Infrastructure Workshop, Senator Arreguín to provide legislative update
On November 4, City Council will hold a public workshop to discuss infrastructure and facilities needs for libraries, city parks, and recreation facilities. Council will also hear a State Legislative Update from State Senator Jessie Arreguín and consider a resolution to appoint Michelle Knoedler as a Member of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities.
Below is a summary of what will be discussed in the workshop and how to participate in the meeting.
Infrastructure Workshop #3
The City faces significant challenges related to aging and deteriorating infrastructure, with over $800 million in facility and infrastructure needs identified. City Council is in the process of hosting four workshops to update the public on these needs:
- Streets and Traffic Safety (held September 2, 2025).
- Civic and Fire Facilities (held October 7).
- Libraries, Recreation and Parks (November 4).
- Flood Protection, Sea Level and Ground Water Rise, and Disaster Preparedness (December 2).
The November 4 meeting will focus both on existing and planned Recreation and Parks and Library facilities. The Alameda Recreation and Park Department alone has over $200 million in unmet needs. While new parks have been added in recent years, many of the City’s 35 parks and 27 recreation facilities are operating beyond their intended lifespans, with aging buildings, outdated irrigation systems, worn playgrounds, and deferred maintenance that threaten safety, accessibility, and overall community enjoyment. Unfunded park projects include De-Pave Park, Seaplane Lagoon Phases 2 & 3, completion of Jean Sweeney Park, a Regional Sports Complex, and Enterprise Park
The Alameda Free Library system is also seeking investment to meet growing community demand—visitation increased 16% and program attendance 19% in fiscal year 2024–25. Projects include:
- Expanding Bay Farm Island Library. $5–10 million, for dedicated event and study spaces.
- New Alameda Point Branch. $500,000–$20 million, depending on whether mobile services are employed, or a new building is built.
- Renovating the Main Library. $5 million, to add a “library of things” (tools, cookware, etc.), maker space, and expanded children’s areas.
- Creating a tool and seed lending library. Aligned with community sustainability goals.
Recent voter surveys indicate support for addressing infrastructure funding. In June 2024, 64% of Alameda voters expressed a need for additional funding, and 68% showed initial support for an infrastructure bond.
How you can participate
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 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 are welcome to 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 Council regarding any matter not on the agenda over which the Council has jurisdiction. The Consent Calendar is intended for routine items and is approved by a single motion. The Regular Agenda is the central portion of the meeting, where each issue receives a presentation and time for Council discussion and public comment.
Complete this online form to request reasonable accommodation.
Click here for Zoom registration. The Zoom phone number for telephone participants is 669-900-9128; the Meeting ID is 814 7082 0932.
Information to assist with remote participation is available online in the Public Comment and City Council Meeting Guide. The meeting can also be viewed on the City of Alameda’s Facebook page. Note that comments posted there are not monitored.
For each issue, public speakers will have three minutes to speak if there are fewer than five speakers or two minutes to speak if there are five or more speakers.
Community members may also email Council Members on issues of interest before meetings.
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.
