June 23, 2026
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Department
DATE: June 23, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Shasa Curl, City Manager
Aaron Osorio, Fire Chief
Emily Combs, Director of Finance
Subject:
Emergency Response Ballot Measure Survey Findings
and Advanced Life Support Funding Options
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
May 27, 2025
January 27, 2026
April 21, 2026
June 16, 2026
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City conducted a statistically valid voter survey to assess community support for revenue options that
would fund improved emergency response services,
including a transition to Advanced Life Support (ALS)
paramedic-level care. The survey results presentation
summarizes voters’ priorities and the viability of potential revenue measures needed to support these
enhancements.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECEIVE a presentation on the Emergency Response
Measure Survey Key Findings Presentation, APPROVE
the findings, and DIRECT the City Manager to proceed
with Phase 2 ballot readiness and informational work to evaluate revenue options supporting Advanced Life
Support (ALS), emergency services, fire station
improvements, and replacement - Fire
Department/Finance Department/City Manager’s Office
(Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307-8021/Emily Combs 510-
890-5534/Shasa Curl 510-620-6512).
AGENDA
REPORT
June 23, 2026
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DISCUSSION:
On January 27, 2026, the City Council received an update on the City’s transition to Advanced Life Support (ALS) First Responder Services and the significant operational and capital costs associated with implementing paramedic-level emergency response.
Following that presentation, and consistent with earlier City Council direction based on the Matrix Consulting Group feasibility study, the City Council directed the City Manager to develop revenue enhancement and financing options to support ALS services and needed fire station upgrades. City staff subsequently engaged SCI Consulting Group to conduct this work, including a statistically valid public opinion survey.
The survey of 800 likely Richmond voters shows strong community support for improved emergency medical response, expanded paramedic staffing, faster response times, modernized fire stations and replacements. Both a parcel tax and a bond measure received initial support from roughly two thirds of surveyed voters, although support is sensitive to affordability concerns. Messages focused on life saving care and ensuring Richmond receives the same ALS service level as the rest of the County resonated most strongly.
Key Findings
1. Voter support for both measures begins at nearly two-thirds; however, support is relatively soft, with fewer than one-third of voters indicating they would definitely vote “yes”
2. Messages focused on bringing Richmond up to the same standard of care as the rest of Contra Costa County, supporting life-saving emergency care, and improving emergency response times resonated most strongly with voters
3. Negative messaging has the potential to reduce support, particularly for the parcel tax measure; however, the bond measure maintains support even after voters hear opposition arguments
4. Voters identified 24/7 emergency response support, improved 911 response times, and hiring paramedics to improve the standard of care for Richmond residents as top funding priorities
Given the August 7, 2026, ballot deadline and the need for continuity between feasibility work and ballot preparation, City staff recommend proceeding with Phase 2 ballot readiness and informational activities so the City Council can consider potential November 2026 revenue measure options.
Phase 2 includes:
preparation of ballot-ready materials in coordination with the City Attorney and City Clerk
legally compliant informational outreach and strategic communications stakeholder engagement
packaging of a potential measure for City Council consideration
June 23, 2026
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DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Key Findings Presentation