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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Berkeley Economic Dashboards and Local Market Trends
City leaders reviewed the latest economic data to see how local businesses, commercial corridors, and the overall economy are performing. This information helps shape future economic development strategies and support programs for local enterprises.
Campaign Finance Compliance and BERA Regulations
Local candidates and ballot measure committees must navigate complex local and state campaign finance rules, including strict contribution caps and electronic reporting requirements, to maintain transparency in Berkeley elections.
Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee Update
The council updated housing fees to add a floor area deduction for single-family homes, aiming to balance developer contributions with housing affordability goals.
Berkeley Police Department 2025 Annual Report Review
Berkeley cops might soon be off the hook for traffic tickets! The city council is considering a ban on police making traffic stops, potentially shifting that duty to other city workers. It's part of a bigger plan to rethink how policing works in Berkeley.
Rent Stabilization Ordinance Ballot Measures
Berkeley's city council just put the brakes on landlords using software to set rent prices. They're worried algorithms could lead to unfair rent hikes, so they're banning this tech to keep things more affordable.
AC Transit Budget Deficit and Service Contingency Plan
AC Transit announced a projected $200 million deficit over the next four years, warning of potential 16% service cuts and job losses if additional revenues are not secured.
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.
Environmental Health and Zero Waste Fee Increases
The city is establishing and raising fees for restaurant health inspections and zero waste plan checks to recover administrative costs and protect shrinking enterprise funds from deficits.
Recruitment of Director of Police Accountability
The city council and public discussed desired qualifications, priorities, and communication skills for hiring a new permanent Director of Police Accountability.
Downtown Berkeley PBID Renewal
Property owners voted overwhelmingly to renew the Downtown Berkeley Association's improvement district for another 10 years, continuing cleaning, hospitality, and marketing services in the commercial core.
Green Infrastructure Funding for Channing Way and Aquatic Park
Advocates urged the city to fund and construct planned green infrastructure at Channing Way and Aquatic Park to prevent the forfeiture of a $1.5 million U.S. EPA grant.
Public Bank Ballot Measure
Berkeley voters might get to vote on setting up California's first public bank, which could completely change how the city handles its money and local economic policies. This is a huge deal for municipal finance and could set a brand new trend for the state.