Pinole, California Development News
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City Council Meeting - Media
Published: Jul 7, 2026
City Council Meeting: Honoring Former Mayor, Discussing Financial Health, and Housing Policies
The City Council meeting began with a moment of silence and a pledge of allegiance, followed by a land acknowledgement. After a closed session, citizens were heard. William Horton announced the passing of his wife, former Mayor Mary Horton, and requested the meeting be adjourned in her honor. Debbie Long addressed comments made by Councilmember Sasai regarding race, finding them divisive and unnecessary, and questioned the reporting of closed session actions. The council then heard reports. Mayor Pro Tem Murphy reflected on Independence Day, the 250th anniversary, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. He also highlighted the passage of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, the Port of Richmond's $11.2M federal grant for Berth 7 rehabilitation, the departure of MCE CEO Don Weiss, and welcomed Reverend Marie Wilson as the new volunteer fire chaplain. Councilmember Martinez-Rubin discussed events honoring Port Chicago victims and the success of the recent car show. Councilmember Toms also praised the car show's impact on downtown businesses and recognized law enforcement's support for Special Olympics athletes. City Manager Naomi Kelly, in her first meeting, outlined her listening and assessing approach, focusing on fiscal stability, communication, and community engagement. She announced upcoming events like the active transportation plan workshop and the AI survey, and welcomed new Capital Improvement Project Manager Matt Brown. Police department events included 'Froyo with the 5-0' and 'Coffee with a Cop.' The Blue Angel program for senior safety is being reinvigorated. The nomination period for City Council seats is July 13th - August 7th. The council will recess in August. Proclamations were issued for Independence Day and honoring centenarian Rosemary Coutinho. The council then reviewed the Civil Grand Jury report on Pinole's financial future. Later, the council discussed housing successor fund policies, including an in-lieu fee evaluation and emerging initiatives for affordable housing and tenant protection. The meeting concluded with adjournment in remembrance of Amber Swartz and former Mayor Mary Horton.
City Explores Housing Successor Fund Policies, Tenant Protections, and Affordable Housing Development Options
The City Council received an introductory report on the Housing Successor Fund policy guidebook and an evaluation of an in-lieu fee alternative to inclusionary housing requirements. The guidebook aims to guide the effective use of housing asset funds derived from dissolved redevelopment agencies. Eligible uses include administrative costs, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, and affordable housing development (for households up to 80% AMI). The report detailed community engagement, context from RHNA obligations, homelessness trends, and eviction data. Recommendations included active uses (like contracts with CORE and a housing intern), prepared initiatives (tenant retention programs, fair housing training), and emerging initiatives (expanding staffing capacity, senior homeowner repair programs, community land trusts, down payment assistance). An evaluation of an in-lieu fee found that the maximum feasible fee ($25/sq ft for ownership, $49/sq ft for rental) would not adequately fund separate affordable housing unit development, leading to a staff recommendation against pursuing it for larger developments. However, a modified in-lieu fee model for developments under 10 units was proposed. Tenant retention programs, including a $25,000 annual set-aside for emergency rental assistance in Pinole, were recommended. Emerging initiatives include exploring community land trusts, down payment assistance programs, rent stabilization, and a 'just cause' eviction policy with potential tenant legal counsel funded by the housing asset fund. The council provided direction on prioritizing initiatives and requested further details on program implementation and funding.
City Council Reviews Grand Jury Report on Financial Future, Acknowledges Fiscal Challenges
The City Council reviewed the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury Report No. 2604, titled 'Pinole's Financial Future: A Rough Road Ahead.' The report, dated May 14, 2026, detailed numerous findings and recommendations regarding the city's fiscal health. The city's draft response acknowledged most findings, with partial disagreements on projections for future deficits and fund exhaustion. Key concerns raised by the Grand Jury included projected operating budget deficits, reliance on reserves for one-time initiatives, the city's financial health rating being low, increasing unfunded pension liabilities (from $18M in 2014 to $45M in 2024), and infrastructure funding gaps. The city's response highlighted implemented measures like the 'Yellow Brick Road' budget to achieve balanced budgets and maintain general fund reserves. The council also discussed recommendations for future budget development, engaging residents on fiscal challenges, funding road reconstruction, and addressing pension liabilities. The city attorney confirmed that the successor agency functions have been retired, with housing assets transferred to the housing successor.
City Council Reviews Housing Policies, Explores Tenant Protections and Affordable Housing Initiatives
The City Council heard presentations and provided input on housing policies, including a draft Housing Successor Fund policy guidebook and an evaluation of an in-lieu fee. The guidebook aims to direct the use of housing asset funds for affordable housing development, homelessness prevention, and administrative costs. Key community engagement efforts highlighted support for rental assistance, down payment assistance, and senior assistance, while also identifying housing cost increases and repair difficulties as major obstacles. The city's progress towards its Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) obligations was reviewed, showing 51% of target units are built, in development, or entitled. The context of homelessness, with a significant portion of individuals experiencing first-time homelessness and having roots in Pinole, was discussed, emphasizing the importance of prevention. Eviction trends were presented, showing Pinole's rate is above average, though the smaller housing stock makes the situation manageable. Staff recommended against a broad in-lieu fee for larger developments due to insufficient revenue generation, but proposed a modified model for developments under 10 units. Tenant retention programs, including a $25,000 annual set-aside for emergency rental assistance, were recommended. Emerging initiatives explored included expanding staffing capacity for housing fund management, a senior homeowner repair program, community land trusts, and down payment assistance. The council provided direction on prioritizing these initiatives and requested further details on implementation and funding.
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