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.
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.
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.
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.
Livermore General Plan 2045 and Draft Environmental Impact Report
The city's zoning and development codes need updating to match the newly adopted 2045 General Plan — touching zoning districts, permitting procedures, and definitions citywide. This sets the ground rules for what can be built where for the next two decades.
Corbett property open space acquisition (817 acres, Altamont Hills)
The city is moving to buy roughly 817 acres of Altamont Hills grassland for permanent open space. The land is a critical wildlife corridor and habitat for golden eagles, California red-legged frogs, and tiger salamanders. The Planning Commission's consistency determination is a required step before the acquisition can proceed.
Project and Program Grant Funding Recommendations
The commission is reviewing grant funding recommendations for local arts organizations, with staff proposing budget-adjusted awards totaling $28,650 for six community programs.
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.
Municipal Fleet Electrification Project
The city is moving forward with Phase 2 of its Fleet Electrification Project, which includes installing 100 EV charging ports across various city facilities. PG&E will provide electrical upgrades requiring permanent property easements at City Hall, the Maintenance Service Center, and the Police Department.
Library Summer Learning and Spring Program Engagement
The library is celebrating a record-breaking summer reading program with 5,800 participants reading nearly 6.1 million minutes. Staff will present final statistics and community outreach highlights.
Patron Records Confidentiality Policy Revision
The library is reviewing its 1991 confidentiality policy to address modern concerns, including digital third-party vendors and linked family accounts.
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.
PFAS Water Treatment System Upgrades at Cal Water Stations
California Water Service is proposing to install new PFAS water treatment systems at Stations 9, 19, and 31 to improve local drinking water safety. The upgrades include Granular Activated Carbon vessels, control systems, and underground utility connections.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee Amendments for Shea Aura and Serenity
Final map approval and affordable housing agreements for the 164-unit Shea Aura residential subdivision at Portola and Isabel avenues ensure 17 on-site affordable units and in-lieu fee contributions.
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.
Airport Grant Funding and Environmental Baselines
The commission examined two recent aircraft incidents from May, including a safe off-field landing and a minor ground collision, ensuring proper safety protocols and NTSB coordination were followed.
Accessory Structure Regulations Review
A resident asked the commission to overhaul city rules on accessory structures, calling current standards inequitable. Staff agreed to put the request on a future meeting agenda.
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.
L Street Garage Mural Project
Thirteen artists submitted designs for a mural on the L Street Garage's eastern elevation. The Commission picked its top four after the ad hoc committee's shortlist drew some pushback.
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.
Livermore Village Remediation Project Contract Re-Award
The city re-awarded a $2.29 million contract to clean up contaminated soil at Railroad Avenue and L Street to prepare for downtown housing and a park.
Fire Station No. 6 Redevelopment
The city is moving forward with demolishing the old Fire Station No. 6 on East Avenue and building a larger, modern facility with a reserve apparatus building. The upgrade will help firefighters meet current health, safety, and operational standards.
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.
Community Arts Grants Review Committees
City staff are promoting the 2026 High School Arts Awards to local youth to encourage participation in visual, literary, media, and performing arts.
Adventus Las Colinas Road Development Agreement
The council approved a framework agreement for 600-900 residential units on 50 developable acres at 3658 Las Colinas Road, accompanied by $6 million in community benefits and infrastructure improvements.
General Plan and Urban Growth Boundary
The Planning Commission reviewed Draft General Plan 2045, gathering public and advisory committee feedback regarding growth boundaries, housing densities, and the preservation of Livermore's open space.
McGrath RentCorp Development Agreement Amendment
The city extended McGrath RentCorp's development agreement to 2059, supporting Midtown planning objectives and a commercial land transfer expected to bring 400-600 jobs and $1 million in annual tax revenue.
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.
Homelessness Strategy and Regional Funding
CityServe and Goodness Village shared how they partner to offer shelter, mental health support, and vocational training to Livermore's unhoused neighbors.
Vision Zero Traffic Safety Plan
The city is partnering with the Alameda County Transportation Commission and Union Pacific Railroad to upgrade safety features, pedestrian gates, and traffic signals at the L Street and Junction Avenue railway crossings.
30-Year Potable Water Supply Agreement
The city renewed its long-term water supply contract with Zone 7 Water Agency to ensure a reliable wholesale drinking water source for Livermore Municipal Water customers.
Gillig Campus Expansion & Road Closure
Gillig is proposing a 17-acre expansion of its manufacturing campus, which requires closing part of Discovery Drive. While the city and transit advocates support the growth and jobs, neighboring businesses have raised concerns about traffic and access.
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.
The Great Elephant Migration Public Art Exhibit
Livermore is looking at bringing 30 giant, life-sized elephant sculptures to downtown streets this fall. The city would pitch in $30,000 in matching funds to help make Livermore the only West Coast stop for the national art tour.
Short-Term Rental Permitting and Neighborhood Impacts
A resident expressed frustration during public forum regarding noise, parking congestion, and neighborhood disruption caused by a recently approved short-term rental permit on Dickens Court.
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.
Recycled Water Fill Station Project
Livermore adopted its 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan, detailing future water supplies, conservation goals, and phased responses to potential water shortages.
Master Fee Schedule Updates for FY 2026-27
The city updated its master fee schedule to adjust fees for building permits, police services, water resources, and other departments to match actual administrative costs, reflecting a 2.5% inflation adjustment.
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.
Blanco Modern Venue Downtown Event Center
A vacant downtown property at 180 South Livermore Avenue will be transformed into an indoor-outdoor event space and rooftop bar, boosting downtown nightlife and gathering spaces while managing noise and parking.
Opposition to Potential ICE Detention Facility at FCI Dublin
Dozens of residents and community leaders urged the city council to pass a resolution opposing the potential conversion of the closed Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin into an immigration detention center, citing fears of heightened ICE enforcement, community trauma, and economic impacts.