Council approves ground lease and award for Pollinator Meadow solar project at 3800 E. Richmond Road

The Richmond City Council voted on Oct. 14 to accept a bid from Ameresco Inc. and adopt an ordinance authorizing a ground lease to install and operate a solar farm and associated pollinator meadow at 3800 East Richmond Road.

Laura Thomas, the citys director of sustainability, told council staff conducted a preliminary request-for-information process that yielded several interested organizations and then moved to a formal advertised bid. During the advertised procurement, one bid was received from Ameresco, which the sustainability office recommended for award.

A public commenter expressed support for the project and urged transparency in the bidding process. Casey Miller, a resident who addressed the council, said she supported the project while asking for clearer public information about bidders during procurement.

Councilmember motion and second carried; council voted to accept the Ameresco bid and adopt Ordinance 2025-191. During discussion the administration and members noted a planned community-benefit agreement associated with the project; staff said community engagement on benefits will be part of the implementation process.

The ordinance authorizes the city to grant a ground lease to the successful bidder for the purpose of installing and maintaining a solar facility and pollinator-friendly landscaping at the specified site. The project is intended to expand the citys renewable portfolio and incorporate pollinator habitat on city-owned land.

Next steps include execution of the ground lease, negotiation of the community-benefit agreement and permitting work by the tenant. Council asked staff to keep the body informed of community engagement outcomes and contract execution.