Berkeley Weekly Update - 3/26/24

Mid-Year Budget Update

The mid-year budget update for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) has been released, painting a mixed picture of economic conditions. FY24 began on July 1, 2023 and will end on June 30, 204, with the mid-year budget update showing actual revenues and expenditures through December 31, 2023. Revenues are now expected to be lower by $1.67 million, with the main reason for this being declines in the Property Transfer Tax. This is not surprising given that continued high interest rates have made it more difficult to buy property. Expenditures are $2.43 million above expectations, driven by increased personnel costs based upon approved labor agreements and public safety overtime offset by salary savings related to vacancies in other departments.

Despite lower revenues and higher expenditures, the City had preempted such a scenario as the post-pandemic recovery continues. Nationwide, we expect consumer spending to decrease as the economy cools down as a result of high interest rates, which in the long term will help reduce inflation. The City has a healthy reserve balance and revised this year’s budget in December to address recent financial trends. The City is in the process of planning its budget for Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026, which will be voted on by Council in June. The City has prioritized an efficient and financially healthy budget, with City Staff continuously monitoring the budget to ensure that we are able to adapt to any future economic changes.

Measure T1 Phase Two Underway

The Grove Park Playground is one Measure T1 project recently completed.

In 2016, Berkeley voters overwhelmingly approved Measure T1, a $100 million general obligation bond for infrastructure improvements. The projects funded under this bond were split into two phases, with Phase 1 providing $42.7 million in bonds to complete 40 different projects. Phase 2 is now underway, with 30 projects expected to be completed by 2026.

This month, an update was provided on the work currently happening thanks to Measure T1. Highlights include:

Completion of a new playground and picnic area at Grove Park
Beginning construction of the Willard Clubhouse and restroom replacement project
Ongoing sidewalk repairs, with 575 locations expected to be complete by the end of Spring 2024.
Completion of cleaning and soil removal of the Aquatic Park Tide Tubes

Various projects are also in the planning and design phases, including but not limited to the creation of the African American Holistic Resource Center, improvements to various city buildings and fire stations, improved lighting along the Ohlone Greenway, and dock replacements at the Marina.

Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Program

Heatmap of shootings in Berkeley since 2017.

Last week, the City of Berkeley launched its Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Program. This program, a key part of the Reimagining Public Safety process, aims to reduce and prevent gun violence in Berkeley through four strategies:

Place-based interventions in areas experiencing an increase in shootings
Direct engagement with individuals at risk through custom notifications
Street outreach
Providing comprehensive social services

This program, directed by the City Manager’s Office, is actively seeking proposals for the design and implementation of the custom notifications and street outreach components. Custom notifications include “hard” messages delivered by police on immediate legal consequences of violent acts, combined with “soft” messages delivered by a community-based organization that provides support and access to social services and assistance. This approach combines clear warnings about the consequences of violence with offers of help, aiming to deter violence through awareness of the repercussions and provision of alternatives. Street outreach involves outreach workers with experience in violence or incarceration to use their credibility and understanding of street culture to mediate conflicts and prevent violence escalation, helping build trust among high-risk individuals. Applicants have until April 16 to submit proposals, with Council expected to vote on a contract this June. For more details, click here.

Family Friendly Spring Activities

The events will have egg hunts for children of all ages.

This Friday and Saturday, the City is hosting multiple events, including egg hunts and scavenger hunts.

On Friday, March 29 from 7pm-9pm, there will be a nighttime search for glow-in-the-dark eggs at San Pablo Park. This event is open to children in 5th-8th grades, and they will have a chance to win prizes including an Xbox Series X. Register here for free, but participants must bring their own flashlights.

On Saturday, March 30, multiple events will be taking place at the Waterfront’s Cesar Chavez Park, from 9:30am-1:45pm. Children ages 1-12 can participate in a spring egg hunt extravaganza, which will feature a petting zoo, crafts, an interactive kid’s carnival, and bunny hop dance lessons. The egg hunts for children ages 1-10 will be divided into 20 minute increments by age starting at 10am, in addition to a scavenger hunt for children ages 11-12. Arrive 30 minutes ahead for same-day registration. Cost is $12 per child (scholarships available). For exact timing and registration, click here.

Adults and teenagers 16 and older can participate in a scavenger hunt, also at Cesar Chavez Park. The event begins at noon, where teams will be given 90 minutes to solve riddles leading to “eggs” hidden throughout the Waterfront. The top three teams with the most correct answers will receive gift cards of $200, $150, and $100, respectively, to a Berkeley Waterfront restaurant. While supplies last, runners-up will receive a $40 gift card to Skates on the Bay. Register here, which costs $12 per team (up to 6 people), and register online by noon on Friday, 3/29 for a coupon for a free $13 appetizer with purchase of a meal at Skates on the Bay.