2026 09 15 City Council Meeting

The City of Alameda City Council meeting held on September 15, 2026, included several procurement and policy discussions. The council authorized a one-year contract with Action Research for community-based social marketing to increase bulky pickup service usage, with a budget not to exceed $186,000. They also appointed new members to various city boards and commissions. A significant portion of the meeting focused on transit issues, including a detailed presentation by AC Transit representatives about potential service cuts due to funding shortfalls and the impact on local routes, with public comments urging support for transit funding measures. The council discussed and approved an ordinance regulating short-term rentals, including restrictions to primary residences and a grandfather clause for existing rentals, aiming to address housing availability and neighborhood impacts. Additionally, the council considered amendments to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations to allow condominium conversions, promoting homeownership opportunities. They also approved clarifications to rent control eviction protections. Finally, the council directed staff to evaluate a potential large-format commercial vacancy fee to address economic impacts of vacant anchor stores in shopping centers. Several council members shared updates on community events and emphasized voter registration ahead of upcoming elections.