City Council Meeting Summary - September 15, 2026

The City Council of Alameda met on September 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM in open session. The meeting included proclamations, consent calendar approvals, appointments to boards and commissions, presentations on AC Transit, and policy deliberations on short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units, and tenant relocation payments. Key outcomes included the introduction of ordinances to establish short-term rental regulations and expand housing options, and a referral to staff to evaluate a potential large-format commercial vacancy fee.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes and routine financial items were approved.
• Approval of a three-year agreement with M5 Services LLC for building engineer and maintenance services (up to $2,793,808).
• Acceptance of work for the Lincoln Park Pathway Lighting Project.
• Approval of a one-year agreement with Action Research for community-based social marketing to increase bulky pickup services by multi-family residences ($186,000).
• Adoption of the 2026 City of Alameda Climate Adaptation and Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Approval of grant funds and amendments for the Public EV Charging Program.
• Approval of a service provider agreement with Nicholson Strategic Services LLC for executive human resources services ($250,000).
• Final passage of two ordinances authorizing lease amendments for Alameda Point properties.

Proclamations

• Mayor Ashcraft proclaimed September 15 through October 15, 2026, as National Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting local demographics and library events.

Appointments to Boards/Commissions

• Council approved appointments: Alec Chavez (Civil Service Board), Katie Freed and Jimmy Ly (Planning Board), and reappointment of Jason Kim, Saravana Suthanthira, and appointment of Maria Piper and Bharat Singh (Transportation Commission).
• Each appointee briefly addressed the council, sharing their background and goals for community service.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Action Research Agreement (5E): Councilmember Jensen raised questions about the necessity of community-based social marketing for bulky pickup services among multi-family residents. Staff explained it is a behavior change tool to reduce illegal dumping and improve participation; no public comment.
• AC Transit Presentation (7B): Public speaker Mitch Ball supported the Connect Bay Area Act (SB 63) but recommended eliminating Line 19 to free resources, suggesting an alternative route for Line 30 to improve competitiveness and ridership. He emphasized the need for frequent, direct service.
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance (7C): Donna Fisher (in person) urged reconsideration, arguing the restrictions would reduce transient occupancy tax revenue, harm local businesses, and eliminate lodging for medical professionals and others. Karen Miller (in person) questioned grandfathering provisions and said owners would sell rather than become landlords. Sophia DeWitt (Reverend, EBHO) supported the ordinance but called for platform accountability and suggested directing TOT to an affordable housing trust fund. Kevin Jordan (remote) opposed, calling the ordinance an attack on the middle class and favoring regulation of large investors over families.
• ADU Conversion Ordinance (7D): Carmen Reed (remote) asked clarifying questions about square footage limits for junior and detached ADUs. Staff clarified the slide was a stock image and no square footage definitions were changed.
• Rent Control Ordinance (7E): No public comment.
• Council Referrals (10A): No additional public comment.

Discussion Items

• Short-Term Rental Ordinance (7C): Staff presented a text amendment to establish citywide zoning regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), limiting them to hosts on their primary residence, with exceptions for legacy operators (those operating for at least one year). Planning Board included good neighbor policies (noise, trash, occupancy limits). Council debated whether to adopt the full ordinance or phase it with good-neighbor policies first due to data gaps on the impact on housing supply. Councilmember Jensen expressed concerns about the blanket prohibition on off-site owners. Councilmember Daysog raised questions about multiple properties owned by one individual. The ordinance passed after adding a 90-day amnesty period (from 60) and a reporting requirement by January 2028 to review impacts on property owners with multiple STRs. The final vote was 3-1-1 (Mayor, Vice Mayor, Councilmember Daysog in favor; Councilmember Jensen abstained; Councilmember Bowler recused).
• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Amendments (7D): Staff presented amendments to permit ADU condominium conversions (per State AB 1033), update regulations, and streamline processes. Council supported the measure as a tool to increase homeownership opportunities for first-time buyers. Councilmember Daysog expressed concern about the potential increase in ADU production and proposed a five-year sunset, but after discussion, the council opted for a report back as part of the next Housing Element update cycle rather than a sunset. The measure passed 4-0 (Councilmember Bowler recused).
• Rent Control Ordinance Amendment (7E): Staff presented an amendment to clarify that tenants who vacate due to an invalid (unlawful) termination notice must be offered the unit back if they haven't found permanent housing, or receive a permanent relocation payment. This closes a loophole identified after previous updates. The council passed the first reading unanimously (4-0, Councilmember Bowler recused).
• AC Transit Presentation (7B): General Manager Salvador Llamas and planner Owen Christopherson presented the financial challenges facing AC Transit, including a projected $200 million deficit over four years. They outlined a contingency service reduction plan (effective June 2027 if no new funding is secured) that would cut Alameda routes: Line 19 eliminated (due to low ridership), reduced frequencies on Lines 30, 31, 96, and O and W, and a proposed new East End line connecting Fruitvale BART to South Shore. Councilmember Jensen questioned impacts on transit-oriented development priorities and the role of the Alameda Transportation Management Association. The mayor and council noted the critical importance of the Connect Bay Area Act (SB 63) to avoid cuts.
• Large-Format Commercial Vacancy Fee Referral (10A): Councilmember Daysog proposed directing staff to evaluate a vacancy tax on large anchor stores (grocery stores, pharmacies) that are vacant for extended periods, as a way to incentivize re-leasing and generate revenue. Council discussed legal and practical issues (retroactivity, effectiveness, need for voter approval). Councilmember Bowler supported the referral but stressed the need for near-term negotiations. Councilmember Jensen asked about the strategic plan reference. The council voted unanimously to direct staff to report back in March 2027 with findings and recommendations.

Key Outcomes

• Action Research Agreement: Approved with questions answered.
• Climate Hazard Plan: Adopted.
• Code Enforcement for Invalid Eviction Notices: The ordinance was introduced to clarify relocation payment requirements for tenants who vacate due to unlawful notices. (Unanimous first reading, 4-0).
• ADU Condominium Conversions: Ordinance introduced to permit separate sale of ADUs, aiming to increase homeownership opportunities. (Passed 4-0).
• Short-Term Rental Regulations: Ordinance introduced establishing citywide STR rules, including primary residence requirement, good neighbor policies, a 90-day amnesty period, and a reporting requirement by January 2028 to review impacts. (Passed 3-1-1).
• 9090-day Amnesty Period: The amnesty period for existing STRs to register was extended from 60 to 90 days (through early 2027).
• Vacancy Fee Referral: Council directed staff to evaluate a potential large-format commercial vacancy fee and report back in March 2027. (Unanimous).
• Appointments: All appointments to boards/commissions approved unanimously.
• Future Agenda Items: The council will revisit the Short-Term Rental impact report in January 2028, and receive the vacancy fee evaluation in March 2027.