Council recently voted to move forward with the Bicycle Lane and Pedestrian Street Improvements Policy, bringing forward long overdue prioritization of improving our streets with pedestrians and bicyclists in mind. Besides the obvious safety improvements, this policy will make an environmental impact, making travelling greener and more accessible.

The 2019 homeless count revealed 1,108 homeless residents in Berkeley. First time homelessness is down by 36%, and the number of people living on the streets with zero shelter is down by 32%. These numbers show that our investment to end homelessness over the past two years is beginning to make a difference for those living on our streets.

We asked the people of Berkeley to give big, and you responded generously. The approval of Measures O & P has given us a unique opportunity to make an impact in creating affordable housing and reducing homelessness. Berkeley voters can be proud that their vote is making a difference.

We know 2019 will likely be another significant fire season in California. That is why we are making our biggest investment ever in wildfire safety. This includes hundreds of thousands of dollars towards vegetation management and emergency response training. Taking the necessary steps to prepare is essential in promoting your safety.

Our City Budget is a reflection of our values and priorities. That is why over the past few months while developing my proposed Budget Recommendations, I have been listening to the needs and concerns of our community. From addressing our housing and homeless crisis, to ensuring the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, we are making a bigger investment in our community than ever before.

With the passage of the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act in 1995, rents began to rise dramatically in Berkeley and neighboring communities as landlords were given the right to set new tenancies at full market rate. The City has taken multiple steps to address the growing problem of displacement, from the Rent Stabilization Ordinance to the Tenant Protection Ordinance.

Between 2012-2016, Berkeley on average experienced 3 fatalities and 31 serious injuries annually as a result of traffic collisions. While pedestrians and bicyclists are involved in only 7% of crashes, they account for a third of the fatalities. It does not and should not have to be this way, which is why we are taking proactive steps to address pedestrian safety.

 Real progress takes time, but I am proud that our city has taken many steps over the past year to help people who have been most impacted by the region’s housing crisis. We’ve also made important headway on other critical city issues, from public safety to our City Budget. Read on to find out what we have already achieved over the past year and my goals for 2019.

Today we woke up to news of a horrible mass shooting, this time at a synagogue in Pittsburg, PA, during a service. I am saddened and outraged over this heinous attack which occurred on the holy day of Shabbat, a day of rest, reflection and prayer for the Jewish people. This hate crime strikes at the heart of the Jewish community.

On September 26, elected leaders and community members from a half dozen cities across the Bay Area gathered in Berkeley to launch United Against Hate Week, a campaign to stop the hate that threatens the safety and civility of our communities.