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Richmond approves school‑district use of Booker T. Anderson center, council asks for broader joint‑use planning
Summary
The council authorized a land‑use agreement and fee waiver allowing West Contra Costa Unified School District to use Booker T. Anderson Community Center for Steege Elementary after‑school programs and parent meetings through 2026, while several members urged negotiating a broader joint‑use framework and addressing community access and parking.
The Richmond City Council voted unanimously to authorize a land‑use agreement granting the West Contra Costa Unified School District fee‑waived access to Booker T. Anderson Community Center for Steege Elementary’s after‑school programming and parent meetings for the 2024–2026 academic years.
Deputy Director for Community Services Ranjana Maharaj and Deputy City Manager Lashonda White presented the draft agreement and said the arrangement aims to support Steege families while the school rebuild continues. Staff noted the agreement includes use for parent meetings and after‑school programs.
Several council members and public speakers thanked staff and the district but also asked that the city and district pursue a comprehensive joint‑use agreement rather than piecemeal rentals. Council Member Wilson, whose district includes the center, said prices for community uses have left the facility underutilized and asked staff to explore lower fees or shared‑resource arrangements.
Public commenters included the Recreation and Parks Commission vice chair, who urged restoring a city‑district joint‑use agreement like the one that lapsed in 2018 to expand access to Richmond youth, and district staff who said the district intends to present a fuller briefing to the council in the future.
The council approved the agreement by unanimous vote; staff said they will share the presentation materials and pursue follow‑up collaboration to explore joint use and access improvements.
