Point Molate Redevelopment Plan

Point Molate, a former Navy base on San Francisco Bay, supported the Doolittle Raid during World War II and once housed the nation’s largest winery during Prohibition. The City of Richmond selected SunCal to transform the site into a diverse mix of homes, parks and shops for Richmond families. Previous development proposals generated overwhelming opposition, leaving behind 25 years of organized resistance and deep community skepticism. SunCal faced a tight approval timeline and an uncertain local political climate. Midway through the campaign, the COVID-19 pandemic eliminated in-person meetings, open houses and public forums, adding another layer of complexity.

We developed and led a comprehensive political, community and media outreach program to advance the project. The team united stakeholders from multicultural, business and labor organizations, securing support from dozens of elected officials and community leaders throughout the approval process.

When the pandemic halted in-person engagement, we pivoted quickly to an all-digital strategy, creating tools to mobilize advocates and guide supporters through new virtual City Council hearing procedures. The campaign included coalition building, digital advocacy, media relations, issues management, government relations and labor engagement.

Within 12 months of SunCal’s selection by the City of Richmond, the City Council approved the company’s vision for Point Molate. The campaign mobilized 429 project advocates and generated 372 support letters to the City Council, demonstrating broad and visible community backing for the redevelopment plan.

Editor’s note: this work was conducted by Southwest Strategies, now Bodewell Group.