Article by Michelle Blackwell, Chair, Government Relations Committee. Updated: April 17, 2013
City of Richmond Councilmember Nathaniel Bates
Councilmember Nat Bates, was suffering from a bad cold, when he addressed the Chamber members at the April 9th Government Relations meeting. Despite the cold, his dry wit and candor were evident throughout the meeting. He announced that he will be running for Mayor and expects a few others to be in the race. His hope is to reduce the negativity on the council and he stated Richmond needs new leadership. His high priority is jobs and he indicated that the education system was not sufficient to meet the needs of the job market. He also indicated that there are not enough entry level jobs or jobs that do not require a college degree.
He was hopeful however and mentioned good things coming down the pike on the economic development front. Apparently a Federal program called EB5 is encouraging foreign investment in the US and some Chinese capitalists have been out touring Richmond looking for opportunities. The positive part of this potential capital infusion is that the City does not have to put any money into it and the Chinese investors are expected to work with local businesses on their ventures. And Richmond’s Sister City, Zhoushan, China is getting a new electrical vehicle auto plant. The Port of Richmond is hoping to get on the short list as a receiving terminal.
Nat also gave us updates on major projects at the City: LBNL is breaking ground in 2015, Point Molate is on hold, the Point Richmond Tunnel should open in a few months, and Chevron’s Draft EIR is expected out in October.
Michelle Blackwell, Chair, Government Relations Committe.
In other news the Government Relations Committee met on April 16th to discuss the City’s potential use of eminent domain for underwater mortgages, the City’s proposed Ban the Box ordinance, and EBMUD’s budget and rate increase schedule.
The Richmond Chamber Government Relations Committee meets monthly on the third Tuesday of the month at 8:30 AM. In addition, we will be holding regular meetings with elected representatives on the first Tuesday of the month. Watch for Chamber updates for these events. It’s a great way to get to know fellow chamber members and to meet your elected representatives.