Livermore · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Livermore public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Arbor Day Celebration Planning
A small ad hoc team will be appointed to plan next year's Arbor Day — tree plantings at Springtown Open Space, school activities, and volunteer/donation outreach.
2026 Beautification and Community Service Awards Selection
Six properties will receive Beautification Awards and four community service honorees — a garden club, a school PTA, and two tireless volunteers — will be recognized at the annual update presentation.
Proposed Adopt-a-Road Program
The committee is designing a program to tackle litter hotspots by letting volunteers 'adopt' spots around town. They're studying how Oakland and Caltrans run similar programs, including funding and tracking.
Wente open space acquisition and park district disposition
A companion land transaction would acquire property for open space, conservation, and non-motorized recreation, then eventually transfer it to the Livermore Area Park and Recreation District — potentially expanding trails and passive recreation opportunities.
FY 2025-27 Public Art Fund Budget Update
A review of current spending and encumbrances ensures that the Public Art Fund remains balanced while supporting ongoing community art initiatives.
Downtown Power Washing Services Agreement
The city is considering a five-year contract with Power Washing Services, Inc. worth up to $1,390,000 to clean downtown sidewalks, parking garages, and street furniture. This contract aims to maintain cleanliness and public safety in the downtown commercial corridor.
General Plan Amendment for 4200 East Avenue
A proposal to change the land use designation for 4200 East Avenue from Medium Density Residential to Neighborhood Commercial to match its existing zoning. No physical construction is planned.
Advisory Body Board Appointments
The city is interviewing residents to fill open advisory seats on the Commission for the Arts, Human Services Commission, and Livermore Housing Authority. These volunteers advise the City Council on vital community programs, affordable housing, and cultural initiatives.
Municipal Code Amendment on Public Works Design Immunity
The City Council will consider adopting an ordinance to amend Livermore Municipal Code Chapter 2.68.595, explicitly referencing Government Code Section 830.6. This ensures the City Engineer maintains proper delegation of authority for approving public works plans and designs.
Downtown Economic Vitality & LDI Annual Report
A public commenter discussed challenges facing the hotel and wine industries and argued that the proposed boutique hotel site at South Livermore and Railroad is risky, suggesting an alternate L Street location instead. Council members noted past public surveys overwhelmingly favored placing a hotel on South Livermore Avenue.
Public Works Project Completions and Acceptance
The city formally closed out completed public works projects, including the Livermore Village Parking Garage Phase 2 and the Storm Drain Trash Capture project, ensuring proper warranty periods and bond releases.
Animal Shelter Cost-sharing
Livermore just ditched the East County Animal Shelter partnership, leaving neighboring Dublin holding the bag with a nasty $176,000 budget hole for animal care. Dublin is now scrambling to figure out how to cover these unexpected costs to keep local services running.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Performance Report
The commission reviewed how non-profit organizations spent their grant money and how many local residents they served during the final half of 2025. Grantees reported on programs providing rental assistance, food distribution, and shelter support.
7 Brew Coffee Drive-Through Development in Lowe's Shopping Center
A new 934-square-foot coffee shop with dual drive-thru lanes is coming to the Lowe's Shopping Center on First Street. The commission approved the project after reviewing vehicle queuing and bike lane safety measures.
Arroyo Mocho Trailhead Land Donation and Staging Area
The city is accepting 1.4 acres of vacant land at 10 North Murrieta Boulevard to build a parking lot and trailhead for the Arroyo Mocho Trail. The donor is also providing $100,000 to cover maintenance and taxes.
Livermorium Plaza Utility Boxes Mural Project
The City plans to paint murals on utility boxes at Livermorium Plaza, with wine-country art facing Locanda Wine Bar and science/Livermorium-themed art facing the plaza. The Commission narrowed nine proposals down to four finalists to guide the City's final choice.
Cancellation of Uncontested Municipal Election
The city cancelled the November 2026 election for mayor and District 1 since both races had only one candidate, saving roughly $250,000.
Landscape Improvements at 141 N. Livermore Ave.
The committee reviewed new landscape designs and volunteer opportunities for a city-owned facility used by the Housing and Human Services Department. The project aims to improve the visual appeal of the site.
Tree Preservation and Property Rights at 706 Catalina Drive
A property owner appealed the city's refusal to let them cut down a large, protected Valley Oak tree in their backyard. The city arborist checked the tree and found it healthy, prompting the committee to back the city's denial to protect the local tree canopy.
Food Insecurity and Community Partner Coordination
Open Heart Kitchen and Spectrum Community Services updated the commission on their collaborative efforts to feed vulnerable residents and support seniors.
Community Arts Mini-Grants
Local groups received mini-grants to fund community arts projects, including a knitting project for hospital baby blankets and the Livermore Pride Festival.
Mosquito Abatement and Innovative Vector Control
The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District introduced a new biological control pilot program using sterile male mosquitoes to reduce invasive mosquito populations in Livermore.
Pickleball Kingdom Commercial Recreation Facility
An empty commercial building at 4650 Arroyo Vista will become an indoor pickleball facility, bringing a popular sport and community recreation space to town.
Developer-Initiated Public Art Proposal for Bloom at Portola
Shea Properties proposed a stainless steel sculpture titled 'Taking Root' for its 210-unit apartment community. The artwork meets the city's public art requirement for the development.
Mini Grant Application Review Committee
The commission formed a new ad hoc committee to evaluate upcoming mini grant applications due June 1.
Livermore Sanitation Rate Adjustment
The city renewed its contract with Block by Block to provide downtown cleaning, syringe disposal, and sanitation support through the Community Ambassador Program.
Election Information
Livermore voters, get ready! The June 2 primary is packed with races, including the governor's seat and local contests. Don't miss your chance to vote – check your registration and key dates now!
School District Leadership Search
Heads up, Livermore! The school board is on the hunt for a new superintendent and they actually want to hear from YOU. They're hosting a meeting and have an online survey to figure out what qualities the community values most in their next education leader. Your voice matters in shaping the district's future!
Election Guide
Heads up, Livermore! Your June 2 ballot is coming, and while it's not about local leaders this time, you'll still vote for Assembly and Congressional races. Get the lowdown on who's running and what they believe in with the Patch voter guide.
Park Construction
Get ready for some awesome new parks in Dublin! They're dropping almost $10 million on two new spots with playgrounds, dog areas, and pickleball courts. It's all about making life better for residents and giving everyone more places to chill by fall 2027.
Poet Laureate Selection and Recommendation
The commission recommended Faith Alpher to the City Council to serve a two-year term as Livermore's Poet Laureate.
City Workforce Vacancy and Recruitment Report
The library reviewed the fourth annual Opportunities Expo, which connected over 200 job seekers with local employers and career resources.
LAVTA Transit Facility Entitlement Extension
The transit authority needed an extra year to secure federal grants and line up building permits for its new maintenance and administration facility on Atlantis Street.
Madeira Park Turf Conversion and Native Planting
Staff presented plans to convert 3,500 square feet of non-functional turf at Madeira Park into a water-wise landscape featuring 100 new plants chosen by the committee.
Livermore Plaque Program Addition at 1707 Third Street
The commission approved historical text for a new plaque at 1707 Third Street to recognize and celebrate local history through the city's plaque program.
Public Outreach Brochure for Historic Preservation
A new informational brochure was approved to help residents learn about local historic preservation ordinances, resource inventories, and plaque opportunities.
Isabel Neighborhood Transportation Management and Paving Subcommittee
The council formed a specialized ad hoc committee to address traffic circulation, paving schedules, and transportation management associations in the Isabel Neighborhood Plan area.
2026 Volunteer Litter Collection Programs
The committee reviewed plans to mobilize local volunteers for neighborhood and community litter cleanups. These events help keep public spaces clean and foster community engagement.
Arbor Day Celebrations and Tree Programs
Local leaders discussed upcoming Arbor Day activities and planned future updates for a city free tree pilot program. These initiatives aim to expand the urban canopy and promote environmental awareness.
Housing and Human Services Grant Program Progress
The commission reviewed mid-year performance metrics for local nonprofits receiving city funds for housing, food, and social services.
Microsoft 365 Enterprise License Agreement Renewal
The city approved a five-year software licensing renewal with SHI International Corp. for Microsoft 365 products, ensuring uninterrupted daily administrative operations and digital security across all departments.
Planning Commission Training on Development Plans
City staff provided commissioners with specialized training on reading and evaluating development plans, ensuring consistent review standards for future projects.
Library Strategic Planning Survey
The library is launching a community survey to gather resident input for its upcoming strategic plan, helping shape future programs and services.
Poet Laureate Recruitment and Selection
The commission is forming a committee to interview candidates for the city's next Poet Laureate, who will promote poetry and literature in local schools and civic events.
Solar Panel Maintenance Contract
The city approved a $750,000 five-year contract with Daystar Solar to maintain and clean city solar arrays, which saves hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in municipal electricity costs.
2026 Historic Preservation Work Plan and Schedule
The commission is reviewing its calendar and annual work plan to prioritize historic preservation projects and community outreach for the year.
Arbor Day 2026 Celebration and Tree Planting
The committee discussed preparations for Arbor Day, including tree plantings at Springtown Community Park, school outreach, and community giveaways.
2026 Airport Commission Work Plan
Commissioners adopted their annual work plan to outline advisory duties, promotion of the airport, and review schedules for the upcoming year.
Community Ambassador Program Funding
The city renewed its contract with Block by Block-CA, Inc. to provide essential sanitation, biohazard cleanup, and outreach services through the Community Ambassador Program.
2026 Human Services Work Plan Adoption
The Human Services Commission adopted its work plan for 2026, guiding local non-profit grants, regional coordination, and community needs assessments.