September 15, 2026
Mayor's Office
DATE: September 15, 2026
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Mayor Martinez
Subject: Appointment of Jennifer Early as the Adult District 5 Representative to the Richmond Fund for Children and
Youth Oversight Board
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Jennifer Early is being considered for appointment to the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Oversight Board
as the adult representative for Council District 5, upon the recommendation of Councilmember Wilson,
who represents District 5. Each Council district is
represented on the Board by one youth member and one
adult member.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: APPOINT Jennifer Early to the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Oversight Board as the adult
representative for Council District 5, upon the
recommendation of Councilmember Wilson, for a term
ending December 2, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor
Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503)
AGENDA
REPORT
September 15, 2026
DISCUSSION:
Ms. Early has educational and professional experience that will make her a strong contributor on the RFCY Board from day one. She has a BA in Africana Studies from San Francisco State University and a Master's Degree in Social Work and Public Health from Howard University. She currently serves as the Director of a community-centered, place-based, cradle-to-career initiative aimed at improving educational and developmental outcomes for children and families. Because that agency can serve only Oakland-based youth, Ms. Early wants to donate her time and expertise to help Richmond young people as well. Her impressive work history also includes serving as a Health Equity Fellow for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a Congressional Intern for Representative Barbara Lee, a Public Affairs Fellow at the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center-Howard University, and a College and Career Readiness Specialist in the Oakland Unified School District. Her educational history and subsequent employment have taught Ms.
Early how to approach policy and grant-making decisions analytically, with a long-term goal of achieving measurable improvements. This is a skill that can be put to good use as part of the RFCY Board.
As someone who grew up in Richmond, attended local public schools, and returned home to Richmond Annex after graduate school, Ms. Early is deeply connected to our community. Though her record is already distinguished, she is still a young person with many years of contributions to make. She has great potential to develop into an important leader in our community.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Jennifer Early’s redacted application