Richmond Progressive Alliance

"We will reflect the sunlight directly and make this city shine," declared Mayor Eduardo Martinez as he acknowledged that a historic supermajority of women will now lead the Richmond City Council. The swearing in ceremony took place on January 7, 2025.

Jamelia Brown (District 1), Sue Wilson (District 5), and Claudia Jimenez (District 6) were met with warm applause—while outgoing councilmembers Gayle McLaughlin (District 5) and Melvin Willis (District 1) expressed heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to serve.

Pastor Eric Morris led a rousing invocation, followed by honors for Councilmember McLaughlin and Councilmember Willis by local leaders and community-based organizations. Alicia Jimenez, Daughter of Vice Mayor Jimenez, delivered a Spanish translation of the oath of office to the incoming council.

On December 19, 2024, more than 500 federal taxpayers across 10 Northern California counties, represented by Szeto-Wong Law, filed an unprecedented class action lawsuit against their Congressional Representatives Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson. The lawsuit charges that Rep. Huffman and Rep. Thompson illegally abused their Tax and Spend authority when they voted to allocate $26.38 billion in military aid to Israel on April 20, 2024. They did this in the face of overwhelming evidence of genocide in Gaza and overwhelming opposition by their own constituents. By doing so, the lawsuit alleges, they violated the U.S. Constitution, the United Nations’ Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, and U.S. federal laws such as the Leahy Law. The full legal complaint is posted here.To see the video footage of the press conference click here. For media coverage and other TAG resources, click here. Since the Dec. 19th press conference, the NorCal class membership has grown to more than 800 people and continues to grow daily.

Representative John Garamendi, Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez, and City Manager Shasa Curl announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $9,559,482 grant through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program to implement complete streets improvements that mitigate barriers to mobility and connectivity, making our community safer and better connected.

Catch up on hot items from the last Richmond City Council meeting below. If you're interested in making public comments as a member of RPA or getting involved, contact us. Meetings are primarily held on the first, third, and fourth Tuesday of each month at 440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804.

Happy Holidays District 6 residents! I hope you are all enjoying these last few weeks of 2024. As we wrap up the year, I want to thank you once again for re-electing me to represent you on the City Council. I look forward to continuing to represent you and our shared vision for a brighter, more equitable Richmond for all.

¡Residentes del Distrito 6 felices Fiestas! Espero que esten disfrutando todas estas últimas semanas de 2024. Al concluir el año, quiero agradecerles una vez más por reelegirme para representarlos en el Concejo Municipal. Espero seguir representándolos a ustedes y a nuestra visión compartida de un Richmond más brillante y equitativo para todos.