December 16, 2025
Community Development
DATE: December 16, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Lina Velasco, Director of Community Development
Avery Stark, Planning Manager
Subject:
Contract Amendment No. 1 with Canopy Mapping, Inc.
for Interactive Zoning Map GIS Application and Interface FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed $90,000 expenditure will be funded through applicant fees and will not result in an impact on the General Fund and is included within the approved
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Community Development
Department budget (Account String: 15061219 –
400201).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Community Development Department’s Planning
Division seeks approval of contract amendment no. 1, to increase the contract amount by $90,000 with Canopy
Mapping Company Incorporated to develop a suite of
web-based geospatial tools and data visualization
platforms. The tools will support the Planning
Department’s ongoing efforts to improve public access to information, foster community engagement, and
modernize internal data management and mapping
systems.
AGENDA
REPORT
December 16, 2025
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE a contract amendment no. 1 with Canopy
Mapping, Inc. to add an additional $90,000 for a total
contract amount not to exceed $99,900, for a term ending on June 30, 2028, to support the development of web-
based visualization tools, including a project pipeline map, an interactive “Shovel Ready Richmond” platform,
and related GIS-based applications to enhance
transparency and efficiency in the City’s planning
processes – Community Development Department (Lina
Velasco/Avery Stark 510-620-6706).
DISCUSSION:
The Planning Division is pursuing this contract to expand its capacity to illustrate and share essential information regarding ongoing and future development within the City of Richmond. The scope of work, while intentionally broad to maintain flexibility, is anticipated to include the creation and implementation of innovative web-based tools to visualize, track, and communicate planning and development activities.
Key deliverables under this agreement include:
Project Pipeline Map: Integration of a dynamic, GIS-based project pipeline visualization within the City’s Integrated Management System (IMS), enabling real-time tracking of development projects, including entitlement status, contact information, documentation links, and scope details.
Public-Facing Dashboards: Creation of interactive dashboards that display metrics such as the number, type, and location of developments citywide, categorized by residential, commercial, and industrial use, including total square footage and housing production data.
“Shovel Ready Richmond” Platform: Development of a collaborative, next- generation geospatial planning and policy platform in partnership with Harvard University public policy students as part of an 18-week academic advisory project. The tool will leverage emerging technologies (e.g., ArcUrban, Delve by Sidewalk Labs) to model and illustrate feasible development scenarios based on zoning, infrastructure, and community priorities.
Proactive Planning and Data Analysis: Support for the Planning Division in updating General Plan and Zoning Map layers, conducting data analyses on housing stock and development capacity, and supporting future policy initiatives through spatial analytics and visual storytelling.
This contract represents a continuation of the Planning Division’s modernization and innovation strategy—transitioning from static, document-based planning processes to interactive, data-driven systems that promote transparency and foster informed decision-making by both staff and the public.
December 16, 2025
SYNERGISTIC POLICIES:
The contract with Canopy Mapping Company Incorporated directly supports several adopted City policies and strategic goals, including:
General Plan 2030 – Policies LU1.1 (Promote Sustainable Development Patterns), ED1.2 (Enhance the City’s Business Climate), and CN3.1 (Support Data-Driven Environmental and Land Use Planning).
Housing Element (2023–2031) – Programs H-5 and H-6, which call for improved data accessibility and streamlined development review processes. City Council Priority Areas – Good Governance, Housing and Neighborhood Services, and Economic Development and Revitalization.
Digital Service Strategy – Expands access to public information, supports transparency, and increases operational efficiency through modern digital tools.
By integrating cutting-edge mapping technology with planning workflows, this initiative helps the City proactively identify development opportunities, communicate visually with stakeholders, and promote community-led growth consistent with City values and State housing law.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Original Contract
Attachment 2 – Amendment No. 1