June 16, 2026
DocID #73219v1
Public Works
DATE: June 16, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Chavarria, PE, Director of Public Works
Hillal Hamdan, Senior Civil Engineer
Subject:
Civil Rights Act Title VI Implementation Plan for Public Works Federally Funded Projects
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Adoption and implementation of the Title VI Implementation Plan is expected to have minimal fiscal
impact. Compliance activities will be incorporated into existing departmental operations and will not require
additional appropriations. Maintaining an adopted Title VI Plan is necessary to remain eligible for federal funding.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City of Richmond’s Department of Public Works is a
recipient of federal funding and, therefore, is required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This legislation mandates that all services and benefits
provided by the Department must be offered on a
nondiscriminatory basis. The Title VI plan establishes the necessary policies and procedures for the Public Works
Department to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution approving the City of Richmond
Public Works Department Title VI Implementation Plan to ensure compliance with federal nondiscrimination
requirements for federally funded programs and projects - Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan 510-621-
1612).
AGENDA
REPORT
June 16, 2026
DocID #73219v1
DISCUSSION:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. As a recipient of federal funding for transportation, infrastructure, and public works projects, the City of Richmond must maintain policies and procedures that ensure compliance with federal nondiscrimination requirements, including language access and equitable public participation. The Title VI Implementation Plan formalizes the Public Works Department’s procedures for ensuring nondiscrimination, equitable public participation, language access, and compliance with federal requirements in federally funded programs and projects.
Under the Plan, the Public Works Department will serve as the lead department for Title VI implementation related to federally funded projects, and the Senior Civil Engineer will serve as the Title VI Coordinator. Responsibilities include overseeing compliance activities, complaint procedures, staff training, contract requirements, reporting, and public outreach in coordination with other City departments.
Recent U.S. Census data indicates that approximately 19 percent of Richmond residents may have limited English proficiency or may benefit from language assistance. To help ensure federally funded programs and services are accessible to the community, the Department will provide multilingual notices, translated materials, interpretation services, and inclusive public outreach efforts.
Environmental justice principles are also incorporated into project planning and implementation by requiring City staff to evaluate potential impacts on minority and low- income populations. City staff will use demographic data, community outreach, public meetings, and multilingual engagement strategies to support equitable participation and reduce potential adverse impacts.
The Plan also establishes procedures for receiving, investigating, and resolving discrimination complaints related to federally funded programs and activities.
Complaints alleging discrimination may be submitted to the Title VI Coordinator, who will oversee investigation, documentation, and coordination with state and federal agencies as required.
To maintain compliance with federal nondiscrimination requirements, the Department will implement ongoing measures including employee training, annual reporting, contract monitoring, complaint tracking, language access services, and corrective action procedures.
Implementation of the Title VI Plan is expected to have minimal fiscal impact and will be incorporated into existing departmental operations. Compliance with Title VI requirements is necessary to maintain eligibility for federal funding. The City Attorney has reviewed the Plan for consistency with Title VI and related civil rights laws.
June 16, 2026
DocID #73219v1
City staff recommend the City Council adopt a resolution approving the Title VI Implementation Plan to formalize the Public Works Department’s compliance procedures for federally funded programs and maintain eligibility for federal funding opportunities.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – Title VI Implementation Plan