Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Called to order: 5:30 PM · 6 items

Minutes not yet published by the City Clerk — vote and comment data typically appear 4–6 weeks after the meeting.

Attendance

Whitney Tipton(Present)
Sara Cantor(Present)
Tomasa Espinoza(Present)
Jim Hite(Present)
Melvin Willis(Present)
6 substantive items · 2 procedural

Housing(2 items)

Receive letters from residents about rent control and eviction laws

Rent Board & Tenants

In Plain English

Community members sent letters to the city about Richmond's rent ordinance. The law limits rent increases and requires landlords to show valid reasons for evictions. The council will hear these public comments during the meeting.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Receive presentation on research for new real estate disclosure requirements

Rent Board & Tenants

In Plain English

The Rent Board asked staff to research requiring landlords or sellers to disclose more information about rental properties during sales. Staff will present their findings on what other cities require and recommend whether Richmond should adopt similar rules. If approved, buyers and tenants could get more information about rent history, building conditions, or tenant rights before transactions.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Budget(2 items)

RECEIVE the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Monthly Activity Report through January 2026

Rent Board & Tenants

Official Agenda Text

Monthly activity report for rent program

Receive monthly financial report for rent control program through January 2026

Rent Board & Tenants

In Plain English

The city's rent control program tracks its income and spending each month. This report shows how much the program collected in fees from landlords and spent on staff and operations through January 2026. The program is funded entirely by fees, not taxpayer money.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Personnel(1 item)

Receive presentation on Rent Board staffing levels and recruitment

Labor & City Workers

In Plain English

The Rent Board has budgeted positions that may not be fully staffed. City staff will present the current number of employees and their efforts to fill vacant roles. This affects how quickly the board can process rent disputes and respond to tenant complaints.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Governance(1 item)

Suspend rent control exemption rule until council reviews all exemption policies

Police & Community Safety

In Plain English

The city's Regulation 202 allows certain rental properties to avoid rent control rules through administrative exemptions. Staff will present a comprehensive review of all current exemption policies so council can understand their impact. If approved, the regulation stays suspended until this review is complete.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

G-1APPROVE the minutes of January 21, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Richmond Rent BoardH-4RECEIVE the Executive Director's outgoing message