The Berkeley City Council voted unanimously Oct. 27 to authorize exclusive negotiation rights with a SAHA-led team for the Ashby BART East Lot, approve a $1,000,000 predevelopment loan and reserve roughly $8,000,000 in Measure O funds for the 100% affordable project, which staff said will deliver about 341 bedrooms and a 25% disability set-aside.

Public commenters and several council members debated California Senate Bill 9 (upzoning/ministerial approvals) during an extended public comment period; speakers were sharply divided and council recorded multiple abstentions and votes opposing the bill unless amended.

Vice Mayor Harrison presented a proposed vacancy tax aimed at bringing long‑term vacant units back to market. Council members and dozens of public commenters debated exemptions, enforcement, equity, and projected revenue; council continued the item to August 3 for more work.

Berkeley approved the consent calendar. Council accepted Police Accountability Board recommendations on policy 709 and placed the revised policy on consent; the automated license-plate-reader policy (item 29) was continued to Sept. 13 for further negotiation, and public commenters raised housing, parks and homeless-service concerns.

Council approved the 2026 annual action plan that allocates roughly $3.4 million in HUD entitlement funds (about $2.6M CDBG) for rehabilitation, public services, and homeless prevention; staff noted projected program income raising the public facility improvement program to about $1.3M and said the public comment period closes May 1.

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