Pleasanton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pleasanton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Citywide standards for private outdoor sports courts and canopies
The city proposed reserving three of six Muirwood courts for $6-7.50/hour to manage demand and raise revenue. Dozens of players said it would destroy the open-play community and double wait times, so the council sent it back to Parks and Rec for more research and input.
Arroyo Mocho Trail north-bank gate reopening
Neighbors of Pleasanton Meadows strongly oppose reopening gates on the north bank of the Arroyo Mocho, citing safety, privacy, homelessness concerns, and a dangerous 30-degree slope. The council clarified the decision isn't final and directed residents to the Bike/Ped Committee this fall.
Sewer rate increase (Prop 218)
A Prop 218 notice for a sewer rate increase is in mailboxes; a resident formally protested the plan, citing an ~80% first-year jump for single-family homes and no cap. The hearing is November 17.
Caltrans safety grant applications ($5.86M)
The city is seeking $5.86M in Caltrans grants for signal upgrades, pedestrian crossings, and an Owens Drive protected bikeway. A bike/ped committee veteran criticized the process but the applications went forward.
Affordable rental housing at 4780 Chabot Drive
A proposed 100% affordable, up to 142-unit family rental project near BART would be the city's first directly supported affordable family housing development. Council supports the concept but must still decide on ~$8.4M in fee relief and a $10.3M inclusionary fee transfer, with the term sheet coming back later.
Citywide Emergency Preparedness
The council and chiefs recounted the response to the Little Fire — 1,007 acres, 6,000+ evacuated, homes within 30 feet of flames, no structures lost. Residents overwhelmingly thanked responders; the mayor urged signing up for AC Alert and making emergency plans.
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.