Berkeley · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Berkeley public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Measure Y arts parcel tax
Berkeley voters may get to decide Measure Y, a parcel tax that would send about $6.3 million a year to local arts groups. Most homeowners would pay roughly $105 annually. If you care about live theater and arts funding—or your tax bill—this is one to watch.
City Contracting and Procurement Audit
Council moved forward on requiring competitive bidding for service contracts over $100,000, responding to a city audit that found large contracts skipped competitive processes. The City Attorney's office will also report quarterly on legal spending.
Renaming of Cesar Chavez Park
The north waterfront park is renamed Si Se Puede Park, honoring the farm worker movement, after a community committee process. The city still needs to work out trademark permission with the UFW.
Undergrounding Electrical Transformers
The council enacted a new rule requiring new residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments to place electrical transformers underground rather than on private surface pads.
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.
Affordable Housing Preference Policy Update
The city updated its affordable housing preference policy to create a simpler tiered system, helping families displaced by BART and historical redlining return to Berkeley.
Soda Tax Increase
Berkeley is thinking about doubling its local soda tax to help cover rising city expenses. If this passes, get ready to pay significantly more for sugary drinks at the register.
Sugary Drink Tax
Berkeley is voting on Measure AA, which would double the current tax on sugary drinks. If it passes, expect to pay noticeably more for your favorite sodas at the store.