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REDI News

Richmond Economic Development Campaign

Richmond Economic Development Campaign Research tells us that there are connections between gun violence, educational opportunity, and employment. Per capita, Richmond has the highest homicide rate in Northern California. At the same time there are major opportunities to dramatically impact the economic environment and reduce gun-related violence.

Richmond has various initiatives and innovative programs that seek to address unemployment and underemployment and which have the potential to provide pathways out of poverty. There is more that can be done to support and create quality jobs and training opportunities.

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Housing Campaign

Richmond residents have been hit hard by the foreclosure crisis. With nearly 2000 foreclosed homes owned by banks and more likely to come, heighborhoods are being torn apart.

This crisis illustrates the need for accountability from financial institutions the need for more effective policies at all levels of government that will stabilize communities by keeping families in their homes, revitalizing neighborhoods, and promoting affordable housing for Richmond residents.

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Action Alerts

Stop the violence in Richmond

More jobs now!

Thursday, November 19th 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
684 Juliga Way, Richmond

[See Flyer Below for More Information]

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Improved Code Enforcement

REDI Town Hall Leads to Improved Code Enforcement,

Community Stabilization, and Reduced Blight

As the Housing Crisis began to emerge, California ACORN, working with Senator Don Perata, passed Senate Bill 1137 which empowered cities to collect fines on unmaintained, foreclosed properties that cause blight. This new law allows cities to fine negligent property owners up to $1000 per day.

Richmond has been hit hard by a massive wave of foreclosures- 2000 and growing. Many of these homes, now owned by banks, are left untended and in disrepair, endangering the safety of remaining residents.

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REDI General Plan Campaign Update

The City of Richmond releases draft General Plan

Some REDI recommendations included, but more necessary

The City of Richmond released its draft General Plan. Some REDI recommendations are included, but more are needed. We are focusing on greater community participation in planning processes for new development and for the city's green business plan. The recent tragedy at Richmond High school underscores our call for environmental design which seekk to deter crime & violence. We are calling for increased community ownership through a community land trust, and more

NEXT STEPS

Attend the December 9, 2009 Planning Commission Meeting to advocate for our recommendations.
Attend the December 15, 2009 City Council Meeting to advocate for our recommendations.

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Community Land Trust Resolution

What is a communtiy land trust?

A tool to create long-term, community controlled affordable housing.
A way to provide access to home ownership for those who otherwise could not own a home
A tool to stabilize neighborhoods hit hard by the foreclosure crisis.

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REDI Leader Profile

Lorie Chinn

Richmond ACORN chapter president and REDI leader Lorie Chinn is a shining example of community leadership in action. Driven by her deep spiritual faith and “strength in numbers,” Lorie envisions a thriving community where neighbors are involved and work together. Originally from Texas, Lorie came to Richmond in 1986 accompanying her sister. Since then “the city of pride and purpose” has been home. In 1988, she became involved with Greater Richmond Social Services where she sat on the Board of Directors for over 15 years. She served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for 8 of those years, which ultimately began her career as a community activist. At Coronado Elementary School she was the president of the School Advisory Counsel, School Site Counsel and a member of the District Advisory Council.

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Support Richmond's Community Land Trust

After years of work, the time is right and the political will is in place to support permanent affordable housing in Richmond through the creation of a Community Land Trust. On September 15th, Richmond Mayor, Gayle McLaughlin, and co-sponsor Councilmember Jeff Ritterman will introduce a resolution in support of REDI’s proposed Community Land Trust.

Please attend the 9/15/09 Richmond city council meeting to support this resolution!

For more details, visit: http://urbanhabitat.org/richmond/clt

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