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Candidates differ on how Richmond should replace Chevron-driven revenue and use a $550 million agreement
Summary
Candidates stressed both the fiscal importance of Chevron tax revenue (cited as covering as much as 30% of the city budget) and the need to plan for diversification; proposals ranged from protecting refinery jobs to recruiting green manufacturing, port revitalization, and strategic investment of a $550 million agreement.
Discussion of Chevron and city revenue was a central thread of both the mayoral and city council forums. Candidates repeatedly noted the refinery’s outsized fiscal role and debated short‑term protections for jobs versus long‑term economic diversification.
Several speakers referenced a recent $550 million agreement as both a resource and a planning challenge. Mayor Eduardo Martinez and others described using settlement or agreement proceeds to invest in capital projects, extend benefit streams over a decade, and support economic transition planning. "We supported that ... $550 million — this is concrete ... to make sure that we have 10 years..." one candidate said when describing negotiation outcomes.
Divergent approaches emerged. Wasber argued Richmond should oppose any plan to close refineries and preserve high‑paying Chevron jobs, saying the refinery provides as much as "30% of the budget." Dimless Johnson III and Ahmad Anderson urged recruiting manufacturing and green firms and easing permitting to attract jobs; Anderson emphasized port and maritime opportunities and creating workforce pipeline connections. Several council candidates urged robust monitoring, accountability, and regional planning to protect impacted neighborhoods while planning for eventual transitions.
Why it matters: Chevron and the referenced $550 million agreement are large drivers of city revenue and local employment. How Richmond plans to use settlement funds and diversify the economy will shape budgets, services, and job creation for years.
Next steps candidates proposed: workforce development, a green‑empowerment zone, port revitalization and shipbuilding, use of city lands for mixed industrial and recreational development, and investing settlement dollars to shore up reserves and pay down liabilities.
Ending note: No ordinance or binding decision was made at the forum; candidates outlined competing strategies voters will weigh in June.
