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.
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.
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.