Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Union City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
32 issues with medium priority
I Street At-Grade Crossing Closure Engineering
The city was set to approve more engineering money to close the I Street rail crossing, which supports a new pedestrian crossing at BART. That's a safety improvement near the station neighbors use daily.
Ballfield Use Policy and Reservation Guidelines
Staff presented recommended updates to the policy governing who can use and reserve Union City's sports fields. The rules affect youth leagues, adult teams, and anyone trying to book a field.
Fire and emergency services
Alameda County Fire responded to over 6,000 calls in Union City in 2025, over 4,000 of them medical. The city is working to secure a new fire engine and received $1 million from Assemblymember Ortega for fire station upgrades.
Arizona Street Bike Boulevard construction
The council was scheduled to award a $491,698 construction contract to Pavement Coatings Company for a new bike boulevard on Arizona Street, with a total construction budget of $540,868. This would create a safer route for cyclists and pedestrians in the area.
Fremont Bank grant for teen workshop
An update was scheduled on the renovation of the Larry Orozco Teen Workshop, a facility serving Union City youth. The briefing would show residents how the project is progressing and what improvements to expect.
Sidewalk Repair Underwriting Options
The council was set to approve a tiered structure for charging property owners for sidewalk repairs, with payment plans up to 24 months.
Dangerous dogs ordinance update
The council was set to introduce an ordinance updating city rules on vicious and potentially dangerous dogs, a public safety issue for neighborhoods and pet owners.
At-grade pedestrian crossing at BART
An additional $70,104 was scheduled to go to HDR for engineering on the long-planned pedestrian crossing at the BART station, bringing the total contract to $961,727. The crossing aims to make station access safer for walkers.
Union City Cybersecurity
The city was set to award a contract to keep City Hall's data center cooling and battery backup running — the systems that keep city computers online.
Ava Community Energy Presentation
Ava Community Energy, the local clean-power provider, was scheduled to brief the council. The presentation could touch on electricity rates, renewable supply, and programs available to Union City customers.
Alvarado-Niles Road Part-Time Transit Lane Pilot
Two items would advance design and funding for a part-time transit lane pilot on Alvarado-Niles Road, including a $325,001 design contract addition and a $41,208 funding swap. This could change traffic patterns on one of the city's busiest corridors.
FY 2026-2027 CDBG Action Plan and ECHO Housing funding
A public hearing on how the city spent its 2025-2026 federal Community Development Block Grant money, before the report goes to HUD. This covers housing and community services spending.
Dyer Street Pavement Rehabilitation Phase 2
The council was scheduled to award a $641,564 construction contract to McKim Corporation to repave Dyer Street. Residents who use Dyer Street should expect smoother pavement once work is done.
National Preparedness Month
September 2026 was slated to be recognized as National Preparedness Month, with a presentation on getting ready for earthquakes, wildfires, and other emergencies. It's a nudge for households to make their own emergency plans.
Jolly Roger Land entertainment expansion at Union Landing
The Council was asked to approve the Union Landing Property Owners Association annual report and order assessments for the Union Landing business improvement district for calendar year 2027, with a 4.0% budget increase proposed.
Legislative advocacy and grant research consulting
The council was scheduled to consider hiring Townsend Public Affairs for up to $102,000 to lobby state and federal officials and scout grant money for the city. That spending would only pay off if it helps Union City land funding or favorable legislation.
Weed abatement program
Six vacant, overgrown properties were cleared by the city at owner expense ($710–$1,800 each, $6,780 total), with liens placed on tax bills — a streamlined new process aimed at fire prevention before July 4.
Transit Short Range Transit Plan consulting contract
New bus schedules were set to take effect August 8, 2026. Riders should check whether their route times change.
Adjusted Stormwater Fee
A public hearing was scheduled on an adjusted stormwater fee, which if approved would be collected on the county property tax roll. This affects most property owners' annual bills.
Route 84 Excess Properties Purchase Agreement Amendment
The Council was asked to let the City Manager sign a first amendment to the 2019 purchase and sale agreement with Caltrans for the Route 84 excess properties, connected to the Quarry Lakes Parkway Phase 2 project.
November 2026 general municipal election
The council was to discuss and give direction on a possible ballot measure for the November 2026 general municipal election.
Solid Waste, Recycling, and Organics Rate Adjustments
Annual rate adjustments for garbage, recycling, and organics collection take effect July 1, 2026 under the city's franchise agreements.
Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No. 3
The annual public hearing to confirm the assessments property owners pay for lighting and landscaping maintenance in District No. 3 for fiscal year 2026-2027.
O'Connell Lane Residential Project Environmental Review
The council was to consider hiring First Carbon Solutions to prepare an environmental impact report for a proposed residential project on O'Connell Lane — a key early step in that development.
July 2025 garbage collection disruptions
A side letter with Allied Waste would authorize customer service credits and reimburse the city for costs from last summer's missed trash pickups.
Campaign contribution limits
A proposed ordinance would amend the city's campaign contribution limits for municipal elections. It was introduced by title only, with public comment submitted.
Local transportation funding (Measure BB and SB 1)
Measure BB sales-tax dollars and SB 1 gas-tax money fund local street and road projects. The council was set to approve the FY 2026-27 project list and long-term funding agreements with the county transportation commission.
Holly Preschool emergency grant
A $50,000 First 5 Alameda County emergency grant supports early care and education at Holly Preschool.
SB 707 meeting disruption policy and accessibility compliance
A new policy addresses what happens if remote meeting access is disrupted, and staff presented an update on Title II accessibility compliance efforts as of July 1, 2026.
Waste Management Strike
Your trash might not get picked up on time because of a big garbage strike hitting 24 Bay Area cities, including ours. Get ready for potential delays and maybe some stinky sidewalks.
Juvenile Justice
Two young boys were killed in a gang-related incident, and now a third teen is being charged as an adult. This tragic event shines a spotlight on the serious problems facing kids in our community.
Sea Level Rise Impact
Union City is facing a serious threat from rising sea levels. Expect more flooding in the future, so the city needs to start planning for it now.