Thanks to sleuthing by the city clerk, the mystery of the origination of the nearly 40-year old City of Richmond logo has been solved! Maybe it’s time for a new one.

City Council Minutes June 20, 1977

A proposed resolution adopting and authorizing use of Richmond logo letterhead designs was presented. (A new logo is proposed for the City which expresses through color and form, the maritime future of the City). Councilman Greco, Chairman of the Programs and Planning Committee, reported that his committee reviewed the matter and recommended approval and made a motion, seconded by Councilman Grydyk that the recommendation be accepted. On request of Councilman Corcoran, Lance Burris, Economic Development and Renewal Administrator of the Redevelopment Agency, displayed the logo and explained its meaning as follows:

1)    The form approximates the shape of the Pacific Ocean.
2)    The arrow shape indicates the thrust into the pacific of the port Development. The line used in the letterhead indicates rail support to the Port Activity.
3)    The point of the arrow approximates the shape of a sail boat, with a wake trailing behind.
4)    The blue symbolizes the maritime future of the City and the red brick the color of City Hall and new construction.
5)    The three shapes making up the basic form include a hill shape (Hilltop), a boat hull shape (The Harbour), and an “S” shape for the City’s regional service activities (Downtown).

There being no further comments, the motion passed and Resolution 132-77 was adopted by the unanimous vote of the Council.

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