City Council

Council Adopts Active Transportation Plan 4-1 Despite Solano Bike Lane Controversy

Albany City Council adopted a citywide active transportation plan including a protected uphill bikeway on Solano Avenue over objections about parking, safety, and business impacts.

Why it matters: The plan guides future pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure investments citywide; the Solano component triggers a future $30–50M streetscape project on the city's main commercial corridor, with full design and more public process still ahead.

Council Introduces RCV Fix to Allow Canceling Uncontested Elections

Council introduced an ordinance to close a gap in ranked choice voting code that prevented canceling elections when candidate count equals available seats.

Why it matters: The fix could save the city or school district roughly $100,000 by avoiding unnecessary elections when seats are uncontested, particularly relevant with four school board seats up in November.

Council Places $89/Year Parcel Tax for Trees and Streetlights on November Ballot

Council unanimously voted to place a special parcel tax on the November 2026 ballot to fund expanded street tree maintenance and street lighting improvements.

Why it matters: If voters approve, the city would generate roughly $775,000 annually, finance near-term intersection lighting upgrades on Solano Avenue, and shift street tree maintenance responsibility from homeowners to the city.

Council Approves Placing Delinquent Waste Charges on Property Tax Bills

Council adopted Resolution 2026-50 confirming the placement of approximately 30 delinquent solid waste accounts on the Alameda County property tax roll.

Council Accepts Parks Addendum with Sand Volleyball Added to Two Park Plans

Albany adopted a parks master plan addendum based on 664 survey responses, with Council Member Jordan successfully adding explicit sand volleyball language for two parks.

Why it matters: The addendum updates park planning priorities — shade, seating, maintenance — and may finally resolve the long-running community debate over where to site sand volleyball courts.

City Manager Announces Election Season, July 4th Success, and Sewer Project Start

The city manager reported that council election nominations open July 13, praised the July 4th celebration, and announced the Brighton Avenue sewer project is beginning construction.

Why it matters: Two council seats and four school board seats are up for election in November; Brighton Avenue sewer construction will cause traffic disruptions.

Council Recognizes RotaCare Free Clinic's 13 Years of Service

Mayor McQuaid read a proclamation honoring the RotaCare West Contra Costa Free Clinic and its founding medical director Dr. Pate Thompson for providing nearly 7,000 free medical visits.