Oakland Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting - February 10, 2026
Oakland Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting - February 10, 2026
The Community and Economic Development Committee (CED) met on February 10, 2026, at 1:48 PM. Due to the presence of Councilmember Houston, the committee adjourned into a special full city council meeting, then proceeded with the CED agenda. The committee approved the draft minutes from December 9, 2025, and the pending list, and discussed three substantive items: a resolution to convert the Foreign Trade Zone to an Alternative Site Framework, the annual impact fee report for FY 2024‑2025, and an informational report on code enforcement activities. All votes were unanimous (4‑0) except where noted.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Draft Minutes (December 9, 2025): Motion by Councilmember Fife, seconded by Chair Brown. Passed 4‑0.
- Determination of Scheduled Outstanding Committee Items (Pending List): Motion by Councilmember Fife, seconded by Councilmember Unger. Passed 4‑0 to accept the pending list as presented.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Item 4 (Annual Impact Fee Report): Two speakers signed up.
- Samuel Ramey spoke about mental health and housing needs, urging the committee to address homelessness and veterans’ housing.
- Jeff Levin (East Bay Housing Organizations) requested an estimate of unpaid impact fees for projects under construction and asked for an earlier assessment of recent fee‑program changes, noting that a previous five‑year review was delayed.
- Open Forum: Samuel Ramey again spoke about housing for seniors and veterans and criticized the city’s inaction.
Discussion Items
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Item 3 – Foreign Trade Zone Alternative Site Framework (ASF) Resolution:
- Staff (Eric Simanzo, Economic and Workforce Development) presented a resolution to submit an application to the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone Board to convert FTZ 56 to the ASF model, streamlining site designation and expanding the zone’s capacity. Councilmember Unger asked about past delays; staff cited staff turnover. Councilmember Ramachandran asked about Contra Costa County’s request to opt out; staff responded that negotiations are ongoing. Motion to forward to the February 17 full council meeting passed 3‑1 (Councilmember Fife excused).
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Item 4 – Annual Impact Fee Report (FY 2024‑2025):
- Staff from Planning & Building, HCD, DOT, and Public Works presented. Collections declined significantly from previous years, but all existing projects are fully funded through multiple sources. Councilmember Ramachandran expressed concern about declining fee revenue, and staff confirmed that a five‑year review is due in 2026 and that changes (e.g., collecting fees at project completion) were made to stimulate development. Councilmember Fife and Chair Brown asked about specific projects and funding sources. Motion to forward to the February 17 council meeting on consent passed 4‑0.
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Item 5 – Informational Report: Code Enforcement Activities (FY 2024‑25 Q3 & Q4):
- Cecilia Muela (Building Official) presented data on blight, housing, and zoning enforcement, noting a 55% increase in cases closed year‑over‑year. A new inspector app improved efficiency. Staff reported 42 inspectors with 7 vacancies; continuous recruitment is underway. Councilmember Ramachandran asked about hiring and vacancy numbers. Councilmember Fife inquired about integration with the 311 system. Motion to receive and file passed 4‑0.
Key Outcomes
- Item 3 (FTZ ASF): Approved (3‑1) and forwarded to the February 17, 2026 City Council meeting.
- Item 4 (Impact Fee Report): Approved (4‑0) and forwarded to the February 17, 2026 City Council meeting on the consent agenda.
- Item 5 (Code Enforcement Report): Received and filed (4‑0).
- Consent Calendar items: Approved unanimously.
Meeting Transcript
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