City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: NOVEMBER 4, 2025
FROM: COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WARDS: ALL
DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: WAIVE THE SUNSHINE ORDINANCE PURSUANT TO RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 4.05.050(D)(2) TO AUTHORIZE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AND CHAEVI CO., LTD. FOR COLLABORATION ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ELECTRIC
VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE
ISSUE:
Request to waive the Sunshine Ordinance pursuant to Riverside Municipal Code Section
4.05.050(D)(2) to authorize Mayor Lock Dawson, or her designee, to execute a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Riverside and Chaevi Co., Ltd.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council waive the Sunshine Ordinance pursuant to Riverside Municipal Code Section 4.05.050(D)(2) to authorize Mayor Lock Dawson, or her designee, to execute a non- binding Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Riverside and Chaevi Co., Ltd.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Riverside engaged in exploratory discussions with Chaevi Co., Ltd., an international provider of electric vehicle charging technology headquartered in South Korea. The company has expressed interest in expanding its presence into the United States, identifying the City of Riverside as a strategic location for its U.S. entry and investment as a result of the September 2025 foreign direct investment efforts in South Korea. Staff’s engagement with Chaevi is directed at advancing the City’s sustainability goals, expanding local EV infrastructure, and attracting foreign direct investment aligned with Riverside’s economic and environmental objectives.
DISCUSSION:
Timely execution of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is critical to secure Chaevi Co., Ltd.’s commitment to the City of Riverside and to maintain the momentum achieved through recent foreign direct investment efforts.
To demonstrate Riverside’s seriousness as a partner and a competitive location for Chaevi’s U.S. entry, it is essential that the City move forward promptly with the non-binding MOU. Executing the MOU signals Riverside’s readiness to collaborate and provides a formal structure for advancing joint planning, investment discussions, and site evaluation activities.
Waive the Sunshine Ordinance Pursuant to Riverside Municipal Code Section 4.05.050(D)(2) ● Page 2 Given the company’s active timeline for identifying a U.S. headquarters location, any delay in executing the MOU could jeopardize Riverside’s opportunity to secure this investment. Moving forward now positions the City to continue relationship-building, initiate due diligence on potential sites, and coordinate with regional and state partners to attract supporting incentives.
The MOU creates no financial or legal obligation for the City yet establishes a necessary foundation for a long-term partnership that could result in significant economic and environmental benefits — including the creation of at least 100 quality jobs, new investment in clean technology manufacturing, and the expansion of the City’s EV infrastructure in alignment with Riverside’s sustainability goals.
Pursuant to RMC Section 4.05.050(d)(2) states that if the Mayor or a Councilmember, with the concurrence of two other Council members, believes an item is urgent, with urgency is detailed, in writing, in the Council Report, and affirmed prior to its consideration by four affirmative votes of the City Council, and the failure to meet any additional notice requirements were due to the need to take immediate action, which came to the attention of the local body after the agenda was posted.
This action will help ensure a timely and strategic response to an international investment opportunity, preserve Riverside’s competitive position as Chaevi evaluates U.S. locations, and reinforce the City’s leadership in sustainability and green technology innovation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this staff report.
Prepared by: Miranda Evans, Community and Economic Development Deputy Director Approved as to form: Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, Interim City Attorney
Submitted by:
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Councilmember Sean Mill
Concurs with:
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Councilmember Steven Robillard
Concurs with:
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Councilmember Steve Hemenway