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.
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.
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.