Berkeley City Council Archives

Berkeley adds new public comment option for City Council meetings

by Nico Savidge March 15, 2023, 2:31 p.m.March 16, 2023

The City Council voted to add a new comment period early in its meetings. The public will now have the option to share their views then or later.

A row of trash, compost and recycling bins sit on the curb of a Berkeley street.

City

Berkeley trash bills could go up soon. Here’s when, why and how much.

by Nico Savidge March 10, 2023, 1:37 p.m.March 13, 2023

Customers with smaller trash containers would bear the brunt of this rate hike, in a shift from the city’s prior strategy.

City

Public comments at City Council could be overhauled

by Nico Savidge March 09, 2023, 1:59 p.m.March 13, 2023

Critics say Berkeley’s current public comment system stifles input from those who can’t sit through hours of City Council business.

Community

Update: Berkeley youth win two seats on city climate commission

by Ally Markovich March 02, 2023, 12:30 p.m.March 2, 2023

The change gives youth ages 16 to 25 a voice in local legislative process on environmental and climate issues.

City

How did the Hopkins Street bike lane project turn into a ‘culture war’?

by Nico Savidge Feb. 23, 2023, 4:14 p.m.February 26, 2023

The heated debate seems to be colored by broader disagreements over what kind of city Berkeley should be.

City

Apartments approved at site of downtown Berkeley development battle

by Nico Savidge Feb. 03, 2023, 2:54 p.m.February 3, 2023

Berkeley held 37 meetings about a downtown housing project that was never built. A new plan for the block has been approved after only five.

The exterior of a five-story condo building in West Berkeley, with a sign advertising units for sale.

City

Why doesn’t Berkeley have more condos?

by Nico Savidge Jan. 23, 2023, 9:30 a.m.January 23, 2023

Officials hope building more will make it easier for first-time buyers and those looking to downsize.

City

Wednesday vote will determine how Berkeley plans for 9,000 new homes

by Nico Savidge Jan. 17, 2023, 5:36 p.m.February 5, 2023

Northern California cities are racing to meet a January deadline to adopt their Housing Elements, which are facing close scrutiny from state regulators.

City

Will sexual harassment allegations derail Jen Louis’ appointment as Berkeley police chief?

by Nico Savidge Jan. 05, 2023, 11:54 a.m.February 27, 2023

A report detailing past sexual harassment claims against Louis comes as the interim chief faces scrutiny in another scandal.

City

Here’s where the next round of ‘smart kiosks’ could go in Berkeley

by Nico Savidge Dec. 15, 2022, 3:17 p.m.December 16, 2022

Supporters say the devices help people navigate popular Berkeley neighborhoods, while critics say bringing ads into public spaces isn’t worth the revenue the city gains.