June 16, 2026
City Council
DATE: July 16, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Subject:
Explore Regional Partnerships and "Piggyback"
Contracting Opportunities for a July 3rd Drone Light
Show at Hilltop Mall
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this item. City staff time required to explore regional partnerships and potential piggyback contracting opportunities will be
absorbed within existing departmental resources, and
any future costs or savings will be brought back to the City Council for consideration.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City of Richmond continues to seek innovative,
environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional
firecracker displays for Independence Day celebrations.
While conventional fireworks provide entertainment, they carry a high cost in environmental pollution, fire risks in wildfire-vulnerable zones, and significant noise disruption that induces severe distress and anxiety in local wildlife and household pets.
Advancements in technology have made drone light
shows a highly visible, eco-friendly, and less disruptive alternative. However, standalone drone shows can often
carry higher initial setup and vendor costs. To address these cost implications responsibly, the City can look to regional collaboration.
AGENDA
REPORT
June 16, 2026
Several neighboring West Contra Costa County
jurisdictions (such as Pinole and San Pablo) have
successfully transitioned to or integrated drone lighting technology for their community celebrations. Because
drone vendors frequently book multiple regional shows
during holiday weekends, significant cost savings can be achieved through collaborative procurement.
By directing staff to engage with these neighboring cities, Richmond can explore "piggybacking" on an existing
municipal contract. Utilizing an already-vetted regional vendor can substantially lower costs for mobilization,
software programming, and equipment transit.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DIRECT City Manager to contact neighboring
municipalities to identify regional 4th of July drone show contracts, assess the feasibility of "piggybacking" onto an existing municipal vendor agreement to secure
discounted regional pricing, and explore hosting a
sustainable drone light show at Hilltop Mall on July 3rd at a discounted price and bring back findings for a City
Council decision by June 23, 2026 - Councilmember
Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).
DISCUSSION:
The City of Richmond continues to seek innovative, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional firecracker displays for Independence Day celebrations. While conventional fireworks provide entertainment, they carry a high cost in environmental pollution, fire risks in wildfire-vulnerable zones, and significant noise disruption that induces severe distress and anxiety in local wildlife and household pets.
Advancements in technology have made drone light shows a highly visible, eco-friendly, and less disruptive alternative. However, standalone drone shows can often carry higher initial setup and vendor costs. To address these cost implications responsibly, the City can look to regional collaboration.
Several neighboring West Contra Costa County jurisdictions (e.g., Pinole and San Pablo) have successfully transitioned to or integrated drone lighting technology for their community celebrations. Because drone vendors frequently book multiple regional shows during holiday weekends, significant cost savings can be achieved through collaborative procurement.
June 16, 2026
By directing staff to engage with these neighboring cities, Richmond can explore "piggybacking" on an existing municipal contract. Utilizing an already-vetted regional vendor can substantially lower costs for mobilization, software programming, and equipment transit.
Furthermore, utilizing the Hilltop Mall property as a launch and viewing site presents an ideal opportunity. Hilltop Mall features expansive open space, ample parking, and excellent geographic elevation, ensuring a safe, highly visible public enjoyment experience for residents across the northern and eastern portions of the city while minimizing fire hazards. Staff is directed to initiate these regional conversations and present a comprehensive cost-benefit and partnership analysis to the City Council.
SYNERGISTIC POLICIES:
This item aligns with the City’s commitment to environmental sustainability, fiscal responsibility through regional collaboration, public safety, and enhancing community welfare and pet safety.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None