The San Leandro City Council meeting on April 2, 2024, focused on two significant topics: the restructuring of neighborhood engagement programs and a proposed increase in the stormwater fee to address critical infrastructure needs.

During the meeting, a council member proposed a new approach to neighborhood engagement, suggesting a shift from traditional neighborhood divisions to a system based on police beats. This change aims to enhance community involvement in problem identification and solutions at the local level. The council member emphasized the need for a more sustainable program, noting that the current model, which divides the city into over a thousand neighborhood blocks, is not feasible. To support this initiative, a new nonprofit organization, the Community Action Council, is being established to help fund the program and encourage resident participation.

The second major topic was the proposed amendment to the city's stormwater fee, which has not been increased since 1993. City officials outlined the necessity of raising the fee to generate approximately $3.2 million annually, up from the current $1 million. This increase is essential to fund critical projects aimed at reducing flooding and maintaining stormwater infrastructure. The city has identified about $80 million in necessary capital projects, with a focus on high-priority needs. The proposed fee adjustment will be communicated to property owners, and if there is no majority protest, ballots will be mailed out for a vote on the fee increase.

Public comments during the meeting highlighted the importance of the stormwater fee increase for compliance with clean water laws and the need for improved infrastructure to prevent flooding, particularly in areas affecting local schools. Residents expressed support for the proposed changes, emphasizing the benefits of enhanced stormwater management and community engagement.

The council plans to proceed with the necessary steps to implement these initiatives, with further discussions and public input expected in the coming weeks.