This reality mirrors Richmond—a tale of two cities. For those families with stable employment and income above 115% of the area median, Richmond represents a ripe opportunity for new urban development—upscale apartments, condo subdivisions and townhouses, with Starbucks thrown in, are attracting families who are able to afford the high-end market amenities. For families with incomes below 80% of the area median income, the majority of whom are people of color or immigrants, Richmond is more often than not an area of high crime, poor schools, limited employment opportunities and a diminishing affordable housing stock. For the affluent, the relative low prices and ease of commute represents the best of times; for the working poor and unemployed, the need to commute and rising prices, represents the worst of times.

OUR VISION AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT ZONE

The Richmond Improvement Association (RIA) in partnership with other organized groups and networks, has been working to create a vibrant, mixed-income community with a high quality of life for all residents. Our vision, that is based on our determination to avoid displacement and gentrification, is a vision for Richmond where every family has access to quality education, where urban revitalization provides opportunities for local businesses to thrive, where “community planning” and development puts existing residents’ needs first, and where local policies are part of a regional plan for achieving an equitable and sustainable Bay Area.

To achieve this vision, we are committed to the establishment and support of an Equitable Development Zone, that will work and find supporters for these outcomes:

Safe and Affordable Housing—Policies ensure a range of housing options for all income levels—single family homes, multi-units dwellings, senior housing, and rental housing. City agencies, private and nonprofit developers, and community groups work together to rehab vacant and dilapidated units and construct new units.

Accessible and Affordable Public Transit—Transit-oriented development addresses mobility needs, improves air quality, and is pedestrian-friendly. Policies allocate more resources to support public transit and the needs of low-income communities.

Community-Driven Economic Development—Land use, tax, and zoning policies ensures equity in the development process. Community development corporations promote wealth building by offering residents an ownership stake in local commercial developments. Communities are engaged in the decision-making processes. Public investments are tied to local hire and living wage provisions so that land use decisions mitigate displacement pressures by bringing some of the benefits of new investments to existing residents.

Quality Public Education—An exceptional school system with modern facilities, experienced teachers, and small classroom sizes, that prepares the youth for their future. Funding priorities supports public education instead of prisons.

Essential Services—Job training, childcare, transportation, and access to health care connects residents to opportunities and resources across the regions.

Clean Environment—Natural resources and open space is protected and enhanced, and urban parks and trails along the San Pablo Bay shoreline are created.

WHAT WE WANT:

General: We want our elected officials to embrace four principles that would ground an Equitable Development Zone: Integrate People and Place in any redevelopment project or program; Strive to reduce Local and Regional Disparities in jobs, housing, education health and transportation; Promote Double-Bottom Line Investments, especially when Public Subsidies are used; and Ensure Meaningful Resident and Community Participation, Leadership and Ownership in all Development Activities.

Specific: We ask that our elected officials endorse and pledge to support in their office, the pursuit of an Equitable Development Zone and the activities associated with the outcomes outlined above.