Berkeley · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Berkeley public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Ashby BART East Lot affordable housing development
After nearly nine years of community process, Berkeley chose a developer for a 100% affordable project on the Ashby BART East Lot — 341 bedrooms, 12 ownership townhomes, and a 25% set-aside for people with disabilities. It's framed as a partial repair of the displacement Black South Berkeley families suffered when BART was built.
Affordable Housing Preference Policy Revision
The City Council updated its housing preference policy to prioritize households displaced by BART and descendants of redlined neighborhoods using a simplified tiered system.
San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Adoption
The City Council adopted the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, allowing up to seven-story residential and mixed-use buildings along the corridor to increase housing production and improve public spaces.
Park Development and Land Acquisition
With Golden Gate Fields shutting down, Berkeley locals and city leaders are trying to figure out what to do with the massive racetrack site. While the state is helping turn it into a huge new regional park, the city still has to scramble to replace the tax dollars they're losing.
Ferry Service and Pier Development
Berkeley just secured state approval to fast-track lawsuits for its new municipal pier and electric ferry project, paving the way for construction to potentially start by 2028. This zero-emission transit upgrade aims to slash regional traffic and give commuters a brand-new way to get across the Bay.
Large Vehicle and RV Parking Regulation Review
The council debated new strategies and regional policy alignment for managing long-term large vehicle parking and abating hazards in commercial and industrial rights-of-way.
Small Sites Affordable Housing Program Funding
Residents and housing advocates clashed over whether to preserve funding for the Small Sites Program or redirect housing trust funds toward new construction gap financing.
Local Density Bonus Program for Condominium Development
Berkeley's getting ready to build up! New rules mean taller buildings are allowed, which could mean a lot more apartments and condos hitting the market.
By-Right Housing Approval and Design Review Standards
Berkeley is updating its local code to match state law SB 684, making it easier for builders to split small lots and construct middle housing ownership options.
State Density Bonus Concessions vs. Local Labor Standards
Berkeley's City Council approved new housing projects, but some folks are worried these developments might not follow standard labor rules. This could mean construction workers on these sites might end up with lower pay or fewer benefits than they should.
2109 Virginia Street Mixed-Use Development Appeal
Neighbors appealed the Zoning Adjustments Board approval of an 8-story, 110-unit mixed-use building, citing concerns over scale, loss of neighborhood character, traffic, and environmental safety on a former dry cleaner site. Council ultimately denied the appeal, upholding the project under state density bonus laws.
ADU Condominium Conversion and Tenant Protections
The city debated whether to opt into state law AB 1033, allowing homeowners to sell backyard ADUs separately as condos. Residents and officials weighed the benefits of creating affordable starter homes against the risk of displacing vulnerable renters.
Development Project Cancellation
That huge California Theatre renovation downtown is officially off the table because the developer pulled out. This means a major project that was supposed to revitalize the area is now a no-go.
Teacher Housing Development
Berkeley teachers might finally get a break on housing costs! A new affordable housing development is planned, aiming to have units ready by 2027. This could mean less commuting and more stability for educators in the city.
Zoning and Housing Discrimination
Berkeley's zoning rules have a shady past, actively separating people by race and income for ages. This deep dive shows how these policies have shaped who lives where for decades.