For a nonprofit with a multimillion operating budget, It is incomprehensible that Urban Tilth simply cannot produce an audit of its finances. And it is equally incomprehensible that the attorney general continues to cut Urban Tilth slack, setting yet another deadline of November 30, 2023, while allowing the nonprofit to fully engage in business.

See City of Richmond, Urban Tilth, Rich City Rides and the Strategic Growth Council Perpetuate Illegal and Unethical Contract Relationship, November 5, 2023.

Despite numerous requests, the attorney general has been unable or unwilling to explain on what basis the DOJ can administratively waive a regulation that clearly prohibits  “Charitable Trusts to operate or solicit for charitable purposes” when not in good standing? Apparently, DOJ waived § 999.9.4 based solely on representations by Urban Tilth that it was in the process of obtaining audits. The waiver allowed Urban Tilth to accept over $10 million in state money for a TCC grant.

§ 999.9.4. Registrant Must Be In Good Standing to Operate or Solicit. A person or entity subject to the registration requirements of Government Code section 12580 et seq., must be registered and in good standing with the Registry of Charitable Trusts to operate or solicit for charitable purposes. A registration that is delinquent, suspended or revoked is not in good standing and is prohibited from engaging in conduct for which registration is required including, but not limited to solicitation for charitable purposes. (https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/charities/pdf/admin_review_regs.pdf).