Meeting Overview

The Berkeley City Council met on September 29, 2026. Councilmember Humbert attended remotely due to illness under Brown Act rules. The meeting began with ceremonial recognitions, including a proclamation honoring outgoing Downtown Berkeley Association CEO John Koehner for 17 years of service. The mayor also recognized departing Chief of Policy Julie Sinai.

The City Auditor gave a follow-up report on two past audits. On the sexual harassment and assault audit, the auditor said all recommendations were now fully implemented. On the restaurant inspection audit, the auditor said the city had begun tracking how inspection revenues are spent, but had still not restored public online access to food inspection data; staff now expects that later in the fall.

Public comment covered homeless encampments near preschools, crosswalk safety, recruitment for the Behavioral Health Commission, Gaza, alcohol and cannabis sales, and concerns about recent bike lane decisions.

Most routine items passed on the consent calendar in one unanimous vote. One item was removed by the City Manager before the vote.

Main Agenda Items

The consent calendar included approval of Mary Opler as Berkeley’s new Director of Police Accountability, with an employment agreement effective October 5, 2026 at a salary of $230,000. Council also added two urgency resolutions related to statewide ballot measures on voting rights: one supporting Proposition 1 and one opposing Proposition 43.

Council also moved a surveillance technology item from the action calendar to consent after adding language requested by the Police Accountability Board clarifying audit requirements. Another surveillance item was amended so the next required city report will still come in November 2026, with future reporting shifted to March to avoid a gap.

On the action calendar, Council held a required public hearing on bond financing for the Ashby Lofts affordable housing project. Staff said the bonds would be issued through the California Municipal Finance Authority, would not create city liability, and would help finance rehabilitation of a 54-unit affordable housing project.

The meeting’s main debate was the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, a long-range land use plan for the corridor. Staff described it as the result of a three-year planning process focused on more housing near transit, support for small businesses, and better public space. Public speakers were divided. Supporters said Berkeley needs more housing quickly and that San Pablo is an appropriate place for mid-rise growth. Opponents argued the plan could accelerate displacement, weaken small business protections, and reduce on-site affordable housing if heights are set too high.

Council debated whether most residential sites should have a base height of seven stories or five stories, and also discussed density standards and protections for small businesses during redevelopment.

Decisions Made

• Approved unanimously, 9-0: Consent calendar, with amendments.
• Approved unanimously, 9-0: Appointment of Mary Opler as Director of Police Accountability.
• Approved unanimously, 9-0: Two urgency resolutions on state ballot measures, one supporting Proposition 1 and one opposing Proposition 43.
• Approved unanimously, 9-0: Surveillance technology items on consent, including revised audit and reporting language.
• Removed/Not acted on: Item 21, a window replacement contract, was removed by the City Manager before the consent vote.
• Approved unanimously, 9-0: Public hearing item authorizing CMFA bond financing for the Ashby Lofts project.
• Approved: San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan and related zoning/general plan changes. Council adopted amendments including lowering the minimum residential density standard from 145 to 100 units per acre and directing the City Manager to consider commercial anti-displacement measures and support for affected businesses, such as possible business license tax waivers, promotional help, and coordination during construction. Council also approved taller non-residential height limits than recommended by the Planning Commission. A proposal to lower the base residential height from seven stories to five stories was discussed but did not prevail.