Albany, California Development News
GatherGov Agents listens to meetings 24/7 delivering the latest real estate development updates, legislation, and news.
Development News from the latest meeting
Albany City Council - July 6, 2026
Published: Jul 6, 2026
Albany Council Advances Parcel Tax for Street Trees and Lighting to November Ballot, Shifts Tree Maintenance Responsibility
The Albany City Council approved Resolution 2026-51 and a related motion to place a proposed parcel tax on the November ballot to fund street tree and street lighting improvements. The tax is proposed at 0.0354 cents per lot square foot, estimated at $89 annually for a 2500 sq ft parcel, targeting $775,000 in annual revenue. This revenue will support loan repayment for near-term capital projects, expand the urban forestry program, and provide long-term support for street lighting projects. The tax includes a 3% annual escalator, a rate cap for parcels over 500,000 sq ft, and exemptions/rebates for low-income occupants. A related motion also expressed council intent to revisit street tree policy to shift maintenance responsibility from property owners to the city after the measure passes.
Albany Council Amends Ranked-Choice Voting Rules to Allow Election Cancellations, Potentially Saving Costs
The Albany City Council introduced and waived the first reading of Ordinance 2026-04, amending Chapter 7 of the Municipal Code regarding ranked-choice voting elections. This amendment allows the council the option to cancel an election and make appointments when the number of qualified candidates equals or is less than the number of seats, a provision previously found in the elections code. This change aims to save potential costs by avoiding unnecessary elections. The ordinance adds section 7-1.10 and amends section 7-3.4. A motion expressing council intent to revisit the street tree policy was also passed.
Albany City Council Adopts Addendum to Parks Master Plan, Prioritizing Maintenance and Considering New Facilities
The Albany City Council reviewed and accepted the addendum to the Parks Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, directing staff to incorporate key findings into city maintenance and capital plans. The study, initiated due to community concern about sand volleyball placement at Ocean View Park, involved community outreach including a survey with 664 responses and in-person meetings. While sand volleyball was a priority, a large contingent did not express desire for it. Most residents are satisfied with parks but desire more maintenance for lighting, seating, and walkways. Sand volleyball will be incorporated into CIP for Oloney Greenway and Peggy Thompson Park Street Park. The area under I80 was also considered. The council moved to accept the addendum with suggested revisions, specifically adding 'sand volleyball' to programming for Oloney Greenway and Peggy Thompson Pier Street Park.
Albany Council Adopts Active Transportation Plan, Including Solano Avenue Bike Lane Concept and Priority Projects
The Albany City Council adopted Resolution 2026-52, approving the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and finding its adoption exempt from CEQA. The plan, which replaces the 2012/2019 version, aims to improve transportation safety, mobility, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and greenhouse gas emissions, guided by goals of access, connectivity, safety, comfort, positive outcomes for all users, and implementation. A significant focus was placed on Solano Avenue, with a proposed concept for an eastbound protected bikeway and westbound shared lane with parallel parking, and eastbound protected lane with angle parking. This concept aims to balance safety, access, and minimize parking impact, though further detailed design is needed. The plan includes priority projects, programs (like intersection safety and lighting), and appendices detailing analysis, including Solano Avenue. The council also added the Cerrito Creek pedestrian connection project to the priority list and included Key Route intersections with Portland and Thousand Oaks as bicycle priority intersections.
Albany Council Authorizes Placement of Delinquent Solid Waste Fees on Property Tax Rolls
The Albany City Council adopted Resolution 2026-50, confirming a list of delinquent solid waste collection accounts and authorizing the county to place these amounts on the property tax roll. Staff reported that approximately 30 individuals are delinquent and were notified five times, with the final notice including information about this hearing. The process is a standard annual procedure associated with the franchise agreement to collect these charges, with a nominal administrative fee for the city and county.
Get Weekly Development News of Albany
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news.
From $25/year
The Albany News archive
Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission - July 9. 2026
Planning & Zoning Commission - July 8, 2026
Soft Story Ordinance Information Session
Transportation Commission
Public Safety City Council Standing Committee
Albany Fire Department - Ready to Respond?
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news. Get your edge today.
GatherGov Market Intelligence
For Owners & Developers
See entitlement risk and deploy capital where there is the highest probability of return
For AEC
Win more projects by discovering opportunities before your competitors do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Albany ,California Real Estate Development
Get Weekly Development News of Albany, California | From $25/year