Richmond council approves up to $1 million for immigrant legal services and outreach

Richmond City Council voted unanimously March 4 to allocate up to $1,000,000 from fiscal-year 2024–25 surplus funds to expand immigration legal services and to fund a public awareness campaign informing residents about constitutional and legal rights.

Councilmember Claudia Jimenez introduced the item, saying community groups have reported surging demand for assistance amid increased immigration enforcement. Staff will issue a request for proposals (RFP) to select a fiscal sponsor to receive the allocation and disburse funds to nonprofit organizations that will provide legal representation, brief consultations and “know your rights” outreach. The council vote to proceed was unanimous.

Supporters at the meeting included local immigrant-rights groups, community organizers, Stand Together Contra Costa, social-service providers and Contra Costa County representatives. Speakers described substantial increases in hotline volume and a sharp rise in requests for legal consultations since the new federal administration took office. Several community speakers urged the city to act quickly to prevent family separations and to make legal help more accessible and affordable.

The council’s motion directs staff to prepare an RFP and find a fiscal sponsor to administer the funds and to return with a recommendation as the competitive process proceeds. During debate councilmembers asked staff to ensure the RFP and contracting process are transparent, that existing community partners be eligible to apply, and that accountability measures be required in any contract or grant award.

Councilmembers also discussed whether part of the allocation should be used for municipal identification; at one point, a proposal to reserve $10,000 for free municipal IDs was raised and debated separately. After discussion of procurement steps and community needs, the council approved the funding allocation and RFP direction without amendment.

Staff noted existing county and nonprofit programs provide related services and that the city’s funds are intended to expand capacity and augment community-based “know your rights” efforts. The resolution also instructs staff to design the RFP in keeping with city contracting rules and to coordinate with community organizations that already provide services.