Meeting Overview

The Berkeley City Council, led by Mayor Adena Ishii, held a special meeting on November 6, 2025, primarily focused on the Corridor Zoning Update, a significant component of the city's strategy to promote sustainable and equitable housing development. The meeting was attended by council members Terry Taplin, Ben Bartlett, Igor Tregub, Shoshana O'Keefe, Brent Blackaby, Cecilia Lunaparra, and Mark Humbert, with Rashi Kesarwani absent. The session was marked by extensive discussions on zoning, housing, and the impact on local businesses, particularly in areas like Solano Avenue, North Shattuck, and College Avenue.

Main Agenda Items

• Corridor Zoning Update Presentation: Jordan Klein, Director of Planning and Development, presented the Corridor Zoning Update, focusing on expanding housing in high-resource neighborhoods. The update proposes two zoning alternatives to increase housing capacity and support local businesses while promoting sustainability.

• Community Engagement and Feedback: The council discussed the importance of community input, highlighting disparities in participation among different demographic groups. Efforts to engage students and underrepresented populations were noted, with suggestions to improve outreach through modern platforms like social media.

• Impact on Small Businesses: Concerns were raised about the potential displacement of small businesses due to upzoning. The council emphasized the need for a balanced approach that supports both housing development and economic vitality in commercial corridors.

• Housing Affordability and Density: Discussions centered on the city's inclusionary housing policies and the use of density bonuses to encourage affordable housing. The council explored the feasibility of high-rise developments and the implications for neighborhood character.

• Rezoning and Urban Planning: The meeting addressed the potential rezoning of areas adjacent to commercial nodes, with a focus on maintaining neighborhood aesthetics while accommodating new housing. The council considered lessons from other cities and the need for strategic development.

• Public Spaces and Mobility: The importance of activating public spaces and improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure was emphasized. The council discussed initiatives to enhance the public realm, such as parklets and outdoor dining.

Decisions Made

• No Immediate Zoning Amendments: The meeting served as a workshop for discussing the Corridor Zoning Update, with no zoning amendments advanced for adoption. The council sought input to guide future zoning regulations.

• Commitment to Community Engagement: The council underscored the importance of ongoing community engagement, planning further workshops and public hearings to ensure inclusive input.

• Support for Small Businesses: The council acknowledged the need for protections and support for small businesses during development projects, exploring potential strategies to mitigate displacement risks.

• Consideration of Housing Equity: The council committed to addressing housing equity by encouraging development in high-income areas, aligning with broader goals of promoting fair housing.

• Future Planning and Amendments: The council plans to advance zoning amendments by summer 2026, with a focus on balancing development needs with community values and economic sustainability.