailers
have a significant impact on accessibility
to whole and healthy foods.
420
Why not Richmond?
A recent study found that “for every one supermarket or farmer’s market located in Richmond, there are at least six fast food restaurants and convenience stores.” These food challenges, and resulting health complications, disproportionately impact Richmond’s low-income residents and communities of color.
Source: Food Justice & Community Health in Richmond by Othering & Belonging Institute 421
Comparing Diabetes Rates Across Richmond Districts (2022) Sources: PLACES by CDC, Healthy Alameda County, Latino Diabetes Association: Diabetes Stats, Data and Statistics FAQs | Diabetes - CDC This graph illustrates the prevalence
of diabetes among adults aged 18 and
older.
In Richmond, half of the districts
(3 out of 6) have a higher percentage
of diabetes prevalence compared to
the state average, with District 2
closely aligning with the state
average.
L o c a t i o n s
D i s t r i c t 1 - R i c h m o n d
D i s t r i c t 2 - R i c h m o n d
D i s t r i c t 3 - R i c h m o n d
D i s t r i c t 4 - R i c h m o n d
D i s t r i c t 5 - R i c h m o n d
D i s t r i c t 6 - R i c h m o n d
B e r k e l e y
A l a m e d a
O a k l a n d
C a l i f o r n i a
P e r c e n t a g e s
1 3 . 3
1 0 . 6
1 5 . 8
1 2
8 . 8
9 . 5
6 . 7
1 1 . 2
1 2 . 3
1 0 . 7
422
Seven LettersNational Surveyof HRO
Shoppers Shoppers w/ Kids
Switch to a store with Healthier Checkout options0
20 40
60 80
44 78
In percentages
423
5 grams of
sugar or less
200mg of
sodium or less
Beverages with
no added sugar
or sweetener
HEALTHYCHECKOUT ITEMSACCEPTED...
45 grams of
sugar
330 mg of
sodium
40 grams
added
sugar
HEALTHYCHECKOUT ITEMSNOT ACCEPTED...
424
Enforcement Options
Annual Inspections by:
Code Enforcement
Public Health
Community-Based
425
We ask for your unwaveringsupport to prioritize this initiative! 426
Thank You!
427
Q&ASession
428
January 25, 2022
City Council
DATE: January 25, 2022
TO: Mayor Butt and Members of the City Council
FROM: Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin
Subject:
Healthy Options at Point of Sale
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact to receive the report. Any financial impacts related to policy options will be brought to City Council for consideration.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
Richmond currently has a Health in All Policies Framework of which this policy aligns.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
In Richmond, unhealthy food and beverages are
promoted repeatedly throughout stores. Over the past
two years, HOPS youth advocates assessed the food
retail landscape and heard from residents. HOPS youth
advocates want to present to the City Council their
findings and policy options.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECEIVE a report on research conducted by Healthy
Options at Points of Sale (HOPS) youth advocates; and
DIRECT staff to draft an ordinance to be considered by
the Council within 60 days requiring large retail stores to stock healthier checkout items – Councilmember Gayle
McLaughlin (510-620-6636).
DISCUSSION:
AGENDA
REPORT
429
January 25, 2022
In Richmond, unhealthy food and beverages are promoted repeatedly throughout stores. Snacks high in salt, saturated fat, and added sugars dominate checkout aisles, which are designed to prompt impulse purchases. Such curated food environments in largely low income communities of color have been shown to contribute to health issues such as dental cavities, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes; these especially impacts families. 1 in 2 children of color in the US will be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in their lifetime (Attachment 1).
Over the past two years, HOPS youth advocates assessed the food retail landscape and heard from residents. HOPS youth advocates want to present to the City Council their findings and policy options. HOPS youth advocates want to bring the community together and change these numbers by including more healthy foods such as fruits and nuts.
In 2020, the Berkeley City Council unanimously passed a Healthy Checkout Ordinance https://hco-berkeley.org/ with large retail stores in Berkeley having to replace junk foods, candy, and soda in checkout aisles with healthier items containing less added sugar and sodium. The City of Richmond can and should do similarly.
We, in the City of Richmond, are dedicated to health equity and currently have in place a Health in All Polices Framework. A Healthy Checkout Ordinance would be in-line with this framework.
Richmond can implement Healthy Checkout to promote and support the health of all residents!
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Healthy Retail Ed Packet
Attachment 2 – PowerPoint
430
March 4,2025
City Council
DATE: March 4, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Subject:
Richmond Municipal Identification (ID) Access and Equity FINANCIAL IMPACT: Staff will assess the total cost for the City of Richmond to administer the Municipal ID program at no cost for
vulnerable (undocumented, immigrants, unhoused,
reentry, etc.) populations.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
July 19, 2011
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Municipal IDs can assist vulnerable (undocumented,
immigrants, unhoused, reentry, etc.) populations by
providing a form of documentation needed to apply for
Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and to obtain a driver’s license to improve public safety, increasing civic participation, and to support pathways to engage with local commerce.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DIRECT the City Attorney to amend Ordinance No.16-11
N.S. and Richmond Municipal Code 2.64 to allow the City to fund a no-cost Municipal Identification program and
DIRECT staff to assess the total cost for the City of
Richmond to administer the Municipal Identification
program at no cost for vulnerable populations
- Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).
AGENDA
REPORT
431
March 4,2025
DISCUSSION:
The Richmond City Council approved Ordinance No. 16-11 N.S., amending chapter
2.64, Article II, of the Richmond Municipal Code authorizing a Municipal Identification (ID) program to provide for the issuance of Municipal ID cards to residents of the City of Richmond for the purpose of improving public safety, increasing civic participating, and supporting local commerce.
The Richmond Municipal ID Card (ID card) largely serves the City’s most vulnerable populations- that includes the undocumented, immigrants, unhoused, reentry, etc. populations ss they face barriers in accessing essential services, including applying for Medi-Cal services and obtaining driver’s licenses and other government services.
Access to Medi-Cal services plays a critical role in addressing both physical and mental health needs, ensuring that vulnerable residents can obtain necessary medical care, preventive services, and support for chronic conditions or mental health challenges.
Without this access, these populations may experience worsening health outcomes, increasing strain on emergency services and other public health resources.
The Richmond Municipal ID Card (ID card) also provides an additional benefit to ID card participants, as it provides a means to partake in local and regional commerce as they may also have the ability to utilize their ID card as a pre-paid debit card.
While Municipal IDs do not replace a California State driver’s license, Municipal IDs provide the documentation needed for vulnerable populations to apply for a driver’s license. This enhances public safety overall as it aims to reduce unlicensed driving to improve road safety, as it allows drivers to participate in the process
With the potential for stricter federal immigration enforcement policies under the new presidential administration, the Richmond Municipal ID Card (ID card) may provide a layer of support and advocacy in the event of deportation efforts. As participants during the application process do not need to disclose whether they are undocumented to obtain a municipal ID. The ID Cards may help to substantiate their identity to law enforcement personnel while prioritizing citizenship status confidentiality to avoid putting individuals at risk for deportation.
Providing municipal IDs at no cost would help ensure that all Richmond residents can participate fully in community life, access local services, and feel a sense of empowerment and belonging.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – ORDINANCE NO. 16-11 N.S. Amending CHAPTER 2.64, ARTICLE II, Of the Richmond Municipal Code
432
ORDINANCE NO. 16-11 N.S.
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2.64, ARTICLE II, OF THE RICHMOND
MUNICIPAL CODE AUTHORIZING A MUNICIPAL IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM TO
PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF MUNICIPAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS TO
RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND FOR THE PURPOSES OF IMPROVING
PUBLIC SAFETY, INCREASING CIVIC PARTICIPATION , AND SUPPORTING LOCAL
COMMERCE
WHEREAS, many Richmond residents –including but not limited to immigrants, children and students, the homeless, transgender, the indigent, the disabled and elderly, runaway youth and adult survivors of domestic violence, and others –currently suffer from the lack of official identification, which restricts their access to law enforcement, financial institutions, jobs, housing, and home and workplace protections; and
WHEREAS, many marginalized communities lack a valid form of identification and without identification are afraid to report crimes to the police: and WHEREAS, those who lack a valid form of identification are also often afraid to report labor and housing violations –such as blighted properties, slum landlords, and workplace health, safety, and wage violations –to the appropriate authorities; and WHEREAS, without appropriate identification, it is difficult to open bank accounts, and immigrants carrying large amounts of cash are therefore specifically targeted for robbery and other violent crimes; and
WHEREAS, lack of a valid form of identification translates into limited access to financial institutions and fear of police and other city officials, thus resulting in decreased participation in the formal city economy and other civic matters; and WHEREAS, a Richmond Municipal Identification Card will make it easier for all residents to participate in local and regional commerce –by opening a bank account, establishing credit, and accessing loans and the housing market; and WHEREAS, the Richmond Municipal Identification Card will fill a void by providing an official form of personal identification for the many Richmond residents who currently lack one; and
WHEREAS, the Municipal Identification Card will unify the Richmond community, make it safer and more secure, benefit the local economy, and facilitate participation in public and private City activities; and
WHEREAS, the Cities of New Haven, Connecticut and San Francisco, California have implemented such municipal ID programs and have reported an increase in reporting of crimes in those cities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Oakland, California approved a Municipal Identification Card program in November 2010 and has selected a vendor to implement it; and WHEREAS, the Richmond Municipal ID Card will be unique to the City of Richmond and will be produced with the highest privacy and security measures built in to protect the public safety and against counterfeit reproduction; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to take appropriate measures –including but not limited to implementing meaningful benefits and uses for the Richmond Municipal Identification Card and developing substantial partnerships for its implementation –to ensure that the card is widely 433
used and thereby of the greatest benefit to its residents and the aforementioned marginalized populations; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to create a reliable form of identification for all its residents; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to administer its Municipal Identification Card program at no net cost to the City; and
WHEREAS, the City desires and anticipates that the Municipal Identification Card program will be operated by a Third Party Administrator selected through an expedited Request for Qualifications (RFQ) issued by the City Manager, in compliance with the requirements set forth in Section 5 of this Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to emphasize that vendors responding to the RFQ – like those who respond to any RFQ –are eligible for any applicable bid discounts or bonuses available under Richmond’s Business Opportunity Ordinance, Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 2.50; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the application of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to the implementation and administration of the Municipal ID Card Ordinance set forth below;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in compliance with the CEQA, the Council of the City of Richmond finds that the approval of Chapter 2.64 described below is not a project and is therefore exempt from CEQA; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the council of the city of Richmond does ordain as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council finds and determines the foregoing recitals to be true and correct and hereby makes them part of this Ordinance.
Section 2. That the following provisions are hereby added to Chapter 2.64 of Title II, Administration and City Government, of the Richmond Municipal Code, to read as follows:
2.64.010 Municipal Identification Cards –Definitions
For purposes of Sections 2.64.010 through 2.64.090, the following definitions shall apply.
“City” shall mean the City of Richmond, or any department, board, commission or agency thereof.
“Municipal Identification Card” shall mean an identification card issued by the City of Richmond that shall display, including but not limited to, the cardholder’s name, photograph, address, date of birth, and an expiration date. “Program Administrator” shall mean the CityManager or such other City Department or Agency that the City Manager may designate, who shall be responsible for coordinating with the Third Party Administrator selected to implement and administer the Municipal Identification Card program. “Resident” shall mean a person who can demonstrate that he or she has been present in the City of Richmond for at least fifteen continuous days and who presents “proof of residency”as specified in Section 2.64.030 (A) (2) “Third Party Administrator” shall mean the vendor selected through an expedited Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) issued by the City Manager to implement and 434
administer the Municipal Identification Card program at no net cost to the City, its divisions, subdivisions, or agencies.
2.64.020 Issuance and Purpose of Municipal Identification Cards A. Upon request, the Program Administrator shall issue a Municipal Identification Card to any Resident who meets the application requirements set forth below in Section 2.64.030 and pays the applicable fee. The Card shall bear the seal of the City, and the Program Administrator shall cause the Card to be produced in a form intended to thwart replication or counterfeiting. Cards shall be valid for a maximum of two years from the date of issuance as long as residence in the City is maintained during that time. Card holders shall surrender their Municipal Identification Card upon moving residence out of the City of Richmond.
B. It is the City’s intent that Municipal Identification Cards will provide residents with a means of proving their residency in the City of Richmond, for the purpose of accessing City programs, services and activities, as well as helping to substantiate their identity to law enforcement personnel..
2.64.030 Applications
A. To obtain a Municipal Identification Card, a Resident shall complete an application, under penalty of perjury, requiring proof of identity and proof of residence within the City. Upon receipt of both the proof of identity and residency that this Section specifies, and of the applicable fee, the Program Administrator or his or her designee shall issue a Card to the applicant.
1. Proof of Identity. To establish identity, each applicant must present either:
a. One of the following documents containing both the applicant’s photograph and date of birth: a U.S. or foreign passport; a driver license issued by any state or territory of the United States; a state identification card issued by any state or territory of the United States; a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (commonly known as “Green Card”); a consular identification (“CID,”in some instances referred to as a “Matricula Consular”) card; or a photo identification card issued by another country to its citizens or nationals that meets the following requirements:
i. The issuing country authorizes the use of the card as an alternative to a passport for re-entry into the issuing country; and
ii. The card has a photograph of the person and the person's date of birth; and
iii. The card meets standards established by the Program Administrator to ensure that (1) the applicant was required to provide reliable identifying information in order to obtain the card and (2) the card has features reasonably designed to protect against fraud and counterfeit
reproduction.
In determining whether the identification meets these
requirements, the Program Administrator or his or her designee 435
may use standards adopted by the National Notary Association or the California Association of Notaries for this purpose.
Notwithstanding the above, if the applicant is thirteen years of age or younger, he or she may present a certified copy of a U.S. or foreign birth certificate to establish identity under this subsection; or b. Two of the following documents, provided that at least one form of identification shall display the applicant’s photograph and date of birth: a national identification card with photo, name address, date of birth, and expiration date; a foreign driver’s license; a U.S. or foreign military identification card; a current visa issued by a government agency; a U.S. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) authorization letter; an identification card issued by a California educational institution, including elementary, middle, secondary, and post secondary schools; a certified copy of a U.S. or foreign birth certificate; a court order issued by a state or federal court to verify a person’s identity; or a Social Security card.
Notwithstanding the above, where the applicant is age thirteen or under, he or she may present an official medical record and/or official school record to establish identity under this subsection, provided that at least one of the two forms of identification presented shall display the applicant’s date of birth.
2. Proof of Residence
a. To establish residency, each applicant must present one of the following items, provided that the item includes both the applicant’s name and a residential address located within the City; a utility bill dated within the last thirty days; a written verification confirming at least fifteen days residency within the last thirty days issued by a homeless shelter that: (a) is operated by the State or County, (b) holds a business license with the City of Richmond, or (c) meets criteria established by the City Manager by regulation;; written verification issued by a hospital health clinic, or social services agency that: (a) is operated by the State or County, (b) holds a business license with the City of Richmond, or (c) meets criteria established by the City Manager by regulation;; a local property tax statement or mortgage payment receipt dated within the last thirty days; proof of a minor currently enrolled in a school in the City of Richmond; an employment pay stub dated within the last thirty days; a jury summons or court order issued by a state or federal court dated within the last thirty days; a federal or state income tax or refund statement dated within the last thirty days; or an insurance bill (homeowner’s, renter’s, health, life or automobile insurance) dated within the last thirty days. If a certified copy of a marriage certificate is presented at the time of application, and applicant may prove residency using documents bearing the name of his or her spouse.
b. The Program Administrator may by regulation provide that if an applicant is thirteen years of age or younger, cannot produce any of the items set forth in this Subsection (A) (2) to prove residency, a parent or legal guardian may verify the applicant’s residency, 436
provided that the parent or guardian would be eligible for a Municipal identification Card.
3. The Program Administrator may by regulation provide for acceptance of additional form of proof of identity and/or proof of residency, provided that the Program Administrator determines that such forms of proof are:
a. issued by a government entity, or
b. issued by an entity that takes reasonable steps to verify the identity and/or residency of the individual to whom the item is issued; or c. of a type that is normally accepted as proof of identity and/or proof of residency in the ordinary course of business.
B. An application submitted on behalf of a minor must be completed by the minor’s parent or legal guardian.
C. The City shall keep confidential to the maximum extent permitted by applicable laws, the name and other identifying information of persons applying for and receiving Municipal Identification Cards. The City shall cause the applications to be produced in a form that allows applicants to state their privacy preferences.
The City shall not retain records of applicants’ residential addresses.
2.64.040 Implementation
The Program Administrator or his or her designee is authorized to adopt rules and regulations not inconsistent with this Section, subject to approval as to form and legality by the City Attorney, in order to implement and administer the issuance of Municipal Identification Cards. These regulations shall specifically include a process for waiving the fee set forth in Section 2.64.050, upon proof of indigence.
2.64.050 Fees
A fee shall be charged for each Municipal Identification Card issued. The City Council shall set the maximum amount that may be charged per card by resolution.
2.64.060 Acceptance by City Departments
A. When requiring members of the public to provide identification or proof of residency in the City, each City department shall accept a Municipal Identification Card as a valid identification and as valid proof of residency in the City, unless such City department has reasonable grounds for determining that the card is counterfeit, altered, or improperly issued to the card holder, or that the individual presenting the card is not the individual to whom it was issued. In addition the Municipal Identification Card, , the City of Richmond Police Department may use other forms of identification and processes as necessary to substantiate the identification of a person.
B. Other than requiring the City to accept the Card as proof of identification and City residency, this Section is not intended to replace any other existing requirements for issuance of other forms of identification in connection with the administration of City benefits and services. The requirements of this Section do not apply under circumstances where (1) a Federal or State statute or administration regulation or directive, or court decision requires the City to obtain different identification or proof of residence, (2) a Federal or State statute or administrative regulation or directive preempts local regulation of identification or residency requirements, or (3) the City would be unable to comply with a condition imposed by a funding 437
source, which would cause the City to lose funds from that source. A Municipal Identification Card may not be used in place of the identification required by Richmond Municipal Code Chapters 7.68 (Taxicabs ) or 7.102 (Medical Marijuana Collectives).
2.64.070 Card Holders’ Responsibilities
A card holder must notify the Program Administrator within 14 calendar days of any change in address within the City of Richmond. Upon receipt of notification, the Program Administrator shall issue a notice of new address to be carried with the Municipal Identification Card.
If a card holder no longer intends to reside within the City of Richmond, or expects to reside outside the City for a period of more than 90 consecutive days, the card holder must relinquish the identification card, by mailing the card to the Program Administrator with an acknowledgement of intent to reside elsewhere.
2.64.080 City Undertaking Limited to Promotion of General Welfare In undertaking the adoption and enforcement of this ordinance, the City is assuming an undertaking only to promote the general welfare. The City does not assume, nor does it impose on its officers and employees, any obligation for which the City or any of its officers or employees could be found liable in the event of breach of that obligation to any person who claims that such breach proximately caused injury.
2.64.090 Counterfeit and Fraudulent Cards
It is a misdemeanor violation of this Code, as specified in Chapter 1.04, for any person or entity to do any of the following acts:
A. To knowingly present false information to the City in the course of applying for a Municipal Identification Card;
B. To alter, copy, or replicate a Municipal Identification Card without the authority of the City; or
C. To use the Municipal Identification Card issued to another person, with the intent to cause a third person or entity to believe the holder of the card is the person to whom the card was issued.
Section 3 Severability
If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such a decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance irrespective of the unconstitutionality or invalidity of any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase.
Section 4 Third Party Administrator Selection
The Richmond City Council directs the City Manager or his or her designee to issue an expedited RFQ for the development of a Richmond Municipal Identification program no later than 90 days of the passage of this Ordinance, with the caveat that the program be fully cost-covered to the greatest extent possible with no subsidy from the City, even if it means that the City out-sources all aspects of the program to a Third Party Administrator.
The City Manager shall make all reasonable efforts to issue the RFQ before the 90 day 438
deadline. The RFQ shall include, but need not be limited to, the following mandatory requirements and criteria:
A. That the Municipal Identification Card include a magnetic stripe on the obverse that will allow storage of information for the purposes of:
1. Verifying that the information printed on the face of the card relating to the user’s full legal name, date of birth, residential address, photo, Identification number, expiration date, and the user’s signature coincides with the information provided at the time of registration.
2. Allowing use of the cards, at the applicant’s option, as astandard pre-paid debit card.
3. Allowing use of the card, at the applicant’s option, for storage of the user’s medical history and information relating to special medical treatment requirements, if the Third Party Administrator can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the City Manager or his or her designee that such information can be stored in a manner that is secure and not-discoverable by persons other than first responders, medical care providers, and other individuals or entities entitled to receive confidential medical information.
B. That all information about the resident required by the application (including, but not limited to the applicant’s full legal name, date of birth, residential address, photo, Identification number, expiration date, and the applicant’s signature) will be entered into a secure database maintained by the Third Party administrator that issued the card. All information stored in this database shall be subject to all applicable state and federal laws relating to disclosure, privacy, national security, and financial crimes.
C. That with respect to the Municipal Identification Cards, the prospective Third Party Administrator will implement Department of Homeland Security standards for Level 1 security features for national and state identification cards.
D. That the prospective Third Party Administrator will train the Richmond Police Department and any other City or County department with a need to verify the authenticity of the Municipal Identification Cards, regarding all security features of the card, so that cards may be authenticated easily, and department members may access the database information regarding the user.
E. That the prospective Third Party Administrator, and any card issuers engaged by the Third Party Administrator, demonstrate the ability to comply at a minimum with the requirements of Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act (Pub. L. 107-56), and the federal regulations promulgated pursuant to that section, and pursuant to the Bank Protection Act of 1968 (12 Code Fed. Regs. 326).
F. That residents shall pay no more than $15 per card for adults, and no more than $10 per card for children. The prospective Third Party Administrator shall propose a method for permitting the waiver of these costs upon proof of indigency.
FG. That in the event a user activates the pre-paid debit card function, the maximum allowable transaction fees shall be as follows:
Account maintenance (monthly) $0.99
Domestic ATM Withdrawal $1.50
ATM Balance Inquiry $0.60
ATM Denial Fee $0.60
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Point of Sale (POS) Purchase Denial or Return $0.50
Inactive Account Fee Monthly [ for card not used for 4 months ] $1.00 Funds Transfer To Replacement Card $1.00
Domestic card-to-card Transfer $2.00
International Signature card ATM withdrawal $3.50
International Remittance $5.00
Load at Merchant $2.95
Mobile Maintenance (only if chosen) $1.00
Statement issuance via U.S. mail or fax (only if requested) $4.95 In no event shall any fee charged by the prospective Third Party Administrator exceed $5.00. Any increase o f these rates must be approved by the City Council.
The City Council may amend these rates if the RFQ yields no acceptable bids.
GH. That the prospective Third Party Administrator shall agree to share revenue with merchants and other agencies accepted to perform cash loading into the card. The commission on loads shall be at least $1.00 per load.
HI. That the prospective Third Party Administrator demonstrate that the financial institutions that will provide the debit-card services described herein is financially stable and a safe and secure entity for the placement of funds, and that the debit card users will have access to local banks and ATMs.
I. That the prospective Third Party Administrator shall demonstrate how it will train users in the use of the pre-paid debit card function. The trainings should be adapted to the particular concerns of residents. Police officers, City administrators, and merchants.
J. That the prospective Third Party Administrator shall demonstrate how it will provide access to cardholder information in a way that allows Richmond Police Dispatchers to substantiate the identity of the cardholder when requested by police officers in the field.
Section 5 Effective Date
This ordinance shall not become effective, and the Municipal Identification Card program described herein shall not be implemented, unless and until the Finance Director –after selection of a Third Party Administrator and thorough review of the Administrator’s implementation plan –certifies to the City Council that the implementation and administration of the Program will be operated at no net cost to the City or any of its divisions, subdivisions, or agencies. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon Council acceptance of the Finance Director’s findings.The City Council may approve the contract with the Third Party Administrator at the same meeting at which the Finance Director certifies that the program will be cost-neutral for the City.
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First read at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Richmond held on July 5, 2011, and finally passed and adopted at a joint meeting thereof held July 19, 2011, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Bates, Beckles, Booze, Ritterman, Rogers, Vice Mayor Butt, and Mayor McLaughlin.
NOES: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
ABSENT: None.
DIANE HOLMES
Clerk of the City of Richmond
(SEAL)
Approved:
GAYLE MCLAUGHLIN
Mayor
Approved as to form:
RANDY RIDDLE
City Attorney
State of California }
County of Contra Costa : ss.
City of Richmond }
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Ordinance No. 16-11 N.S., finally passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a joint meeting held on July 19, 2011. 441
March 4, 2025
City Council
DATE: March 4, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Council Member Claudia Jimenez
Council Member Dora Robinson (Co-sponsor)
Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (Co-sponsor)
Subject:
Immigrant Legal Services and Resources
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Estimated $1,000,000 from FY 2024-25 surplus funds
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
As the landscape of immigration policy continues to shift, it is more important than ever to ensure that immigrants have access to the legal assistance they need to
navigate complex systems and safeguard their rights.
Access to legal services is not just a matter of protecting individual rights; it is also essential for the broader community. By ensuring that immigrants have the tools to address their legal challenges, we help create a society that values justice, fairness, and compassion.
Furthermore, supporting immigrants strengths our
economy, fosters community integration, and promotes
social stability.
AGENDA
REPORT
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March 4, 2025
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DIRECT staff to allocate up to $1,000,000 from Fiscal
Year (FY) 2024-25 surplus funds for immigrant legal
services and a public awareness campaign for
immigrants in Richmond to know their constitutional
rights and issue an Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a fiscal sponsor to distribute the allocated funds to
nonprofit organizations that will provide such services - Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593),
Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565), and
Doria Robinson (510-620-6568).
DISCUSSION:
In recent years, immigrant communities have experienced significant uncertainty due to the evolving landscape of immigration law. Individuals facing potential deportation, changing asylum processes, and family separations are in urgent need of legal counsel.
Unfortunately, the demand for legal services far outpaces the supply, leaving many without representation or the proper guidance to navigate these challenges.
The key challenges include:
● Insufficient Access to Legal Representation: A shortage of qualified immigration attorneys, compounded by financial barriers, leaves many immigrants unable to secure the legal assistance they need. ● Evolving and Complex Immigration Laws: As immigration laws and policies continue to shift, immigrants are left without a clear path to navigate the legal system.
● Limited Resources for Community Education: Many immigrants are unaware of their rights or the available services, making them more vulnerable to exploitation or deportation.
To shore up the challenges listed above, the Richmond immigration community needs access to legal services and access to materials to understand their legal rights.
1. Increase Funding for Legal Aid Programs:
A major barrier to access is financial. Legal aid organizations often operate on tight budgets, limiting their ability to serve all those in need. Increasing funding for these organizations will allow for the hiring of additional attorneys, case workers, and support staff, ensuring that more individuals can receive timely legal representation.
2. Provide Legal Education and Outreach
Immigrants often do not know what resources are available to them. Expanding outreach efforts, including community-based workshops, multilingual resources, and collaboration with local organizations, will ensure more individuals are aware of their legal rights and can access services early in the process.
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March 4, 2025
NEXT STEPS:
If approved, City staff will work with the finance department to ensure that the amount is allocated from surplus funds from the City’s FY 2024-25 budget. Following the allocation of funds, City staff will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a fiscal sponsor that will coordinate the receipt and distribution of the allocated funds to nonprofit organizations that can provide legal services to the immigrant community and conduct the awareness campaign described above.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None
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March 4, 2025
City Council
DATE: March 4, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Subject:
Request for Additional Funding for Nowruz Spring Equinox Celebration
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed $3,000 appropriation expenditure is currently included within the approved fiscal year 2024 - 2025 budget for Festivals /Community Events Budget
(account string- 01251151 400322)
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
June 18, 2025
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Nowruz Spring Equinox Celebration is a vital cultural event promoting diversity, inclusion, and cross -cultural understanding, particularly for Western and Central Asian immigrant communities in Richmond. While the City has
already allocated $ 3,000 for this event from its cultural celebrations budget, an additional $3,000 is needed to
cover essential costs, including portable restrooms, tables, chairs, and tents.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE an additional $3,000 to be funded from the
Festivals/Community Events Budget to support the
Nowruz Spring Equinox Celebration and ensure a
successful and inclusive event - Councilmember Soheila
Bana (510-672-3490).
AGENDA
REPORT
445
March 4, 2025
DISCUSSION:
Nowruz, marking the Persian New Year and the Spring Equinox, is a centuries -old tradition celebrated by millions across Western and Central Asia, including Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kurdish communities worldwide.
This event fosters cultural understanding among Richmon d residents, counters misinformation and division, and demonstrates solidarity with immigrant communities, especially those facing increased discrimination and exclusion in recent years.
This year's celebration will feature:
Traditional and contemporary dancers
Live music from Western and Central Asia
A disc jockey (DJ)
A Haft-Seen table, a key Nowruz tradition symbolizing renewal and prosperity Food vendors offering traditional cuisine
Calligraphy demonstrations
Face painting for children
Richmond businesses are contributing generously to support this event:
Sims Metal - $2500
Chevron Richmond Refinery – $2,500
Levin-Richmond Terminal Corporation – $2,500
Phillips 66 – Rodeo Renewable Energy – $2,000
Prologis – $2,500
Novin Development – $2,500
Richmond Firefighters Local 188 - $500
Despite this generous sponsorship, additional funds are needed to cover logistical costs.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Event flyer
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