Livermore Council Advances FAA Airport Grants Despite PFAS Concerns

Livermore's City Council approved a slate of federal airport planning grants on Sept. 14, 2026, after a resident asked the council to rework them in light of state water regulators' findings on PFAS contamination at the airport. The grants passed with the consent calendar on a unanimous voice vote, along with a citywide zoning update that PG&E asked the council to pull. The council also adopted its federal housing grant report and created a new downtown development subcommittee.

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• FAA airport planning grants approved despite a resident's request for PFAS-related revisions
• PG&E's bid to pull the zoning code update fails; staff say its First Street site is grandfathered
• $413,820 in federal CDBG spending reported as council adopts annual HUD performance report
• New ad hoc subcommittee of Vice Mayor Wang and Councilmember Branning to guide downtown deals

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Airport Grants Clear Council Amid PFAS Questions

The basics: PFAS are a class of persistent synthetic chemicals that were once common in firefighting foam. Consent items 6.20 through 6.23 cover Federal Aviation Administration grants for the Livermore airport layout plan, airport infrastructure and the Aviation Innovation Center.

Why it matters: Federal planning money for the airport is moving forward while contamination at a known PFAS source area is still under investigation and remediation.

Where things stand: Public commenter Donna asked the council to direct staff to revise the four grant items. She cited a Sept. 2 Regional Water Board letter on PFAS contamination linked to the fire suppression system at Hangar S-1.

Councilmember Steven Dunbar asked staff whether the items were planning documents and whether the FAA grant wording could be changed. Brandon Cardwell, Director of Innovation Economic Development, said the items accept FAA funding for planning. He said the FAA does not allow changes to its standard grant documents, and that planning will be coordinated with the ongoing PFAS investigations.

Mayor John Marchand pointed to the terms of one grant: the FAA would contribute $6.23M against a city share of $1,800.

"I do that every day of the week. I mean, that's quite a bargain," said Mayor John Marchand.

The other side: Donna's request to fold the Water Board's findings into the grant items was not adopted. No councilmember pulled the items for separate discussion.

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: The consent calendar passed on a voice vote that the mayor declared unanimous. Councilmember Dunbar made the motion and Vice Mayor Kristie Wang seconded it. Individual votes and attendance were not stated.

The airport gets federal dollars for planning at minimal local cost. Residents concerned about contamination now depend on staff following through on coordination with the PFAS investigation, rather than on changes to the grant documents themselves.

What's next: Staff said airport planning will be coordinated with the ongoing PFAS investigations. No date for a public update was given.

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PG&E Loses Bid to Carve Out Service Center

Why it matters: The citywide zoning code update in item 6.16 keeps zoning in sync with the general plan for projects in the pipeline. PG&E says it needs flexibility to upgrade its facilities for grid reliability.

Where things stand: Anne Marks of PG&E said the utility's service center at 3797 First Street had been rezoned residential. She asked the council to pull item 6.16 and amend the code to allow existing light industrial uses there.

Councilmember Dunbar asked staff about the property. Staff said it sits in the First Street transition area and is grandfathered indefinitely. Under that status, repairs are allowed but new square footage and new buildings are not.

The other side: Staff recommended approving the zoning update as written and continuing talks with PG&E. They did not recommend a code change for the site.

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: The item was not pulled and passed with the consent calendar. PG&E can keep operating and repairing the First Street center but cannot expand it under current rules. Developers with projects in the pipeline get a zoning code aligned with the general plan.

What's next: Staff will continue discussions with PG&E. No timeline was given.

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Federal Housing Dollars Stretched Thin

The basics: The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) shows HUD how the city spent its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Livermore submits it through Alameda County.

Why it matters: These modest federal dollars pay for rental aid, meals for seniors and shelter construction. According to the mayor, no state funding supports these programs.

Where things stand: Amy Walker, Management Analyst, Housing and Human Services Division, reported the following for fiscal year 2025-26:

• The city allocated $1.2M through its housing and human services grant program, supporting 21 projects across 14 nonprofits.
• It spent $413,820 in CDBG funds on tenant-based rental assistance, Section 108 loan payments, administration and construction of Tri-Valley Haven's shelter.
• CDBG funds also paid for Meals on Wheels for 255 seniors.
• The city received one written comment, from Spectrum Community Services. No one spoke at the hearing.

Councilmember Evan Branning said the strings attached to federal funds leave little room for services.

"A lot of the federal money we get is earmarked specifically for housing," said Councilmember Evan Branning.

Mayor Marchand said the city helps more than 440 families. He also noted that Eden Housing has received tax credit financing.

"We receive less than $400,000 in CDBG funds," said Mayor Marchand.

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: The resolution passed on a voice vote the mayor declared unanimous. Councilmember Branning moved it and Vice Mayor Wang seconded. The vote keeps federal funding on track for renters, seniors and shelter providers, and it authorizes the city manager to take the actions needed for submission.

What's next: The CAPER goes to Alameda County and HUD.

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Two Councilmembers to Steer Downtown Deals

Why it matters: A limited-duration panel will guide staff on implementing Livermore's downtown development agreements and any changes to them. That gives two councilmembers an outsized role in the city's most visible development terrain.

Where things stand: Under matters initiated, Mayor Marchand said he had consulted the city manager before making the proposal.

"I would propose an ad hoc limited duration subcommittee on the downtown development," said Mayor Marchand.

Vice Mayor Wang and Councilmember Branning will lead the panel. Councilmember Dunbar seconded the mayor's motion.

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: The motion passed unanimously, according to the mayor. Because the panel is ad hoc, its work happens with two members rather than the full council. Downtown developers and residents tracking those agreements will have a smaller group shaping how staff carries them out.

Council reports:

• Councilmember Dunbar said he now chairs the Livermore Amador Valley Water Management Agency.
• Councilmember Branning reported attending the Tri-Valley REACH gala.
• Vice Mayor Wang reported on a new restroom for LAVTA Wheels bus drivers. "We have placed a portable bathroom at the Dublin BART station just for our Wheels bus drivers," said Vice Mayor Wang.
• The mayor highlighted cultural events marking Livermore's 150th anniversary and the Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed build.

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• Weed abatement: Council confirmed $9,339 in assessments on three noncompliant parcels, out of 266 inspected; the charges go to the county auditor for collection.
• Finance handoff: Council approved a 180-day wait-period exception so the city can rehire retired Administrative Services Director Tina Olson to support the FY 2027-29 budget; new Director Dustin Clausen was introduced.
• League of California Cities: Vice Mayor Wang was named voting delegate, with Councilmembers Branning and Dunbar as alternates.
• Consent commenters:
• Alan Marling backed the East Avenue bike investment and the Isabel trail bridge but questioned paying a collection firm $1M.
• Jeff Caskey thanked the council for the Midway School Museum Project.
• Sarah Callahan of Northern California Residents for Responsible Growth backed the Las Colinas Road development agreement.
• Celebrations: The library honored 1,189 Super Readers among 5,800 participants, who read 6.1 million minutes. The council also recognized the Granada Livermore Little League intermediate 50/70 U.S. champions.

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Looking ahead: Army veteran and Las Positas student Antonio invited residents to the free "2.2 for '22" veteran suicide-awareness event on Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. at the Las Positas track. The mayor said the city is fighting to keep the VA hospital open. Separately, Little League is expected to announce future championship host cities in November, which will show whether Livermore keeps the event it has hosted since 2013.