Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Union City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues with high priority
Traffic Safety Grant for Extra Enforcement
The city finished its annual pavement program, is improving Dyer and Arizona Streets with bike lanes, converting 4,000+ streetlights to LED, building the BART station east entrance, and planning the Quarry Lake Parkway and a 2027 bus lane pilot on Alvarado-Niles Road.
City Manager Employment Agreement Amendment
The Council considered changes to City Manager Joan Malloy's contract, tied to the city's salary schedule and a budget amendment. This affects the city's top administrator and how public funds cover executive compensation.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update
The city renovated Sea Breeze and Old Alvarado Parks, will renovate the Larry Roscoe teen workshop with over $71,000 from Fremont Bank, is installing murals on BART pillars by 2027, and is updating the Parks & Recreation Master Plan to guide the next 15 years.
Playground and Park Fitness Equipment Replacement
The city planned an $86,275 purchase of replacement playground and fitness equipment for local parks, including William Cann Park.
Homelessness response
Union City's homeless count fell 26% since 2024, and the Caravan safe-parking program turned 10 with 474 vehicles served. Council wants better data on why people become homeless and pressed on tightening funding.
Economic development and jobs
A new roadmap to keep and grow Union City businesses, target semiconductors and robotics, and revitalize tired shopping centers in Alvarado and Dyer — with quarterly metrics to hold staff accountable.
Housing Law and CEQA Framework
Station East broke ground with 813 units approved; phase two may add 240 units; up to 535 units with 25% affordable are planned at the former Caltrans site; and Lazuli Landing will bring 81 affordable units to Mission Boulevard.
Crime reduction and police investment
Crime fell 30% from 2024 to 2025 — the third straight year of decline — with vehicle theft down 30% and crime at Union Landing down 50%. The city added officers, grew the COPS unit, and opened a police substation at Union Landing.
Measure III utility user tax extension
The Council was asked to put a measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot letting voters extend the city's existing utility users tax — without raising the rate. If it fails, the city would eventually lose that revenue stream.
Proposed Raising Cane's at 31900 Dyer Street
A new Raising Cane's restaurant is proposed at 31900 Dyer Street, and the city has drafted an environmental review (Mitigated Negative Declaration) for it, along with general plan and zoning amendments. The study session was the public's chance to comment before any decision is made. Nearby residents typically care about traffic, noise, and drive-thru operations at this stage.
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Overtime Usage
A report on how much overtime city employees worked last fiscal year, which affects staffing costs and the budget.
Contempo HOA siding project permit and safety concerns
Residents say the HOA's resumed siding project lacks proper owner authorization for permits and shows dangerous defects — rusted anchor bolts, concrete cracking, termite and wood rot damage. Mayor Singh reported towing complaints ($600 tows) and roof-repair refusals at Contempo Park, and staff agreed to follow up with the HOA.
Station East Community Facilities District (Mello-Roos)
The city planned to form a new special-tax district for the Station East area, with authority to issue up to $38 million in bonds to pay for public facilities and services. A public hearing was required before adoption, and property owners in the district would vote on the special tax.
Station East Phase 1 Final Map (Tract 8251)
The council was set to approve the final map and subdivision agreements for Lennar's Station East Phase 1 housing development at 700 Decoto Road — a step toward construction.
Military equipment use policy
The council was scheduled to consider a five-year, nearly $2 million deal with Axon for police technology like cameras and records systems. It's one of the largest items on the agenda and affects how police services are delivered.
Compassionate City immigration resolution
A proposed ordinance would limit how federal civil immigration enforcement activities can use city-owned or city-controlled property. It builds on the city's earlier 'Compassionate City' resolution.
Police Chief Appointment
Union City has a new police chief, and this appointment is a major move for the city's public safety strategy. Get ready for potential shifts in how law enforcement operates locally.