Black Resiliency Project

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Stay Informed

City staff will update this webpage regularly to share news, key milestones, and upcoming opportunities related to the Black Resiliency Project and Fund. Here you’ll find the latest information on updates, and City Council actions. Check back often to stay informed and engaged as this work moves forward.

Applications submissions for the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will be accepted starting January 7, 2026

- APPLY HERE!

Background on the Black Resiliency Fund:

On June, 17th, 2025, City Council approved the decision to establish a Black Resiliency Project and Fund for $1.5 million.

This project is serves to address how the City of Richmond can better serve disproportionately impacted segments of the community and directly address clear inequities and their impact, especially now as the City of Richmond emerges from decades of financial struggles, where Black residents especially, but not exclusively, experienced the brunt of a lack of investment in critical infrastructure, services, youth development, education, parks, health care, affordable housing and employment.

Project Components:

1. State of Black Richmond Report

The State of Black Richmond Report will provide a comprehensive overview of available data on the well-being of Richmond’s Black residents—covering health, housing, education, economic opportunity, and public safety—and identify gaps where additional data is needed. This consultant-led report will serve as the foundation for future action, guiding how City programs and funding can be structured to achieve greater equity and measurable community impact.

2. Black Resiliency Fund

Using insights from the report, the Black Resiliency Fund will support community-based organizations and projects that advance equity and improve quality of life for Richmond’s Black residents.
The Fund is designed to strengthen organizational capacity, encourage collaboration, and leverage external funding to create a sustainable and impactful model for long-term change.

3. Community Advisory Committee (CAC)

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will ensure the project remains transparent and community-driven. This group of 11 members—representing diverse neighborhoods, experiences, and skill sets—will review the draft RFP for the State of Black Richmond Report, partner with the consultant during report development, and later help shape preliminary grant guidelines for community feedback.

Applications submissions will be accepted starting January 7, 2026, following the City Council's approval at the January 6, 2026, City Council meeting. APPLY HERE!

CITY COUNCIL AND MEETING ATTACHMENTS

June 17, 2025 - Establish the Black Resiliency Project and Fund - DIRECT City staff to work with the City Council to allocate approximately $1.5 million for the development of a “State of Black Richmond” report; and to support the implementation of a Black Resiliency Project and Fund from the Fiscal Year 2025-26 General Fund Budget to address inequities and disproportionate impacts experienced by residents of African descent – Councilmember Doria Robinson/Councilmember Claudia Jimenez/Councilmember Sue Wilson (510-620-6743).
October 7, 2025 - Establishment of a Council and City Staff Ad Hoc Committee for the Black Resiliency Project and Fund (BRPF) DIRECT the City Manager to establish a Council and City staff Ad Hoc Committee on the Black Resiliency Fund, composed of Mayor Eduardo Martinez and Councilmember Doria Robinson, to provide guidance to staff regarding the purpose, goals, and use of the Fund — Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503)/ Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-620-6565)
​​November 18, 2025 - The City Council approved the creation of the Black Resiliency Project and Fund in June 2025 to advance equity and improve outcomes for Richmond’s Black residents. Since approval, key components necessary for implementation are being developed — establishment of a City Council/City Staff Ad Hoc Committee and a Community Advisory Committee (CAC), and the development of a City website and Request for Proposals (RFP) to produce the State of Black Richmond Report. This report provides a progress update and outlines proposed next steps toward implementing these components.
January 6, 2026 - Formation of the Black Resiliency Project Community Advisory Committee - ADOPT a resolution authorizing the creation of the Black Resiliency Project Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and approving its purpose, duties, membership and composition, terms of service, meeting procedures, conflict-of-interest requirements, and dissolution parameters – City Manager’s Office (Lashonda White 510-620-6828/Yahna Williamson 510-650-6574).

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