August 26, 2025
Mayor's Office
DATE: August 26, 2025
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Subject:
Appointment of Melvin Willis to the Rent Board
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Melvin Willis is applying to serve on the Rent Board
RECOMMENDED ACTION: APPOINT Melvin Willis to the Richmond Rent Board with a term that expires on March 21, 2027– Mayor’s Office
(Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
DISCUSSION:
Melvin Willis brings a decade of experience advocating for renter rights and has demonstrated a strong commitment to housing justice and community engagement. As a lifelong Richmond resident, he is deeply familiar with the unique housing challenges facing the city’s tenants. His goal in serving on the Rent Board is to help increase public awareness of the Board’s work, educate residents about their rights, and connect them with the programs and resources available through the Board.
Mr. Willis previously served on the Richmond Planning Commission from 2012 to 2014 and was a member of the Richmond City Council from 2016 to 2024. His extensive AGENDA
REPORT
August 26, 2025
public service background and deep-rooted knowledge of Richmond’s housing landscape make him a valuable addition to the Rent Board.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Melvin Willis’ redacted application