DRAFT City Council Budget Checklist from June 17, 2025
DRAFT
Line Councilmember Statement /
Request Description
Requested
Amount Where
Applicable
Response
1 Robinson New Event - Economic Development Commission - Green and Sustainable Business Expo. Add as part
of the regular events.
$10,000 Yes, included
2 Robinson Identify the specific priority positions currently included in the reported vacancy rate. Calculate the
adjusted vacancy rate if additional high-priority
positions are included—specifically, unfilled
positions in Public Works such as:
-Tree crew positions
-Parks and Landscaping positions needed to
complete the Council-authorized additional tree
team
-Analyze and report how including these positions
would impact the overall vacancy rate.
Community Crisis Response Program - 8 Community Intervention Specialist, Public Safety, Advanced Life Support (ALS), Public Works Operations and Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance Worker - 3, Gardener - 2, Maintenance Worker I/II - 2, Parks & Construction Maintenance Worker - 2, Tree Trimmer - 2. Additional analysis will be conducted during Council recess.
3 Robinson Slide 20 question - Optimistic Scenario - Is it true we have a $16 million deficit?
No. The City Council appropriated $16 million from prior years unspent funds to several programs and projects. 1 DRAFT City Council Budget Checklist from June 17, 2025 Line Councilmember Statement /
Request Description
Requested
Amount Where
Applicable
Response
4 Robinson Youthworks - Youth were told to reduce number of hours allocated from 300 to 100. What happened?
Can the 300 hours be restored? Continual need for
staff for additional support staff for the 800
$2,000,000 The YouthWorks program, led by Employment and Training, is slated to receive $1.98 million through the Reimagine Richmond Initiative. Of that amount, approximately $600,000 will support Employment and Training staff compensation.
The remaining funds will go toward participant wages and related costs. Under the current budget, the department plans to provide 500 youth with up to 100 hours of paid work experience each. Increasing the number of hours per participant would require either additional funding or a reduction in the number of youth served. For example, allowing all 500 youth to complete 300 hours would require an estimated $2 million in additional funding to cover wages ($18.86/hour for 200 additional hours per participant) and mandatory employer contributions such as Medicare and Social Security.
Alternatively, the number of participants could be reduced to 200–300 youth to allow for more hours per individual within the existing budget. This option may be necessary if no additional funding becomes available. It’s also worth noting that the timeline between the start of the YouthWorks summer placements and the beginning of the new school year may not allow high school students enough time to complete the full 300 hours—potentially resulting in some cost savings.
In FY 2024–25, Employment and Training was able to serve nearly 800 youth thanks to a combination of State grant funds and ARPA allocations totaling an additional $4 million. 5 Robinson Are all the CIP projects presented fully funded? Are any other projects going to be added to this list? Is
this a finite set?
All Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects currently presented are fully funded based on current estimates, with the exception of those identified on Attachment 3's unfunded list. Please note that project costs can increase as they progress from planning through design and bidding due to scope changes, design refinements, or market volatility impacting construction. Additionally, the #01A14 SF Bay Trail - Pt Molate Project will be added to the unfunded list, requiring an additional $1 million (with over $800,000 as our responsibility) for construction management costs identified during the recent bid process; staff are currently seeking a funding solution with the City Manager's Office and the City Attorney's Office. Capital Improvement Projects are dynamic, and City staff intention is to track projects with known shortfalls on the unfunded list moving forward.
2 DRAFT City Council Budget Checklist from June 17, 2025 Line Councilmember Statement /
Request Description
Requested
Amount Where
Applicable
Response
6 Wilson Youthwork workers participant in this year? And hours back to 300 from the reduction of 100 hours
Please see the response to #4
7 Wilson Concern about budget has enough money, to post enough positions in Richmond to fulfill the work is
completed.
The final number of full time employees (FTEs) will be determined based on final increases approved by City Council for Bargaining Units, and the outcomes of the Federal, State and County budgets. In the interim, staff are being hired incrementally in alignment with approved Council Goals & Priorities. 8 Wilson Position Control List - Priority Position Listing included for City Council input and decision on
what positions to fill. Wants Public Works, Code
Enforcement and Community Crisis Response
Program (CCRP) posted.
Current number of Vacancies as of May 31: 141 . There are 24 vacancies in Public Works and 13 SEIU approved positions in various stages of hiring (Tree Trimmer - 2, Facilities Maintenance Worker - 3, Gardener - 2, Groundskeeper - 2, Maintenance Worker I/II - 2, Parks Construction Maintenance Worker - 2), CCRP - Community Intervention Specialist was posted and closed. 140 applications received, 73 applicants are invited to interviews in July. Three Code Enforcement positions are being filled at this juncture.
9 Wilson 9.7% vacancy rate - content - 6% in prior year vs. 16% actual. Requested monthly vacancy rate check-
in
Staff will return with an update in Spring of 2026 regarding Human Resources operations beyond recruitment. Given the ongoing volume of work in HR, Finance, and IT, staff propose a check in at mid-year, and during the annual Fiscal Year budget. Vacancy rate will be determined based on final approved MOUs with Bargaining Units, and the impacts of the State, Federal, and County budgets.
3 DRAFT City Council Budget Checklist from June 17, 2025 Line Councilmember Statement /
Request Description
Requested
Amount Where
Applicable
Response
10 Wilson Actual list of jobs posted in the Fiscal Year - wants input on hiring
The City Council provides input based on the adopted City Council Goals & Priorities. The current priorities are as follows:
Public Safety, CCRP, ALS/Paramedic program, Public Works Operations and Maintenance line staff, and Code Enforcement. 11 Wilson Fully staff positions that impact physical space to address concerns brought in the community
The analysis from SCI Consulting Group regarding General Fund Maintenance needs is in progress and anticipated to be completed by the end of the calendar year.
12 Brown No additional comment; concurs with the
sentiments expressed by fellow City Council
Members.
N/A N/A
13 Mayor Martinez Requested clarification between the vacancy savings rate vs. actual vacancy rate. Budgeted
savings rate is 9.7% and actual vacancy is 20%
according to the last session. Important to
recognize the difference and focus on vacancies
that they are filled.
In 2024; 55 positions were added to the position control. As of May 31, 2025 the City currently has a 17% vacancy rate and a 6% vacancy savings rate factored into the budget. After the MOU negotiations are approved by City Council in Open Session, City staff can determine an appropriate vacancy rate. Priorities are as follows: Public Safety, Community Crisis Response, Advanced Life Support/Paramedics, Public Works Operations and Maintenance, and Code Enforcement Officers.
14 Mayor Martinez Every time there is an issue, it stems from lack of code enforcement and need to have enough code
enforcement staff and staff to correct what Code
Enforcement staff identifies.
Three Code Enforcement positions are being filled at this time. 15 Zepeda Seconding - We need more people - we are asking for a lot, our community is asking for a lot - we
know its a challenge and understand the fiscal
impacts that that would bring, but our community
is in need of getting its weeds cut and keeping the
Library open.
Agreed. The City Council has authorized $50.3 million in total compensation to fund City staff from Fiscal Year 20-21 to Fiscal Year 25-26
16 Zepeda Slide #6 Chart- Is there a chance to add how much staff we have in each of these years. So we can
know what x budget means for x staff.
Completed. Included in the PowerPoint and staff report for the 6/24 Budget item. 4 DRAFT City Council Budget Checklist from June 17, 2025 Line Councilmember Statement /
Request Description
Requested
Amount Where
Applicable
Response
17 Zepeda Slide #11 - a lot of questions about the festivals.
The numbers aren't adding up.
a) The Homefront Rosie Rivetter Festival, I don't
remember having it this year or something
happening next year or a donation to the Rosie The
Riveter Museum for the event they recently had.
Need clarification on these.
b) Juneteenth has $26,000 in there, was this
because of the item in the Consent Calendar, or
additional funds? Just want to confirm. $26k AND
$6k?
c) Arborist Day - what is that? Which Dept does this
fall under?
d) Taste of Richmond - which department does this
fall under and expenditure absorbs them?
e) Breakdown for PRIDE and $3,000 for all the
others? What is the breakdown?
f) Fiestas Patrias, confirm amounts given to them
this year and how much next year? Same thing with
Cinco de Mayo
g) Ciclovia - does that fall under festivals? If so,
what line item?
h) Differentiate between a City run event vs the
City just making a donation
a) In FY 24-25, the Rosie the Riveter Trust (Trust) hosted the Rosie Rally and 25th Anniversary Festival on June 7, 2025. Pre- COVID, the event was called the Home Front Festival. The Trust stated that they would appreciate funding for FY 25-26. b) On June 17, 2025, Council approved adding $6k for Juneteenth to the existing budget of $20K in the current fiscal year.
This action brings the total appropriation to $26K in FY 2024-25. Based on this pending action, City staff proposed appropriating $26K for FY 2025-26.
c) What is listed as Arborist Day should be Arbor Day. In past years, the City Parks division (within Public Works) has supported Arbor Day activities within its operating budget. Arbor Day is an annual event that happens nation-wide, and is dedicated to planting, protecting, and celebrating trees. d) Taste of Richmond is supported by the Economic Development Department e) In FY 24-25, there were 2 PRIDE events hosted in Richmond. The amount included in the proposed budget is for a total of $7K to support a coordinated/single PRIDE event in Richmond. f) The same organization that coordinated the Cinco de Mayo Parade is now hosting the Fiestas Patrias Parade instead.
The Fiestas Patrias Parade did not take place in FY 24-25 but there is a request for support in FY 25-26. g) Ciclovia could be included as a festival/event and be included in the budget. However, the required budget for Ciclovia is not established yet so it was not included in the proposed FY 25-26 budget. Once a budget is developed, City staff can bring a request to City Council for consideration.
h) A city-run event is an event that is planned, hosted, funded, and led by City staff. While other outside organizations might collaborate with City staff to ensure the event is successful, the City is primarily responsible for all aspects of the event development and implementation. An example of a city-run event is 3rd of July, Fall Festival and Park Rx Day. A city- sponsored event is not led by City staff. Outside organizations plan, host and lead the development and implementation of the event, although City staff might provide financial and/or staff support. An example of a City-sponsored event is Juneteenth and Cinco de Mayo. In these cases, an outside community-based organization leads the planning although city staff is integral in working to help create successful events. For City-sponsored events, the City provides a donation toward the full cost of the event.
5 DRAFT City Council Budget Checklist from June 17, 2025 Line Councilmember Statement /
Request Description
Requested
Amount Where
Applicable
Response
18 Zepeda Slide #? - "Safe to schools" presentations, what schools are included? Can we include Washington
Elementary? We have had several accidents
including humans.
We're actively developing a Safe Routes to School Program to secure programmatic funding for roadway safety improvements, focusing on pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure around schools. While the Lincoln Safe Routes to School Project is concluding this summer (a pre-existing initiative), our future efforts will prioritize a data-driven approach. We'll leverage existing analyses like the Travel Safe Richmond plans, Walk-Audits, accessibility data, and public inquiries to develop a targeted plan for school-specific safety enhancements. This program will heavily rely on grant funding, so our immediate focus is on strategic planning to prepare for future grant opportunities. We've noted the Washington Elementary request as we continue program development.
19 Bana Out of all CIP Projects, how many are in District 4? She said no the answer is zero, no response
required
We have a variety of projects in different phases (Pre-Dev/Planning, Design, Construction, Construction Complete, Closeout, etc.) in District 4. Some projects are across multiple districts or within programs. Staff are working to improve our dashboard to capture data, but we do have a function where one can filter by district. Below please find a list of projects within District 4:
#05C01 Fire Station 63 Improvements - Pre-Development Phase #23039 McBryde Safe Routes to Parks (McBryde Ave between Ralston Ave to Wildcat Canyon Regional Park) - Design Phase
#22A02 Floor Risk Reduction - Rheem Creek - Closeout with ongoing maintenance with the Watershed Project #23027 Santa Rita Road Stabilization Project - Closeout #23049 Via Verdi Mitigation - Design
Programs: Pavement Maintenance and Citywide Concrete - Bid/Award Phase target completion Spring 2026 (see attachment subject to change).
Dog Park Assessment for District 4 - $35,000 - It has been placed in the CIP unfunded list of projects, which was included as an attachment to the June 17, CIP Budget (attachment 3, pages 20 and 22). The assessment would include grading, drainage, fencing, water (we presume no sewer and no electricity) and some conceptual design. 20 Bana Budget for El Sobrante Stroll - wanted to suggest to increase to $5,000 but now it is zero. Suggest
$5,000 if not $7,000. Why not $7,000?
$7,000 It can be absorbed in the other events bucket within the festival/events budget. This event take place primarily in the County. Staff defer to City Council on appropriations.
6 DRAFT City Council Budget Checklist from June 17, 2025 Line Councilmember Statement /
Request Description
Requested
Amount Where
Applicable
Response
21 Bana Identify funding source for Task Force to End
Gender Based Violence
$100,000 The recommended action was to receive presentation and the language was not worded for appropriation; however, through listening to the meeting and the motion voted on at the meeting, City staff believes that it was Council's intention may have been to allocate $100K in the FY 25-26 budget. The minutes from the meeting on May 27, 2025 are not published yet and staff will confirm this allocation once published. The funding for this request could come from the Fleet Budget with a plan to replenish the Fleet Budget with unspent funds. 22 Bana Wildfire Safety Ad hoc Committee - Pilot Project for Home Hardening. Consider $200,000 for Richmond
Fire Dept
$200,000 This is one of the recommendations from the Ad Hoc Committee. Fire Chief will make CC presentation in Aug/Sept on the Wildfire Preparedness Ad Hoc recommendations. In progress 23 Bana Hired Prosecutor but on part-time basis. Can we hire Full-time basis? To support weed abatement
and code enforcement.
Agreed. The City Attorney's Office is hiring. Positions are budgeted. 24 Bana Office of Emergency Services - If there is medical emergency, having someone who knows CPR is
around, chances of survival is increased
substantially. Need to train CPR to public CERT
classes. Currently, 2-3 class for 20 people is not
enough for a City of 120,000 people. Need to beef
up staff at Office of Emergency Services. Strongly,
encourage to consider that.
Fire has scheduled three CPR classes for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members which are being held on 6/14, 7/12, and 8/16. Fire added one additional employee to the Office of Emergency Services (OES) Division on 6/16/25.
This staff member will support the Emergency Services Manager with division duties and complete other assignments from the Fire Chief. All other staffing requests for the fiscal year will be focused on positions related to the paramedic program implementation.
25 Bana There are items tonight on the Agenda that require budget, like Historic Preservation and other items.
Assume, staff will incorporate those.
This agenda item should be deferred to 7/1 for further analysis when the City Attorney is available. Staff will address administrative items.
26 Jimenez Budget is about improving the built environment.
Service to the community done by number of staff.
There are 29 vacancies in PW O&M group, we need
to fill positions to improve built environment. Need
to fill positions at Community Crisis Response
Program (CCRP). Currently, we have 179 vacancies.
If we approve budget with 9.7% vacancy savings, it
means we will not be able to hire all 800 positions.
Need to put job listing on website to hire essential
service workers like PW O&M, CCRP and Code
Enforcement.
Current Number of Vacancies as May 31: 141, including 55 positions added in 2024. There are 24 vacancies in Public Works and 13 SEIU approved positions in various stages of hiring (Tree Trimmer - 2, Facilities Maintenance Worker - 3, Gardener - 2, Groundskeeper -2, Maintenance. Worker I/II- 2, Parks Construction Maintenance. Worker- 2), CCRP - Community Intervention Specialist was posted and closed. 140 applications received, 73 applications are invited to interviews in July. Three Code Enforcement positions are being filled at this moment. 7 DRAFT City Council Budget Checklist from June 17, 2025 Line Councilmember Statement /
Request Description
Requested
Amount Where
Applicable
Response
27 Jimenez We are budgeting $11m for Pavement - is that $11M or $15M?
$9.9M The total Paving Management Budget proposed in FY 25-26 is $9.9M. Please note $18M was originally requested. 28 Jimenez Line by line funding source used for Paving. See above Funding sources are:
Gas Tax-$4.3M
Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account - SB-1 Funds- $3M General Capital- $1.6M
Measure J-$1M
29 Brown & Zepeda Y1- Allocate shortfall funding to Harbour 8 Park Expansion Project (Y.1 on 6/17/24 Council agenda)
$3,000,000 Approved- City staff recommend adjusting CIP based on needs assessment to remove HVAC based on the needs assessment that is in progress and is anticipated to be completing parks assessment end of calendar year 2025. Facilities assessment to be completed end of year 2026. Nevin -
30 Robinson, Jimenez &
Wilson
Y2 Establish the Black Resiliency Project and Fund $1,500,000 Funding options included in budget agenda report and PowerPoint for discussion. The request amount is reduced to $500K
31 Arts Corridor Total allocation was $250K in FY 2024-25, balance of the appropriation $200K is budgeted in FY 2025-26. 32 Robinson & Jimenez
(Pending - 7.1.25
Agenda)
Fair, open and transparent process to govern the
annual unhoused services
$0 Budgeted in FY 25-26. Further direction from City Council pending on 7/1/25 34 Equity Officer $0 Existing FTE was promoted to Project Coordinator. GARE work is being led by Project Coordinator with support from HR. 35 “Clean Richmond” Community Maintenance Crews $0 Pending City Council decision on 6/24/25 36 Futuro Healthcare Career Training $22,700 Pending City Council decision on 6/24/25 Possible allocation from ECIA Economic Development/Job Training strategy Total $6,839,700
8