Albany Council to vote on four ballot tax measures July 20; recent meeting outcomes pending
Albany's most consequential action this week is still ahead: the City Council meets Monday, July 20, to consider placing four special-tax measures on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Outcomes from the city's three most recent public meetings — City Council (July 6), Planning & Zoning Commission (July 8), and Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission (July 9) — are not yet available because minutes have not been published. What follows reflects the agendas as posted.
City Council — July 6 (agenda only)
The Council scheduled a public hearing on Resolution 2026-51, which would place a special parcel tax for street tree and streetlighting maintenance on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Additional public hearings were set for confirming delinquent solid waste accounts for property tax liens and for Ordinance 2026-04, which would amend ranked choice voting rules in the Albany Municipal Code.
The Council was also slated to adopt an addendum to the Albany Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan (Resolution 2026-49) and the Albany Active Transportation Plan (Resolution 2026-52).
Consent items included ratification of payroll totaling $1,014,082.48 (June 12) and $1,131,858.19 (June 26), bills totaling $1,969,016.89, and a $150,000 fire inspection contract with Urban 37.
Planning & Zoning Commission — July 8 (agenda only)
The Commission's agenda included three residential applications:
- Consent calendar: Design review and use permit for a 114 sq. ft., two-story addition at 1053 San Pablo Avenue (PA26-023).
- Discussion: Demolition of an existing single-story residence and construction of a 1,991 sq. ft. two-story single-family home at 846 Washington Street (PA25-049).
- Discussion: Lifting an existing house by 7'5", adding a 27 sq. ft. entry, and expanding the lower-story rear deck at 1120 Curtis Street (PA26-016).
Commissioners were also scheduled to hear a presentation on the 2026 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rent & Use Survey results.
Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission — July 9 (agenda only)
The Commission was set to consider the Urban Forester's recommendations on three street trees:
- Recommended removal at 810 Jackson Street.
- Recommended removal at 1491 Solano Avenue.
- Recommendation against removal at 965 Talbot Avenue.
Coming up
- **City Council — Monday, July 20, 2026:** The Council will consider a contract with Insight Housing for Albany Project HOPE, up to $457,965 for services through June 30, 2028. It will also act on an encroachment permit and fee waiver for the Albany Community Triathlon, authorizing temporary street closures on Key Route Blvd, Portland Ave, Thousand Oaks Blvd, and Carmel Ave for three years. The Council will consider appropriating Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding for FY 2026–27 under State and California Citizens Option, authorizing a grant of bikeway easement for the Jackson Street Bikeway Project (CIP No. 25015) from Buchanan St to Ohlone Ave, and adopting resolutions to place four special-tax measures — street paving & storm-drain, emergency medical services, business license, and real-property transfer taxes — on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
- **Planning & Zoning Commission — Wednesday, July 22, 2026:** The Commission will review Planning Application PA25-049, a staff recommendation to approve demolition of the existing home at 846 Washington and construction of a 1,991 sq. ft. two-story residence with a one-car garage.