The Lot:
Downtown Richmond Food Court
Annual Program Update & Continued Operations
Economic Development Department
Program Origin & Purpose
From sidewalk vending regulation to a managed marketplace and incubator The Lot: Downtown Richmond Food Court | Annual Program Update 2 June 25, 2024
Ordinance
introduced; MVP
concept presented
July 2, 2024
Council adopted
RMC Chapter 7.42
Aug. 6, 2024
Land Use
Agreement with
RCFM
Sept. 21, 2024
Mobile Vendor Plaza
began operations
June 7, 2025
Rebranded as
The Lot: Downtown
Richmond Food Court
Core purpose
• Provide a centralized, regulated location for sidewalk vendors and entrepreneurs. • Support public health, pedestrian access, food safety, and right-of-way management. • Create a placemaking asset that advances entrepreneurship and downtown revitalization.
Downtown Revitalization
Activating a City-owned lot into a visible destination and gathering place The Lot: Downtown Richmond Food Court | Annual Program Update 3 Strategic placemaking
• Transforms a previously underutilized City-owned
parking lot at Marina Way and Macdonald Avenue.
• Increases pedestrian activity and extends downtown
activity into evening hours.
• Improves visibility for surrounding businesses and
complements downtown events.
Downtown value created
• More foot traffic and downtown visitation.
• Stronger commercial corridor identity.
• A welcoming public gathering space.
• Reasons for residents and visitors to spend time
downtown.
Program framing: economic activity + public space activation
Economic Development & Small Business Incubation
A pathway from informal vending to licensed, permitted entrepreneurship The Lot: Downtown Richmond Food Court | Annual Program Update 4 1 Former sidewalk
vendors
Identify entrepreneurs ready to
operate in a managed setting
2 Permits & licensing
Support compliance with City and
County requirements
3 Shared marketplace
Provide location, amenities,
marketing, and customer visibility
4 Business growth
Help vendors build repeat
customers and long-term
sustainability
39 business licenses and vendor permits supported
$450
approx. daily sales per vendor (voluntary reports)
15–20
vendors participating per market day
Program Performance Metrics
September 2025 through July 2026
The Lot: Downtown Richmond Food Court | Annual Program Update 5 39 registered vendors, all former sidewalk vendors
225
average visitors per market day
23,000
estimated annual attendance
5 + 3
community events + major special events
39 18
225
5 3
0 60
120
180
240
Registered
vendors
Avg. vendors/day Avg. visitors/day Community events Special events What the metrics show
• Strong demand from vendors and consistent customer
visitation.
• The Lot supports weekly operations and larger
civic/community events.
• The site functions as both a regulated vending location and a downtown destination.
*Daily sales estimates are based on information voluntarily reported by participating vendors.
Community Impacts & Operational Response
Balancing downtown activation with clean, safe, and welcoming operations The Lot: Downtown Richmond Food Court | Annual Program Update 6 Community concerns raised
• Waste management and site cleanliness.
• Unauthorized use of portable restrooms.
• Parking and quality-of-life impacts from increased
activity.
Operational response
• Coordinated with RPD, CCRT, Public Works, and RCFM.
• Increased site monitoring and outreach/resource
referrals.
• Improved restroom security, site maintenance, and
waste procedures.
Staff finding: operational challenges have been actively managed and do not outweigh the overall community and economic benefits.
Financial Impact, Policy Alignment, and Recommended Action Continue building on program successes while refining operations The Lot: Downtown Richmond Food Court | Annual Program Update 7 Recommended Action
Receive the status presentation and endorse staff's recommendation that the City Manager extend the Land Use Agreement in accordance with its terms.
Financial Impact
$200,000 estimated operating year cost; funding is included in FY 2026–2027 General Fund budget, so no additional appropriation is required.
Policy Alignment
Supports Council goals for economic development, quality of life, community health, and Richmond General Plan policies for commercial corridor revitalization and pedestrian-oriented downtown activity.
Next Steps
Continue building on program successes while refining operations The Lot: Downtown Richmond Food Court | Annual Program Update 8 • Strengthen vendor recruitment and retention.
• Expand marketing and community programming.
• Enhance site amenities, safety measures, and waste
procedures.
• Maintain regular communication with neighbors and
businesses.
• Evaluate performance and community feedback over time.
Thank You!
Supporting Businesses • Supporting Community • Supporting Richmond The Lot: Downtown Richmond Food Court | Annual Program Update