Pleasanton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pleasanton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Asset Management Plan and CIP Strategy FY 2027-2032
The city catalogued 206,000 assets worth $4.8 billion and found only $28 million in poor/failed condition — way better than the $900 million deferred-maintenance fear. Staff will rank projects by risk and bring a funded and unfunded CIP list to council in March for adoption by July 1, 2027.
Commission restructuring ordinance
The ordinance trims advisory commissions to quarterly meetings and modifies membership rules — a consequence of budget shortfalls after the failed sales tax measure. Councilmember Testa stressed the council accepted, not recommended, the cuts, and emphasized commissioners stay engaged between meetings.
Landscape Maintenance District Funding and Assessments
Decades-old LMDs created before Prop 218 can't keep up with costs. Property owners in Ponderosa-Del Prado and Bonde Ranch approved new assessment districts by weighted ballot, and the council confirmed annual assessments for three other districts.
Transient Occupancy Tax increase on November ballot
The council is asking voters to raise the hotel tax from 8% to 12% in two steps starting July 2027. At the full rate it brings in about $2.8 million a year — roughly a third of the city's $7-8 million structural deficit — and the cost falls mostly on visitors, not residents.
Solid waste rate adjustment FY 2026/27
Garbage, recycling, and organics rates go up 2.23% for the fiscal year, as required by the franchise agreement with Pleasanton Garbage Service.
Mid-term budget update and water capital program
The city's budget tops $265 million, but the general fund is balanced only with about $6 million in one-time money, and structural deficits are projected through 2035. Councilmembers stressed the city's problems are not solved and a $44 million annual infrastructure gap looms.