Richmond City Council
July 7, 2026

Public Works
DATE: July 7, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Chavarria, PE, Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Hillal Hamdan, PE, Senior Civil Engineer
Subject: Roadway Modification at Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue for the McBryde Avenue Safe Routes to Park
Project
FINANCIAL IMPACT: This work will be implemented as part of the McBryde Avenue Safe Routes to Park Project, which is funded
through the One Bay Area Grant Program (OBAG3). The
costs associated with the proposed roadway
modifications are included within the approved Fiscal
Year 2025-2026 Public Works Department budget
(Account Strings: 15436431-400733-23039,
20136031-400733-23039). This action does not require a
new appropriation and represents a one-time capital
improvement expenditure associated with the Project.

Any future maintenance obligations related to
landscaping or other improvements will be addressed
through interagency coordination and future maintenance agreements as needed.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:

None.

STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:

City staff from the City of Richmond, in coordination with the City of San Pablo, Richmond Fire Department and
Richmond Police Department, seek City Council approval
to modify the Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue
intersection by closing the direct vehicular connection at McBryde Avenue in order to improve roadway safety,
reduce cut-through traffic, while maintaining pedestrian AGENDA
REPORT
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and bicycle connectivity associated with the McBryde
Avenue Safe Routes to Park Project.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE a roadway modification associated with the McBryde Avenue Safe
Routes to Park Project, including closure of the direct vehicular connection between Glenn Avenue and
McBryde Avenue to improve traffic safety, reduce cutthrough traffic, and support pedestrian and bicycle connectivity – Public Works Department (Hillal Hamdan
510-621-1612/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478). This
item was continued from the June 16, and June 23,
2026, meetings.

DISCUSSION:

City Council approval is requested because the proposed improvements include a permanent change to the public street network through the closure of the direct vehicular connection between Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue (Attachment 1). This action would authorize City staff to proceed with final design and implementation of the preferred roadway configuration as part of the McBryde Avenue Safe Routes to Park Project.

In 2025, City staff from the City of Richmond and the City of San Pablo coordinated on safety improvements along the McBryde Avenue corridor as part of the McBryde Avenue Safe Routes to Park Project (Project). The Project includes traffic calming improvements, bicycle facilities, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps, paving improvements, sidewalks, and updated striping and signage.

As part of the Project, City staff evaluated operational and safety conditions at the intersection of Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue, including roadway geometry, limited sight distance, short block spacing, intersection skew, cut-through traffic, and pedestrian and bicycle connectivity associated with Wildcat Canyon Regional Park.

Based on this engineering review, closure of the direct vehicular connection between Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue was identified as the preferred alternative (Attachment 2).

The proposed roadway modifications would reduce vehicular conflict points, simplify traffic circulation patterns, improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, and reduce cutthrough traffic using Glenn Avenue to bypass the signalized intersection at McBryde Avenue and Amador Street. The proposed improvements would maintain neighborhood access through the surrounding street network, including access from Glenn Avenue through Yuba Avenue to McBryde Avenue, and would maintain access for emergency response vehicles and adjacent properties.

The City of San Pablo reviewed the improvement plans and provided written support for the proposed modifications to Glenn Avenue, Marin Avenue, and Yuba Avenue near the 2991

Richmond/San Pablo jurisdictional boundary. The City of San Pablo also identified several coordination items associated with the proposed improvements, including encroachment permits for Americans with Disabilities Act ramp work within San Pablo jurisdiction, coordination with adjacent property owners, visual identification of jurisdictional boundaries, and a maintenance agreement for proposed landscaping improvements. Richmond staff intends to address these coordination items during final design and implementation (Attachment 3).

In November 2025, City staff conducted a community meeting regarding the proposed improvements and received generally positive feedback regarding the proposed roadway modifications (Attachment 5). City staff also coordinated with the Richmond Fire Department and Richmond Police Department regarding emergency access considerations.

Under a no-action alternative, the existing roadway configuration would remain in place, and the identified operational and safety concerns associated with intersection geometry, vehicle conflicts, and cut-through traffic would continue.

City staff recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the roadway modification associated with the McBryde Avenue Safe Routes to Park Project, including closure of the direct vehicular connection between Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue (Attachment 4). The proposed modification would improve traffic safety, reduce cut-through traffic, and support pedestrian and bicycle connectivity while allowing City staff to proceed with final design and implementation of the proposed improvements.

DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:

Attachment 1 – Location Map
Attachment 2 – Conceptual Improvement Exhibit
Attachment 3 – City of San Pablo Letter of Support
Attachment 4 – Resolution
Attachment 5 – PowerPoint- Glenn_Avenue_Council_Final
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3 Glenn Ave
Mcbyde Ave
Sonoma St
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SIGN TABLE

DESIGNATION SIGN MESSAGE NOTES
SC-1 W14-2 "NO OUTLET" INSTALL NEW SIGN PANEL, POLE, AND FOUNDATION

CITY OF RICHMOND, CA CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

BKF ENGINEERS
1646 N. CALIFORNIA BLVD.

SUITE 400
WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596
(925) 940-2200
www.bkf.com
COPYRIGHT © BKF ENGINEERS 2026
04/29/2026

PRELIMINARY

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
DATE:

MCBRYDE SAFE ROUTES TO PARK
scale 1" = 20'
20 0 20
feet
40 2994

CITY OF SAN PABLO
Public Works Engineering & Environmental Services
1000 Gateway Ave● San Pablo, CA 94806
Main: 510-215-3060 ● Fax: 510-215-3013
www.SanPabloCA.gov
November 12, 2025
Daniel Chavarria
Public Works Director
City of Richmond Public Works
450 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
Re: McBryde Avenue Improvement Project
CIP # 20242218
The City of San Pablo has received 35% plans reflecting improvements along McBryde Avenue which includes modifications to Glenn Avenue, Marin Avenue, and Yuba Avenue which abut the City of San Pablo and City of Richmond boundaries. These improvements will provide traffic calming and mitigate traffic utilizing Glenn Avenue to bypass the traffic signal at McBryde and Amador. The City of San Pablo acknowledges that the Changes exist in the primary Right of Way of Richmond, however access to 5601 McBryde Avenue, 5625 McBryde Avenue, and 5633 McBryde Avenue are affected as is the crosswalk across the east side of the intersection of Yuba Avenue and Glenn Avenue.

Furthermore, the project creates a new median at the intersection of Marin Avenue and McBryde Avenue.

The City of San Pablo agrees with these changes with the following requests:
a. Apply for encroachment permits to the City of San Pablo for all ADA ramp improvements within San Pablo.
b. Coordinate with property owners at the specific addresses mentioned above as to improvements to their properties.
c. Provide a visual cue to the boundary between the two agencies. d. Provide a maintenance agreement for pocket park improvements proposed.

Thank you,
Matthew Brown, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer, Acting Public Works Director

Public Works Engineering Department
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CC: CMO
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Reso. No. xx-26

RESOLUTION NO. xx-26

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND

APPROVING ROADWAY MODIFICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MCBRYDE

AVENUE SAFE ROUTES TO PARK PROJECT, INCLUDING CLOSURE OF THE

DIRECT VEHICULAR CONNECTION BETWEEN GLENN AVENUE AND MCBRYDE AVENUE
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond is implementing the McBryde Avenue Safe Routes to Park Project (“Project”) to improve roadway safety, pedestrian accessibility, bicycle connectivity, and multimodal circulation along the McBryde Avenue corridor; and WHEREAS, the Project includes traffic calming improvements, bicycle facilities, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant curb ramps, paving improvements, sidewalks, and updated signage and striping; and
WHEREAS, City staff evaluated operational and safety conditions at the intersection of Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue, including roadway geometry, limited sight distance, short block spacing, intersection skew, vehicular conflict points, and pedestrian and bicycle connectivity; and
WHEREAS, staff determined that closure of the direct vehicular connection between Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue would improve roadway safety, reduce cut-through traffic, simplify circulation patterns, and support multimodal access associated with the Project; and WHEREAS, the proposed roadway modifications would maintain neighborhood access through the surrounding street network, including access between Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue through Yuba Avenue; and
WHEREAS, staff coordinated with the City of San Pablo, Richmond Fire Department, and Richmond Police Department regarding the proposed roadway modifications and emergency access considerations; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Pablo reviewed the proposed improvement plans and provided written support for the roadway modifications associated with the Project; and WHEREAS, City staff conducted community outreach regarding the proposed roadway modifications and received generally positive public feedback; and WHEREAS, the roadway modifications are funded through the One Bay Area Grant Program (OBAG3) and are included in the approved Fiscal Year 2025–2026.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Richmond that:

Section 1. The City Council finds and determines that the above recitals are true and correct and incorporates them herein by reference. The City Council further finds that the Agenda Report accompanying this item has served as the basis for the actions taken in this Resolution.

Section 2. The City Council hereby approves roadway modifications associated with the McBryde Avenue Safe Routes to Park Project, including closure of the direct vehicular connection between Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue.

Section 3. The City Council further finds that the proposed roadway modifications will maintain neighborhood access through the surrounding street network, including access between Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue through Yuba Avenue, while improving roadway safety and reducing cut-through traffic.
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Reso. No. xx-26

Section 4. The City Council further directs that pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between Glenn Avenue and McBryde Avenue shall be maintained as part of the roadway modifications, subject to final engineering design and operational requirements.

Section 5. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to take all administrative actions necessary to implement the approved roadway modifications, including coordination with the City of San Pablo and execution of related permits, agreements, and implementation documents consistent with this Resolution.

Section 6. The City Clerk is designated as the custodian of the documents and materials that constitute the record of proceedings upon which this decision is based. These records are maintained at the Office of the City Clerk, Richmond City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804.

Section 7. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. *********************
I certify that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting thereof held June XX, 2026, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTENTIONS:

ABSENT:

PAMELA CHRISTIAN

CLERK OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
(SEAL)
Approved:

EDUARDO MARTINEZ
Mayor
Approved as to form:

City Attorney
State of California }
County of Contra Costa : ss.

City of Richmond }
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Resolution No. XX-26, finally passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting held on June XX, 2026.

Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of Richmond
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GLENN AVENUE AT MCBRYDE AVENUE: PROPOSED ROADWAY

MODIFICATIONS
• Project Background
The Project is funded through the One Bay Area Grant Program (OBAG3) and is included in the approved Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget. • The Project encompasses traffic calming improvements, bicycle facilities, ADA-compliant curb ramps, pavement rehabilitation, sidewalks, and updated striping and signage. The City of San Pablo reviewed the improvement plans and provided formal written support for the proposed modifications.
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• Engineering evaluation of roadway geometry, sight distance, block spacing, and adjacent property impacts as the preferred design alternative.
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COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
• The event was held at Café McBryde in Richmond, CA on Saturday, November 8, 2025, between 9:30AM and 12:30PM.

An attendance goal of 40-
50 people, the project
team surpassed its target,
drawing an estimated 70
community members.

Participants were eager
to discuss the project, ask
questions, and share their
thoughts.
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Questions
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City of Richmond - BKF
McBryde Avenue Improvement Project
Community Open House Summary Memo
November 14, 2025
This memo summarizes outreach efforts and community input collected for the McBryde Avenue Improvement project by the City of Richmond and BKF Engineering.

Table of Contents
Community Open House .............................................................................................. 2 Format ......................................................................................................................................2 Event Materials.............................................................................................................. 3 Station Posterboards.............................................................................................................................3 Project Corridor Station (Table Map).....................................................................................................3 Comment Cards ....................................................................................................................................3 Key Performance Indicators...................................................................................................3 Outreach Materials........................................................................................................ 4 Invitational Material.................................................................................................................4 Flyer ......................................................................................................................................................4 A-Frame Posters ...................................................................................................................................4 Informational Materials ...........................................................................................................5 Handout.................................................................................................................................................5 Website Content....................................................................................................................................5 Social Media..........................................................................................................................................5 Community Input........................................................................................................... 6 Map Activity Feedback ..........................................................................................................................6 Map Comments.....................................................................................................................................7 Comment Card Feedback...................................................................................................................10 Digital Comments................................................................................................................................14 Next Steps.................................................................................................................... 18 3005
2 COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
As part of the community engagement process to guide McBryde Avenue Improvement design and development, the City of Richmond and its consultants hosted an open house event to inform the public about the project and gather feedback/priorities from residents, businesses, City officials, and the broader community.

The event was held at Café McBryde in Richmond, CA on Saturday, November 8, 2025, between 9:30AM and 12:30PM. With an attendance goal of 40-50 people, the project team surpassed its target, drawing an estimated 70 community members. Participants were eager to discuss the project, ask questions, and share their thoughts.

Format
The event utilized an open-format design, featuring project information and three interactive display stations and complimentary refreshments, including coffee/tea and morning pastries.

The event began with a brief project introduction made by City staff. Attendees were greeted at a welcome table containing project handouts, paper comment cards, and iPads for digital comment collection. Attendees were free to engage at three dedicated stations that facilitated participation and information exchange. The station topics were as follows:
• Project Corridor Map
• Glenn Avenue Closure
• Proposed Roundabout Improvements
Subject matter experts from the consulting team and City of Richmond staff were present throughout the room, with some assigned to specific stations to facilitate meaningful engagement and to provide technical information to the attendees in both English and Spanish. 3006
3 EVENT MATERIALS
The following printed materials were developed for and displayed as part of the three dedicated open house stations.

Station Posterboards
Two 24x36-inch posterboards were developed and printed to support the table map, each highlighting a specific section of the project area and enlarged for clearer viewing of key design features. One illustrated the proposed roundabout improvements, and the other detailed the Glenn Avenue closure.

Project Corridor Station (Table Map)
A 10-foot map of the project corridor was printed and displayed on a large table to help orient attendees with the project area and facilitate discussion and garner feedback.

Comments were recorded directly on the map and through sticky-dot activity, in which attendees placed colored dots representing specific concerns or desired improvements on the areas of the map where they would like to see changes. Some written comments were also made directly on the map.

Comment Cards
Online and paper comment cards were available in both English and Spanish for attendees to fill out during the event. Thirty-two paper comment cards and four digital comments were collected. All comments submitted were in English.

Key Performance Indicators
The table below highlights key performance indicators collected for the Community Open House, capturing overall attendance and engagement during the event.

KPI #
Estimated attendees (based on sign-in sheet records and clicker counter)
70 Paper comment cards collected 32
Digital comments submitted 4
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4 Emails received at [email protected] XX

OUTREACH MATERIALS
The following outreach collateral was developed to support the Community Open House and project.

Invitational Material
Flyer
To spread the word about the event, an 8.5 x 11-inch flyer was developed and promoted across multiple channels. The flyer was distributed door-to-door, posted on the City's website/select digital channels, shared through partner organizations, and made available in both English and Spanish.

Project Area Canvassing:
• Over October 23-24, the BKF team distributed 500 flyers (in both English & Spanish) to businesses, residents and community organizations throughout the 2-miles length of the project area.

Partner and Digital Channels:
• City staff shared the flyers with community partners including:
o North & East Neighborhood Council
o East Richmond Neighborhood Council
• City staff included the flyers in Richmond’s City Manager weekly report • BKF sent invitational emails with the flyers to City council members:
o Claudia Jimenez
o Soheila Bana
• Convey provided flyers to Café McBryde for posting

A-Frame Posters
To maximize visibility, the bilingual flyers were reproduced in a large format (24x36 inch) for Aframe posters. The two-sided A-Frame was strategically placed outside the event entrance to capture the attention of potential attendees.
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5 Informational Materials
Handout
A project handout highlighting potential improvements was developed to provide additional project information and contact information for questions or comments. The handouts were available for attendees during the Community Open House. The handout was also translated into Spanish.

Website Content
A project page was set-up by Richmond staff on the City website:
https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4837/23039---McBryde-Safe-Routes-to-Park-OBAG The web page includes an updated project description as well as provides general information, project map, timeline, and community outreach information including the event flyer image.

Social Media
A suite of social media and email content was developed and deployed to promote the Community Open House. Content was distributed by the City of Richmond via its City Manager newsletter, project website, and social media channels. All social media graphics were translated into Spanish.

Example social media materials:
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6 COMMUNITY INPUT
The following tables present a comprehensive overview of all community input received from attendees at the Community Open House, including the sticky dot map activity, paper comment cards, and the digital comment form.

Map Activity Feedback
Improvement Count Intersection
Repave Street (Green) 18 • McLaughlin St (2)
• Lassen St (2)
• Ventura St (2)
• Humboldt St (1)
• Amador St (1)
• Kern St (2)
• Sonoma Ave (4)
• Ralston Ave (2)
• Marin Ave (2)
Reduce Speed (Yellow) 16 • 37th St (1)
• San Pablo Ave (2)
• Lassen St (2)
• Ventura St (2)
• Humboldt St (3)
• Yuba St (1)
• Ralston Ave (1)
• Park Ave/Roundabout (2)
• Arlington Blvd (2)
Trash Collection (Red) 5 • San Pablo Ave (3)
• Ralston Ave (2)
New Curb Ramps (Blue) 7 • Amador St (2)
• Sonoma Ave (1)
• Park Ave/Roundabout (4)
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7 Sidewalk Repair (Black) 3 • Lassen St (1)
• Ventura St (1)
• Amador St (1)
Parking (Pink) 1 • Marin Ave (1)
Map Comments
Comment Location (if applicable)
• Signal timing needs
improvement
• For pedestrians VERY
long wait time
San Pablo Ave
• Switch McLaughlin St
• Pedestrian walking
signs
Glenn Ave
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8 • Potential Crosswalk
for visibility
Marin Ave
• Repave McBryde Ave (west of roundabout)
• Protected crosswalk
• Potential for no
parking
• Corner creates blind
spot
McBryde Ave (near roundabout)
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9 • Think about cyclist
traffic crossing in this
area
Marin Ave (near roundabout)
• Re-evaluate existing
conditions
Park Ave (near roundabout)
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10 • Consider this area for
redesign
McBryde Ave (from roundabout to Arlington)
• When people open car
doors? Major safety
issue!!
Section B
• Protection needed
(bollards or curbs) to
protect cyclists, or else
kids will not be safe riding
here
Section B
Comment Card Feedback
Comment/Feedback Topic(s)
I am so glad we are talking about improvements
I’m concerned about the quality of the streets, the unleveled gravel, the holes – for anyone that is disabled – the street must be leveled for the bikes, scooters, carts. Thank you
• Pavement quality
Please reach out to EBParks
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• Park coordination
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11 Main Sewer line Needs to be replaced due to age. This was scheduled for replacement several years ago.

Replace old Laterals?
Water lines. Unknown
Traffic signal (Missing)
WB McBryde @ Amador RT side High Signal can not be seen at crosswalk.

Afternoon Blinding signal cannot be seen
Parking EB McBryde, Amador to Kern is congested.

Parking McBryde @ Kern (Store) NO red Zone.

Turning left from Kern to McBryde there are blind spots if cars are parked on the corner of McBryde.

Very few bikes ever seen on McBryde
• Parking
• Sewer lines
• Traffic signals
• Turn lanes
• Bikes
McBryde before Amador Roundabout Humboldt Street • Intersections Thank you for your attention to McBryde. My feedback on necessary improvements:

Trash Collection McBryde and San Pablo
Speed Reduction throughout
Repave Road
Protected Bike lane
Greater speed enforcement
Repainted crosswalks at San Pablo
More trees and greenery
More crosswalks and safety features (e.g. lights)
Please consider extending beyond 37th (to 23rd)
• Trash collection
• Speed
• Repave road
• Bike lanes
• Crosswalks
• Trees/greenery
More crosswalks needed to avoid Jaywalking. Currently Jaywalking is not illegal and is increasing
• Crosswalks
Concerned about reduction of lanes from 4 to 2. McBryde drivers tend to speed + I think you’re left hand turn lanes proposed will become unsafe passing lanes causing accidents. Roundabout proposed is great Idea
If planting more trees on McBryde, keep them trimmed, the trees on McBryde between McLaughlin St and San Pablo Ave are only trimmed when the branches are hitting the drivers windshields.

Leaves from the trees plug up the curb drains
• Lane reduction
• Trees/greenery
I am very appreciative of the roundabout at Park & McBryde • Crosswalks 3015
12 From Amador to Park, we should add more planted strips and reduce the width of the paved road however possible. This will make the road crossing safer, make the neighborhood more welcoming, and increase the real estate value
One specific suggestion is to move the driving lanes just west of the roundabout inwards and use the extra space to create plantings on either side of the street.
• Vehicle lanes
Need to put something in the intersection of Ralston and McBryde to impede the guys that do car spinning “doughnuts” and also make sure that require cars not to park on the street on the day the sweeper clean the streets
• Unsafe driving
deterrents
• Enforcement
We are very excited about a roundabout at the Park ave circleMcBryde ave intersection (we are bicyclist and are excited about our safety improved)
For east of I-80 (at lease) we’d like the bike lanes to have hard protections as much as possible and there to be more greenery + less pavement. Making the road thin will decrease crossing distances and make them safer, especially in front of the market at the park entrance Can we get a lighted crosswalk across McBryde at Yuba
A “Welcome to Richmond” sign about at McLaughlin + McBryde • Bike safety
• Trees/greenery
• Crosswalks
• Signage
Going west from McBryde through San Pablo Ave intersection, suggest only one turn left lane and one straight lane, the merge on McBryde east of San Pablo Ave is a bottleneck problem with two lanes moving forward
• Turn lanes
Add protected bike lanes wherever possible • Bike lanes Parking on the sidewalk (code enforcement) • Enforcement Please start the project at the park – the most critical part of the plan • Park inclusion Please make sure you hold string for a roundabout @ the top of McBryde with as many ped Crossings as possible.

Would love to see an AC transit line stop @Alvarado Park to make the connection to del Norte Bart + Berkeley sometime. Thanks for your work on this.
• Crosswalks
• AC Transit/Park
connection
Liz Bittner [email protected] 510-898-8127
Maybe bulb outs @ McLaughlin for peds
Island @ McLaughlin for peds crossing
Recommend directional curb ramps
Corners of cross streets should be marked for no parking for better visibility when turning from X street on McBryde
Use CA native plants for any landscaping (coast live oak trees, buckeye trees, shorter plants – ([dryer-->wetter] silver bush lupin, • Crosswalks
• Signage
• Trees/greenery
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13 sage brush, monkey flower, pacific coast iris, juncus patens)). Consult calscape.org, Richmond’s Urban Forest advisory committee I like the roundabout @ the park entry way it’s currently very hard for pedestrians to access there safely
Limiting speed from vehicles dogging I-80 traffic to cut across to Arlington. Because [illegible] to 1 lane @ way and bring in bike lanes • Crosswalks
• Speed reduction
• Bike lanes
If combining 2 lanes into one will create more traffic, then that is not an improvement
What about divers that do “donuts?” that happens on McLaughlin + McBryde
This corridor is very busy – how can making it one lane help that?? • Lane reduction
• Unsafe driving
Bulb outs
Add a bulb out on the corners to increase visibility + eliminate parking in the “red zones”
Currently people park in the red zone because there is no enforcement
• Crosswalks
• Parking
• Enforcement
Cars coming down Arlington (from the south) can’t see the “stop” sign on McBryde; they have a “yield” sign. So I can be stopped then a car coming from Arlington doesn’t know that they have the ROW to go; they wait; I wait; etc, ripe for a collision!
• Signage
Please add a dashed green bike lane around the perimeter of the McBryde/Park Ave roundabout.

Dashed green bike lane, to show that bikers also belong in roundabout. (currently no clear path for a bike on upper McBryde turning left)
This path currently not clear
• Bike lanes
Strongly opposed to reducing lanes on McBryde
[[email protected]]
• Lane reduction
I would like to see McBryde Ave beautified such as with a median strip from San Pablo Ave to Humboldt w/ trees. It’s a major entrance to the city and should have a gold, welcoming appeal
I would not like to have traffic lanes reduced because McBryde is a thoroughfare, and those of us that live on the cross street would have trouble crossing or turning onto McBryde
[Lanita Pace, 1026 Ventura St, [email protected]]
• Trees/greenery
• Lane reduction
Amador and McBryde stagger traffic like s. park at [illegible text] by the casino
2 lanes both directions on McBryde at Amador, one straight one left turn
Bicycles Need insurance to compensate autos when an accident is bikes fault
• Traffic
• Turn lanes
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14 We would like to see if possible, more greening in the streetscape. I sit on the urban forest advisory committee, and we are advocating for native plants and pollinator gardens
Please could you consider decreasing the concrete dividers and plant them with short native plants and/or California wildflowers? Vegetation instead of concrete would help support our pollinators, decrease the heat island effect, filter groundwater, and increase the beauty of our community
Thanks so much, Anita Pereire
• Trees/greenery
More tree – native trees
Bike boxes @ traffic signals - Amador + San Pablo
Crosswalk is needed where park intersects with McBryde
Bike boxes at Amador + @ San Pablo Ave
Need safe pedestrian Crossing across McBryde @ Sonoma to Glenn (S->N)
[Marcy Green Hut - [email protected]]
• Trees/greenery
• Bikes
• Crosswalks
Will there be a left-turn light on McBryde @ Amador East-bound to alleviate backups on McBryde?
• Turn lanes/lights
McBryde needs pavement repair from Amador to Park Ave.
and Planting or trees in the median along McBryde would help beautify the wide street.

There is poor visibility at the intersection between cars on upper McBryde and Park ave, any restriping/roundabout should take that into consideration
• Repave road
• Trees/greenery
• Visibility
Speed on McBryde in the morning is outrageous and dangerous! Anything that can be done to mitigate speeding cars that ignore pedestrians in crosswalks on side streets including Yuba, Sonoma, Ralston, Arlington needs to be implemented now and forever Also plant native trees!!!
• Speed
• Crosswalks
• Trees/greenery
Digital Comments
Comment/Feedback Topic(s)
Glad this meeting is happening, thank you
Can the high visibility crosswalk at Ralston be raised? Or is this a conflict for fire route? Can curbs be painted red and eliminate street parking on the inside turn of McBryde as it turns into Arlington? The sidewalk is very narrow and dark there. It needs lights, widening and the neighbor’s property and soil is spilling onto the sidewalk. I walk and bike this route often including early morning when it’s dark. With cars parked there cycling up the steep grade is dangerous as traffic • Crosswalks
• Parking
• Lights
• Bikes
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15 cannot see cyclists. Early morning people are in their cars there.

Thank you for reducing the lanes!!
Thank you for this opportunity to see and comment on the plans.

Looks good. Please meet the street trees as part of the project. • Trees/greenery
More trees between Yuba St. and Alvarado Park. Speed humps on Yuba St.
• Trees/greenery
We need 2 lanes west bound McBryde at San Pablo Ave, 1st lane left turn lane as it is today, 2nd lane only going straight or turning right onto San Pablo Ave going north.

We need a left turn lane to accommodate one vehicle on west bound McBryde for the driveway at the apartment complex on the south side of McBryde east of Humboldt, that left turn lane should continuing to Humboldt so that we do not block the single lane of west bound McBryde east of Humboldt.
(minus the above mentioned west bound left turn lane) we need 2 lanes the length of the overpass of east bound McBryde at Amador, the same distance for west bound McBryde at Amador. The 1st lane for left turn north & south onto Amador to prevent back up of other traffic stuck in a single lane in each direction waiting for a safe left turn from oncoming traffic, the second lane for straight ahead or right turning vehicles.

We need a staggered traffic light system to allow left turning vehicles safe passage in all four directions at McBryde & Amador. If all vehicles can travel the intersection in the same direction, west bound McBryde turning north or south on Amador & continuing west on McBryde the traffic will flow smoother. The same example will be smoother for east bound McBryde, and both directions of Amador.

Having green left & right arrows, & a standard round green light for traffic going straight ahead in all four directions will make the flow smoother. The timing for the lights will depend on the flow of traffic & the time of day.

Caltrans needs a much bigger sign of "No Turn on Red" at the offramp hoping to stop people who claim "They didn't see the sign". I believe the only enforcement is if someone has a traffic accident because they didn't stop or stopped and then turned on the red light.

Bicyclists need to be required to have insurance for accidents they cause by not obeying traffic laws. If a vehicle collides with a pedestrian or a bicyclist, they are responsible for having insurance, why not bicyclists who do not stop, who travel on the wrong side of the street, or who break other rules of the road that make it unsafe for all.
• Traffic Congestion
• Safety
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on this project.

While I am supportive of this project, as currently designed, it falls short of making the street safe for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

At today's workshop, I was told that Class I (separated) bikeways were never seriously contemplated because of the need to maintain • Bicycle Safety
3019
16 existing on-street parking. These two things are not mutually exclusive.

We can have both on-street parking and a physically protected bike lane. I have seen this in many cities around the US.

The proposed design is old-fashioned and is NOT consistent with the latest best practices in Complete Streets.

A painted bike lane does nothing to protect cyclists from fastmoving traffic. As a result, few parents will allow their children to ride here, and it will fail to attract less experienced bikers. Proper bikeways physically separate bike riders from cars, either via grade differences (curbs) or barriers (bollards, jersey barriers). I am not talking about flexible plastic posts that do nothing to physically protect cyclists.

Richmond has an incredible opportunity here, and it would be such a shame to waste it. What we build today will last at least 30 years. I encourage city staff to work with the planners and engineers to come up with a design that encourages walking and cycling for everyone.

Improved Intersection- This does NOT address the issue of the WB stop light a McBryde and Amador. The stop light is very hard to see if you are in the WB RT lane at cross walk. In the late afternoon the Sun light is blinding.

I have requested a street level light on the far corner of the intersection. Your traffic engineer gave me a BS story it was a CALTRANS issue.

When are you going to paint the corner curbs RED at Kern & McBryde? When are you going to have the parking codes enforced at Kern & McBryde. There is a Left turn safety issue NB Kern to WB McBryde. Cars parked at the corner created a blind spot.

They’re very few Bikes on McBryde and nothing to justify the expense.

What will you do about parking EB Amador to Yuba on McBryde? There is not enough parking now in the evening.

Why do you want more trees? The city does not maintain most of the trees around the city now.

I look forward to talking to one of your agents. I would hope the person lives in this area and has driven the McBryde area at different times of the day.
• Street Lights
• Parking
• Landscape
where McBryde/Arlington intersect with park ave, hopefully before I die in that intersection while leaving park peering over my shoulder at the traffic barreling down Arlington. McBryde Alternatively, if someone else dies doing that can you please put up a stop sign then? • Safety
I stopped by the public open house for the McBryde Improvement Plan yesterday (11/8) and would also like to provide a written comment about the proposed plan here. My concerns are specifically focused on the intersection at Park Avenue and McBryde and how the proposed plan accommodates pedestrian traffic. I believe more needs • Safety
• Crosswalks
• Traffic Speed
3020
17 to be done to ensure safe crossing for pedestrians. For context, this intersection sits at the entrance to a busy park + playground and has to accommodate pedestrian traffic including children. This is also a dominantly residential area.

I personally walk and run through this area multiple times a week. Park Avenue only has sidewalks on its southeast side, funneling all foot traffic to that side of the intersection. People then need to cross McBryde where it bends eastward so that I can continue on the McBryde sidewalk towards the southwest in the direction of San Pablo Avenue.

The current intersection organization is not safe for pedestrians as we cannot see the vehicular traffic that travels downhill on McBryde at the same time as seeing traffic coming around the slip lane traveling uphill. In order to cross, I have to walk part way up the hill, cross without a crosswalk, and then turn back down the hill to continue on McBryde toward San Pablo Ave. The other side of the Park Avenue and McBryde intersection has a sidewalk that is actively blocked by vehicles that use the sidewalk for parking, making that side impassable. Even if passable, I still have to cross McBryde on a bend across multiple lanes of traffic.

The proposed plan as shown yesterday during the public meeting makes this intersection even more dangerous for pedestrians. The primary problem is that the proposed roundabout does not include crosswalks in the design. A hand drawn crosswalk was drawn on top of the map yesterday, but the location was not at the intersection itself, but in that uphill portion that I mentioned earlier. Placing a crosswalk on the hill both places a large burden on pedestrians that now need to walk up the hill to turn, but also puts them in dangercars will not expect to have to yield immediately after exiting the roundabout traveling uphill. A secondary problem is that the new roundabout design removes the stop signs that are currently used on part of McBryde entering Park and from Park entering McBryde. This has the overall effect of speeding up vehicular traffic, making the area more dangerous for walkers.

Given the hand drawn crosswalk on the map shown yesterday, it is clear that pedestrian access and safety was not considered in the initial design. To reiterate, this intersection is next to a major park and playground and can have heavy foot traffic including many young children as it is a popular spot for birthday parties.

My recommendation for improvement:
• Reorganize the intersection to fully utilize stop signs, even though this reduces flow
• for cars. Stop signs already are present for part of the traffic moving through the intersection. Include ADA
3021
18 compliant curb cuts and crosswalks across Park
Avenue and McBryde Avenue.
• Remove the slip-lane-like turn for cars making the right from McBryde to continue uphill
• on McBryde. Instead, make the turn sharper so that
vehicular traffic has to employ their brake as they make the turn.
• If using a roundabout is a must, include the crosswalks directly into the roundabout.
• Not 100 ft outside of the roundabout where vehicular
traffic is less likely to expect a crossing. This could be modeled similar to the scale of the traffic circle located at Barrett and Key Blvd. An added benefit of this scale of traffic circle is that it
• forces traffic to slow along the turn while also being passable by emergency vehicles.

While I am disappointed with the proposed design, I am hopeful that those working on the design will improve it to keep those walking in the community safe, even if it is at the expense of the brake pedal of drivers.

I was not able to make it to the open house on Saturday. I live near McBryde and often cross at Yuba, Ralston, or near the park entrance.

Can you describe what is being proposed as far as pedestrian safety for crossing McBryde at these locations? Traffic can be pretty fast along this road. If pedestrians could trigger a flashing light, that might help. The rumble strips do nothing.
• Pedestrian safety

NEXT STEPS
The City of Richmond and its engineering consultant, BKF, will evaluate the feedback collected during the Community Open House and incorporate it into the project’s ongoing design and analysis. While no additional community events are planned at this time, the City will keep the public informed and may consider future events as needed. 3022

Public Works
DATE: July 7, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Chavarria, PE, Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Gail Payne, Senior Transportation Planner
Subject: 23rd Street Ciclovía Pilot Project
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The recommended action to receive an update and provide direction does not require an immediate
expenditure of funds. However, if the City Council directs staff to proceed with development and implementation of the 23rd Street Ciclovía Pilot in 2026, the event would require additional funding and staff capacity. Preliminary cost estimates for a pilot event range from approximately $79,000 to $145,000, depending on final program design, operational requirements, and equipment needs. Should
the City Council direct City staff to proceed, a detailed budget, identified funding sources, and any required
appropriations will be brought forward for City Council consideration.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:

April 22, 2025
May 6, 2025

STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:

City Council requested analysis of a potential Ciclovía pilot event in Richmond. This report provides an update on the proposed 23rd Street Ciclovía Pilot Project,
including route considerations, preliminary costs,
operational requirements, staffing impacts, and the tradeoffs associated with adding this event to the Transportation and Public Works work plan during the
current calendar year.

AGENDA
REPORT
3023

RECOMMENDED ACTION: RECEIVE an update on the proposed 23rd Street Ciclovía Pilot Project and PROVIDE DIRECTION to staff
regarding whether this effort should be prioritized within the current Transportation and Public Works work plan,
including consideration of staffing capacity, cost, tradeoffs with existing Council-directed priorities, and impacts to ongoing traffic safety, traffic calming, grant-funded project delivery, and resident/Council traffic-related
requests - Public Works Department (Gail Payne 510-
620-6716/Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478). This item
was continued from the June 16, and June 23, 2026,
meetings.

DISCUSSION:

Ciclovías temporarily close streets to vehicle traffic and create car-free spaces for walking, biking, skating, and community gathering. The model began in Bogotá, Colombia, and has since expanded worldwide as a public health, mobility, and community-building strategy. Ciclovía events can offer a wide range of programming beyond street closures, including community bike rides, fitness and yoga classes, food and beverage vendors, arts and crafts activities, bike repair clinics, and bike valet services. Key benefits of Ciclovía events include:
 Encouraging walking, biking, and healthy recreation
 Supporting small businesses and increasing foot traffic  Offering inclusive, family-friendly activities
 Strengthening community pride and neighborhood connectivity  Showcasing and activating key commercial corridors
Richmond has incorporated limited Ciclovía components into past community festivals, but has not hosted a full-scale, standalone Ciclovía. City staff evaluated several routes including Gaynor Avenue, Hilltop Circle, Marina Way, Nevin Avenue, Park Place, Wagon Wheel Lane and Dirt World/Greenway loop. The pilot route builds on the Fiestas Patrias Parade & Festival and leverages City staff already deployed for the event. The ultimate vision for Ciclovías in Richmond is to host multiple Ciclovías throughout the year that piggyback on existing events such as the Cinco de Mayo festival (May), the Juneteenth parade (June) and the Fiestas Patrias Parade & Festival (September). For additional standalone Ciclovía events beyond the above leveraged City events, a community member champion would need to organize the event committee and coordinate neighborhood engagement and City approvals. 23rd Street Ciclovía as part of Fiestas Patrias Parade & Festival Proposed Segment: Between Barrett Avenue and Rheem Avenue (0.8-mile segment) Description: This high-visibility commercial corridor features numerous Latino-owned small businesses, strong transit access and a rich tradition of community events. The 3024

Ciclovía Pilot event could be integrated with the Fiestas Patrias Parade & Festival on Saturday, September 12, 2026, as follows:

1. Before the Parade (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM): Along 23rd Street in both directions (1.6-mile segment), community members would be invited to walk, roll and stroll along the car-free corridor prior to the start of the parade.

2. During the Parade (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM): Along 23rd Street, parade spectators would be encouraged to join the back of the parade as part of a Ciclovía “caboose.”

3. After the Parade (12:00 PM (noon) to 3:00 OM): Along 23rd Street in both directions (1.6-mile segment), the corridor would continue as a car-free space, allowing community members to walk, roll and gather following the parade.

Strengths: The expected strengths of this pilot proposal are as follows:
 Builds on the existing Fiestas Patrias Parade & Festival  Activates 23rd Street during planned street closures
 Leverages City staff already deployed for parade operations  Enhances a vibrant commercial frontage and active mixed-use environment  Aligns with established community cultural events and traditions  Provides access to AC Transit service
Challenges: The expected challenges of this pilot proposal are as follows:
 Extends the duration of street closures associated with the parade  Requires more complex traffic control needs after the parade  Limits business access including loading and deliveries  Requires coordination and buy-in with key stakeholders  Requires AC Transit detours
Work Plan Trade-Offs and Staff Capacity Impacts
The proposed Ciclovía Pilot would require a meaningful commitment of staff time during the same period that the Transportation and Public Works teams are advancing several City Council and community priorities. Since January 2025, Public Works and Transportation have received approximately 34 Council-related requests involving traffic safety, traffic calming, street safety improvements, corridor evaluations, grant implementation, and other transportation-related initiatives.

Adding the Ciclovía Pilot to the 2026 work plan would require staff to redirect time from some of these existing priorities. This includes staff time currently needed for traffic calming evaluations, high-injury corridor safety work, pavement and striping coordination, grant-funded project delivery, traffic control review, resident and Council inquiries, and implementation of previously directed street safety measures.

While the Ciclovía concept has community, mobility, health, and economic development benefits, staff does not currently have unlimited capacity to absorb another event-level project without affecting the timing of other work. Therefore, if City Council directs staff 3025

to proceed with the Ciclovía Pilot this year, that direction should be understood as prioritizing this effort within the existing work plan and accepting potential delays or reduced staff capacity for other Transportation and Public Works priorities.

Estimated Cost (preliminary): $79,000 or $145,000 with street barrier rentals. City staff will return to City Council with a detailed budget and potential partnership opportunities. Preliminary line-item cost estimates are shown in the table below.

Staffing Description Cost Estimate
Security The event would require 29 security guards from a private security company for a 10-hour shift on
Saturday, September 12 (7 am to 5 pm).
$11,500
Police The post-parade Ciclovía pilot would extend
police staffing needs by five hours, which includes
10 officers, 1 sergeant and 1 lieutenant.
$7,825
Fire Two crews of Fire personnel would be on standby
for the 10-hour event. The estimate is based on
the fee schedule of $743 per hour.
$14,860
Ambulance A standby ambulance would be available to
respond to emergencies.
$2,500
Programming It depends on the ultimate pilot event and could include fitness classes, food vendors and
business pop-ups, arts and crafts stations, bike
repair clinics and performances, etc.
$17,500
Miscellaneous Restrooms, marketing, other $17,633
Contingency Includes 10% for unknown expenses. $7,182
Total Cost
Estimate
$79,000
Street
Barriers
Meridian barriers: 29 intersections (purchase is
$1.8 million for 273 barriers)
$66,000 (rental)
Total Cost
w/Barriers
$145,000
Operational Considerations: The expected operational considerations of this pilot proposal are as follows:
 Staff capacity impacts, including the need to redirect Transportation and Public Works staff time from existing Council-directed priorities, including traffic calming evaluations, high-injury corridor safety work, grant-funded transportation projects, traffic control review, pavement/striping coordination, and responses to resident and Council traffic-related inquiries.
 Traffic control planning, including detours and signage  Emergency access coordination and safety staffing
 Public Works and Police staffing requirements
 Provision of restrooms, waste management and water stations  Vendor coordination and special event permitting
 ADA accessibility and mobility accommodations, including transit access 3026

 Multilingual community outreach and marketing
 Partnerships with nonprofits, business associations, and health organizations  Programming such as community bike rides, fitness classes, food vendors and business pop-ups, arts and crafts stations, bike repair clinics and performances Staff Capacity and Workload Considerations:

Development and implementation of the Ciclovía Pilot will require a meaningful commitment of staff time across multiple departments, including Public Works, Transportation, Police, Fire, and administrative support. Although coordinating the pilot with the existing Fiestas Patrias Parade & Festival helps reduce some operational burden, the additional work associated with community engagement, stakeholder coordination, traffic control planning, permitting, procurement, funding analysis, event logistics, and post-event evaluation will require staff resources that are currently supporting other Council and community priorities.

In particular, Transportation staff assigned to this effort are also responsible for advancing the City’s traffic safety program, traffic calming evaluations, grant-funded transportation projects, and responses to resident and Council traffic-related inquiries.

Therefore, if City Council directs staff to proceed with the Ciclovía Pilot, that direction should be understood as prioritizing this effort within existing staff capacity. Without additional consultant or temporary support, staff time committed to the Ciclovía Pilot may affect the timing of other traffic safety program work.

Staff is not presenting the Ciclovía Pilot as a workload-neutral item. Implementation in 2026 would require Council to recognize that this effort would compete with other active Transportation and Public Works priorities already directed or requested by the City Council.

Public Outreach:

If the City Council directs City staff to proceed, staff will conduct targeted outreach with key stakeholders, including the Fiestas Patrias Parade & Festival organizing committee, the 23rd Street Merchants Association and other local businesses, schools, community-based organizations, neighborhood councils and AC Transit.

To promote the Ciclovía event, City of Richmond staff will develop and distribute multilingual outreach materials, including flyers and digital advertising through social media. City staff also will recruit residents and community leaders as ambassadors to help promote the event and will engage with local media outlets including newspapers, radio and television for broad coverage.

Following the Ciclovía pilot, City staff will conduct a post-event evaluation to capture lessons learned and to inform future events. This evaluation will include input from participants, partners and stakeholders as well as data on attendance, City staff involvement and final budget outcomes. Findings will be compiled into a report and will be presented to the City Council.
3027

Alternative Implementation Option:

Another viable option is for community-based organizations (CBOs) to apply for Richmond Children and Youth Fund / Kids First funds to launch or support a Ciclovíastyle project. Under this approach, a CBO or community partner could serve as the lead organizer and pursue available funding, while City staff provides limited technical coordination related to traffic control, permitting, public safety, and event logistics as capacity allows.

This model may reduce the immediate financial and staffing burden on the City while still advancing the community, health, youth engagement, mobility, and neighborhood activation goals associated with Ciclovía events. If Council is interested in this approach, staff could identify the appropriate coordination points and return with recommendations on the City’s limited role in supporting a CBO-led effort.

CONCLUSION AND STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The proposed 23rd Street Ciclovía Pilot leverages the existing Fiestas Patrias Parade & Festival to introduce a Ciclovía model in a cost-effective and operationally efficient manner, maximizing community participation, economic activity, and opportunities for safe, active transportation.

While the pilot presents operational challenges, including extended street closures and coordination with businesses and transit providers, these can be addressed through targeted planning and stakeholder engagement. The pilot will also provide valuable data and community feedback to inform future Ciclovía events City-wide.

City staff also notes that implementation of the Ciclovía Pilot will require a meaningful commitment of Transportation, Public Works, Police, Fire, and administrative staff time.

While the pilot can be coordinated with the existing Fiestas Patrias Parade & Festival to reduce some operational burden, the additional planning, outreach, traffic control development, stakeholder coordination, permitting, procurement, and post-event evaluation will require staff resources that are currently supporting other Council and community priorities. In particular, Transportation staff time dedicated to this effort may affect the timing of ongoing traffic safety program work, including traffic calming evaluations, safety improvements, grant-funded transportation projects, and responses to resident and City Council traffic-related requests.

Accordingly, staff recommends that the City Council receive this update and provide direction on whether the 23rd Street Ciclovía Pilot should be prioritized for further development in 2026. If Council directs staff to proceed, staff would return with a detailed implementation plan, budget, funding strategy, traffic control approach, stakeholder engagement plan, and staffing plan. Staff also recommends that any direction to proceed include acknowledgment of the potential impacts to existing Transportation and Public Works priorities, including traffic calming, street safety improvements, grant-funded transportation projects, and responses to Council and resident traffic-related requests.
3028

Another viable option is for community-based organizations (CBOs) to apply for Richmond Children and Youth Fund / Kids First funds to support the launch of a Ciclovía-style project. This approach could allow community partners to lead or help fund the effort while reducing the immediate financial and staffing burden on the City. If Council is interested in this option, staff could coordinate with interested CBOs and provide technical input as appropriate, while the CBOs pursue available funding opportunities.

ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION:

This action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Any future event implementation will be evaluated for CEQA applicability; however, Ciclovía/Open Streets events are typically exempt as temporary street closures with minimal environmental impact.

SYNERGISTIC POLICIES:

This event would support citywide goals related to active transportation, economic vitality, quality of life and health equity.

DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:

Attachment 1 – Ciclovía Pilot PowerPoint presentation
3029
Ciclovía Pilot Event
City of Richmond | June 16, 2026
3030
Statement of the Issue
• Direction: City Council requested analysis of
Ciclovía Pilot
• Vision: Multiple annual events tied to festivals
• Pilot: Discuss idea to piggyback on Fiestas Patrias
Parade & Festival – Sat, Sept 12 (before, during
and after the parade)
2 3031
Background
• Ciclovías create car-free spaces
– Began in Bogotá, Colombia
– Now is a global health/mobility strategy
– Encourages recreation and community building
– Programming includes fitness, food, bike repair, arts – Richmond has not hosted a standalone Ciclovía
3 3032
Previous Council Action
4 Date Action
April 22, 2025 Council considered proposal to
design Ciclovía
May 6, 2025 Council directed staff to develop
pilot for Summer 2026
3033
Recommended Actions
• Discuss proposed Fiestas Patrias Pilot
• Provide direction on whether this effort should
be prioritized considering existing workload
• Discuss impacts to ongoing traffic safety work
• Consider CBO option to lead event
5 3034
Other Routes Considered
• Gaynor Avenue
• Hilltop Circle
• Marina Way
• Nevin Avenue
• Park Place
• Wagon Wheel Lane
• Dirt World/Greenway loop
6 3035
23rd Street Ciclovía Pilot
• Proposed segment:
between Barrett
Ave. and Rheem
Ave. (0.8 miles)
– Integrated with
Fiestas Patrias
event on Sept 12
– Pre-, mid-, and
post-parade carfree activities
7 Ciclovía Pilot
Route
3036
23rd Street Ciclovía Pilot (cont.)
• Before the Parade (8 am to 10 am):
– Along 23rd Street in both directions (1.6-miles)
– Community members walk, roll and stroll
8 3037
23rd Street Ciclovía Pilot (cont.)
• During the Parade (10 am to 12 noon):
– Along 23rd Street (0.8-mile)
– Parade spectators join back of parade
– Ciclovía “caboose” = Peoples Parade
9 3038
23rd Street Ciclovía Pilot (cont.)
• After the Parade (12 noon to 3 pm):
– Along 23rd Street in both directions (1.6-miles)
– Walk, roll and stroll in car-free street
10 3039
Strengths
• Builds on existing Fiestas Patrias event
• Activates corridor during planned closures
• Leverages staff already deployed
• Supports vibrant commercial frontage
• Aligns with community traditions
• Provides access to transit
11 3040
Challenges
• Extends street closure duration
• Involves complex traffic control needs
• Impacts business loading/deliveries
• Requires stakeholder coordination
• Requires AC Transit detours
• Impacts staff resources, including staff
assigned to traffic safety
12 3041
Operational Considerations
• Traffic control + detours
• Emergency access
• ADA /transit accessibility
• Staffing (Public Works + Police/Fire)
• Restrooms, waste and water stations
• Vendor coordination + permits
• Multilingual outreach + marketing
• Partnerships with nonprofits + businesses
• Programming: fitness, food, bike repair and arts
13 3042
Financial Impact – Pilot Event
14 Item Description Cost Est.

Ambulance Available for emergencies $2,500
Fire 2 crews for 10-hour shifts $14,860
Police Extends shift by 5 hours for 10 officers, 1
sergeant and 1 lieutenant
$7,825
Programming Could include fitness classes, food
vendors, business pop-ups, arts and crafts
stations, music, performances, bike repair
$17,500
Security 29 security guards, private security
company, 10-hour shift
$11,500
Miscellaneous Restrooms, marketing, other $17,633
Contingency Includes 10% for unknown expenses $7,182
Total $79,000
Including event
barriers (rental)
Meridian barriers: 29 intersections
$66,000 (rental); $1.8 million (purchase)
$145,000
3043
Public Outreach
• Targeted: merchants, CBOs,
parade committee, vendors
• Multilingual materials
• Recruit community ambassadors
• Coordinate with media outlets
• Post-event evaluation
• Report to Council
15 3044
Ciclovía Vision
• Multiple annual events tied to major festivals
– Cinco de Mayo festival (May)
– Juneteenth parade (June)
– Fiestas Patrias Parade & Festival (September)
• Event sponsors would work with existing CBOs
and key stakeholders
16 3045
Recommended Actions
• Discuss proposed Fiestas Patrias Pilot
• Provide direction on whether this effort should
be prioritized considering existing workload
• Discuss impacts to ongoing traffic safety work
• Consider CBO option to lead event
17 3046
Ciclovía Pilot Event
City of Richmond | June 16, 2026
3047

July 7, 2026
City Council
DATE: July 7, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Councilmember Soheila Bana (sponsor)
Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (co-sponsor)
Subject: Implementing Wildfire Taskforce Recommendation Regarding Enforcing Weed Abatement Ordinance
FINANCIAL IMPACT: To be determined

PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:

December 3, 2013
Ordinance No. 24-13 N.S.

STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:

On January 21, 2025, the City Council established the
Wildfire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate the
City's wildfire preparedness efforts and develop
recommendations to improve wildfire mitigation,
defensible space enforcement, vegetation management,
and resident assistance programs.

Given the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfire events throughout the state and within Contra Costa
County, Richmond must have a comprehensive, legally
sound ordinance that allows for fast and effective
response during fire season.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: ADOPT the recommendations of the Wildfire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee and DIRECT the City
Attorney's Office, in collaboration with the City
Administration, to implement the following actions and
return to the City Council within 90 days with any
necessary ordinances, resolutions, contracts, budget
appropriations, and additional implementation plans:

1. Defensible Space Appeal Process
AGENDA
REPORT
3048

July 7, 2026
Direct the City Attorney's Office to evaluate the
current appeal process for enforcement of defensible
space violations under the Richmond Municipal Code,
including whether appeal timelines can be shortened
for parcels located within the Local Responsibility
Area (LRA) and the City's designated wildfire hazard
zones, and return to the City Council with
recommendations for any necessary amendments to
the Richmond Municipal Code.

2. Vegetation Management Contract
Direct staff to establish an on-call vegetation
management services contract for parcels within
wildfire hazard zones where property owners fail to
comply with defensible space requirements following
all applicable enforcement procedures, and determine
the appropriate department to administer and oversee
the contract.

3. Resident Assistance Program
Direct staff to develop a one-year pilot Resident
Assistance Program to assist eligible homeowners
with weed abatement ordinance and defensible space
improvements within 0–30 feet of structures, with
priority given to hazards located within Zone 0, and
return to the City Council with program guidelines,
eligibility criteria, funding options, and implementation recommendations.

4. Implementation Report
Direct staff to return to the City Council within 60 days with an implementation plan, including proposed
ordinances or policy amendments, estimated costs,
potential funding sources, staffing requirements, and
a proposed implementation schedule for each
recommendation – Councilmember Soheila Bana
(510-620-6743)/Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-
620-6593).

DISCUSSION:

On January 21, 2025, the City Council established the Wildfire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee (Committee) to evaluate the City's wildfire preparedness efforts and develop recommendations to improve wildfire mitigation, defensible space enforcement, vegetation management, and resident assistance programs.

Following six meetings, the Committee presented four recommendations to the City Council on May 19, 2026, addressing:
3049

July 7, 2026

1. Evaluation of the Richmond Municipal Code appeal process for defensible space enforcement.

2. Establishment of an on-call vegetation management contract for properties requiring administrative abatement.

3. Creation of a Resident Assistance Program to assist eligible homeowners with home hardening and defensible space improvements.

4. Funding and maintenance of an annual managed grazing program within the City's wildfire hazard zones.

The May 19, 2026, agenda report specifically requested that the City Council provide direction regarding these recommendations. However, because the item was placed on the Consent Calendar, the City Council did not discuss the recommendations or provide formal directions to City staff regarding implementation.

This agenda item provides the City Council with the opportunity to consider the recommendations and provide the policy direction originally contemplated by the May 19, 2026, agenda report.

Timely implementation of these recommendations will improve public safety, reduce wildfire risk, strengthen enforcement of defensible space requirements, and assist residents in complying with evolving wildfire safety standards.

By adopting the recommendations of the Wildfire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee, the City Attorney's Office, in collaboration with the City Administration, can start working towards implementation of the following actions and return to the City Council within 90 days with any necessary ordinances, resolutions, contracts, budget appropriations, and additional implementation plans:

1. Defensible Space Appeal Process
Direct the City Attorney's Office to evaluate the current appeal process for enforcement of defensible space violations under the Richmond Municipal Code, including whether appeal timelines can be shortened for parcels located within the Local Responsibility Area (LRA) and the City's designated wildfire hazard zones, and return to the City Council with recommendations for any necessary amendments to the Richmond Municipal Code.

2. Vegetation Management Contract
Direct City staff to establish an on-call vegetation management services contract for parcels within wildfire hazard zones where property owners fail to comply with defensible space requirements following all applicable enforcement procedures, and determine the appropriate department to administer and oversee the contract.

3. Resident Assistance Program
Direct City staff to develop a one-year pilot Resident Assistance Program to assist eligible homeowners with weed abatement ordinance and defensible space improvements within 0–30 feet of structures, with priority given to hazards located within 3050

July 7, 2026
Zone 0, and return to the City Council with program guidelines, eligibility criteria, funding options, and implementation recommendations.

4. Implementation Report
Direct City staff to return to the City Council within 60 days with an implementation plan, including proposed ordinances or policy amendments, estimated costs, potential funding sources, staffing requirements, and a proposed implementation schedule for each recommendation.

DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:

None.
3051

July 7, 2026
City Council
DATE: July 7, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Councilmember Cesar Zepeda
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Councilmember Jameila Brown
Subject: Richmond Government Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics Act (Richmond GATE Act) Placing a Ballot Initiative on the November 2026 Ballot to Adopt an Ordinance that
Establishes an Independent Ethics Commission
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Year 1: $1,000,000 absolute mandatory floor appropriated from the General Fund, beginning the first full fiscal year following adoption ($550,000 for two
positions; $450,000 for services).

Year 2: the greater of $1,000,000 or 0.5% of
General Fund revenues (approximately $1,620,000
based on projected FY2026-27 revenues of $324 million).

Year 3 and beyond: the greater of $1,000,000 or an
amount between 0.5% and 1.0% of General Fund
revenues (approximately $1,620,000–$3,240,000), as
proposed by the Commission Investigator and submitted
directly to the City Council. The $1,000,000 floor is
absolute and may not be reduced under any
circumstances.

Staff time required to prepare ballot measure language
and related documents.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:

None
AGENDA
REPORT
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STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:

Richmond residents deserve a government they can
trust. This measure would place a ballot initiative before Richmond voters in November 2026 to adopt an
ordinance which establishes an independent Ethics
Commission with a dedicated Investigator, subpoena
power, an absolute minimum budget floor, and
jurisdiction over elected officials, appointed officials, commissioners, lobbyists, contractors, and nonprofits
doing business with the City.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: RECEIVE a presentation on the Richmond Government Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics Act (Richmond
GATE Act); DIRECT the City Attorney to prepare an
ordinance and related ballot measure documents for City Council consideration; and
DIRECT staff to calendar this item to adopt the ballot
initiative resolution on July 21, 2026 and in no event later than July 28, 2026, to meet the November 2026 ballot
deadline, this item must be heard before final
adjournment — Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-
620-6590), Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-
3490), and Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-412-
2050).

DISCUSSION:

Richmond is one of the few cities in the Bay Area, and among the largest cities in California, without an independent ethics commission. Los Angeles established the first such commission in California in 1990; it has now operated for 35 years. San Francisco and Oakland followed in 1993 and 1996, respectively. San Diego, San Jose, Long Beach, and Sacramento have all since established their own standing ethics bodies with defined investigative authority, lobbyist registration requirements, and conflict of interest enforcement. Richmond does not. By any measure of comparability, population, budget size, or civic complexity, Richmond is an outlier.

This measure would bring Richmond into alignment with best practices in California municipal governance, not by creating a new bureaucracy, but by giving Richmond residents what every comparable city already has: an independent, adequately funded body that can receive complaints, investigate alleged violations, and issue findings without being subject to political interference from the officials it oversees. 3053

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Why This Is Needed
Richmond’s current structure has no independent mechanism to investigate alleged violations by elected officials; appointed commissioners, board members and task force members; lobbyists, or contractors; staff members, nor by unelected City management, including the City Manager and City Attorney. Currently, complaints must be routed through the City Attorney’s Office or Human Resources (HR). HR reports into the City Manager. The City Manager and City Attorney both report directly to the City Council, the same body whose members may be the subject of a complaint. Alternatively, complainants may file with the state FPPC or District Attorney’s office, which have limited local jurisdiction and significant case backlogs. This layered reporting structure creates an inherent conflict of interest that cannot be resolved from within the existing system. The only solution is a fully independent body structurally untethered from the City Council, City Manager, and City Attorney alike, akin to the Richmond Rent Program and Rent Board, which operates independently of City Hall to administer and enforce the City’s Rent Control Ordinances. This measure applies the same principle of structural independence to government ethics oversight.

Richmond also lacks enforceable lobbyist registration requirements, contractor contribution disclosure rules, behested payment tracking, and any formal whistleblower intake function. All of these are standard features of ethics commissions in comparable California cities and are included in this proposal.

It is also worth noting that an independent ethics commission protects elected officials and City management as much as it holds them accountable. A credible, independent body that reviews a complaint and clears an official carry far more weight than any Council vote or internal determination could. For those who serve the public, this Commission is a fair, impartial process that puts findings beyond political dispute.

What the Proposed Ordinance Would Do
The Richmond Government Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics Act (Richmond GATE Act) is intended to be an voter-adopted ordinance that would:
• Establish a seven-member independent Ethics Commission, operational by June 1, 2027, with staggered terms, term limits, and automatic removal triggers for conflicts of interest, nepotism, or absences.
• Appoint Commissioners through a distributed model:
 Mayor with Council confirmation (1),
 Personnel Board (1),
 General Employee Unions (1),
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 Public Safety Unions (1),
 The remaining three appointed unanimously by the first four — ensuring no single official controls the Commission.
• Create a full-time, at-will Investigator position, who is a licensed California attorney in good standing with the State Bar. Who reports solely to the Commission, is exempt from civil service and collective bargaining (as with all other commissions around the state), and has sole discretion to retain outside counsel when the City Attorney has a conflict. • Provide the Commission with subpoena power enforceable through court contempt proceedings, authority to self-initiate investigations, and exclusive administrative enforcement authority over ethics, campaign finance, and lobbying violations. • Establish a $1,000,000 absolute budget floor in Year 1; indexed in Year 2 to 0.5% of General Fund revenues; and in Year 3 and beyond to between 0.5% and 1.0% of General Fund revenues, with any reduction from the indexed amount requiring a 5-of-7 Council supermajority, a public hearing, and written findings; the $1,000,000 floor may never be reduced under any circumstances.
• Cover elected officials, appointed officials, board and commission members, candidates, lobbyists, City contractors, staff members, and nonprofits and NGOs doing business with the City.
• Enforce campaign finance disclosure, lobbyist registration, conflict of interest rules, gift limits, behested payment disclosure, post-employment restrictions, Sunshine Ordinance compliance, Brown Act violations, and whistleblower protections. • Require a dedicated Ethics Helpline and publicly accessible complaint log, with all decisions to review or decline complaints made at public Commission meetings. • Prohibit use of personal email, disappearing message applications, or any non-Cityissued communications platform for City business — with a seven-year records retention requirement after leaving office.

Fiscal Impact
Year 1 funding of $1,000,000 covers two positions (Investigator and paralegal support staff, approximately $550,000) and operating services ($450,000). Beginning in Year 2, the minimum appropriation rises to the greater of $1,000,000 or 0.5% of General Fund revenues, approximately $1,620,000 based on projected FY2026-27 revenues of $324 million. Beginning in Year 3 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Investigator proposes a budget within the range of 0.5% to 1.0% of General Fund revenues (approximately $1,620,000 to $3,240,000) and submits it directly to the City Council, not through the City Manager or City Attorney. Any Council reduction below the Investigator’s request 3055

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requires a 5-of-7 supermajority vote with written findings. The $1,000,000 floor is absolute and may not be reduced under any circumstances, including a declared fiscal emergency.

Los Angeles, the only California city with a voter-mandated budget floor for its ethics commission, adopted that floor specifically in response to documented political defunding following City Hall corruption scandals. Richmond can build that protection in from day one.

Beyond the direct cost of the Commission, there is a broader economic case. It appears that Cities with credible, independent ethics oversight attract more grant funding, stronger state investment, and greater business confidence. An independent ethics commission signals to outside partners and investors that Richmond is a city that takes good governance seriously, making Richmond more competitive with other Bay Area cities that have had these independent oversight and accountability measures in place for decades. The councilmembers who bring this measure to voters will have helped position Richmond for that future.

Path to the Ballot
To appear on the November 2026 ballot, the City Council must adopt a resolution submitting the ordinance to voters no later than its last meeting before summer recess, currently scheduled for July 21 or July 28, 2026. This item requests that the City Attorney be directed to prepare the ordinance and ballot measure language and resolution, and be authorized to retain outside counsel as needed, for Council consideration at that meeting. Placing this measure on the ballot requires four affirmative votes. A vote in favor of today’s Recommended Action does not constitute a vote on the merits of the proposed ordinance, it is solely a vote to direct preparation of the necessary documents.

Conclusion
Oakland and San Francisco, two cities Richmond frequently looks to as policy benchmarks, both have independent ethics commissions, as do San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Long Beach, and Sacramento. This Council can be the one that brings Richmond into that same standard of governance and ultimately puts that question directly to Richmond voters. Richmond deserves nothing less.

Richmond has been known for being a leader. This is our opportunity to continue this trend.
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Richmond has also been known for the 3 C’s: Chevron, Crime, and Corruption. This is our opportunity to Improve our reputation and change the last C to one of Change, Credibility, Civic Accountability, and Candor.
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