District 3 Council Member· 2024-2028
Ben Bartlett
Berkeley
About
Ben Bartlett's platform centers heavily on housing development and policy, with a focus on scaling up his local proposals to the state level in Sacramento. His campaign priorities also encompass broader local governance issues as a Berkeley City Council member and his subsequent runs for higher office.
Campaign promises (1)
- developmentBen Bartlett aims to take his housing proposals to Sacramento.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 33
- Total speaking time
- 2:31:37
- Avg per meeting
- 4:36
- Segments
- 2325
Want every word Bartlett has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Bartlett said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)
election guide
Your vote could shape how city funds are allocated, impacting everything from parks to public safety.
Affordable Housing Preference Policy Update
None directly associated with the policy adoption.
November 2026 Sales Tax and GO Bond Ballot Measures
Adds approximately $22 per $100,000 of assessed property value annually for property owners.
Police Use of Chemical Weapons and Tear Gas
None specified in staff reports beyond existing operational costs.
Reconsideration of Police Tear Gas and Chemical Weapon Restrictions
Negligible cost impact to reintroduce the tools.
Proposed 0.5% Sales Tax Increase
Generates roughly $9 million annually in new general fund revenue while raising the local sales tax rate to match neighboring cities.
public bank ballot measure
It could shift where the city keeps its money, potentially freeing up funds for local projects, but setting it up will cost a pretty penny upfront.
Harrison Street Encampment Abatement and Homelessness Response
Ongoing legal and operational costs associated with homelessness response and court compliance.
park development and land acquisition
The city takes a direct hit from losing racetrack tax revenue, which officials will need to somehow replace.
San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Adoption
Covered by existing planning department funds and future capital improvement allocations.
Ashby BART East Lot affordable housing development
$1 million reserved now, with about $8 million in Measure O and housing trust funds earmarked overall.
soda tax increase
Shoppers will face notably higher prices on all sugary drinks bought within city limits.
election analysis
This analysis doesn't directly impact your wallet, but it could change how future elections are run, potentially affecting campaign spending.
Harrison Street Encampment Abatement
Legal defense and court compliance costs impact city litigation and administrative budgets.
PROWAG accessibility in the public right-of-way
Affordable Housing Preference Policy Revision
Staff time and administrative adjustments for online portal integration.
Campaign Finance Compliance and BERA Regulations
Participating candidates can receive thousands of dollars in public matching funds (up to a 6-to-1 match on donations of $60 or less), subject to strict post-election unspent fund repayment requirements.
emergency preparedness
These classes are totally free, so you won't spend a dime to get prepared!
election results
Your tax dollars are at stake as new leaders are chosen to manage city finances.
City Contracting and Procurement Audit
Aims to stretch public dollars through better pricing and accountability on contracts.
Decisions during term (530)
Recorded while Bartlett was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Approval of Consent Calendar (December 2, 2025 meeting minutes)
Adjournment
Motion to add urgency item to agenda (Census resolution)
Adopt Consent Calendar including Census Resolution 72,480-N.S.
Ashby BART East Lot developer selection (Items/Resolutions 72,500-N.S. & 72,501-N.S.)
Removal of Item 22 (special events ordinances)
Adjournment in memory of Nikki Williams
Amendments to Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) Section 23.304.100 (Site Features in Residential Districts) to require undergrounding of electrical transformers on private land
Waiver of Sanctuary City Ordinance for Westlaw Contract
2026 Annual Commission Attendance and Meeting Frequency Report
Contract: Adrien Segal Public Artwork Commission for Santa Fe Trackbed to Park Conversion
Contract No. 32500002 Amendment: Community Initiatives | Live Free USA for Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Services
Formal Bid Solicitations and Request for Proposals Scheduled for Possible Issuance After Council Approval on October 27, 2026
Contract: Insight Public Sector, Inc. dba Aurelian for Non-Emergency Call-Taking Software
Contract No. 104289-1 Amendment: Jackson & Coker for Locum Tenens Psychiatrists
Grant Application: The 2026 Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) Grant Program of the California Division of Boating & Waterways
Revenue Grant: California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for the 2026-2027 “Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP)” Grant
Authorizing the City Manager to Submit a Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle-13 Grant Application and to Execute Any Resultant Grant Agreement and Amendments
Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Project Specific Maintenance Agreement Between the California Department of Transportation and City of Berkeley for the San Pablo Avenue Safety Enhancements Project
Contract No. 32300096 Amendment: SCS Engineers for Landfill Post-Closure Maintenance and Monitoring Services
Voting record (68)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Adopt Consent Calendar including Census Resolution 72,480-N.S.
Ashby BART East Lot developer selection (Items/Resolutions 72,500-N.S. & 72,501-N.S.)
Resolution Reinstating Tear Gas and Lifting OC Spray/Smoke Moratorium
Social Justice Implications of Proposed Use of Controlled Weapons (Item 1b)
to: 1. Adopt a Resolution as revised in Supplemental Communications Packet #1 by the City Manager. 2. Adopt the first reading of an Ordinance as revised in the Supplemental Communications Packet #1 by
Adoption of San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan and Related Amendments
Adjourn the Meeting
Continue Items 21A and 21B to Special Meeting
Approval of Hopkins Street Repaving and Safety Project
Approval of Hopkins Street Paving and Safety Improvements Referral
Adoption of Consent Calendar
Lease Agreement with International Child Resource Institute (ICRI)
Levy and Collection of Fiscal Year 2027 Street Lighting Assessments
Resolution on Air Support and Canine Mutual Aid Policies (Item 23A)
Reschedule Tear Gas and Chemical Agents Items (24a/24b) to September 15
to schedule Item 24a and 24b for September 15, 2026, including supplemental materials from Councilmember Blackaby and the Police Accountability Board.
to adopt Resolution No. 72,399–N.S. as submitted in the item by Councilmember Kesarwani and amended by Mayor Ishii and Councilmember Blackaby with the following wording changes shown in underline.
to schedule Item 24a and 24b for September 15, 2026, including supplemental materials from Councilmember Blackaby and the Police Accountability Board.
to reconsider the previous vote.
to adjourn the meeting.
Adoption of FY 2027-2028 Biennial Budget, CIP, and FY 2027 Appropriations Ordinance
Consent Calendar Approval
Implementation of Residential Preferential Parking (RPP) on the 1500 Block of Delaware Street
Policy for Disruption of Remote Participation During Council Meetings
Affirming All-Electric Standards for the 2026 Infrastructure Bond Measure and City Capital Projects
Placing a Charter Amendment Measure on the November 3, 2026 Ballot
Placing a General Obligation Bond Measure on the November 3, 2026 Ballot
Placing a Transactions and Use (Sales) General Tax Measure on the November 3, 2026 Ballot
Adoption of Parking Management Program Revisions (BMC Chapter 14.52)
Approval of Environmental Health Fee Schedule Changes
Adoption of Zero Waste Plan Check and Compliance Inspection Fees
Adoption of Downtown Berkeley PBID Re-Establishment and DBA Contract
Affirm Direction to Prepare Ballot Language for General Obligation Bond and Sales Tax Increase
Adoption of Surveillance Use Policies and Rejection of Full Flock Contract
ALPR Contract Extension and RFP Direction
Consent Calendar Approval
Program Year 2026 Annual Action Plan
Ephesian Legacy Court Apartments Bond Financing
Amendments to BMC Title 23 (Zoning) for Consistency with State Law (SLTE 2026)
1646 and 1650 Fifth Street Re-Zoning and General Plan Amendments
Approval of Consent Calendar
Close Public Hearing on AB 2561 Vacancy and Retention Report
Consent Calendar Approval
Resolution Limiting Use of City Property
Amendments to BMC Title 3.24 (Landmarks Preservation Commission)
Referral on Local Density Bonus and Signature Requirements
Urgent Item: Referral to Rename Cesar Chavez Park
Appointment of Interim Director of Police Accountability
yes