[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6478198,"mediaKeyId","5709056-39f71cbb765bad6ce85bc541173c3102","parentId",5709056,"title","Albany narrows proposed ESG investment policy, adds exclusions and asks staff for value statement work","audioSeconds",2605,"startMs",7036000,"endMs",9641000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5709056-39f71cbb765bad6ce85bc541173c3102&start=7036&end=9641","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5709056-39f71cbb765bad6ce85bc541173c3102/thumbnail_7036000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6478198/Albany-City/Alameda-County/California/Albany-narrows-proposed-ESG-investment-policy-adds-exclusions-and-asks-staff-for-value-statement-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478198-ab292cf536472331551ec23723980c97/orig.mp4?Expires=1775455356&Signature=Qf2UUr54gUTHx34Oc~BgOCyS4gkEpXc3rG9lgrEXk9PXMgKNQwb1nqrc159zp83G8PHCSlSla5lMi4BolyJ2p-vLRhpoSlKvv7-Ko5WUbZOl63h6jBVEXhn8F3d1bY9SgXZYR340VGU8LtK6~1Ea~u0YBt2mQD~BJN-oazoLmPegkJf-4A7prBVGFJh2DKbM6pKXmwuJTXm0Zwl60H02joiRN----l2h7xH8yaEtOjf3Fnhn9cKXFsVv1wteGRb8BqynkJ3t8KAgsKpwZ9J13qG3XBnNkIpbrmmdpBCcyMEg7RV7Zq4d9wSkR3N3Bfu4jy6HsGavHHbQigRHoCVvig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Albany, CA","date","2025-09-03T17:44:30Z","article","Albany's City Council on Sept. 2 moved forward with a resolution directing staff to implement an environmental, social and governance (ESG) approach to the city's investments while adding several explicit industry exclusions and directing a committee to draft a broader values statement for council review.

The finance director presented a multi-pronged implementation policy that combines three elements: (1) industry exclusions, (2) an overall ESG risk limit based on third-party scores, and (3) a requirement that eligible issuers be in the top half of performers within their sub-industry. The approach aims to limit financial risk while aligning investments with the city's ESG priorities.

Under the policy staff described at the meeting, the exclusions and screening would be forward-looking and effective after adoption; currently held securities that fall within newly excluded classifications would generally be held to maturity unless they can be sold without incurring a loss. The implementation approach relies on third-party ESG risk ratings (staff referenced Sustainalytics) and focuses on issuers already approved for municipal investment under staff's asset manager (PFM Asset Management).

Council members asked staff to add several industry exclusions to the draft. The council-approved motion added refiners/pipelines (sometimes referred to in staff materials as refining and marketing), tobacco, and firearms & ammunition to the initial exclusions (staff had earlier proposed oil and gas producers, energy services, and aerospace & defense). Councilmembers also asked that the ESG implementation policy be formally reviewed at least annually in conjunction with the city's required annual investment-policy review.

Mayor Robin D. Lopez and other council members discussed whether the council should craft a values statement to guide the ESG rules. The council voted to refer development of a value statement to the Audit & Fiscal Sustainability Committee for drafting and later council review.

The finance director and representatives from PFM Asset Management told the council the proposed approach would remove roughly 20% of the asset manager's approved issuer list under the combined screening criteria; staff said the policy sought a tractable, administrable approach that balanced values alignment with portfolio performance and implementation costs.

The council's motion passed with recorded affirmative votes from the members present. No immediate portfolio liquidation was ordered; the policy provides for orderly disposition of holdings only when it can be done without material financial loss.

Why it matters: The city holds public funds that must be managed conservatively under state law. Incorporating ESG screening into the investment policy will change where the city buys new securities and may gradually reshape the municipal portfolio. The council also directed staff to prepare a public-facing value statement to articulate the city's priorities for ESG screening.

Votes at a glance: Council voted to adopt the ESG implementation policy and to refer a value-statement drafting process to the Audit & Fiscal Sustainability Committee; recorded votes were unanimous among members present (Mayor Robin D. Lopez, Vice Mayor McQuaid, Councilmember Jordan and Councilmember Mickey). Councilmember Anser Romero was absent.

What's next: Staff and the city's investment advisor will operationalize the exclusions and screening criteria, prepare a regular annual review process, and the committee will draft a value statement for council consideration.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Albany City Council - Sept. 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Albany City Council voted Sept. 2 to adopt a staff-recommended ESG investment framework that pairs industry exclusions, a third-party ESG risk ceiling and a best-in-class filter for eligible issuers, and directed a committee to draft a values statement to guide future screening.","taxTitle","Albany City, Alameda County, California","taxId",72346,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6478203,"Residents urge Albany to drop plan for volleyball court at Ocean View Park, cite trees, drainage and climate goals",859,1402000,2261000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5709056-39f71cbb765bad6ce85bc541173c3102&start=1402&end=2261","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5709056-39f71cbb765bad6ce85bc541173c3102/thumbnail_1402000.jpg","/articles/6478203/Albany-City/Alameda-County/California/Residents-urge-Albany-to-drop-plan-for-volleyball-court-at-Ocean-View-Park-cite-trees-drainage-and-climate-goals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478203-6cdce2428b6dd8a71c27d4a1034c91a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775455356&Signature=ALTm4ZqGQ6wyyhldJPjNOGTIRV9E5bpWHszgl5mqMKNuNOFc1msjMHnAgctqWJALlJYakZ6Rcx3eWsDneaWZ8Udt49L8lxzxYPp6RpX3njLQau5boaxxXuJ94jYkZ1g4SrC4fcDgx5kmyYdXvbllLKF0eDFO1BhuQw~p6ZFvK5Kr6n4awBvZq6bEzaZFyf5OASQ1kWay~gB5glB208Xk5kLsa62ycIqmOaq459u~Kmxk7bImIbwbQ15rwU5O7Yo-navAfpeWuWvCO7ktiuDz-~7qDpgkuRUXSN1Iu27fNnheot~LKHvKXjdqQdy8dTCf0D5UfJ5HsVTQROI4ZokNBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of Albany residents used the council's public-comment period on Sept. 2 to urge the City Council to halt plans to convert a small grassy area near the Ocean View Community Garden into a sand-and-asphalt volleyball court.

Speakers warned the project would remove scarce green space, damage nearby coast live redwoods, increase impermeable surface area and strain neighborhood parking. Several residents asked the city to consider alternative sites such as Peggy Thompson Pierce Park, Albany Beach or Memorial Park.

\"This small patch of grass actually mitigates the urban heat caused by the surrounding sport complexes,\" said Jackie Hermes, a longtime member of the Ocean View Community Garden. \"Community parks need to provide some gathering space with a respite from noise and for relaxation of those who don't play sports.\"

Julie Knapp, another garden member who has held neighborhood parties there for years, said the grassy patch offers a place for small gatherings and children: \"My daughter says, 'I think you should not move the grass because it's kind of like a dog park to the dogs.'\" Resident Maya called the proposal \"anti-environment, anti-nature and anti-green,\" noting the park already includes several sports facilities and playground space.

Landscape architect Ishan raised technical concerns about the proposed siting: low branches near the proposed court would reduce playability and soil compaction from frequent use could \"kill the already dying redwood trees.\" Sharon, another long-term gardener, warned the city would need costly drainage and filtration near the creek and described maintenance costs for sand delivery and replacement.

Resident Sue Lai outlined the ecological importance of the park's redwoods and their shallow, extensive root systems, which rely on permeable ground and fog moisture. \"If having a volleyball court here means more asphalt, more paved surfaces, there will be less permeable surface for the rainwater to seep into the ground surface, and these trees will eventually die,\" she said.

Speakers said Ocean View Park is already home to soccer, baseball, picnic tables, tennis, pickleball, a children's playground and community garden; several asked the council to reconsider placing an additional sports surface in a compact park.

Mayor Robin D. Lopez acknowledged the many speakers and said the council would consider the points raised when the volleyball project returns to a formal agenda. No vote or formal action on the volleyball design was taken during the Sept. 2 meeting; the matter was raised in public comment and will return for formal review when staff brings a project proposal forward.

Why it matters: The proposed court raises competing uses for a small park in a densely built portion of Albany. Neighbors said the site functions as a respite, a place for children and a community garden buffer, and they warned tree loss and increased impermeable surface would conflict with Albany's climate and resilience objectives.

What happened next: Councilmembers did not take action; residents were told the project would come back to the council as a formal agenda item where staff would present designs, environmental/engineering details and recommended alternatives.

","Several residents told the City Council during the public-comment period that a proposed sand-and-asphalt volleyball court in Ocean View Park would remove rare green space, threaten redwood trees, worsen stormwater and contradict the city's Climate Action Plan.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6478208,"Albany council advances overhaul of bicycle-parking rules to encourage e-bikes, cargo bikes",3321,3107000,6428000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5709056-39f71cbb765bad6ce85bc541173c3102&start=3107&end=6428","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5709056-39f71cbb765bad6ce85bc541173c3102/thumbnail_3107000.jpg","/articles/6478208/Albany-City/Alameda-County/California/Albany-council-advances-overhaul-of-bicycle-parking-rules-to-encourage-e-bikes-cargo-bikes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478208-7942d6d781a6881d8759402141d0d555/orig.mp4?Expires=1775455356&Signature=Ny6gMfyIbNIv7r92byiDQmniwJ5HfXkgtnKRr6UsoGlptoI-AI8rq7kjJR8nXsJCn5O0yzUftJwgValqfEQ6iwRdghh9fMrsk64NvWl2e8a~3MjxI15AmwmXrTdtIhJigjR7czC9jbU9cqZiCwf5Z4-rYYYUj1g3lcX8p6-4Unhk3a~MMDtCgfOI-wwzTU0oJ035YYH0YSRr4mXn8duBnu6Fps4g0Qk44c4gh8s1xXTfT03cVWNewhcfaOeW0xroxmfY~L976XHFdjCXq-reMZnAsA7DsyqPefVewMOgLa-P0Vo3o3BTl6S9U7bRyVbqUZ5Mn3DeMVXnTHNdophrRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Albany City Council at its Sept. 2 meeting introduced and waived first reading of an ordinance that would expand and update the city's bicycle-parking rules to reflect growing e-bike and cargo-bike use and to support the city's climate goals.

The ordinance amendment, presented by Planning Manager Leslie Mendez, would apply new long-term and short-term bicycle-parking requirements to new commercial, public, quasi-public, industrial, mixed-use and multifamily developments, and to larger temporary events. The council's action at the meeting set an amended package of technical changes and moved some operational standards into administrative regulations for staff to adjust later.

Mendez said the revisions respond to changing mobility trends: \"The goals of these amendments are to support climate and sustainability by encouraging bicycling, to accommodate new mobility trends such as cargo and e-bicycles, to integrate bicycle parking into public and private spaces, and to set clear practical standards to lessen the burden on development.\" She noted the changes must meet a state deadline tied to AB 306 and the state building code (CalGreen) for residential requirements.

Key proposed changes adopted for first reading include:
- For multifamily housing: 1 long-term bicycle space per dwelling unit plus 1 short-term space per 20 units, with a proposed amendment on the floor to require 1.5 long-term spaces for units with two or more bedrooms (the council supported that change).
- For nonresidential uses: 1 long-term space per 10 employees or per 10,000 square feet (whichever is greater) and 1 short-term space per 1,500 square feet.
- For temporary events: a short-term bicycle-parking requirement based on simultaneous attendees (the council moved the specific event calculation to the administrative regulations so staff can adjust the standard if needed).
- Accessibility and design updates: at least 50% of long-term spaces must not require lifting a bicycle; a minimum of 20% of long-term spaces must accommodate larger bicycles (longer lengths) and include electrical outlet access for charging; sidewalk clearance in key commercial corridors would be raised (policy moved into administrative rules so staff can set context-sensitive minimums).

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended some stronger thresholds (40% large-bike spaces and 50% electric-capable long-term spaces). Staff recommended the lower percentages as a balance between accommodating larger bikes and preserving limited real estate in commercial and housing projects.

Councilmember Jordan, who proposed several technical amendments, told colleagues the changes were intended to set a reasonable floor so developers do not provide zero bicycle parking: \"The purpose of the regulation is to put a floor for those applicants who might just try to do zero if they had a choice.\" Jordan also requested that required counts be rounded up (so small projects receive at least one short-term rack) and that event counts be based on simultaneous attendance rather than cumulative attendance over a day.

Residents and bicycle-advocacy groups spoke in favor of stronger long-term requirements. Lucinda Young of the Albany Climate Action Coalition said one long-term bike space per unit is not sufficient for many households: \"One is inadequate. You often have at least two or more people living in a unit, and each needs their own bicycle.\" Other commenters urged the council to preserve painted and powder-coated rack options used by local businesses and arts groups.

Council action: Councilmember Jordan moved to introduce and waive first reading of the ordinance with a package of amendments (including the 1.5 long-term spaces for two-bedroom units, rounding up required counts, moving technical right-of-way clearance rules to administrative regulations, and moving event-calculation specifics to administrative rules). The motion passed unanimously by those present.

The ordinance returns for second reading later this month; administrative regulations will be prepared by staff and routed for Transportation Commission review before final adoption.

Why it matters: Albany has eliminated minimum automobile parking for many project types and is updating bicycle-parking rules to reduce vehicle miles traveled and support residents who rely on bicycles for daily trips. The changes also aim to future-proof infrastructure for heavier, larger, and electric bicycles.

Votes at a glance: The introductory motion to waive first reading and adopt the ordinance amendments passed with recorded affirmative votes from Mayor Robin D. Lopez, Vice Mayor McQuaid, Councilmember Jordan and Councilmember Mickey. Councilmember Anser Romero was absent.

What's next: Staff will bring the ordinance back for a second reading and will present the proposed administrative regulations to the Transportation Commission for feedback before publishing them for an effective date aligned to state deadlines.

","City Council introduced and waived first reading of an ordinance expanding bicycle-parking requirements for new construction, adding long-term storage standards for larger bikes and e-bike charging readiness and moving some technical standards into administrative regulations for flexibility.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6478197,"Albany manager announces textile-recycling pilot, electric mowers and upcoming pavement and sidewalk work",172,797000,969000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5709056-39f71cbb765bad6ce85bc541173c3102&start=797&end=969","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5709056-39f71cbb765bad6ce85bc541173c3102/thumbnail_797000.jpg","/articles/6478197/Albany-City/Alameda-County/California/Albany-manager-announces-textile-recycling-pilot-electric-mowers-and-upcoming-pavement-and-sidewalk-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478197-6493470975cb0a56b976884d93f3d08c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775455356&Signature=D2n5VLxuPyxgqh4W6iqECf8HGX3tsIUiDh54dbplbL6hXeqKx-rNW5fAmszI1GE5u-KUwPwNUzBPG2-dEc~WtxB6sHgc7GoxHzL9JIyMlQkWwCmq-NfIoSdB8WptdhB2nOZ9se81aLQyKGELPLCJJQAhoTYCHD167FiQcCiUMQE-0ocrXFI4hStZxDGg~P1ZZhxqHZ1uLKVfwaukAeXqoaFhuXO~ja5Wtl4aXRqNjPjje6SBcNxcgQVcL8OUUtwtjAoPPI9azCMuaaJ53fZOoe~xo7LuFQcBZumlSNCfQH1rkKwxYCbDagvrA5F2pv4jIdQVZG6t7SQZ3EWn9nsBRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager (staff) told the Albany City Council on Sept. 2 that staff and contractors are launching a textile-collection pilot in partnership with Waste Management and Goodwill, and that the city is making other operational changes tied to climate commitments.

Under the textile pilot, residents will be able to place bagged textiles (clothing, sheets, blankets and other fibrous materials) on top of recycling containers for collection; Waste Management's website and direct mailers will provide details and outreach. The manager said Albany is the first city in the provider's regional service area to pilot the program.

The manager also confirmed the Public Works Department is using electric ride-on mowers to replace gas-powered equipment and reported positive early performance as part of the city's climate-action efforts. Public Works Director Mark Hurley said the department expects to complete a sidewalk-survey update by the end of the calendar year and plans to use updated criteria for future sidewalk rehabilitation rounds; Phase 10 of the sidewalk-rehab program is scheduled to begin this fall.

Hurley also described the Marin Avenue pavement rehabilitation, warning neighbors that traffic in the area will be complicated but that contractor signage and access to Marin School crossing will be maintained. The city manager noted a busy events calendar (concerts in the park and \"Dinner with Albany\" sold out quickly) and welcomed Dina Tassini as the new Community Development Director.

Members of the public praised the textile pilot and asked for additional outreach and clarification about the program timeline; the city manager said mailers and online information would be forthcoming. In public comment, resident Lucinda Young asked about outreach and also later returned to ask about EV-charging plans; the manager said staff are pursuing options with businesses to expand charging in private parking lots.

Why it matters: The textile pilot and the move to electric equipment are small operational steps that support the city's climate and waste-diversion goals; pavement and sidewalk projects are longer-term capital investments that will affect travel and access in neighborhoods.

What's next: Staff will publish program details for the textile pilot, begin Marin Avenue construction and begin Phase 10 of the sidewalk program this fall. Additional outreach on EV-charging and the sidewalk-survey results were requested by council members and residents.

","City Manager updated the council on a new textile collection pilot with Waste Management and Goodwill, the rollout of electric riding mowers in Public Works, the Marin Avenue pavement rehabilitation project, Phase 10 of sidewalk rehabilitation and community programs and events.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Albany narrows proposed ESG investment policy, adds exclusions and asks staff for value statement work

Residents urge Albany to drop plan for volleyball court at Ocean View Park, cite trees, drainage and climate goals

Albany council advances overhaul of bicycle-parking rules to encourage e-bikes, cargo bikes

Albany manager announces textile-recycling pilot, electric mowers and upcoming pavement and sidewalk work