Transform Helps Richmond Plug In
Transform partners with a number of Bay Area cities to help residents connect to affordable, sustainable transportation options. Our Alameda Safe Routes to Schools work connects students, teachers, parents, and administrators from more than 300 schools around the county. Our recent projects have taken us around the Bay Area: to San Jose in Santa Clara County all the way up to Contra Costa County. We’ve been working especially closely with communities in Richmond to spread awareness of clean transportation options in the city.
Richmond needs clean mobility options
According to Cal Enviro Screen, Richmond has one of the highest pollution burdens in the Bay Area. The city is home to several oil refineries and other heavy manufacturing facilities that release toxins into the air and water. Richmond is also crossed by two major highways, adding to the pollution burden.
Frontline communities in Richmond often have limited access to or information about clean transportation options. Transform is partnering with Marin Community Choice Energy (MCE), a renewable energy provider, the Bay Area Air District (BAAD), and GRID Alternatives to change this.
Listening to the community
With BAAD and GRID Alternatives, we’re helping to install EV chargers at multifamily housing sites. Getting access to charging is a barrier to moving to an electric vehicle for many people who live in multi-unit buildings. Transform is leading tenant engagement for the project — we’re currently working with residents at Atchison Village and Community Housing Development Corporation affordable housing sites, with more to come.
Transform starts all our outreach programs by listening to the community members they are designed to serve. To further this project, we’re conducting a transportation survey to understand the transportation habits and knowledge of EVs, facilitating on-site information sessions, and hosting a community mobility fair.
Helping people make the switch: EV rebates and education
As part of our work with MCE, Transform is creating a directory of the clean transportation ecosystem in Richmond. Electric Carshare, the Richmond Moves on-demand shuttle service, Rich City Rides’ development of an e-bike Lending Library, and the coordinated efforts of Richmond Rising are just some of the ways in which partners are supporting climate-friendly transportation choices.
In addition, we’re providing on-the-ground outreach to spread the word about MCE’s instant rebates to help low-income residents afford the purchase price of an EV. We’re working closely with staff at affordable housing sites to answer residents’ questions about cost savings, charging, and making the most of the variety of incentives and rebates available to them.
To further each of these projects, we’re holding strategy meetings, tabling at community events, and collaborating with government staff and CBOs in Richmond. We always make sure to be inclusive in our outreach by sharing information about public transit discounts such as Clipper Start and bikeshare and e-bike incentives where applicable. We continue to expand our Richmond programming as we build strong partnerships and learn more about residents’ needs for the transportation future they envision.
