Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Leandro public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
25 issues with critical priority
Transition to District-Based Council Elections
The county registrar mistakenly sent out ballots using the old at-large voting system instead of the new district-based system established by Measure F. The city council stepped in with a resolution to make sure votes in Districts 1, 2, 3, and 5 are counted and reported properly.
Independent Police Auditor Oversight and Flock System Audits
The police department is purchasing a data integration platform from Peregrine Technologies to combine separate databases and speed up investigations. Residents and some council members expressed strong concerns over data privacy, regional information sharing, and the inclusion of artificial intelligence features.
Critical Infrastructure and Technology Replacement
The city is replacing its legacy Eden software with Workday to modernize financial and human resources operations. The project is currently on schedule for a July 1, 2026 go-live date, with upcoming contract amendments for data migration and support.
Proposed Warehouse Redevelopment at 3199 Alvarado Street
CC Industries wants to tear down the old Levitz building and build a massive 241,000-square-foot warehouse. Residents raised heavy concerns about truck traffic, noise, and whether the building is secretly designed to become an AI data center. The commission ultimately approved it after adding strict rules barring data centers without a new permit and requiring vibration and pest controls.
Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Performance and Revenue Trends
The city reviewed preliminary financial results for fiscal year 2026, showing steady general fund revenues of $150.2 million and disciplined expenditures. Discussions focused on specific tax trends, utility users tax declines, and code enforcement fine reversals.
ALPR Transparency and Outside Expert Presentations
Board members clashed with city staff over whether organizations engaged in advocacy, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation, can be invited to give formal presentations. Members argued that strict rules limit their ability to gather independent technical and privacy perspectives on technologies like automated license plate readers.
Fiscal Year 2027 Mid-Cycle Budget and Arts Funding
City staff briefed the commission on a massive $850,000 budget reduction target for the library department over the next three fiscal years to combat structural deficits. The cuts include freezing vacant positions and completely eliminating the commission's $50,000 public art and grants line item, though council members have expressed interest in potentially preserving grant funding.
Monarch Bay Golf Club Operations and Capital Planning
A public commenter raised concerns over a 130-page consultant report showing a 50% decline in net revenue at Monarch Bay Golf Course and urged the city to issue an RFP for a private partnership.
Lake Chabot Road Emergency Evacuation Route Repairs
Residents expressed alarm that Lake Chabot Road gates have been locked for the winter without notice, which they argue severely compromises wildfire evacuation safety for the Bayavista neighborhood.
Parking Minimums and Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
Local business owners and residents raised concerns about the recently installed parking meters in downtown San Leandro, arguing that confusing payment apps and fees hurt elderly customers and small businesses.
AC Transit Funding and Potential Service Reductions
AC Transit is facing a $200 million deficit, which could lead to up to 16% in service cuts across local bus lines next summer if a regional sales tax measure does not pass in November.
MacArthur-Superior Roundabout Project & Traffic Safety
The MacArthur Roundabout project has faced years of delays, multi-agency coordination challenges with Caltrans and Oakland, and rising costs now estimated at $7.52 million. Residents and council members continue to push for faster delivery to address persistent safety concerns at the complex intersection.
Business License Tax Modernization
The council approved funding for community outreach to explore modernizing the city's business license tax structure for the November ballot to help address infrastructure and budget needs.
Police Department Leadership and Policy Transitions
City officials introduced new Interim Police Chief Joseph Krines, who brings decades of municipal law enforcement experience to San Leandro.
Potential Alameda County Budget Reductions
The commission reviewed potential county budget cuts that could affect social service programs and local senior resources.
Rent Stabilization and Rental Registry Program Implementation
The city is establishing a rent stabilization ordinance capping rent increases at the lower of 3% or 65% of CPI to protect tenants from excessive hikes, while property owners warn it will discourage investment and hurt maintenance.
Pension Trust and CalPERS Liability Management
The committee evaluated whether to draw down the city's Section 115 pension trust to help bridge budget deficits. Officials concluded that drawing down funds is too risky given CalPERS legal mandates, penalties, and long-term obligations.
Alternative Response Unit First-Year Performance
San Leandro's Alternative Response Unit has successfully handled hundreds of mental health and behavioral crisis calls without needing police intervention, helping reduce emergency room overcrowding. The program currently runs Monday through Thursday, with council members looking into ways to secure long-term funding.
FY 2027 Biennial Budget Adoption
Commissioners discussed ongoing city budget forums and potential impacts from county funding cuts and local cost-saving measures on security and community programs.
City Council Ethics and Workplace Conduct Disciplinary Hearings
The city council engaged in a lengthy, emotional debate before voting to reprimand and admonish Councilmembers Victor Aguilar, Jr. and Fred Simon following independent investigation findings of retaliation and bullying. Residents and council members clashed sharply over due process, fairness, and the accountability of elected officials.
Local Revenue Measures and Feasibility Polling
The city is exploring potential new tax measures for the November 2026 ballot to address long-term budget and infrastructure deficits. A scientific poll will test voter appetite for modernizing business license taxes and implementing parcel taxes.
District 2 Council Vacancy Appointment
Following a vacancy, the city council voted to set up an application and appointment process to fill the District 2 seat by April. Council members debated the merits of appointments versus quick turnarounds for interested residents.
Sidewalk Repair Responsibilities and Wait Times
Commissioners discussed the poor condition of sidewalks around the city and the challenges property owners face with repairs. City staff clarified that property owners are legally responsible for sidewalk maintenance, and the city's 50-50 cost-share program for tree damage currently carries a five-year waitlist.
Police Pursuit Policy and Public Safety Liability
Following recent high-speed pursuit incidents, the board created a dedicated ad hoc committee to evaluate proposed updates to police pursuit procedures and minimize community safety risks.
Release of Workplace Investigation Report
Residents and council members debated whether to waive attorney-client privilege and release a confidential HR investigation report regarding harassment and discrimination complaints. Supporters argued that transparency is essential before scheduled disciplinary hearings, while questions were raised about investigation costs and confidentiality breaches.