Port of Richmond outlines enterprise fund strategy, $20M reserves and planned strategic‑planning work
January 21, 2026 | Richmond, Contra Costa County, California
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Port of Richmond leadership presented a financial update to the Richmond City Council focused on the port’s enterprise fund model, reserve strategy, revenue sources, liabilities and planning.
Emily Combs, director of finance, explained enterprise funds track self‑sustaining operations and support reserves for stability, capital planning and creditworthiness. Recent five‑year trends show lease revenue near $2.5 million; tariff revenue (mainly auto warehousing and storage charges) makes up about 75% of port revenue. Port tenants paid roughly $430,000 in taxes and fees to the city last year, staff said.
The port’s unrestricted reserve account was reported at approximately $20 million. One notable liability is a long‑standing general‑fund loan originally about $17.1 million; the current balance is roughly $7.5 million following a payment of about $4.5 million made in the past year.
Port staff described capital‑funding pathways including public‑private partnerships, state and federal grants, revenue bonds, and self‑funding for smaller projects. They outlined planning 'building blocks' — an infrastructure assessment, land‑use considerations, an economic impact study and a strategic plan — and noted the CEC offshore wind study (state grant) expected to provide important facility data and may accelerate the planning schedule.
Council members asked detailed questions about reserve levels, the general warehouse RFP evaluation process (confidential procurement staff review underway), the Red Oak Victory vessel (owned by the Richmond Museum Association with reciprocal credit toward port debt) and options to meet CARB emissions rules through shore power or emission‑control systems. Port staff said they are pursuing multiple options including grant applications and that the port is already pursuing targeted maintenance and high‑priority projects while the broader strategic plan develops.
Council unanimously voted to receive the port financial update.
Emily Combs, director of finance, explained enterprise funds track self‑sustaining operations and support reserves for stability, capital planning and creditworthiness. Recent five‑year trends show lease revenue near $2.5 million; tariff revenue (mainly auto warehousing and storage charges) makes up about 75% of port revenue. Port tenants paid roughly $430,000 in taxes and fees to the city last year, staff said.
The port’s unrestricted reserve account was reported at approximately $20 million. One notable liability is a long‑standing general‑fund loan originally about $17.1 million; the current balance is roughly $7.5 million following a payment of about $4.5 million made in the past year.
Port staff described capital‑funding pathways including public‑private partnerships, state and federal grants, revenue bonds, and self‑funding for smaller projects. They outlined planning 'building blocks' — an infrastructure assessment, land‑use considerations, an economic impact study and a strategic plan — and noted the CEC offshore wind study (state grant) expected to provide important facility data and may accelerate the planning schedule.
Council members asked detailed questions about reserve levels, the general warehouse RFP evaluation process (confidential procurement staff review underway), the Red Oak Victory vessel (owned by the Richmond Museum Association with reciprocal credit toward port debt) and options to meet CARB emissions rules through shore power or emission‑control systems. Port staff said they are pursuing multiple options including grant applications and that the port is already pursuing targeted maintenance and high‑priority projects while the broader strategic plan develops.
Council unanimously voted to receive the port financial update.
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