October 6, 2026
City Manager's Office
DATE: October 6, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Patrick Seals, Administrative Chief
SUBJECT: Presentation from Electronic Frontier Foundation on License Plate Reader Technology
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving the presentation.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
September 22, 2026
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
At its September 22, 2026, meeting, the City Council
considered an item regarding license plate reader
technology and directed the City Manager to coordinate a presentation by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) at a future City Council meeting. The presentation was
subsequently scheduled for October 6, 2026, City
Council meeting
RECOMMENDED ACTION: RECEIVE a presentation from the Electronic Frontier Foundation regarding the effectiveness, limitations, and impacts of license plate reader technology, consistent
with City Council direction provided on September 22,
2026 – City Manager’s Office (Patrick Seals 510-307-
8016).
AGENDA
REPORT
October 6, 2026
DISCUSSION:
On September 22, 2026, the City Council considered Item W.7 regarding license plate reader technology. As part of its action, the City Council directed the City Manager to coordinate a presentation by EFF regarding the effectiveness, limitations, and impacts of the technology.
Following the meeting, City staff coordinated with EFF regarding the presentation and met with EFF representative Sarah Hamid, the Deputy City Manager, and Richmond Police Department staff to discuss the scope and logistics.
The October 6, 2026, presentation is being provided in response to the City Council’s September 22, 2026, direction.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Presentation Electronic Frontier Foundation