Alameda City Council Meeting - May 19, 2026

The Alameda City Council met on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, beginning with a closed session at 5:00 PM to discuss litigation against Greenway Golf Associates and employee performance evaluations. The regular session convened at approximately 7:00 PM and included public comments, a consent calendar, and several action items. Key topics included a parking structure overnight closure, an update to the inclusionary housing ordinance, a mandated report on city vacancies, and adoption of a technology disruption policy. The council also held a second closed session after adjournment to continue litigation discussions.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved unanimously (with Councilmember Bowler recused on item 5D regarding Laydecker Park playground equipment, and Councilmember Daysog voting no on 5G – the fiscal year budget). The calendar included routine approvals and the investment transactions report for Q1 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Maria Henderson (AC Transit) : Provided an update on potential bus service reductions due to a $200 million deficit over four years; a state loan stabilized the next fiscal year, but service cuts of up to 16% and 300 job losses could begin June 2027 if new funding is not secured. An open house will be held on June 10.
• Rick Lewis : Expressed strong support for Greenway Golf at Corica Park, praising their collaboration on birding activities and biodiversity conservation. He noted the management's inclusive approach to non-golf visitors.
• Alexandra Tesada : Spoke as a small business owner and woman of color, describing Greenway's positive community impact through summer camps, youth programs, and support for local entrepreneurs. She urged the council to preserve Greenway Golf.
• Teresa Zekera : Expressed strong support for Greenway Golf, citing her son's volunteer work at summer camps and Veterans Day tournaments. She requested the council resolve disputes to retain Greenway's assets.
• Corinne Kirschbaum : Criticized the city's homelessness response, questioning the data used and the lack of follow-through on The Road Home five-year plan. She demanded evidence of work performed, including monthly reports, outreach logs, and meeting minutes.
• Sofia Tejeda : Spoke in strong support of Greenway Golf, describing her experience as a coach and intern. She highlighted youth development programs and urged the council to recognize the positive impact.
• Mitch Ball (on item 6A): Supported demand-based parking and encouraged the city to implement such pricing, citing a 2014 study showing the parking garage is often empty while street parking is full. He suggested expanding pedestrian-only areas and adding residential parking permits.
• Sean Murphy (Pacific Development) : Endorsed the inclusionary housing ordinance update, noting it would unlock the Foundry project (259 units, 21 very low-income units) which is shovel-ready. He stressed the need for flexibility in affordable housing options.
• Tushan Amara Siri Wardena : Supported the inclusionary housing update, stating it enables projects like the Foundry to move forward and bring new neighbors to the community.
• Teresa Ruiz : As a private citizen and architect, she supported the ordinance, arguing that inflexible rules hinder housing development. She described the proposal as progress, though not perfect.
• Andy Wang (Planning Board member) : Spoke in favor of the inclusionary housing update, noting it removes the problematic moderate-income tier for rentals and provides developer flexibility. He emphasized alignment with state law and regional policy.

Discussion Items

• 6A - Parking Structure Ordinance (First Reading) : The council considered an ordinance to allow the city manager to set and modify hours of operation for the Civic Center parking structure. Staff presented survey data (550 responses, preference for midnight to 6 a.m. closure), late-night occupancy counts (3% occupancy during those hours), and best practices from other cities. The ordinance also removed an outdated reference to a parking lot. Concerns were raised about vehicles left overnight intentionally (e.g., to avoid drunk driving) and potential citations. The council approved the first reading unanimously.
• 7A - Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (First Reading) : Staff presented amendments to update the 2004 inclusionary housing requirements, driven by the housing element and market changes. The ordinance provides developers three options for affordable unit mixes (all economically equivalent) and extends affordability terms from 59 to 99 years for rentals. Council debated whether developers should have sole discretion to choose options or whether the city should retain input. An amendment by Councilmember Bowler allowed the planning director to recommend a different option if essential for meeting RHNA goals. The council also adopted the Planning Board's recommendation to exempt projects with 10 or fewer units from inclusionary requirements (consistent with MTC's TOC policy), removing the in-lieu fee alternative. The motion carried unanimously.
• 7B - Vacancies & Recruitment Report (Informational) : HR Director Noel White presented the annual mandated report. The city's average vacancy rate in 2025 was 10.44%, considered healthy. The Alameda Police Officers Association (APOA) had the highest vacancy rate at 27.05%, with an average of 21 vacancies. Retention efforts focus on officers with 5-10 years of service. The city filled 101 vacancies in 2025 with an average time-to-hire of 85 days. The report was received by unanimous vote.
• 7C - Technology Disruption Policy (Resolution) : The council adopted a resolution establishing a policy for technology disruptions at meetings, as required by SB 707. The policy requires a one-hour recess to restore service, after which the council may adjourn or continue the meeting with a roll-call vote. The policy sunsets January 1, 2030. Adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Closed Session (Item 3A) : By two unanimous votes (5-0), the council gave direction to the city attorney regarding litigation in City of Alameda v. Greenway Golf Associates.
• Consent Calendar : Approved as noted, with recusal and one no vote.
• 6A - Parking Ordinance : First reading approved unanimously. Final passage scheduled for June 2, 2026, with effect 30 days later.
• 7A - Inclusionary Housing Ordinance : First reading approved unanimously with amendments (exemption for projects with 10 or fewer units, and language allowing planning director intervention if needed). Staff directed to return within 12 months with an in-lieu fee study.
• 7B - Vacancies Report : Received as informational.
• 7C - Technology Disruption Policy : Adopted unanimously.
• Council Communications : Vice Mayor Pryor announced attendance at the Alameda Alliance for Health 30th anniversary and a ribbon cutting. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft reported on the Point-in-Time count results (46.8% decrease in homelessness in Alameda) and noted the city had the greatest decline in the county. Councilmember Jensen raised concerns about safety for Otis Elementary students relocating to Lum School, and criticized delays in agendizing the Wadi Faquin Sister City proposal, calling for improved transparency.
• Adjournment : The regular meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00 PM, followed by continued closed session on the Greenway litigation.