To: Board of Supervisors
From: John Kopchik, Director, Conservation and Development
Report Title: Memorandum of Understanding with Urban Tilth to contribute North Richmond Solar Funds for the North Richmond Farm Solar Power Project.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Department of Conservation and Development Director, or designee, to execute a memorandum of understanding with Urban Tilth to contribute $60,000 of North Richmond Solar Funds for a solar energy installation project at Urban Tilth’s North Richmond Farm, for the period of March 17, 2026 through March 31, 2027, subject to approval by the County Administrator and approval as to form by the County Counsel.
FISCAL IMPACT:
North Richmond Solar Funds contributed to the County by development projects in the North Richmond area will be used to fund the project. 100% North Richmond Solar Funds.
BACKGROUND:
Project Description
Urban Tilth has partnered with GRID Alternatives, a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Oakland, California, to include solar power to meet energy needs associated with farm operations, electrical vehicle charging, and community facilities on Urban Tilth’s North Richmond farm. The North Richmond Farm Solar Power Project will be completed in three phases. The current funding request is for Phase 2 of the project and includes the design, permitting, installation, inspection, and interconnection of photovoltaic systems on the farm’s tool shed and the watershed workshop. Phase 2 of the project will cost an estimated $60,000 per GRID Alternatives.
North Richmond Solar Funds Background
North Richmond Solar Funds have been generated by voluntary contributions associated with certain industrial development projects in North Richmond with significant emissions and/or truck traffic, as provided in the conditions of approval for these projects. North Richmond Solar Funds are intended to benefit the North Richmond community by paying for establishment of solar energy that can benefit North Richmond residents.
Urban Tilth’s North Richmond Farm builds a more sustainable, healthy, and just local food system. Urban Tilth helps the North Richmond community cultivate food; trains and employs local youth; teaches residents about the relationships among food, health, poverty, and justice; and forges partnerships with local small farmers to increase demand for their produce. The proposed Phase 2 of the North Richmond Farm Solar Power Project is consistent with the intended use of the North Richmond Solar Fund.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the funds are not authorized, it is likely Urban Tilth will not be able to complete the project.