The manager of Richmond’s Planning Division has resigned for an undisclosed reason, and his last day is next week.
Hector Rojas confirmed with Richmondside in an email Thursday morning that his last day is Sept. 6 but didn’t comment further.
Rojas’ departure leaves a crucial vacancy in a leadership position at the division, which works with the Planning Commission to execute the city’s General Plan and handles all building projects from the permit phase onward, making sure projects comply with city laws. (See more about the department’s goals, such as enhancing Richmond physically and promoting a safe, economically healthy community.)
The commission itself is experiencing a dearth of leadership, with three vacancies on the seven-member council-appointed board as of Aug. 1, according to the city’s website.
After graduating from UC Berkeley in 2004 with a degree in Urban Studies, Rojas worked in Richmond’s Planning Division as a planner for 11 years from 2004 to 2015, according to his LinkedIn profile.
After leaving in 2015, Rojas had a stint as a senior planner for the city of Pittsburg from 2015 to 2021 before becoming the planning manager for the city of Martinez from 2021 to 2022. He returned to Richmond to manage the division in October 2022.
Lina Velasco, director of Richmond’s Community Development Department, which oversees the Planning Division, did not respond to multiple requests for comment by publication time.
The Planning Division is in charge of reviewing project proposals to ensure compliance with state and local regulations, while also advising various stakeholders on projects, including new housing applications. Additionally, the division collaborates with the Historic Preservation Commission to study and manage Richmond’s historic sites and buildings.
Some recent issues the department has tackled include a proposal to turn an office building into a temporary 25-bed emergency housing shelter at 37th Street and Bissell Avenue (the proposal was continued so questions could be clarified) and an application for a karaoke club, which staff recommended be denied. Another project the division is responsible for is the Hilltop Horizon Specific Plan, which looks to revitalize the 143-acre area around Hilltop mall.
The last two public meetings for Hilltop Horizon — City Council and Planning Commission study sessions which were scheduled to be held in May — were canceled indefinitely. Its timeline notes it was to be in the adoption stages in 2024/25. Rojas was listed as the city’s point of contact for the project.
