Alameda · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Alameda public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Campaign Donation Disclosure Requirements
The council added a rule requiring elected officials to publicly disclose campaign donations over $100 from parties with business before the council to increase transparency.
Public Records Requests and AI Impact
Staff noted a recent surge in public records act requests, potentially driven by AI tools and automated searches for contracts and bids. The annual report will track these statistics to help the city understand workload trends.
Mayoral Election
Voters are sizing up mayoral candidate Tracy Jensen ahead of the November election to see what she's bringing to the table for Alameda. Her platform and background are taking center stage as locals decide who should lead the city next.
Mid-Year Transportation Status and Capital Projects
Staff reviewed ongoing citywide transportation projects, including paving, neighborhood greenways, bridge repairs, and transit improvements.
Main Library Redesign and Automated Book Sorter
Progress continues on reenvisioning the main library and installing an automated book checking system, though ADA review requirements have caused minor scheduling coordination with Public Works.
Minimum Wage Ballot Measure
Alameda is clashing over a proposed $30 minimum wage ballot measure. A new county study warns it'll cost the city a massive $33 million, but backers are fighting back, saying the study's math is totally off because it ignores the ten-year phase-in plan.
Library Staffing and Recruitment
Library staff noted a massive surge in applications for a library assistant opening, reflecting high interest in library careers.
Bike Lane Parking Prohibition and Enforcement
The city created a uniform ban on parking in all types of bike lanes with a $79 fine to protect cyclists and school children.
Downtown Commercial Zoning Streamlining
The city is updating codes for Park Street and Webster Street to make it easier for new businesses to open and reduce storefront vacancies.
West Alameda Transportation Demand Management Association Annual Report
The commission reviewed WATMA's 2025 performance, highlighting successes with the water shuttle and ongoing work to evaluate transit pass options for residential and commercial members.
Civic Center Parking Structure Hours and Safety
The city is establishing overnight closures for the downtown parking garage from midnight to 6 a.m. to stop vandalism and unauthorized camping while ensuring the facility remains safe and clean.
Park Vandalism
Someone's been stealing memorial plaques off park benches, and families are pretty upset about losing these tributes. The city is looking into making the plaques tougher to steal and will replace them, but it's a real shame for those who donated them.
Police Department Vehicle Fleet Replacements
The council considered authorizing the purchase of new electric SUVs and hybrid interceptors to update the police fleet.
Commercial Space Conversion at 801 Lincoln Ave
The city is reviewing a proposal to allow private instruction inside a 1,500 square-foot ground floor space at 801 Lincoln Avenue that used to be a grocery store. It's a quieter use that fits into the medium-density neighborhood.
District Attorney recall election
Alameda County is holding a do-over election for its District Attorney! It's a rematch between the current DA and the one who got recalled, plus a new face. They're all duking it out over how to handle crime in the East Bay.
Auto Registration Office Proposed for Park Street
An applicant is seeking permission to open an auto registration service office at 1907 Park Street. The project does not involve any physical changes to the existing building and qualifies for a categorical exemption under state environmental guidelines.
Memorial Amenity Policy
The city established a formal policy for memorial benches and picnic tables in parks, setting a 10-year dedication term and clear pricing to cover purchase, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
Review of City Job Classifications and Specifications
The Civil Service Board was scheduled to review and update job classifications and specifications for numerous municipal positions across city departments, including Alameda Municipal Power, Public Works, and the City Clerk's office.
USS Hornet Museum Operations Modification
The city reviewed museum operations on the USS Hornet, updating safety rules, occupant limits, and permitting occasional helicopter landings to support the ship's financial viability.
Musician Public Art Proposal
The commission was scheduled to review the design maquette for the "Making Waves" public art project. This presentation gives commissioners and the public a look at proposed artwork intended for public spaces.
Prohousing Incentive Program Grant Application
Alameda is applying for state grant funds to help finance relocation and supportive services at the local homeless day center.
Administrative Use Permit for R&D and Outdoor Storage at 1701 Monarch Street
Longshot Space is seeking permission to set up light industrial research and development operations along with outdoor storage at 1701 Monarch Street. The Zoning Administrator was scheduled to hold a public hearing to review the plans and hear public input.
Banner and Storage Unit Policy Updates
The commission is reviewing proposed changes to how banners are displayed in public parks alongside a brand-new policy governing storage units. These rules help manage public space and ensure fair access for community organizations.
Age-Friendly Cities Survey Draft
The board will review a draft survey aimed at gathering community input to make Alameda more age-friendly for older adults.
Legalization of Unpermitted Residential Addition at 2020 Clement Avenue
The city evaluated a request to legalize an unpermitted 338-square-foot rear addition and deck expansion at 2020 Clement Avenue. Because the property sits in an industrial manufacturing zone, a special administrative use permit is required to bring the residential unit into compliance.
Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community Recognition
Alameda was awarded a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community distinction by the League of American Bicyclists, highlighting local investments in safe street infrastructure.
Inclusion and Civic Participation
Missed the voter registration deadline for the June 2nd primary? You might still be able to vote in person on election day! Just make sure you register then.
Public Art Commission 2026 Calendar Scheduling
The commission was scheduled to review and adopt a calendar for 2026 designed to prevent scheduling conflicts and encourage public attendance. Ensuring accessible meeting dates helps maintain community involvement in local public art decisions.
2025 Zero Waste Implementation Plan Update
The city updated its zero waste strategy, focusing on behavior change, multi-family participation, illegal dumping enforcement, and community outreach rather than setting a strict target date. The plan outlines 12 programs designed to increase diversion and reduce landfill waste.
2026 Commission Planning and Priorities
The commission planned to map out its goals, focus areas, and potential projects for the upcoming year to better serve residents with disabilities in Alameda.
South Shore Geomorphology and Ecology Study
Alameda is creating a new capital improvement fund and accepting grant money to study the ecology and geomorphology of the South Shore shoreline.
Reparations Fund
Alameda is getting in on California's reparations push with a new fund. This initiative aims to provide compensation to families who had their land unjustly taken from them in the past.
Councilmember Conduct
Alameda's City Council is facing backlash for letting a councilmember off the hook after being accused of showing up to work drunk. Police flagged the incident, but the council opted not to take any disciplinary action, raising questions about accountability.
Geoengineering Experiment Refusal
Alameda is saying no to a wild climate experiment! They're refusing to host a geoengineering project, basically deciding they don't want to mess with the planet's weather systems.
Environmental Regulation
Alameda hit the brakes on a geoengineering project, and now folks are wondering if this means the city is anti-environment tech. It's a big question mark for future green innovations.
Police Settlement
Alameda is paying out a massive $11 million to the family of a man who died after police used a dangerous restraint technique. This settlement highlights serious concerns about police conduct and accountability in the city.
Police Misconduct Settlement
Alameda is paying a hefty $11 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit. The case involved three officers accused of killing a man through asphyxiation. This settlement is a major financial hit for the city.
Building Electrification
Alameda's mayor is joining a push to electrify new buildings. This means future homes and businesses might ditch gas for electricity, impacting how we power our city.
Park Naming
Alameda's Jackson Park is getting a new name to honor the Chochenyo people, the original inhabitants of the land. It's a move to recognize the area's deep history.
Eviction Moratorium
Governor Newsom wants cities to halt evictions during the coronavirus outbreak, bringing crucial temporary protections for renters in Alameda. The local government is currently figuring out how to implement these rules while the pandemic unfolds.
Misappropriation of Funds
Alameda's mayor is facing accusations of not returning missing city funds. This scandal could seriously impact her political future and the city's financial health.
Ethics Violation
An Alameda councilman is in hot water over an alleged ethics violation. An op-ed is urging voters to consider this when they cast their ballots.