San Leandro, California Development News
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July 13, 2026 - San Leandro City Council Meeting
Published: Jul 13, 2026
Economic Development Strategy Advances: Business Support, Zoning Updates, and Placemaking Highlighted
The Economic Development Manager presented updates on six key areas of focus, based on the 2024 Economic Development Strategy. These include supporting business growth in target industries like cleantech and advanced manufacturing, updating zoning and streamlining the development process, supporting industrial districts, enhancing retail and placemaking efforts, supporting workforce training, and assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs. Notable initiatives include updating the city website for retail listings, a city brand assessment project, an annual developer breakfast, a customer experience survey for the permit center, and updating non-residential zoning. Efforts to support industrial districts involve a city real estate assessment and exploring public-private partnerships. Placemaking efforts include a $5,000 streamlined grant process and utilizing ARPA funds for downtown improvements. Workforce development focuses on the San Leandro First Jobs Program and supporting the Chamber of Commerce job fair. The presentation also touched on challenges such as delays in zoning updates and the need for clearer metrics on business growth and retention. Council members provided feedback on public-private partnerships, the importance of childcare as an economic development strategy, supporting underrepresented business owners, and tracking economic outcomes.
Public Safety Initiatives Progress: Staffing, Recruitment, Animal Control, and Emergency Preparedness Updates Provided
The Police Department presented updates on its public safety work plan, focusing on staffing, recruitment, animal control cost reduction, community engagement, encampment removal, and emergency management. They are on track to meet staffing goals but face delays in filling traffic officer positions due to critical vacancies in criminal investigations. Recruitment efforts are exceeding targets through social media and in-person events. Animal control strategies include reducing strays at shelters through diversion and training police service technicians in animal control laws, resulting in a 13% reduction in strays. Encampment removals are progressing with bi-weekly meetings involving multiple city departments and Union Pacific Railroad Police. Emergency management activities include wildfire preparedness workshops, CERT training, and updating local hazard mitigation and emergency operations plans. Council members raised questions about animal control procedures, community engagement with schools, the role of data analysts, the progress of the hazard mitigation plan public comment period, and the intersection of public safety and services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Housing Initiatives Progress: Rent Programs Launching, Homelessness Services Expanding, and Development Barriers Addressed
Updates were provided on the city's housing and homelessness initiatives. The Homelessness Prevention Rental Assistance Program has served eight households since its April 2026 launch. The Rent Program, integrating rent stabilization and registry, is preparing for a January launch with a focus on community outreach and software portal completion. A mobile home space rent stabilization amendment is in progress, with community outreach and ordinance drafting planned through 2028, contingent on funding. Staff recommended discontinuing the local preference disparate impact study due to costs and lack of mandates. The Llewellyn Interim Housing and Drop-In Center has served 618 individuals in its first year, with 36 moving to permanent housing. Efforts to remove housing development barriers include updating impact fees, analyzing market feasibility, amending parking requirements, and advancing the Bayfair TOD development plan. Council members discussed the timeline for mobile home rent stabilization, the purpose of the disparate impact study, and the need for ongoing renter protections. Enthusiasm was expressed for housing production and support services for families.
AC Transit Faces Fiscal Cliff, Outlines Contingency Service Plan Amid Budget Challenges
AC Transit presented updates on its budget and service, highlighting essential roles in San Leandro and the East Bay, while also addressing significant financial challenges. They detailed efforts to maintain service levels, including a proposed contingency plan that may involve service reductions if sustainable funding is not secured. The agency also discussed the impact of rising costs and the fiscal cliff they are facing, with potential layoffs and service cuts looming without intervention. The Connect Bay Area Act was presented as a potential solution requiring voter approval of a sales tax increase. The contingency plan, if enacted, would involve reducing frequency and hours on some routes serving San Leandro, though core services would be preserved. Council members raised concerns about specific route impacts and the rationale behind proposed cuts. The agency emphasized that the plan is a contingency and would be rescinded if new funding is secured.
Quality of Life Initiatives Progress: Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Programs Highlighted
The Library Director and Recreation and Parks Director presented updates on the Quality of Life work plan, highlighting achievements and ongoing efforts across various priorities. Key initiatives included the successful implementation of an arts grants program, expansion of art gallery spaces in city facilities, and development of programs celebrating diverse cultures. Early childhood education programming and technology-based adult education have also been expanded. The Parks Department reported on efforts to expand volunteer opportunities for cleanups, introduce native and drought-tolerant plants, increase tree canopy coverage, and strategically place litter receptacles. They also detailed efforts to expand recreation programs for inclusivity, support healthy eating options through partnerships, and host health and active living events. Collaborations with schools for public use of recreation facilities are ongoing. Council members provided feedback on aligning work plans with strategic goals, appreciated the focus on early childhood education, and discussed the importance of beautification, senior services, and food access initiatives. Questions were also raised about the maintenance of murals, the cost of running the arts grants program, and the expansion of senior services.
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July 13, 2026 - City Council Meeting
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