City Manager
Accomplishments,
Major Milestones,
and Organizational
Progress
Shasa Curl, City Manager
September 22, 2026
1 Key Accomplishments, 2021 - 2026
2 • Removed Richmond from the State
Auditor's high-risk list; adopted balanced
budget for four years running
• Earned credit-rating upgrades: Moody's to
A3, S&P to AA-
• Grew the workforce: net +92 positions, 132
promotions; Fire management vacancies
28.3% to 3.3%
• Secured ~$330M across 150+ multi-year
grants
• Rebuilt public spaces: Shields-Reid,
Boorman, Wendell, and Booker T.
Anderson Community Center; $34.2M
Main Library underway
• Created 48 permanent supportive homes
through Project Homekey and renewed
the 138-unit Nevin Plaza senior
community; Homelessness point-in-time
count reduced from 487 (2023) to 257
(2026);
• Recorded the lowest number of
homicides in decades; launched the
ROCK crisis response team
• Awarded a $35M Transformative Climate
Communities grant to launch Richmond
Rising
What we did:
The result:
The challenge:
Removed from High-Risk Designation
In 2022, the State Auditor designated Richmond “high risk” due to anticipated deficits, high pension debt, and mismanagement of the Richmond Housing Authority. The Auditor also found that projected deficits threatened to critically deplete the City’s general fund reserves.
Strengthened reserves: Increased the required reserve from 15% to 21% Addressed projected deficits: Controlled costs and increased revenues, including through Measure U and improved tax compliance.
Addressed retirement obligations: The Auditor found the City had “fully addressed” this risk, including through pension prefunding.
Reduced debt risk: Avoided taking on additional long-term debt. The Auditor found the City's overall debt burden was partially addressed.
Since FY 2021-22, annual general fund revenues have exceeded expenditures, and the Auditor concluded it was no longer concerned about Richmond's ability to maintain balanced spending, removing the City from the High-Risk Designation. 3
What we did:
The result:
The challenge:
Building Workforce Capacity
In 2022, Richmond faced major leadership transitions and more than 100 funded but vacant City positions.
Net increase of 92 FTEs since FY 2020-21 and 132 promotions.
Annual turnover reduced from 13% in 2024 to 11% in 2025.
Fire management vacancies dropped from 28.3% to 3.3%.
Supported the Fire Chief in conducting four Fire Academies and advocating for additional positions beyond the existing allotment to prepare for projected vacancies.
Strengthened police recruitment and staffing, with RPD hiring 21 sworn personnel and 13 professional staff in FY 24-25.
Filled key leadership, including the Police and Fire Chiefs, and operational roles across the organization. Added training opportunities, formal onboarding programs, and wellness and appreciation events for staff.
4 What we did:
The result:
The challenge:
Grant Funding Growth
Richmond’s infrastructure, public safety, and
community service needs exceed what the General
Fund could fund alone.
Expanded the City’s ability to pursue outside funding,
coordinated grant applications across departments,
and built stronger systems to track awards, manage
compliance, and move funded projects forward.
150+ multi-year grants totaling >$336 million, helping
Richmond advance parks, trails, housing, climate
resilience, public safety, youth services, small business support, and infrastructure projects.
$146,020,548
$182,054,445
Capital Grants
Operational
Grants
Grant Awards: Total of $328,074,993
As of June 2026
5 What we did:
The result:
The challenge:
Improvements to Built Environment
Many public spaces and community facilities needed major repair, modernization, or reopening after years of deferred investment, aging building systems, pandemic disruption, and heavy community demand.
Advanced park, trail, library, and community center
projects from planning and funding into construction,
completion, or reopening. Expanded waterfront and trail access.
These projects restore neighborhood anchors and create
safer, more welcoming places for recreation, learning, youth programming, public meetings, emergency support, walking, biking, and community gatherings.
6 The result:
What we did:
Shields-Reid Park Improvements
Transformed Shields-Reid with an $8
million renovation funded through a
California state grant.
Construction of a new children’s play
area, bike pump track, stage and
performance area, fitness zone, public
art, habitat garden, and lighting
throughout the park.
7 The result:
What we did:
Boorman Park Renovation
A $15.3 million renovation of Boorman Park
funded through grants from CalTrans and the
State Park Program.
A transformed park with expanded recreation
and community gathering spaces. The
renovation included a multi-use trail with fitness
stations, a skating element, athletic field,
basketball court, fitness zone, children’s play
areas and a community gathering space.
8 The result:
What we did:
Wendell Park Renovation
Invested $2 million in ARPA funds to renovate
Wendell Park, including its natural-grass multiuse field, softball facilities and irrigation system, fencing and ball-stop netting, play areas,
seating, picnic space, and a new restroom.
A comprehensive renewal of the 2.2-acre
neighborhood park, creating safer, more
functional athletic fields and modern amenities
for children and families. Expands quality
neighborhood space for youth soccer, softball,
recreation, and family gatherings, helping
address Richmond’s longstanding shortage of
athletic fields.
Completion targeted for fall 2026.
9 The result:
What we are doing:
Library Renovation Project
Advancing a $34.2 million modernization of
Richmond’s historic Main Library. Construction
began in April 2026, with reopening planned for
November 2027.
The renovation project preserves a Richmond
landmark while creating a modern center for learning
and connection. The renovation will result in a fully
electric library with seismic and fire upgrades,
modern building systems, study rooms, teen and
local-history spaces, and flexible community rooms.
10 The result:
What we did
Booker T. Anderson Community Center Restoration
Rebuilt the community center after extensive fire,
smoke, and water damage. The City replaced
structural components, restored interior spaces, and
upgraded HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire-safety,
lighting, and security systems.
Despite construction setbacks and staff turnover, the
City brought the project back on track and reopened
the restored center in June 2024 after a nearly fouryear closure. 11 What we did
The result:
The challenge
Housing & Homelessness Progress
Richmond faces high housing needs, aging public housing assets, visible encampments, and a large share of unhoused residents who lost housing within the city.
Advanced Metrowalk at Richmond Station, a 150-unit transitoriented affordable development at Richmond BART, Civic Center Apts (Homekey), and the Nevin Plaza Phase I. Point-intime count reduced from 487 in 2023 to 257 in 2026.
Advanced major Richmond Housing Authority recovery and
redevelopment work, including Hacienda Heights, Nevin Plaza, and Nystrom Village ($2 million dollars in ARPA funds for predevelopment). Secured major state homelessness grants, including Encampment Resolution Funding and Homekey, while funding rental assistance and emergency sheltering services. 12 Metrowalk at Richmond Station: view from Nevin Ave and 19th St.
Nevin Plaza Phase II: view from 25th St.
What we did
Community Impact:
The challenge
Civic Center Apartments (Homekey)
Richmond needs more housing options for people
experiencing homelessness, including residents who
need on-site supportive services to sustain residency.
Created 48 permanent supportive units plus one
manager’s unit. Ribbon Cutting celebration planned for
October 2026.
Secured a $14.5 million Homekey 3.0 award for Civic
Center Apartments. Partnered with 425 Civic Center
LP, comprised of Novin Development and Trinity
Center Walnut Creek, to acquire and rehabilitate the
former Motel 6 at 425 24th Street. Advanced the
project as a permanent supportive housing community
with on-site management and resident services.
13 What we did:
The result:
The challenge
Nevin Plaza – Phase I
Nevin Plaza needed major rehabilitation, stronger
operations, relocation planning, and a long-term path to preserve affordable housing for seniors and residents with disabilities.
Phase I substantially rehabilitated the existing sevenstory senior housing community.
Partnered with EAH Housing and the Richmond Housing
Authority to rehabilitate the existing Nevin Plaza tower.
Completed Phase I with upgraded units, common areas,
resident services space, and outdoor amenities. The City allocated $1.75 million in ARPA funds and $1.75 million in lieu fees for the project. Advanced Phase II for a new
affordable housing building on the adjacent vacant lot. 14 What we did:
The result:
The challenge
Investing in Local Businesses
Coming out of the pandemic, Richmond's small businesses and entrepreneurs needed affordable space, licensing
help, and access to capital.
The Lot currently supports 24 food active vendors, 4 nonfood vendors (~4 on the waitlist); distributed $350,000 in small-business grants through the Renaissance
partnership.
Launched The Lot: Downtown Richmond Food Court,
supporting local food businesses with licensing help;
partnered with the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
to provide technical assistance and grants to small
businesses.
15 What we did:
The result:
The challenge
Public Safety Progress
16 In 2025, Richmond recorded the lowest number of homicides in decades and a 17% decrease in crime.
Expanded community safety through the Office of Neighborhood Safety and launch of the ROCK program. Invested Reimagining Public Safety funds in youth employment, neighborhood safety, crisis response, and unhoused interventions.
Strengthened Police and Fire Department recruitment, and improved emergency response capacity by replacing critical fire apparatus.
Public safety was a top community concern, with gun violence, police staffing pressure, fire vacancies, and demand for non-police responses to lower-level crisis calls.
What we did:
The result:
Transformative Climate Communities (TCC)
Secured a $35 million TCC implementation grant from
the California Strategic Growth Council. Built the
Richmond Rising partnership with community
organizations and local partners. Hired two full-time
staff, executed agreements with six grant partners.
17 Advanced projects for complete streets, the Richmond Wellness Trail, e-bikes, solar and energy upgrades,
urban greening, water reuse, food access, and
workforce development.
What we did:
The result:
The challenge
Health in All Policies 10 year Report
Health is shaped by where people live, work, learn, and play, and individual and community health is influenced by more than just individual choices.
Embedded health and equity in decisions citywide. Sustained the Health Equity Partnership, incorporated health into the ongoing work of every department, published health data on Transparent Richmond, and published the 2025 ten-year report.
18 Of the 21 data indicators tracked in the HiAP, a majority of the measures trended in a direction suggesting progress towards reducing drivers of health inequities. Uninsured Richmond adults fell from 22.9% (2013) to 13% (2022), residents rating their neighborhood a good or excellent place to live rose from 53% (2013) to 65% (2023), and 2,736 residential solar panels have been installed, reaching the City’s goal five years early.
A Strong Foundation for What’s Next
19 • Stabilized the foundation: Balanced
budgets, off the state high-risk list,
stronger reserves and credit
• Strengthened City Staff Team: Hired and
developed key leadership positions and
supported staff citywide.
• Reinvested in the community: Renovated
parks, began construction on a landmark
library, advanced hundreds of new
affordable and supportive housing units,
and recorded the lowest number of
homicides in decades.
• Set up the next chapter: Built a stable,
well staffed, and financially sound city,
with $330 million in grants already at work
for the next City Manager to build on.
20 Milestones
between
2004-2021
The Result:
The Challenge:
Richmond Ferry Launch
21 Shasa Curl helped advance the City’s work with
WETA, CCTA, MTC, and other partners, culminating
in the January 2019 opening of the $20 million
Richmond Ferry Terminal and launch of ferry service
to San Francisco. The project expanded
transportation choices, provided an alternative to
congested freeways, and reconnected Richmond’s
waterfront with its ferry heritage.
After decades of advocacy for permanent ferry
service, Richmond needed to turn that vision into
reality by coordinating a complex, multi-agency effort
to fund, build, and establish a new regional
transportation connection.
The Result:
The Challenge:
Richmond Rent Program Launch
22 Following voter approval of the Rent Ordinance, the
City had only a few months to build and launch a
complex new rent program - an entirely new function
for the organization.
Shasa Curl led the City team responsible for rapidly
developing and launching the Richmond Rent
Program, creating the staffing, systems, procedures,
and administrative structure needed to implement the
new ordinance. This included establishing the Rent
Board, developing customer service protocols, and
conducting workshops and outreach to help tenants
and landlords understand the new program,
requirements, and protections.
The Result:
The Challenge:
Richmond Promise Launch
23 ECIA funding created an opportunity to invest in
Richmond youth, but the City had to build a new
scholarship and college-success program from the
ground up, drawing on Promise models and best
practices nationwide.
Shasa Curl led the City team that developed and
launched Richmond Promise, working with the City
Council and community education stakeholders to
establish the program framework, operations,
partnerships, and outreach. Richmond Promise has
become a lasting investment in Richmond youth,
serving 4,600+ scholars with scholarships and
college-success support. Shasa continued supporting
the program through service on its Board.
The Challenge:
Richmond Housing Authority (RHA)
24 Following years of operational, financial, and propertycondition challenges, RHA entered a formal recovery agreement with HUD (PHARS Agreement) and needed a
sustainable strategy to preserve and improve
Richmond’s public housing.
The Result:
Under Shasa Curl’s leadership, RHA advanced a
comprehensive asset repositioning strategy, partnering
with experienced affordable housing developers while
retaining public ownership and long-term oversight of its land. Major properties have been rehabilitated or
repositioned, while others continue moving toward
redevelopment and conversion. These efforts, along with the successful transfer of the Section 8 program to the Housing Authority of Contra Costa County, have
positioned RHA for a more sustainable future and the
long-term preservation and rehabilitation of affordable housing in Richmond.
The Result:
The Challenge:
Hacienda Heights
25 The 150-unit Hacienda public housing property was
declared uninhabitable in 2014, requiring the relocation of residents and a long-term solution to preserve the property as affordable housing.
The City and Richmond Housing Authority advanced a new
path for the property, partnering with Mercy Housing
California and CHDC to preserve its affordability and
enable a comprehensive redevelopment. Following an
approximately $75 million rehabilitation, Hacienda
reopened in 2023 as Hacienda Heights—150 affordable
homes for seniors, including housing for formerly homeless and medically frail residents.
The Result:
The Challenge:
Health in All Policies Strategy & Ordinance
26 Richmond faces significant health inequities shaped by where people live, work, learn, and play. The City needed an approach to integrate health and equity into program development across all City departments, while responding to and building upon the work of community-based organizations advancing health outcomes through The California Endowment’s Building Healthy
Communities initiative.
Shasa Curl helped lead a community-driven, cross-departmental effort resulting in Richmond’s Health in All Policies (HiAP) Strategy and Ordinance, unanimously adopted in 2014. HiAP
institutionalized health, equity, and sustainability in City decisionmaking and helped position Richmond for successful grant funding to advance built-environment improvements in state-designated disadvantaged communities. The framework continues to guide City policies, programs, and partnerships more than a decade later.
The Challenge:
The Result:
UC Berkeley Partnership
27 Strengthen and expand the City–UC Berkeley
partnership, creating a more collaborative approach
to solving Richmond challenges. Relationships with
City & Regional Planning, Public Health, and the
Chancellor’s Office supported work with Community
Development, Economic Development, ONS, and the
City Manager’s Office, bringing research, expertise,
and university resources to City and community
priorities.
Despite UC Berkeley’s proximity to Richmond,
research involving the community did not always
engage City staff and residents in framing
challenges and developing solutions, contributing
to frustration with being studied rather than
engaged as partners.
The Result:
The Challenge
Y-Plan Partnership
28 Richmond sought to break down the silos between
city planning, K–12 education, and higher education,
creating opportunities for young people to help
address real community and planning challenges.
Continued to build and expand Richmond’s 10+ year
Y-PLAN partnership with UC Berkeley, WCCUSD,
Richmond youth, and community partners, bringing
more City projects into the program and creating
additional opportunities for youth to help shape
Richmond’s future. The partnership continues to
strengthen youth voice in City planning and decisionmaking while building students’ civic, college, and career skills.
The Result:
The Challenge
Annual Neighborhood Dumpster Days
29 In 2021, Richmond faced growing community
concern about neighborhood conditions, blight, and
illegal dumping. At the time, Dumpster Days were
generally held only once every two years, and not all
neighborhoods could participate.
Expanded the Dumpster Days opportunity to all 34
Richmond neighborhoods, providing at least one
free disposal event annually and additional events in
higher-need areas. Through partnerships with
neighborhood councils, Republic Services, and Sims
Metal, the program continues to support cleaner
neighborhoods and community pride.
What we did:
The result:
Civic Center Redevelopment
30 Implemented the Civic Center Master Plan,
beginning in 2006–07. Phase 1 renovated City Hall
and the former Hall of Justice, restored Civic Center
Plaza, and provided seismic and interior
improvements to the Memorial Auditorium/Art
Center. The former Hall of Justice was converted for
community services.
The project returned City administrative functions to a revitalized Civic Center campus, while preserving and
upgrading major public assets. The renovated City
Hall and former Hall of Justice were designed to meet
LEED Silver standards, and the project created
improved civic open space while establishing a
foundation for continued investment in the Civic
Center area.
The Challenge:
Climate Action Plan Adoption
31 Richmond needed a roadmap to implement the
sustainability, greenhouse gas reduction, and climate
resilience goals of its General Plan 2030, including
addressing growing risks from sea-level rise, flooding, extreme heat, wildfire, and worsening air quality,
particularly in historically burdened communities.
The Result:
Richmond adopted its first Climate Action Plan in 2016, developed with community-based organizations,
residents, and cross-sector partners through a healthequity and climate-justice lens. The plan established specific actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and prepare for climate impacts and continues to guide
City investments in clean energy, transportation, resilient infrastructure, public health, and community
preparedness.
32 THANK YOU!
MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD 9/22/2026 7:33 PM