Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Leandro public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
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.
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.
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.
Departmental Performance Measures and Service Delivery
The committee evaluated annual performance metrics across city departments, including library attendance, recreation program registrations, and public works response times. Members discussed ways to refine metrics to better reflect public impact versus internal operations.
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.
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.
Feral Cat Colony Management and City Codes
Council Member Bowen brought forward a referral to explore new city codes addressing feral cat overpopulation, public health nuisances, and responsible caretaker requirements.
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.
GMAA Story Studio Youth Digital Literacy Pilot
A local nonprofit presented a proposal for a digital storytelling pilot program that teaches youth digital media skills while preserving community history across generations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Towing Yard and Vehicle Storage at 476 Whitney Street
A local towing company received approval to set up an outdoor vehicle storage yard at 476 Whitney Street. The project includes 24/7 drop-off capability within a secured area and standard daytime pickup hours, addressing industrial land use needs without impacting nearby residential areas.
Quarterly Investment Performance and Portfolio Liquidity
The committee reviewed second-quarter investment returns for the city's OPEB and pension trusts, noting positive growth across both portfolios.
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.
MacArthur Boulevard Planter Mosaic Beautification
Volunteers offered to beautify three old concrete planters on MacArthur Boulevard with mosaic tile art at no cost to the city.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monarch Bay Golf Course Review and Revenue Decline
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Housing Element Progress and Production Goals
A real estate expert presented findings on why entitled housing projects in San Leandro remain unbuilt. High interest rates, construction costs, and capital market caution are stalling major multifamily developments.
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.
Potential Alameda County Budget Reductions
The commission reviewed potential county budget cuts that could affect social service programs and local senior resources.
Personnel Appointment
The city introduced a new interim police chief to guide the department during a transitional period.
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.
Senior Outreach and Community Engagement
Commissioners discussed ways to improve visibility among older residents, moving away from formal large lunches toward informal coffee meet-and-greets at the Senior Community Center.
Senior Lunch Program Schedule with Elected Officials
Commissioners discussed ways to improve visibility among older residents, moving away from formal large lunches toward informal coffee meet-and-greets at the Senior Community Center.
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.
Library Facility Policy and Fee Structure Update
The library introduced a comprehensive new meeting room policy effective July 1. It aligns rental fees with recreation department rates, keeps spaces free if events are open to everyone, and caps rentals at 18 times per year per group to prevent any single organization from dominating the rooms.
Volunteer Fingerprinting and Application Requirements
Library staff clarified that appointed commissioners who volunteer for library programs must complete standard volunteer applications and background fingerprint checks through the police department, similar to other city volunteers.
City Branding and Marketing Initiative
The city is working with consultants to develop a new brand identity and marketing strategy that highlights San Leandro's diverse community, walkability, and unique assets.
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.