October 6, 2026
Economic Development
DATE: October 6, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Nannette Beacham, Director of Economic Development Samantha Carr, Environmental Manager
Yahna Williamson, Management Analyst
Subject: Contract with Public Health Institute for the CivicSpark AmeriCorps Program
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed $37,500 expenditure is included within the approved Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Environmental and
Community Investment Agreement (ECIA) budget for
implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan
(Account String: 11771018-400201-2A1AA). No
additional appropriation is required.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
July 26, 2022
December 19, 2023
January 7, 2025
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City of Richmond has participated in the CivicSpark AmeriCorps Fellowship Program for more than 10 years,
hosting fellows who provide additional capacity to support local public agency initiatives related to community
resilience, climate change, water resource management,
housing, mobility, and other priority areas. Public Health Institute serves as the administrator and fiscal sponsor for the CivicSpark program. Approval of the proposed
sole-source agreement would allow the City to continue
its participation by hosting one full-time CivicSpark
AmeriCorps fellow through December 31, 2027.
AGENDA
REPORT
October 6, 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION: APPROVE a sole-source agreement with Public Health Institute for one full-time CivicSpark AmeriCorps fellow for a total contract amount not to exceed $37,500, with a term ending on December 31, 2027 – Economic
Development (Samantha Carr 510-620-5407/Nannette
Beacham 510-620-1306).
DISCUSSION:
Background
CivicSpark is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local public agencies to address community resilience issues such as climate change, water resource management, housing, and mobility. Public Health Institute (PHI) is the administrator/fiscal sponsor of the CivicSpark program. The previous administrator/fiscal sponsor was CivicWell (formally Local Government Commission), in partnership with the State of California through the Office of Planning and Research, and California Volunteers.
PHI provides training, support, AmeriCorps payroll and administrative services, recruitment, and placement of CivicSpark fellows as part of the service contract. The City of Richmond received a placement of a CivicSpark AmeriCorps fellow for the 2026- 2027 program year and a full-time fellow serve for an 11-month term. The City has served as a placement site for over 10 years and has been very satisfied with the Fellows’ work and seeks to continue to serve as a placement site with the proposed contract.
The fellow assigned to the Division will support implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), including continued development of the City’s Climate Action Plan open data platform (Transparent Richmond), implementation of State requirements such as Senate Bill 1383, and community engagement and education.
SYNERGISTIC POLICIES:
General Plan 2030
Goal EC1: Leadership in Managing Climate Change. Take steps to address climate change and to manage its effects. This entails not only pursuing groundbreaking programs and innovative strategies but educating residents and businesses about these actions and actively monitoring results to ensure progress in critical areas. Partner with other jurisdictions and organizations to develop effective regional solutions and regulation at regional, state, and federal levels. Collaborate with residents, businesses, public agencies, and neighboring jurisdictions, to meet or exceed state requirements for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Action EC1.B: Public Awareness and Education Program. Develop a program to educate and inform residents and businesses about key climate change challenges and potential solutions. Develop and disseminate information on topics such as
October 6, 2026
waste reduction, recycling, green buildings and landscaping, and renewable energy generation. Utilize a range of tools including fact sheets, website newsletters, advertising, and workshops to reach potential audiences. The program should be reviewed and evaluated periodically for effectiveness. The public awareness and education program should be incorporated into the climate action plan.
Climate Action Plan
Strategy EE1 Leverage existing programs and rebates to improve efficiency of existing buildings.
Strategy RE 1 Increase local solar energy generation. Strategy RE3 Promote conversion from natural gas to clean electricity. Strategy SW2 Increase participation in Recycling Programs and Incentives.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Public Health Institute CivicSpark AmeriCorps Program Contract Attachment 2 – Approved Sole Source