Council Committees Create More Democratic Process

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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.

Agenda & Rules

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.

Budget & Finance

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.

Public Safety

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.


Jesse Arreguin