Berkeley council authorizes final $20 million tranche of Measure T1 bonds for senior centers and waterfront repairs

The Berkeley City Council on June 30 authorized the sale of $20 million in Measure T1 general-obligation bonds — the final tranche from the $100 million 2016 infrastructure measure — and heard a staff presentation on how the proceeds will be spent.

Parks Director Scott Farris told the council the remaining $20 million will fund five priority projects: the MLK Youth Services Center (already under construction), a planned larger renovation at the South Berkeley Senior Center (to be combined with a potential future bond), the African American Holistic Resource Center (the largest single allocation), restroom and community-space improvements at Tom Bates Field, and window replacement at the 1947 Center. Farris said T1 produced about $104.5 million with interest and leveraged roughly $83 million in additional funds over the 10‑year implementation period. “T1 was an infrastructure bond measure of $100,000,000 that passed in 2016,” Farris said during his presentation, summarizing progress on 66 projects across two phases.

Councilmembers praised the scope and management of Measure T1 work. Councilmember Humbert called the program “a great success story” and singled out the Willard Clubhouse and other completed projects; several members referenced the civic value of public‑facing projects such as the Telegraph bathroom design and newly refurbished Civic Center Park.

The council took a roll-call vote and adopted the bond authorization unanimously among members present (Councilmember Bartlett absent). Finance staff explained the sale is intended to carry project financing into FY28–29 and to blend into any future ballot measures that may be approved to continue infrastructure work.

Next steps: bond sale mechanics will proceed through the city’s finance process; projects are in varying stages of construction or design and will move forward under existing project management and reporting requirements.