Richmond TCC partners report progress on trails, solar, workforce and community projects

Richmond Transformative Climate Communities partners on Oct. 1 reported a string of project updates—completed design milestones for the Neighborhood Complete Streets project, ongoing permitting for the Richmond Wellness Trail Phase 2, workforce training and solar installations through Grid Alternatives, expansion of an e‑bike lending and share program, and community engagement and planting events on the Richmond Greenway and Lucas Park.

Beatrice (TCC facilitator) opened the project‑status portion and called for partner updates. City staff and partner representatives gave financial and activity reports across programs. The Neighborhood Complete Streets consultant completed a 100% revised design and the RM3 funding checklist for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission; city staff will submit a City Council staff report to execute the RM3 grant. Richmond Wellness Trail Phase 2 has additional permit reviews, a fire department review, and an engineering study to analyze queuing near Marina Way South by the schools; reported expenditures to date were approximately $330,000 with about $4.4 million remaining in the project budget.

Grid Alternatives showed a short promotional video highlighting its IBT (installation basics training) workforce program and community solar installations; the partners noted workforce cohorts are planned for 2026 and Grid attended regional workforce conferences and outreach events. Grid Alternatives’ workforce manager (Alex) and city staff said they are finalizing contract amendments and an implementation RFP selection for city workforce services.

Multiple community organizations reported grant expenditures and near‑term events: Groundwork Richmond said it planted nine residential street trees, held a coastal cleanup at Lucretia Edwards Park and will host an Arbor Day on Oct. 18 with 29 trees planned for planting; Urban Tilth reported permitting progress for a universally accessible community garden and multiple programs (Orchard for All, VeggieRx) and said construction bids and a November start are targeted if permits are issued. The Resilient Homes project reported $966,431 in expenditures to date and ongoing workshop planning.

Rich City Rides and partners summarized youth fellow activities and outreach: Richmond Rising Youth Fellows assisted with community rides, cleanups and public‑speaking workshops and will support a Halloween ride on Oct. 25. The e‑bike programs reported continued outreach, maintenance of existing hubs, and a plan to submit documents for state reimbursement; Salma, the community manager for the city’s e‑bike program, said residents in project areas qualify for an $80 bike voucher and that casual rides cost $1 to unlock plus $0.20 per minute.

Committee members moved to approve the previous meeting minutes; a motion was made, members raised hands in support, and the facilitator declared the motion approved. The committee did not record a named second or a roll‑call tally in the meeting recording.

Partners also reported on displacement‑avoidance work: an ADU toolkit has been finalized and posted on the city website, and a buy‑local campaign and a façade improvement pilot program are preparing for October 2025 launches pending insurance and administrative steps. UC Berkeley partners are drafting a Year‑2 annual report and case studies and plan interviews with youth fellows. The committee continued planning for community events and encouraged organizations to request Richmond Rising youth fellows at least two weeks ahead for outreach support.

Several partners requested continued outreach and volunteer recruitment for Lucas Park programming and for upcoming community events such as a clean air day on Oct. 4 and a Halloween ride. Staff reminded members about invoices and reporting deadlines related to grant reimbursements.