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Rich City Biz Blog – March 6, 2017

March is Women’s History Month!

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Chamber is contacting women-owned businesses to feature on our blog. Please contact nadine@rcoc.com for details.

Funding Opportunities

March 10: The Richmond Promise Scholarship

March 20: ECIA Community Grant Program Application Due

 

Chamber Events

March 15: Women of Impact: a Richmond Business Bites Event

March 23: Tri Chamber Mixer

March 29: Breakfast for Business

Highlights from the Richmond City Council Meeting – February 28, 2017

 

E-1. ANNOUNCE City of Richmond Boards and Commissions vacancies as of February 28

Citizen’s Police Review Commission recommendation made by council, new appointee to be made next meeting.

 

E-2. PROCLAMATION declaring March 2017 as Women’s History Month in the City of Richmond

Women’s History Month celebrates the role of women in Richmond’s history and present progress. From the Rosies of World War Two to the entrepreneurs, visionaries, and leaders of today, we salute Richmond’s women for their contributions. Please attend the Richmond Business Bites Event “Women of Impact” on March 15th celebrating Richmond’s Women Entrepreneurs.

 

Also, International Women’s Day is March 8th!

 

Business Highlight: Oneva

Richmond native Anita Gardyne is co-founder and CEO of Onēva, Inc., an enterprise concierge care service that connects clients with vetted professionals in the fields of child, adult, and elder care, special needs, and housecleaning in the San Francisco Bay Area. Oneva has provided hundreds of jobs to Richmond residents.

 

Gardyne will be recognized at the Richmond Business Bites Event: “Women of Impact” on March 15th alongside the following Richmond Women Entrepreneurs:

 

 

REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Richmond nonprofits supporting community activities, youth, and youth sports are encouraged to apply. Applications due March 20th.

 

STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

Mayor Tom Butt

 

November Political Highlights

Mayor Butt began his presentation with an overview of political highlights from 2016, notably a supermajority of Richmond Progressive Alliance members on council and the passage and failure of ballot measures related to housing and rent control.

 

Fiscal Issues

The projected 2017 deficit is 4.5 million dollars. Pension and healthcare costs are projected to rise while services are expected to decrease. Mayor Butt stated that marijuana operations may account for a missing “one to four million dollars” in revenue. Additional sources of revenue include a pending litter fee ($8,000), pipeline franchises, which could raise $100,000, and greater enforcement of building permit and business license fee collections. An estimated 2,000 businesses in Richmond are operating without a license according to the mayor.

 

Richmond’s nonprofit organizations were commended for improving outcomes for residents. Richmond Works hired 1,200 Richmond residents in 2016. Youth Works, creating opportunities for young adults aged 16 thru 24, placed 166 Richmond youth in summer employment opportunities last year. Richmond Build graduated its third cohort in 2016, who earn an average of $21 an hour.

 

Employment

Richmond’s unemployment rate (4.6%) is “its lowest since WWII” in 2016 with approximately 2,500 residents seeking or looking for jobs. Richmond minimum wage is set to increase to $13 in January 2018.

 

Real Estate & Development

The development of the ferry, a more robust transportation infrastructure, and commercial and housing development on the south shoreline are projected to attract millennials in the coming years. Hilltop remains a high priority site for development.

 

Mayor Butt stated internal political struggles as a primary cause of UC Berkeley’s decision to suspend plans to build a global campus on Richmond Bay.

 

Local Business Highlights

Richmond is becoming a premier Bay Area destination for craft beer and wine. Riggers Loft, East Brother Beer Company, and Benoit Capser are currently in operation, with Armistice Brewing Company set to open in Marina Bay this year.

 

East Brother Light Station Dinner, Bed & Breakfast is seeking volunteers on the second Friday of each month, free lunch provided.

 

The 2016 SF Business Times, Richmond Issue highlights economic development and community assets in Richmond.

 

Richmond Marketing Plan

The Mayor’s Branding & Marketing Strategy is in its final development stage, to be released shortly.

 

Rent Control & Just Cause

Richmond’s median rent is over fifty percent (50%) of median family income. The city’s median rent has been trending downward since September 2016, reflecting a Bay Area wide trend. Richmond’s vacancy rate has been around four percent (4%) over the past decade.

 

Homebuying

The city’s median home price is $380,000. The Zillow foreclosure rate is the lowest it has been in over a decade.

 

Richmond Bay Specific Plan

The Richmond Bay Specific Plan (RBSP) is a great resource for residents who wish to learn how the city’s General Plan 2030 will be facilitated.

 

Housing Development

The Richmond Housing Renovation Program continues to improve blighted and financially distressed homes in the city. The Richmond Community Foundation (RCF) facilitates the program from acquisition to sale of the properties.

 

Law Enforcement

The Richmond Police Department was nationally recognized last year for innovation in community policing. Our own Assemblymember, Tony Thurmond was noted for his continued dedication to improving outcomes for AD-15.

 

There were a total to twenty-four (24) homicides last year, ninety percent (90%) of which were gang-related. Seventy-one percent (71%) of those involved in these crimes were young adults between twenty to thirty (20-30) years of age. Mayor Butt noted the importance of grassroots efforts and continued innovation in peacekeeping.

 

Education

 

Transportation & Connectivity

Highlights in transportation and connectivity included but are not limited to: