General Plan, Housing Element annual reports
On March 9, the Planning Board will continue its review of the City’s 2025 annual reports, which began on February 23, this time focused on the General Plan and Housing Element. The reports outline progress made in 2025 and identify priorities for the coming year to inform budget and Capital Improvement Program decisions.
State law requires Alameda to maintain an up-to-date General Plan and annually review progress toward its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). In 2025, broader economic conditions continued to limit housing production. Since 2023, the City has issued 663 building permits toward its 5,353-unit RHNA target for 2031, reflecting slow progress.
In 2025, just 65 new dwelling unit permits were issued, including 52 ADUs, of which 32 were designated as low- or very-low-income housing. Still, the City approved planning entitlements for 356 units at Mariner Square Loop, 166 affordable units at RESHAP, and 284 townhomes at West Midway. Planning entitlements are the initial, discretionary approval that grants legal rights to develop land.
The report also highlights permit streamlining efforts, including launching an Express Permit track covering nearly 60% of the permit volume and expanding plan check consultants to reduce review times by up to 30 days.
Looking ahead to 2026, staff plan to complete the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance update, adopt a Short-Term Rental Ordinance, revise commercial zoning regulations, and update the Zoning Ordinance to remain compliant with evolving state housing laws.
How to participate
The meeting will be held on Monday, March 9, at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located on the third floor of City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue.
Members of the public may participate in person or via Zoom. They may comment on the Non-Agenda, Consent Calendar, and Regular Agenda portions of the Meeting Agenda (link downloads document).
The Non-Agenda portion of the meeting provides an opportunity to address the Board regarding any matter not on the agenda over which the Board has jurisdiction. The Consent Calendar is for routine items approved by a single motion. The Regular Agenda is the central portion of the meeting, during which each issue receives a presentation and time for Board discussion and public comment.
Submit requests for reasonable accommodation via an online form.
For Zoom registration, click here. Information to assist with Zoom participation is here. The Zoom phone number for telephone participants is 669-900-9128, and the Meeting ID is 815 3979 3319. Community members may also email Board Members before the meeting.
Contributing writer Karin K. Jensen covers boards and commissions for the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at https://linktr.ee/karinkjensen and https://alamedapost.com/Karin-K-Jensen.
