Cover image for Council Puts Fire Station Bond on November Ballot Despite Softening Polls

City Council - Jul 28, 2026 - Meeting

City CouncilRichmondJuly 28, 2026

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Council Puts Fire Station Bond on November Ballot Despite Softening Polls

Richmond's City Council pushed a fire station general obligation bond to November 2026 voters even as new polling shows support well short of the two-thirds threshold — and received a stark warning from AC Transit that bus service cuts and hundreds of layoffs could follow if a separate regional tax measure also fails at the ballot.

  • Fire station bond headed to November ballot with only 54% initial voter support, 12 points below the required two-thirds
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  • AC Transit reveals $200M four-year deficit; Richmond bus routes face frequency cuts and shortened hours without new regional sales tax
  • Mayor blocks councilmember from rules committee, sparking governance standoff that kills the item
  • Healthy checkout ordinance advances with free county enforcement for 33 retailers
  • CicLAvia street closure pilot deferred after staff warns $145K+ cost would divert sole transportation planner from traffic safety

The council unanimously adopted an ordinance and resolution placing a general obligation bond for fire station improvements on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot — but the real fight is just beginning. Fresh polling from Clifford Moss shows the measure faces a steep climb.

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