Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Leandro public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
28 issues with high priority
Election and Voting Guide
Mail-in ballots for the November election are officially out, giving San Leandro residents a chance to weigh in on local races for mayor and city council alongside state contests. Just check your ballot, drop it off, and make sure your voice is heard before November 3.
Council Conflict Resolution and Rules Committee Scope
The city is updating its rules to help council members work through disagreements before fights escalate to formal investigations or legal complaints. New steps encourage members to talk things out directly or with the help of council leadership.
Llewellyn Interim Housing & Drop-In Center First Annual Report
City staff and partner organizations presented positive outcomes from the first year of the Llewellyn Interim Housing and Drop-In Center, highlighting high rates of chronically homeless individuals successfully transitioned into permanent housing.
Cannabis Retail Policy and Zoning Expansion
The city is considering expanding the number of cannabis dispensary operating permits from four to six and updating zoning restrictions and distancing requirements. Industry representatives and operators spoke in favor of updating out-of-date maps to allow fairer access across the city, while committee members emphasized balancing neighborhood preferences and youth safety.
Data Center Development Concerns
Residents and council members called for a ban or strict regulations on data centers due to concerns over water usage, electrical grid strain, noise pollution, and environmental impacts.
Fleet Fund Policy and Replacement Strategy
The city is evaluating its internal fleet fund to address aging vehicles, long procurement lead times for fire apparatus, and sustainable funding models. Officials discussed transitioning from a pay-as-you-go approach to a reserve-based model to avoid large one-time general fund hits.
FY 2025 Arts & Culture Grants Program Review
Staff reviewed the impact of $46,500 in grants given to local artists and non-profits in 2025, which resulted in community murals, public workshops, and cultural preservation projects.
Casa Peralta Historic Preservation and Assessment Costs
Residents and council members debated a proposed $566,000 architectural study for Casa Peralta. Critics argued the study costs too much without fixing physical damage, prompting the council to send the issue back to committee to evaluate gifting or alternative preservation strategies.
Basic Needs and Food Security Services
Davis Street Community Center reported rising demand for food distribution, senior support, and basic needs assistance amidst high living costs in San Leandro.
Age-Friendly Action Plan & Caregiver Support
The city is expanding caregiver support through newly awarded county grants, piloting memory cafes, and integrating age-friendly priorities directly into commission meetings.
Age-Friendly Initiative Priority Projects Update
The city is expanding caregiver support through newly awarded county grants, piloting memory cafes, and integrating age-friendly priorities directly into commission meetings.
Senior Paratransit and Food Delivery Programs
Mercy Brown Bag provides fresh groceries twice a month to nearly 1,000 low-income senior households in San Leandro, helping vulnerable residents maintain their health and housing.
Restrictions on Outside Expert and Advocacy Speakers
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.
City Council Priority Work Plans Review
The commission established four primary community projects for the next two years, including a library bike tour, a poetry contest, writing workshops for Latinx youth, and the Game of Shrooms art event.
MacArthur Roundabout Project Delays and Cost Increases
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.
District 2 Parking Restrictions and Enforcement
Residents from Cascade Road and Tudor Road expressed frustration over proposed red curbs that would eliminate parking in front of their homes following vehicle collisions.
School-Based Health and Youth Services
Fuente Wellness Center and school-based health centers provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services directly to students and youth in San Leandro and San Lorenzo.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Zoning Code Updates
San Leandro is updating its local zoning code to comply with recent state housing laws regarding ADUs and JADUs. The changes shorten review timelines, expand unit allowances for multi-family properties, and adjust development standards.
Personnel Appointment
The city introduced a new interim police chief to guide the department during a transitional period.
Constitutional Policing Training and Oversight Framework
The Independent Police Auditor led a comprehensive training session on constitutional policing, examining how legal standards guide everyday police operations and board review.
Human Services and Parks and Recreation Department Reorganization
The city is reorganizing departments effective July 1, moving senior services to parks and recreation and human services into the city manager's office to achieve $350,000 in administrative savings.
Bayfair Community-Based Transportation Plan
City staff and consultants updated the committee on the multi-jurisdictional Bay Fair CBTP, highlighting community feedback focused on better lighting, safer pedestrian crossings, and improved access to the BART station.
Hesperian Boulevard Bike Lane Gap Closure
The city is planning bike lane improvements and intersection upgrades along Hesperian Boulevard between 150th Avenue and Bayfair Drive to close infrastructure gaps and boost safety.
East Bay Greenway Regional Bikeway Construction
A 16-mile regional bike and pedestrian trail project is moving toward construction, bringing protected bike lanes, better street lighting, and improved crossings to San Leandro Boulevard and East 14th Street.
HSIP Cycle 12 Uncontrolled Crosswalk Enhancements
The city received grant funding to install rapid flashing beacons and pedestrian hybrid beacons at seven dangerous uncontrolled crosswalks across San Leandro.
Economic Development and Retail Action Plan
City staff presented updates on boosting local business, attracting advanced industries like clean tech and life sciences, and filling empty retail spaces with modern shops and dining options.
SB 707 Compliance: Meeting Disruption and Language Access Policies
The city is reviewing new state rules under SB 707 that mandate hybrid access, agenda translations in Spanish and Chinese, and strict rules for remote participation by elected officials and advisory boards. The Rules Committee decided to keep current practices in place to avoid high costs and administrative confusion.
FY 2027 Master Fee Schedule and Tax Adjustments
The city is updating its Master Fee Schedule to balance cost recovery with public accessibility, while also proposing a 3% CPI increase on business license, emergency medical, and emergency communication taxes.