March 24, 2026
City Council
DATE: March 24, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Subject:
Create and Implement Blue Envelope Program in
Richmond
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The fiscal impact of developing and launching the Blue Envelope Program is currently unknown, as staff still
need to determine the scope of materials, quantities, and outreach methods. Costs may include printing blue
envelopes and brochures, producing lanyards, decals,
seatbelt covers, and other program identifiers, as well as staff time and promotional activities to educate the
community. Initial expenses may be absorbed within
existing department resources; however, if additional
funding is required, staff will return to the City Council with cost estimates and a recommended funding source.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Blue Envelope Program is a voluntary initiative
designed to reduce misunderstandings, enhance safety
and communication during traffic stops between law
enforcement, first responders, and individuals with
disabilities, including autism, dementia, anxiety,
deafness, or other intellectual and developmental
disabilities.
AGENDA
REPORT
March 24, 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DIRECT the city manager or their designee to create and implement a Blue Envelope Program for residents,
including a promotional campaign to inform police officers and first responders of the new program and how to
participate; staff will provide a presentation to the council once the program is up and running - Councilmember
Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593). This item was
continued from the March 3, and March 17, 2026,
meetings.
DISCUSSION:
The Blue Envelope Program helps promote inclusivity and provides individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, anxiety, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or who are deaf or hard of hearing with a blue envelope to keep in their vehicle and/or on their person to hold their license, registration, and insurance card. The envelope serves as a visual cue for officers and first responders that the individual may require additional accommodation or awareness during an interaction. Some accommodation strategies that officers and first responders could use during an interaction with an individual:
Lowering the volume on their radio
Allowing the driver extra time to respond
Using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods, such as tablets, picture boards, or speech devices
Using plain language and speaking clearly with limited jargon during interactions
The envelope also includes step-by-step instructions for drivers about what to expect during a traffic stop.
However, the Blue Envelope Program is not just for drivers. Communities around California have expanded the program to include items such as car decals, lanyards, seatbelt covers, keychains, and bracelets. These items give law enforcement and first responders a visual cue that the person may need extra accommodation in any encounter, not just on the road. The program is voluntary, free, and self-implemented.
The City of Richmond would make available for free at participating locations, including the Police Department, ROCK (Reach Out with Compassion and Kindness) vans, and other designated participating locations:
Blue Envelope Program Brochure
Blue Envelope
Lanyards
Seatbelt Covers
Ribbons
Key Chains
March 24, 2026
Bracelets
Stickers
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None