Council Committees Create More Democratic Process
By working towards a more open, transparent and efficient government, the Berkeley City Council recently adopted a new committee system. This enables us to take a deeper dive on major public policy issues and provides another opportunity for the public to get engaged in the legislative process. It will also make regular council meetings run more smoothly, as much of the lengthy discussion and editing of a proposal will take place at these committees instead of at council meetings.
Below is a list of the committees and their standing meeting dates and times. Please note that the timing and location is subject to change, so double check the agenda for confirmation.
Time: 15 Days before a regular Council Meeting, 2:30pm
Location: Redwood Room, 2180 Milvia St, 6th Floor
Members: Mayor Arreguin, Councilmembers Harrison and Wengraf
Purview: Reviews and sets City Council agendas as well as considers amendments to Council Rules of Procedure.
Time: 2nd and 4th Thursday, 2pm
Location: Redwood Room, 2180 Milvia St, 6th Floor
Members: Councilmembers Kesarwani, Davila and Droste
Purview: Reviews and considers items related to: investment policy, budget updates, and revenue measures.
Facilities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Environment & Sustainability
Time: 1st and 3rd Thursday, 2pm
Location: Cypress Room, 2180 Milvia St, 1st Floor
Members: Councilmembers Davila, Harrison, Robinson
Purview: Reviews and considers new and amendments to existing policies and programs related to: maintenance of the physical assets and infrastructure of the City; transportation policy, planning, and traffic safety In addition, the Committee conducts an in-depth review of the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) plan and the unmet facility and infrastructure needs for Council consideration during the budget development process.
Health, Life Enrichment, Equity & Community
Time: 2nd and 4th Monday, 10am
Location: Redwood Room, 2180 Milvia St, 6th Floor
Members: Councilmembers Kesarwani, Bartlett, and Hahn
Purview: Reviews and considers new and amendments to existing policies and programs related to: Health equity and Health outcomes Senior Services/Aging in place 0-5 programs, Youth development and health 2020 Vision/Education outcomes Recreation opportunities and social health Homeless services and homelessness issues Environmental and Sustainability policy and programs.
Land Use, Housing & Economic Development
Time: 1st and 3rd Thursday, 10:30am
Location: Redwood Room, 2180 Milvia St, 6th Floor
Members: Mayor Arreguin, Councilmembers Hahn and Droste
Purview: Reviews and considers new and amendments to existing policies and programs related to land use controls, development standards, and the housing needs of the City. The Committee reviews and considers new and amendments to existing policies and programs affecting Berkeley businesses and the economic health of the community, including but not limited to business retention, business attraction, business development, civic arts and arts culture, and other factors affecting economic growth and vitality of Berkeley. The Committee also reviews and considers issues related to sustainability, the Climate Action Plan, and resilience.
Time: 1st Monday, 10:30am
Location: Cypress Room, 2180 Milvia St, 1st Floor
Members: Councilmembers Bartlett, Wengraf and Robinson
Purview: Reviews and considers new and amendments to existing policies and programs related to: Livability through enforcement of city codes Nuisance policy and solutions Public safety policy, resources, and programs.