Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates will focus on four topics Wednesday in his State of the City address: the renaissance of downtown, proposals to raise the minimum wage, the bike sharing program that is slated to launch next year, and the revitalization plan for Telegraph Avenue.
The address, which is open to the public, takes place at the Berkeley City College auditorium Wednesday, April 30, from 5:30-7 p.m. (Reservations are requested. Scroll down for details.)
All four areas have been covered extensively by Berkeleyside in recent weeks and months:
Read about the renaissance of downtown Berkeley, which includes a new 16-story hotel, many new apartment buildings, and a new Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. The latest focus is on plans to reconstruct the BART Plaza (Constitution Square), which could include renovation of the BART entrances, new bus shelters and a redesigned courtyard. There is a preliminary design open house Monday, April 28, from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Brower Center.
Read about the minimum wage issue, where Bates is proposing that a number of East Bay cities, including Berkeley, join together to enact a regional minimum wage.
Read about the bike sharing program that is planned for Berkeley, that should see approximately 300 bikes stationed around the city for public use.
Read about the revitalization of Telegraph Avenue, the latest development for which involves a crew of ‘ambassadors’ cleaning up the street in a beautification effort.
Mayor Bates will also touch on the expansion of the city’s role in fighting climate change, his office’s 2020 Vision for education, and progress in transportation, development, and community resources in different areas of the city.
Admission to the address is free, but seating is limited so registration is required. Register and print confirmation at berkeleystateofthecity.eventbrite.com.
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