Shasa Curl, City Manager
June 9, 2026
MOVING
RICHMOND
FORWARD
6/5/2026 4:03 PM 1MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
DRAFT
Fiscal resilience enables us to tract, retain, and support the workforce that delivers for Richmond.
Budget Study Session on
Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27
Operating Budget and Fiscal
Year 2026-31 Five-Year Capital
Improvement Plan
June 9, 2026
Shasa Curl
Richmond City Manager
6/5/2026 4:04 PM
2 Fiscal resilience enables us to attract, retain, and support the workforce that delivers for Richmond while
strengthening public trust through reliable services, sound stewardship of resources, and long-term financial stability.
MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Overview
• Budget Considerations:
o Option 1 (Status Quo)
o Option 2 (Reprioritization of City Council Initiatives) • City Council Goals, Priorities and Directed Work Efforts • General Fund Commitments Available for Reallocation
o Key Initiatives
o Re-Imagining Public Safety Initiatives
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Overview
• Department Requests Not Included in the FY 2026-27 Budget • Additional Budget Considerations:
o City-wide Electric Bikeshare Program
o Interest Earnings on Settlement Funds
o American Rescue Plan Act Interest Earnings
• Criteria for Considering New Initiatives
• Recommended Action
• Questions 6/5/2026 4:04 PM 3
MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Overview
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 4
MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Recommended Action
RECEIVE an overview of the balanced draft
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Operating Budget
and Fiscal Year 2026-31 Five-Year Capital
Improvement Plan Budget; PROVIDE DIRECTION
to staff prior to final budget adoption; and
RECEIVE input on City Council key initiatives
and demands for built environment
improvements as well as opportunities to
improve organizational efficiency
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 5
MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Budget Considerations
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 6MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Option 1:
Adopt the Proposed Balanced Budget
with No changes and Maintain Service
Levels
Option 2:
Maintain a Balanced Budget While
Reprioritizing City Council Initiatives
• Proceeds with the FY 2026-27 budget as
presented
• Maintains all current services & initiatives
• $16.4M vacancy savings at 12% vacancy
rate
• Preserves operational, community, equity,
and safety investments
• No use of reserves; aligns with Reserve
Policy
• Supports long-term fiscal stability
• Keeps FY 2026-27 budget balanced, but
adjusts current Council-funded priorities
• Requires reductions or trade-offs to stay
balanced
• Without offsets, reserves fall below policy
level
• Staff identified additions and shortfalls:
• Richmond Wellness Trail Phase II
• Improvements at Shields-Reid and
Wendell Parks
• San Francisco Bay trail at Point Molate
Richmond Moving Forward
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 7MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
• The main library is under construction with grants &
cash
• Three (3) parks are being completely renovated
(Shields-Reid, Wendell, & Boorman)
• Solar Lighting is being installed
• Complete streets and paving is taking place
throughout the City
• Removed from State audit list and are financially
stable
• 92 net new hires since FY 2020-21
• All around the City is looking better
• Homicides continue to trend down
• $8.8M is budgeted for Kid's First in FY 26-27
6/5/2026 4:04 PM Moving Richmond Forward 8
City Council Goals and Priorities
6/5/2026 4:04 PM Moving Richmond Forward 9
City Council Requests (January 1, 2025 – present)
# Council-Directed Work Effort Strategic Goal Area
1 Tiny Home Village Support Services (Hope Solutions) Goal 1 – Improve the Quantity and Quality of Housing 2 Wildfire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee & Assessment Goal 4 – Improve Public Safety 3 Human Trafficking and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiatives Goal 4 – Improve Public Safety
4 Healthy Retail (HOPS) Ordinance Goal 3 – Improve the Quality of Life and Community Health 5 Municipal ID Program Expansion Goal 3 – Improve the Quality of Life and Community Health 6 Immigrant Legal Services Funding & RFP Goal 1 – Improve the Quantity and Quality of Housing 7 Unfunded Pension & OPEB Liability Analysis Goal 5 – Strengthen the City's Internal Infrastructure 8 Tree Wells in CIP Sidewalk Projects Goal 6 – Address Shoreline and Ecological Issues 9 Parchester Village–Giant Highway Infrastructure Master Plan Goal 5 – Strengthen the City's Internal Infrastructure 10 Fireworks Enforcement and Ordinance Amendments Goal 4 – Improve Public Safety 11 Ciclovia Program Design & Implementation Goal 6 – Address Shoreline and Ecological Issues 12 Community-Led Bus Stop Bench Program Goal 6 – Address Shoreline and Ecological Issues 13 Harbour 8 Park Expansion Funding & Oversight Goal 3 – Improve the Quality of Life and Community Health 14 Black Resiliency Project & Fund Goal 3 – Improve the Quality of Life and Community Health 15 Clean Richmond Community Maintenance Crew Pilot
Program Goal 5 – Strengthen the City's Internal Infrastructure 16 Historic Buildings Preservation & Protection Program Goal 5 – Strengthen the City's Internal Infrastructure 17 Unhoused Services RFP Process Reform Goal 1 – Improve the Quantity and Quality of Housing 18 Ban Corporate Land Grabs Initiative and Associated Legal Analysis Goal 5 – Strengthen the City's Internal Infrastructure 19 Hilltop Horizon Specific Plan Goal 5 – Strengthen the City's Internal Infrastructure 20 Police Communication, Body Camera, and Counseling Policy Review Goal 4 – Improve Public Safety
6/5/2026 4:04 PM Moving Richmond Forward 10
City Council Requests (January 1, 2025 – present)
# Council-Directed Work Effort Strategic Goal Area
21 Public Lands Policy Goal 2 – Increase Revenue and Improve Economic Development
22 Emergency Support for Families During School Labor
Disruption Goal 5 – Strengthen the City's Internal Infrastructure 23 Arts & Culture Manager and Grant Process Reform Goal 3 – Improve the Quality of Life and Community Health 24 Council Liaison Appointment Cycle Change Goal 5 – Strengthen the City's Internal Infrastructure 25 Polluters Pay Settlement / Limited-Term Revenue
Community Engagement and Strategic Advisory Services
Goal 2 – Increase Revenue and Improve Economic
Development
26 ICE-Free Zone Ordinance and Civil Immigration Enforcement Policy Goal 5 – Strengthen the City's Internal Infrastructure 27 Safe Walk Zone Ordinance (23rd Street Corridor) Goal 4 – Improve Public Safety 28 AAPI Community Celebration Co-Sponsorship Goal 3 – Improve the Quality of Life and Community Health 29 WCCUSD Latino/x Graduation Auditorium Support Goal 3 – Improve the Quality of Life and Community Health 30 Support for 2026 Mother's Day Event at the Richmond
Memorial Auditorium Goal 3 – Improve the Quality of Life and Community Health 31 Blue Envelope Program Goal 4 – Improve Public Safety 32 Caste Equity Resolution & Ordinance Amendment Goal 5 – Strengthen the City's Internal Infrastructure 33 Cheese Park (La Moine Park) Improvements Plan Goal 3 – Improve the Quality of Life and Community Health 34 Pullman Neighborhood Park & Land Acquisition Feasibility Goal 3 – Improve the Quality of Life and Community Health 35 Earthquake Preparedness Initiative Goal 4 – Improve Public Safety 36 Richmond Promise Postsecondary Education Initiative Goal 3 – Improve the Quality of Life and Community Health 37 Literacy Space at Richmond Public Library Goal 3 – Improve the Quality of Life and Community Health FY 2026-27 Recommended City-wide Key Priorities
6/5/2026 4:04 PM
Moving Richmond Forward 11
Veolia
Transition
Park
Renovations
&
Maintenance
Innovation –
Systems
Advance Life
Support
◦ Priority #1: Wastewater Reliability & Veolia Contract Transition (~$1 Billion) ◦ Prepare for May 2027 Veolia contract expiration through a competitive procurement process with an Owner’s Advisor to ensure a reliable operator and manage future costs
◦ Priority #2: Parks Renovation & Maintenance
◦ Continue major park improvements, including Boorman Park, Wendell Park, and Shields-Reid Park, and upgrades to play structures, lighting, safety, and accessibility
◦ Priority #3: Innovation & City-wide Systems Modernization ◦ Advancing innovation through streamlined systems, improved processes, and data-informed, efficient service delivery
◦ Priority #4: Advance Life Support (ALS)
◦ Advance implementation of ALS First Responder Services and related fire station improvements while evaluating sustainable funding strategies to support long-term operational and capital needs
→ Seeking City Council alignment on these City-wide priorities 6/5/2026 4:04 PM Moving Richmond Forward
Existing Discretionary General Fund Commitments Available for Reallocation - Option 2
12Moving Richmond Forward
General Fund Commitments Available for
Reallocation – Key Initiatives
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 13MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Initiative Amount ($) Consideration Program Status Reallocation Consideration Arts Corridor (Phase 2) 185,000
Phase 2 not started; Phase 1
(Strategic Plan and community
engagement) nearing completion
Discretionary
Black Resiliency Project 1,500,000 Consider Multi-Year
funding strategy
RFP is being finalized for release in
May 2026 Discretionary
Community Engagement –
Limited-Term Revenue 300,000 Staff is negotiating contract with selected consultant Discretionary
Gender-Based Violence Programs 100,000 RFP in development Discretionary Immigration Services 700,000 Consider Multi-Year
funding strategy
Contracts with multiple vendors
are executed and community is
accessing services
Discretionary
Mental Health Assessment 150,000 Staff is negotiating contract with selected consultant Discretionary
Point Molate Annual Maintenance 250,000
Required maintenance of City
owned property is ongoing.
Remediation of all properties is
required.
Requirement under the City’s existing
agreement -Agreement for Short Term
Maintenance and Security of Property at
Point Molate with the East Bay Regional Park
District remains in effect, with additional
remediation costs anticipated. The City
Council may consider directing staff to
pursue cost sharing discussions with the East
Bay Regional Park District.
Reparations, Equity & Inclusion 146,675 In progress Discretionary Revenue Enhancement / ALS
Development 150,000 Revenue and program
components under development
Life and Safety; Not Recommended for
Reallocation – Additional updates later in
June
Total $3,481,675
Total Discretionary $3,081,675
General Fund Commitments Available for
Reallocation – Re-Imagining Public Safety
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 14MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Initiative Discretionary
Amount ($)
Non-Discretionary
Amount ($) Program Status
YouthWORKS 1,980,000 Ongoing youth workforce and
career development services
Unhoused Intervention 1,320,000
Ongoing services supporting
individuals experiencing
homelessness
Office of Neighborhood
Safety (ONS) 2,586,678
Ongoing violence-prevention
services, outreach, and community
safety partnerships
ROCK (Reach Out with
Compassion and
Kindness)
2,975,823 Crisis response and community
care operations
Sub-Totals $3,300,000 $5,562,501
Total Allocation $8,862,501
General Fund Subsidies and Support
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 15MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Category Program / Initiative / Fund Amount ($)
City Subsidies Climate Resiliency Contingency 75,000
Employment & Training – Cost Pool¹ 786,288
Employment & Training – Grant Writing¹ 75,000
Richmond Housing Authority (RHA) Subsidy 1,260,073
Richmond Rent Program 529,197
Potential GF Subsidies KCRT Fund 350,468
Employment & Training (Operational Subsidy)¹ 488,491
Hilltop Landscape Maintenance District 146,510
General Fund -
Supported Gaps Engineering Services 1,935,941
Code Enforcement 2,768,746
Total $8,415,714
¹Total GF Support for Employment & Training is $1,349,779.
Funding Recommendations - Option 2
Project Shortfalls
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 16MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Project Shortfall Amount
($)
Richmond Wellness Trail Phase II Project 1,045,000
San Francisco Bay Trail at Point Molate Project 1,000,000 Shields-Reid Park (anticipated change orders) 196,000
Wendell Park (anticipated change orders) 435,000
Total $2,676,000
Advanced Life Support (ALS) Funding
Considerations and Revenue Strategy
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 17MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
• Transition to ALS will create ongoing operational costs requiring a stable, long-term funding source
• Polling results (July 2026) will guide revenue strategy; stronger support for a General Obligation (GO) bond would limit revenues to capital uses only
• A GO bond is backed the credit of the issuing government. Repayment I secured by the City’s broad taxing authority.
• GO bond funding cannot support ongoing ALS operations (staffing, equipment, training, oversight), requiring a dependable General Fund source
• City may need to redirect discretionary General Fund allocations from Re-Imagining Public Safety - Unhoused initiatives due to City Funding of $10.3 million in Homekey project and $22.8 million in Encampment Resolution Fund round 1-3 grant funds providing wrap around services, if ALS is prioritized higher
• Funding strategy and polling results will inform the updated five-year forecast and future revenue enhancement recommendations
FY 2026-27 through FY 2030-31 Capital
Improvement Plan Overview ($215.6M)
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 18MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Grants, 41,703,913 ,
$0
Dedicated Funds,
49,892,408 , $0
Equipment Services
Fund, 7,055,000 , $0
General Capital
Fund, 43,972,517 ,
$0
Shortfall, 13,491,000 ,
$0
Unfunded,
59,488,500 , $0
Baseline Budget: Department Request Not Included
in the FY 2026-27 Budget
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 19MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Department Request Amount ($) Notable Requests
City Attorney 76,000 $20k – Individual law library licenses City Clerk 58,000 $58k – Part-time staff to support workload volume City Council 76,700 $15k – City Council Chamber Public Art City Manager 282,800 $50K – Community Survey, $27K – Health Career Connections Intern, $100K – Public Outreach, $60K – Leadership Training
Community Services/
Library and Cultural
Services
399,559 $170K – Digitization for Richmond Historical Collection Community Services/
Recreation
2,340,959 $1.7M – Request for various Community Centers to accommodate full operation and extended hours
Economic Development 791,700 $350K – Downtown Richmond Economic Revitalization Strategy Economic Development/
Housing Authority
499,989 Operational Needs
Economic Development/
Port of Richmond
2,779,500 $2M – Cost Escalation Wharf Repairs, $600k – Contractual Services Fire 250,000 $250K – Deferred PPPE and Fire Equipment maintenance Information Technology 350,000 $150K – Additional Microsoft 365 licenses Police 117,000 $117K – Dispatcher Communication Enhancements Public Works 21,295,000
$20M – Programmatic Approach ($10M – Pavement, $3M – Sidewalk, $2M – Street Lights, $1.5M – Roofing and HVAC, $2M – Traffic Signal, $1.5M Stormwater), $570K – Infrastructure & Park Maintenance, $650K – Utility Charges
Total $ 29,317,207
Balancing community priorities, available resources, and long-term fiscal sustainabilityAdditional Budget Considerations for City Council Deliberation
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 20MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Bikeshare Program
Limited-Term Revenue
Interest
ARPA Interest Earnings
10-Week Return on Investment
Recommend endowment
approach to provide financial
stability to Richmond
community and staff.
Support for existing programs
that have demonstrated high
impact and significant return on
investment, while continuing
what is working and delivering
results for the Richmond
community.
Discontinue City-wide e-
Bikeshare Program, seek
alternative funding, and replace
with e-Bike Lending Library to
open fall of 2027
City Council & Community-
driven investment priorities Pending eligibility determination Replace City-wide Electric Bikeshare Program with E-Bike Lending Library
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 21MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
• City received Metropolitan Transportation Commission fund to operate a pilot electric bikeshare program
• Richmond’s E-Bikeshare Program started in August 2022; Ride Today began in Sept. 2023
• City has spent more than $3 million for Ride Today operations primarily through ECIA Transportation Funds & other grants • $390,000 approved to continue Bikeshare operations through June 2026
• Program is not financially sustainable without ongoing grant funding or City subsidy
• City Council may choose to conclude the program and focus funding on E-Bike Lending Library to expand e-bike use in the City
Data on Existing City-wide Electric Bikeshare Program
E-Bike Lending Library
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 22MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Replace Existing City-wide Electric Bikeshare Program
with E-Bike Lending Library
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 23MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Replace City-wide Electric Bikeshare Program with
E-Bike Lending Library
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 24MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Options for City Council determination of City E-bikeshare program:
Option 1: (City Staff Recommendation) Conclude the e-bike share program and remove associated infrastructure during Q1 of FY26-27. Fund construction of E-bike Lending Library to continue e-bike access (~$250,000 for 3-month ramp down; $2.2M for construction of e-bike lending library).
Option 2: Continue the program as-is with a limited fleet and 12 bike hubs (~$792,000 per year). Continuing the program would require redirecting discretionary General Fund resources, as no dedicated revenue source exists.
Option 3: Expand the program to add 17 additional hubs and 250 new e-bikes City-wide (~$1,459,294 per year). Expanding the program would require redirecting discretionary General Fund resources, given the absence of alternative funding source(s).
Basis of Staff Recommendation
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 25MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
City staff’s recommendation is based on the following:
• Low utilization may reflect low residential/commercial density and a limited number of bike share hubs; even in high density cities, bikeshare programs require significant subsidies • City bike lane infrastructure may still be lacking for most riders to feel safe
• E-bike lending library provides for community training and workshops for maintenance/repair and safe use
• May be better to explore multi-city programs such as MTC’s Bay Wheels, which funds regional bikeshare programs
• Funding the construction gap for the E-bike lending library unlocks $1.2M of construction funds and $1.3M operations funding • Continued maintenance of bike hubs and e-bikes drive up costs Interest Earnings on Limited-Term Revenue
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 26MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
• City earns interest on unspent limited-term revenues
invested in CalTRUST Short-Term Fund.
• First installment $50.0M (July 15, 2025): $48.5M
invested; $1.80M interest earned through May 31, 2026.
• Consistent with public finance best practices, interest income should be treated as one-time funding for
one-time community benefit investments.
• City Council directed a consultant-led engagement
process to gather community input on funding
priorities.
• Staff will return later in 2026 with updated interest projections, refined assumptions, and results of
community engagement to inform one-time
investment decisions.
American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal
Recovery Funds (ARPA SLFRF) Interest Earnings
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 27MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
• May 26, 2026, The City Council received a presentation from Richmond Promise outlining current services and scholarship needs and directed City staff to explore funding options for Richmond students
• Evaluating whether ARPA SLFRF interest
earnings can support Richmond
Promise scholarships, pending federal
eligibility confirmation
• Will return to Council with a
recommendation once eligibility and
year-end interest earnings are
confirmed through financial close
• Large one-time unspent funds are not
currently anticipated for FY 2025-26
due to MOU increases and net new 92
FTEs since FY 2021-22
Draft Framework – City Council Input Required
Criteria for Considering New and Existing Initiatives
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 28MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Category Purpose Evaluation Considerations
Strategic Alignment Evaluates consistency with adopted
strategic objectives, policy direction, and
previously established Council priorities.
Alignment with Council Goals and
Priorities; Prior Council Direction.
Fiscal and Work Plan Impacts Evaluates financial implications and potential tradeoffs associated with
implementation.
Fiscal Considerations; Opportunity
Costs.
Service Delivery and Resource
Stewardship
Evaluates how the proposed initiative relates
to existing City services, investments, and
organizational responsibilities.
Impact on Core Services; Existing City
Investments; Duplication and
Appropriate Governmental Role.
Organizational Capacity and
Implementation
Evaluates the City's ability to undertake and
successfully implement additional work.
Staffing Capacity; Interdepartmental
and External Coordination.
Community Benefit and Public Impact Assesses the anticipated benefits and outcomes for residents, businesses,
stakeholders, and the broader community.
Community Benefit and Public Impact.
Next Steps
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 29
Next Steps
• Finalize FY 2026–27 Operating Budget and FY 2026–31
CIP based on Study Session direction (~36 hours for
June 16, 2026 City Council meeting)
• Update revenue/expenditure assumptions and
incorporate Council guidance
• Make adjustments to maintain a balanced General
Fund – will increase vacancy rate if there are Council
requests without proposed reductions.
June 16, 2026
• Present updated draft Budget Checklist with
outstanding questions and needed clarifications
• Provide additional information from prior discussions • Support City Council in finalizing priorities and
adjustments before adoption
MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Requested Direction
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 30MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
1. Should the City proceed with Option 1 (status quo budget) or Option 2 (reprioritization of existing discretionary funding)?
2. If Option 2 is preferred, which existing discretionary initiatives, programs, or commitments should be reduced, deferred, or discontinued to maintain a balanced budget?
3. Should discretionary funding be redirected to address identified project shortfalls, including the Richmond Wellness Trail Phase II Project, San Francisco Bay Trail at Point Molate Project, and park improvement projects?
4. Are there additional City Council priorities or built environment investments that should be reflected in the final budget and CIP?
5. Should the City continue or conclude the e-bike program?
6. Does the City Council support further development of the proposed Initiative Evaluation Framework to assist with evaluating future Council initiatives, referrals, and service expansion requests? The status quo is challenging and adopting a clear framework would provide increased transparency for residents, councilmembers, and staff.
Recommended Action
RECEIVE an overview of the balanced draft
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Operating Budget
and Fiscal Year 2026-31 Five-Year Capital
Improvement Plan Budget; PROVIDE
DIRECTION to staff prior to final budget
adoption; and RECEIVE input on City Council
key initiatives and demands for built
environment improvements as well as
opportunities to improve organizational
efficiency
6/5/2026 4:04 PM 31
MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
32 THANK YOU!
MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD6/5/2026 4:04 PM