Meeting Overview

The Berkeley City Council meeting on March 11, 2025, was attended by council members Rashi Kesarwani, Terry Taplin, Ben Bartlett, Igor Tregub, Cecilia Lunaparra, and Mark Humbert (remotely), along with Mayor Adina Ishii. The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgment by Councilmember Tregub, recognizing the Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone people's ancestral lands. The council reported on closed session settlements and declared March 2025 as American Red Cross Month, acknowledging their contributions to disaster response.

Main Agenda Items

Public comments largely focused on international and local issues, with significant attention on the conflict in Palestine and local anti-Muslim hate crimes. The Peace and Justice Commission's resolution regarding a ceasefire in Gaza was a focal point. Locally, business owners and community members called for stronger actions against Islamophobia and better protection for minority communities.

Key agenda items included a proposed ordinance to regulate algorithmic pricing in the housing market, the condemnation of hate crimes, and discussions on affordable housing. Councilmember Humbert raised concerns about the ordinance's definitions, suggesting refinements to ensure enforceability. Councilmember Lunaparra introduced supplemental changes to address stakeholder feedback, aiming to clarify definitions and close loopholes.

The meeting also addressed a special assessment tax lien appeal related to the Rental Housing Safety Program and discussed a proposed ordinance to prohibit algorithmic devices for rent setting. The council emphasized maintaining habitability standards and addressing anti-competitive behavior in the rental market.

Decisions Made

• Urgency Resolution on Islamophobia: A resolution condemning a recent anti-Muslim hate crime was introduced and added to the agenda after a roll-call vote.

• Rental Housing Safety Program Appeal: The council unanimously upheld the staff recommendation to deny the appeal, reinforcing the city's commitment to housing safety standards.

• Algorithmic Pricing Ordinance: A substitute motion was adopted to approve the ordinance with supplemental changes, clarifying the definition of pricing algorithms and ensuring illegal coordination with competitors.

• Special Assessment Tax Lien: The council moved to deny the appeal regarding a property at 1806 Walnut Street, authorizing the city manager to record the lien.

The meeting highlighted Berkeley's commitment to inclusivity, tenant protection, and economic development, while addressing community divisions and the need for decisive action on international and local issues. The council concluded with a tribute to former Council Member Polly Armstrong.