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.
Councilmember Harassment and Public Safety
Former and current Berkeley officials are warning that harassment and death threats are pushing elected leaders out of public service. They point to Rigel Robinson’s 2024 resignation and recent stalking incidents targeting Councilmember Igor Tregub. If you care about who runs your city, this is a sign that public safety for officials is becoming a civic retention problem.
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.
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.
Federal census residence rule opposition
Berkeley formally opposed proposed federal census changes the city says would undercount its residents, sending its objection to the Commerce Department and Census Bureau.
PROWAG accessibility in the public right-of-way
Disability advocates pressed the city to move faster on making accessibility guidelines enforceable in city construction contracts, saying six to eight more months to write contract language is too long.
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.
Police Station Fire
A small fire and sprinkler mishap at the Berkeley Police Department forced an evacuation and briefly scrambled 911 calls to the county. Luckily, normal operations are already back up and running.
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.
BART Regional Transit Funding and Deficit
BART directors presented updates on rising ridership and warned of severe service cuts if the upcoming regional transit measure fails.
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.
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.
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.