June 17, 2025
City Council
DATE: June 17, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Subject:
Approval of Richmond’s Membership Fee Contribution to
the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments (EBWC)
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed expenditure for membership fee contribution of $3,250 for FY 2025–2026 and a
membership fee contribution of $5,000 for FY 2026–2027
will require an appropriation from General Fund.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments (EBWC)
mission is to safeguard East Bay communities and
natural landscapes through proactive wildfire risk
mitigation strategies, including public education, policy advocacy, and resource coordination. Richmond has
participated in EBWC activities since its inception, with Councilmember Soheila Bana and Fire Chief Aaron
Osorio representing the City of Richmond.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROPRIATE the City of Richmond’s membership fee
contributions of $3,250 for Fiscal Year 2025–2026 and
$5,000, for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 for the East Bay
Wildfire Coalition (EBWC) supporting the Coalition’s
regional wildfire prevention, preparedness, and resilience activities - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).
AGENDA
REPORT
June 17, 2025
DISCUSSION:
The East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments is a regional body composed of elected officials and fire chiefs from cities, counties, and fire districts across the East Bay Hills, including Richmond. The Coalition was founded in recognition of the fact that wildfires do not respect jurisdictional boundaries and must be addressed through unified, science-based, and regionally coordinated efforts.
To sustain its collaborative work, EBWC has proposed a tiered membership fee structure for participating jurisdictions. Richmond’s share is $3,250 for FY 2025–2026 and $5,000 for FY 2026–2027 (Attachment 1). These contributions will support regional coordination, legislative advocacy, home hardening education, CEQA-compliant vegetation management planning, grant writing and administration, and the promotion of science-based evacuation and resilience strategies.
Key EBWC priorities include (Attachment 2):
Promoting defensible space and home hardening education, including “Zone Zero” fire-safe zones around structures
Supporting regional legislation and ordinances to reduce wildfire risks Facilitating CEQA-compliant, ecologically sound vegetation management across jurisdictional boundaries
Strengthening regional evacuation and response coordination Accessing and distributing state and federal grants for wildfire mitigation
Richmond’s participation ensures our community remains an active partner in shaping and benefiting from wildfire preparedness efforts across the East Bay. As climate change increases the threat and impact of catastrophic wildfire, this collaboration is essential.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – EBWC Membership Fee Structure
Attachment 2 – 2025 EBWC One-Pager summarizing the Coalition’s mission, focus areas, and member jurisdictions.