Alameda City Council Regular Meeting – October 6, 2026

The Alameda City Council met on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included closed session at 6:00 PM, proclamations, public comments, a consent calendar, and four major agenda items. Key actions included direction to staff on prohibiting ICE enforcement on city property, receipt of the Rise Up Alameda guaranteed income pilot final report, approval of a lease with Longshot Space Technologies, and a referral to study the Clement Avenue truck route. A resolution adding campaign donation disclosure requirements passed 4-1.

Proclamations & Special Orders

• Filipino American History Month (October 2026): Councilmember Tony Daysog read a proclamation highlighting Filipino contributions, including the 1587 arrival in Morro Bay, labor organizing, WWII service, and the founding of Bohol Circle Inc. in Alameda in 1936. Noted Alameda residents include former Vice Mayor and State Attorney General Rob Bonta.
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2026): Councilmember Tracy Jensen read a proclamation. The Victim Services Division has handled 119 matters since 2025. Resources: 510-206-1657 or victimservices@alamedaca.gov.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Oral Communications (Non-Agenda): Michael John Torrey opposed the elimination of the AC Transit 19 bus, noting a public meeting on October 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Several speakers thanked the Council for the Filipino American History Month proclamation and highlighted the Filipino Island Fest with over 10,000 attendees.
• Item 7B – Rise Up Alameda: No public comment.
• Item 7C – Longshot Lease: Mike Grace (CEO) expressed gratitude and described the company's kinetic launch technology. Ann Gonzalez (College of Alameda) supported the lease, citing internships. Kate Stirr (Natel Energy) vouched for Longshot as a good tenant.
• Item 10A – Clement Avenue Truck Route: Multiple residents (Anna Mayer, Leo Esclamado, Meredith Levins, Stephen Powell, Catherine Powell, Christine Bowie) expressed safety concerns about heavy trucks on the curvy, bike- and pedestrian-heavy corridor. They urged a thorough study before permanent changes.
• Item 10C – Policy on City Assets: Christina Liebner, an energy engineer and mother, raised concerns about data centers, but noted Alameda Municipal Power lacks capacity. She suggested small-scale, clean AI infrastructure could be a visionary alternative.

Discussion Items

7A – Prohibiting Civil Immigration Enforcement on City-Owned Properties City Manager Gerry Beaudin presented options after a council referral. He corrected the record: Berkeley adopted a resolution in April 2026. Councilmember Daysog supported bullet points 1 (reaffirm sanctuary city), 2 (prohibit use of city properties for ICE), and 3 (inventory and reporting). Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted federal properties in Alameda (Coast Guard Island, Naval Reserve Center) limit city control, but suggested zoning options at Alameda Point. Councilmember Bowler supported the framework, citing existing sanctuary city work. Councilmember Jensen expressed hesitation about enforcement and officer safety but supported resources for residents. The Council directed staff to develop a resolution/ordinance incorporating all three bullet points, plus zoning alternatives at Alameda Point, and to consider implementation details. Passed unanimously.

7B – Rise Up Alameda (Guaranteed Income Pilot Program) Final Reports Jackie Kali Ia (Base Reuse & Development) presented: 150 low-income households received $1,000/month for two years (Dec 2023 – Nov 2025). Eligibility: Alameda resident, 18+, income ≤50% AMI ($51,800 in 2023). Key findings (compared to control group):

• 35% of participants had ≥$500 in savings at 24 months (vs. 12% control).
• 16% reported going into debt (vs. 27% control).
• Lower use of SSI, SNAP, WIC, SSDI.
• Improved mental well-being (lower psychological distress and perceived stress).
• No reduction in work participation; participants more likely to work part-time.
• Mixed results on community engagement, no consistent impact on housing/food security. Participant narratives highlighted dignity, reduced stress, ability to pay down debt, and build savings. A celebration event is set for October 13, 2026 with former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs. Council members praised the program's success and its potential for state-level policy.

7C – Lease with Longshot Space Technologies (Building 29, Alameda Point) Annie Cox (Base Reuse & Development) presented: 37-month lease for ~9,200 sq ft interior and 7,400 sq ft exterior yard. Monthly rent: $5,670 with 3.5% annual escalation; total revenue ~$217,018. Longshot uses a kinetic launch technology (no rocket fuel). The building is non-historic and within the future DPAVE Park footprint. Lease includes a 60-day termination clause. Council members praised the company's community engagement and job creation. Motion to introduce ordinance carried unanimously (5-0). Second reading will follow.

10A – Clement Avenue Truck Route Status Update Council referral by Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft and Vice Mayor Pryor. City Engineer Scott Wickstrom explained Clement Avenue is the designated truck route per the General Plan, but recent development (cycle track, park, bike lanes) raised safety concerns. The curvy section from Peru to Balsa requires lane widening for trucks. Options include a General Plan amendment or interim solutions. Council voted to direct staff to present a status update before any physical improvements and to explore other truck route options. Motion carried.

10B – Resolution Amending City Council Handbook – Campaign Donation Disclosure Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft and Vice Mayor Pryor proposed adding a requirement: when a matter comes before the Council, members must publicly disclose any campaign donation ≥$100 from a person or business (amended to “single source”) within the past year. The resolution does not require recusal (unlike the Levine Act for >$500). Councilmember Jensen opposed, citing no urgency and lack of public demand. After amendment, passed 4-1.

10C – Policy on Sale, Lease, or Disposition of City Assets Councilmember Jensen proposed a policy with cost-benefit criteria (water use, grid capacity, emissions, local jobs). City Manager noted parallel work already underway: an economic development strategic plan (contract to be awarded Oct 20) and a data center community engagement process (memo posted online). Councilmember Daysog suggested a moratorium on data centers. City Attorney noted recent state legislation. Councilmember Jensen withdrew the referral, and it was directed to a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Consent Calendar: Approved all items (5-L and 5-M excepted due to Councilmember Bowler’s recusal).
• 7A Unanimous: Direct staff to draft resolution/ordinance prohibiting ICE enforcement on city properties, including zoning options at Alameda Point, and implementation details. No timeline specified.
• 7B Unanimous: Received final report; praised program; next steps include community celebration.
• 7C Unanimous: Approved first reading of ordinance authorizing lease with Longshot Space Technologies (5-0). Second reading and final approval required.
• 10A Unanimous: Directed staff to present status update on Clement Avenue truck route before any physical changes, and to evaluate other truck route options.
• 10B 4-1: Adopted resolution amending City Council Handbook to require disclosure of campaign donations ≥$100 from a single source.
• 10C Withdrawn: Referral withdrawn; existing staff work and planned strategic plan will address issues. Will be considered at a future meeting.
• Council Appointments: Mayor to bring nominations for Commission on Persons with Disabilities, Housing Authority Board, and Social Service Human Relations Board at a later meeting.