February 17, 2026
Mayor's Office
DATE: February 17, 2026
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Mayor Martinez
Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Subject:
Opposing the Unlawful United States Military Intervention Against Venezuela
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact on receiving this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Recent unauthorized U.S. military actions in Venezuela
raise serious concerns about the misuse of public
resources, violations of international law, and the human costs of foreign military intervention. These actions
directly matter to the City of Richmond because federal funds used for overseas conflicts are diverted from local priorities such as housing, public safety, infrastructure, and social services, while global instability contributes to humanitarian displacement that affects communities like ours. The City Council is asked to consider whether
Richmond should formally oppose these actions and
reaffirm its commitment to peace, human rights, and
prioritizing the needs of its residents.
AGENDA
REPORT
February 17, 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution opposing unauthorized United
States military intervention in Venezuela, affirming the City of Richmond’s commitment to peace, human rights,
constitutional governance, and the prioritization of public resources for local community needs - Mayor’s Office
(Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503) and Vice Mayor
Doria Robinson (510-620-6568).
DISCUSSION:
The City of Richmond has a long history of supporting peace, human rights, and the responsible use of public resources, including speaking out on national and international issues that directly affect local communities. Recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela, undertaken without clear congressional authorization, raise concerns about constitutional governance, violations of international law, and the humanitarian consequences of prolonged foreign intervention. These actions also reflect a broader pattern in which federal resources are directed toward overseas conflicts rather than addressing urgent local needs such as housing affordability, infrastructure, and community services. As a diverse city with strong ties to immigrant communities and a tradition of civic engagement, Richmond has a stake in condemning actions that contribute to global instability and displacement, while reaffirming its values of peace, sovereignty, and accountability.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution