Agenda packet, regular meeting — Orinda City Council, February 17, 2026 (part 2 of 2)

Grant application due November 22, 2024 at 4pm
Refer to the grant guide for more information
(https://abag.ca.gov/tools-resources/digital-library-498) Submit application to Joel Mandella at [email protected] with following email subject line:
“JURISDICTION NAME 2024 TOC Parking Management Grant Application” Provide the application form in Word format
The purpose of the Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy Parking Management requirements is to reduce automobile trips and prioritize the limited land area near transit for other shared transportation modes and active transportation. Please review the TOC Policy Administrative Guidance to understand the required parking standards for new residential and commercial development, bicycle parking, and shared, unbundled, and complementary local parking policies.

Through this call for projects, MTC is proposing a standardized parking management scope of work (found in Attachment A) to help jurisdictions achieve compliance with the TOC Policy parking management requirements. Given existing jurisdictional parking management policies and standards that may comply (or partially comply) with the TOC Policy, jurisdictions are encouraged to review Attachment A and consider how some or all of the tasks will help to achieve parking management TOC Policy compliance when completing this application.

Project Information
Project Name: Orinda BART
Sponsor Agency: City of Orinda
Sponsor/Project
Manager Contact:

Darin Hughes
925.253.4269
[email protected]
Brief Project
Description:
100 words max
The City of Orinda will rezone its downtown to enable streamlined multifamily housing and mixed-use development at greater densities than current regulations allow. Parking in-lieu fee holidays have been enacted under AB 2097, and staff proposes aligning parking standards with TOC policy. However, the City lacks a comprehensive parking management policy to mitigate potential impacts of new development. Assistance is requested for Scope of Work categories E and F to craft a PTDM proposal suited to Downtown Orinda. This proposal will help achieve TOC compliance at Orinda BART while advancing goals for climate resilience, regional connectivity priorities, and equity.

Partner Agency(ies) List partner agencies/contacts with whom you are coordinating on the project, if any N/A
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Grant Request: $300,000 (City is willing to accept a reduced award, should the request need to be scaled.) Housing Element
Certification
Does your jurisdiction have a 6th Cycle Housing Element certified by HCD? ☒Yes
☐No
Proposal Impact – 40 points
Proposal Impact
40 points
What impact will the
proposed work have on
the TOC Policy area and
those that frequent it?
What impact will the
proposed work have on
the jurisdiction’s TOC
Policy compliance?

1. List the Transit-Oriented Communities within your jurisdiction that the project will apply to. See the TOC map or list of TOC areas by jurisdiction
☒ Applies to all TOCs in jurisdiction
The Project will apply to the Orinda BART TOC, which comprises most of Downtown Orinda. The Project would additionally apply, as able, to the small portion of downtown outside the TOC to the northwest of CA 24.

2. A standardized scope of work (found in Attachment A below) is proposed here to help jurisdictions achieve compliance with the TOC Policy parking management requirements. Describe your jurisdiction’s existing parking policies and standards, and the breadth and depth of impacts that the standardized scope of work would have upon these. Detail any proposed deviations from the standardized scope, if applicable.

Currently, the City does not have approved parking policies as parking standards are addressed in the zoning code.

Consequently, the impact of certain activities listed in the Scope of Work would be of tremendous benefit in assisting the City to achieve TOC Policy parking management requirements. (It is also important to note that, as mentioned above, Orinda BART overlaps with the majority of City’s growing downtown area.) Because the City can address the tasks described in Scope of Work categories A through D in the development of Objective Design Standards (ODS) for the TOC, we are requesting that MTC assistance focus on the tasks/deliverables of categories E and F. Specifically, the completion of the related deliverable of the development of a PTDM policy document that could be presented at public hearings would assist greatly in bringing Orinda BART into full TOC compliance. The only deviation we foresee is the exploration of a parking district that could impact not only the TOC, but downtown areas surrounding the TOC.

3. Describe the depth of impact of your proposal on the number of residents, transit riders, and those traveling within the TOC station area(s). Applicants are encouraged to include estimated numbers here for current and/or future conditions to help quantify impact, if available.

As of 2023, the City has an estimated population of 19,364 (U.S. Census). Orinda BART is in a central location (i.e. near a vibrant downtown center) of the City, and the great majority of residents do not live in the TOC area. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that most residents will make use of parking amenities in the TOC area at some point during a given year, many on a more frequent basis. Additionally, the rezonings proposed through the adopted Downtown Precise Plan are projected in Orinda’s 6th Cycle Housing Element to facilitate the development of 421 units within the Downtown, most of which would be located within the TOC area. With respect to travel on BART, monthly ridership reports released by BART show that Orinda’s weekday station utilization is approximately 42.7% of pre-pandemic utilization as of October 2024, just shy of systemwide recovery statistics reported by BART for June 2024. Due to this drop in ridership, there is Item H.3
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currently an abundance of BART parking availability. Among other benefits, the City hopes that improved parking coordination will support development that may help boost BART station usage. Finally, Orinda is currently seeking a pathway toward transit-oriented development at the BART station through an MTC PDA grant, which would potentially result in additional units in a future Housing Element cycle and increase both ridership statistics as well as the need for comprehensive parking management policy.

4. How will this proposal impact your jurisdiction’s TOC Policy compliance? Do you anticipate that your jurisdiction will achieve TOC Policy compliance for parking management as a result of the work requested in this proposal?
Given that the City currently has no approved parking policies, we firmly believe the ultimate impact will be a shift to complete TOC compliance for parking management. The City hopes to address the parking minimums and maximums through adjustment and adoption of its draft Objective Design Standards. Regarding policy, the ABAG website (https://abag.ca.gov/technical-assistance/parking-transportation-demand-management-policy) states that “Core elements of PTDM Policy development include, but are not limited to:
• Establishment of performance targets associated with VMT, potentially varying by location and project characteristics
• Identification of PTDM measures available to project applicants, including site-specific programs and on-site infrastructure improvements
• Establishment of monitoring criteria to ensure program success • Assessment of how the jurisdiction’s existing off-street parking requirements and policies may be modified to support the goals of the PTDM Policy.”
The City is interested in working with MTC to explore all of the above points (and others) to develop and merge the PTDM strategies to strategics formulated through ODS adjustments. Together, they will form a complete TOC policy to be presented to Council. While we recognize that obstacles may occur in achieving this compliance, we still believe the requested services will facilitate this shift to full compliance.

Alignment with TOC Policy Goals and Approach – 30 points Alignment with TOC
Policy Goals and
Approach
30 points
How does the project align
with achieving TOC Policy

1. Most jurisdictions have some TOC Policy parking management components already in place. Does your jurisdiction have:

The City does not currently have minimum standards, nor does it have compliant maximum standards. As stated above, we are currently making adjustments to the Downtown Precise Plan ODS based on staff assessment of the TOC requirements to propose standards for parking minimums, parking maximums, bicycle parking, and shared parking.

Unbundled parking requirements may require a separate document for addressing this requirement. ☐ Parking minimums, and describe where applicable, if so: Please describe Item H.3
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goals and approach, as
well as Plan Bay Area 2050
goals?
☐ Parking maximums, and describe where applicable, if so: Please describe ☒ Parking districts/area caps, and describe where applicable, if so: One parking permit program within the TOC exists for single family zone residents along Brookwood Road: https://www.cityoforinda.org/396/Brookwood-RoadResidential-Parking-Permi ☐ Shared parking requirements or policies, and describe where applicable, if so: No ☐ Unbundled parking requirements or policies, and describe where applicable, if so: No ☐ Any complementary parking policies or TDM measures, such as those outlined in the MTC/ABAG Parking Policy Playbook, or additional ones not listed there. List each and describe where applicable, if so: Please describe
☐Bicycle parking requirements, and describe where applicable, if so:

2. Briefly describe the policies, plans, documents or standards related to parking management checked in #1 above, or any other policies, standards, or requirements that are already in place or in progress relevant to parking management (see TOC Policy Administrative Guidance for more information).

Given your jurisdiction’s existing (or in progress) relevant policies, requirements or standards described in #1 and #2 above, how does your proposal manage to ‘close the gap’ between existing conditions and achieving TOC Policy compliance?
The exploration process would build on a 2016 Parking Assessment that assessed all parking options in the City and coordinated the parking stock. The City intends to close a significant portion of the gap by altering ODS (https://cityoforinda.box.com/s/wlkjr5xyhm1ehtk7cc7jzr5hhk15w1q0) to modernize its parking requirements. Coupled with MTC assistance to consider PTDM options, these efforts should result in a comprehensive policy that complies with TOC parking policy.

3. Briefly describe how the project supports the following goals related to Plan Bay Area 2050:
• Climate – Reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by managing travel demand to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and improving access to low carbon transportation options Item H.3
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• Regional Connectivity Priorities – Beyond MTC’s TOC Policy, advances regional priorities to improve transportation connectivity and access to all communities, and improve safety for all users of the transportation system
• Equity – Mitigates disproportionate impacts and advances equitable outcomes in climate, access, mobility, and safety
The City of Orinda recognizes the importance of goals related to Plan Bay Area 2050. These greater goals are reflected in the goals/activities described in the Downtown Precise Plan, Vision & Guiding Principles chapter (https://cityoforinda.box.com/s/iou4a6jbrr3yxw7jl49webmwwp0yorw9 pages 90 - 95). Therefore, the City will work with MTC to ensure that any and all parking plans for the TOC (and beyond) comply with the above goals.

Alignment with other MTC programs or grants underway – 20 points Alignment with other
MTC programs or
grants underway
20 points
How does the project align
with other regional
priorities, funding
programs and
geographies?
Select the regional plans and policies with which the project is aligned:
☒ TOC areas with Priority Development Area (PDA) or specific plans completed or in progress ☒ MTC Priority Sites
☐ Mapping and Wayfinding Pilot location
☐ The TOC Policy area is also in/overlaps with an MTC Equity Priority Community (EPC) Describe how the project aligns with the selected regional priorities, funding programs and geographies. If your TOC area has a completed or in-progress PDA or specific plan, please indicate the name of the plan/adoption date. If your TOC area is also an MTC priority site or mapping and wayfinding site, or is in/overlaps with an MTC EPC, please identify the relevant sites/EPC.

On January 31, 2023, the City adopted the “Downtown Precise Plan,” which documented the long-term priorities of the downtown region. The project aligns with the Precise Plan as the Plan states, “Further investigation in to parking conditions may also be warranted in the future within the framework of understanding long-term changing transportation patterns post COVID-19 pandemic.” The TOC area is also an MTC Priority Site: The Orinda BART Station, which is “Regionally significant” and subject to a current $200,000 MTC PDA grant to explore opportunities to pursue TOD at the BART station.

Indicate how the proposed work will integrate or overlap with any in-progress planning processes related to your selections.

The Downtown Precise Plan includes draft ODS. The City is currently drafting and considering adjustments to the ODS, which would likely occur around the time of the grant implementation. Additionally, the MTC PDA grant project is slated Item H.3
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for end of 2024/beginning of 2025 kickoff and would continue concurrently with a parking policy project through September 2026.

Project Readiness – 10 Points
Project Readiness
10 points

1. Describe the project’s timeline and ability to complete the project within 18 months of grant award.

The City Planning Department has the ability to complete the project within 18 months of the grant award. Planning Department staff would be available to coordinate the project alongside simultaneous efforts that include the MTC PDA grant project, Objective Design Standard implementation and downtown rezonings, and an inclusionary housing ordinance. The timing of these efforts are critical in ensuring as much support and resources as possible are available to minimize and manage the impacts of the development that would be facilitated by upcoming downtown rezonings.

2. Describe internal coordination among relevant jurisdiction departments to deliver the proposed project – i.e. planning, transportation, public works. Have the relevant department staff engaged on the development of the proposed work?
The Orinda Planning Department has a staff of six who work together in a small office and can easily coordinate within their own department and with other departments, chiefly Public Works. Planning staff have already engaged on the development of the proposed work and associated Downtown rezoning efforts.

3. Has the jurisdiction City Council given support or direction to complete the work included in the proposed project? If not, what is the plan to achieve this? In past meetings, the Council has given support to this work by requesting that the Planning Department investigate solutions to parking issues in the downtown area. Prior early recommendations to the City Council included consideration of a parking management district for the downtown. Staff would present the overarching project consideration at a future City Council meeting to provide recommendations and receive more detailed guidance on which aspects of the recommended TOC Parking Management Policy would be suitable for pursuit, followed by recommendation for adoption of a resolution of support. Staff anticipates community support for these activities as downtown parking has remained a top concern by residents of Orinda, particularly in light of AB 2097’s impact on development.

Post Award Requirements
Post Award
Please check the box to indicate understanding of the post-award requirement:
☒ Adopt a Resolution of support before contract is finalized.

Attachment A –Standardized Scope of Work proposed by MTC Based on jurisdiction need, MTC will award up to $300,000 to complete the scope of work Item H.3
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MTC will procure and administer consultant contracts to help successful applicants come into compliance with the TOC Policy’s Station Access and Circulation requirements. Jurisdictions may request funds to hire their own consultants but must do so in coordination with MTC.

Scope of Work for Parking Maximums and Parking & Transportation Demand Management Policy Adoption
Please reference this scope of work to complete your proposal for technical assistance for parking management. This standardized scope of work anticipates including the following tasks (with each task listing example activities that may be performed):

Parking Maximums and Parking & Transportation Demand Management Policy Adoption A. Review of Existing Policies and Conditions
 Comprehensive review of existing policies and requirements (local policies in addition to regional and state legislation regarding parking requirements); data collection
 Possible deliverables: draft and final existing policy memo B. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
 Outreach effort to gather the input of stakeholders, including residents, developers, businesses, etc. to be considered within the updated parking requirements
 Possible deliverables: stakeholder engagement plan, outreach materials C. Determine approach for achieving parking maximums and supportive TDM policies  As outlined in the TOC Policy Administrative Guidance, adopt one of the following two approaches for meeting the TOC Policy’s maximum parking standards:
i. Adopt an overlay zone or updates to a parking use table or chapter. ii. Adopt a parking district, station area cap, or other methods that limits parking.  Possible deliverables: existing code language and modifications needs; draft and final recommendations for revisions D. Revise Parking Code for TOC Areas
 Determine options to update Municipal Code to meet TOC requirements to eliminate parking minimums, enact parking maximums, allow shared parking and unbundled parking, and meet standards for bicycle parking in new residential and commercial office developments  Possible deliverables: existing code language and modifications needs; draft and final recommendations for revisions E. Parking & Transportation Demand Management (PTDM) Policy  Develop policy to reduce automobile trips and VMT and complement a parking maximum policy; Identify a toolbox of PTDM strategies and methods for estimating and monitoring effectiveness; Establish monitoring requirements Item H.3
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 Include complementary policies for parking management (shared parking, parking benefit district, pricing and/or demand responsive pricing)
 Include bike parking requirements
 Deliverables: policy document
F. Ordinance Adoption
 Present parking maximum and PTDM policies to appointed officials for consideration and recommendation  Includes pre-meetings (i.e., planning commission listening sessions) before going to city councils  Possible deliverables: public hearing(s)
Note: It is recommended that Parking Maximums and Parking & Transportation Demand Management Policy Adoption connect to Station Access and Circulation for a holistic transportation approach to the TOC area.

Please note that the anticipated assistance activities listed above are subject to change. Final scope of work for each selected applicant may also depend on planning already completed by the applicant.

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CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Department: Administration
Meeting Date: February 17, 2026
SUBJECT:

Orinda BART Station – Update from BART Board Workshop from February 12 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The City Council receive a report on the February 12, 2026, BART Board Workshop where the possibility of station closures was discussed. As part of the packet for that workshop, the Orinda BART station was included for possible closure if there is no revenue measure to support operations. The Mayor sent in a public comment letter to the BART Board on February 11.

RECOMMENDATION:

Receive the report and provide comment.

BACKGROUND:

On February 12, 2026, the BART Board held a workshop to discuss their structural deficit.

That workshop included an item regarding possible station closures should a revenue measure not materialize. The Orinda BART station was included on the first phase of possible closures.

DISCUSSION:

In response to the BART Board Workshop item, the City of Orinda sent in a public comment letter opposing any closure of the BART station. The letter was signed by Mayor Iverson and sent over on February 11, 2026 (Attachment A).

Additionally, on February 11, 2026, the Mayor and City Manager participated in a call with BART Board Director Rinn, whose district includes Orinda, along with BART staff to discuss our concerns in greater detail.

This item is being placed on the agenda tonight in order to provide additional context from that BART Board Workshop and to provide an opportunity to get feedback from the City Council on the potential closure should funding not materialize.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The closure of the Orinda BART station could have a significant fiscal impact to the City.

If the City Council wishes to better understand the economic impact of a closure, the City Manager can engage a consultant to conduct an appropriate analysis.

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STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:

Not applicable.

ATTACHMENTS:

A. Public Comment Letter to BART
Respectfully Submitted by,
Linda Smith, City Manager
Approved By:

Linda Smith, City Manager
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City of Orinda  22 Orinda Way Orinda  California  94563 General Information Administration Planning Parks & Recreation Police Public Works (925) 253-4200 (ph) (925) 253-4220 (ph) (925) 253-4210 (ph) (925) 254-2445 (ph) (925) 254-6820 (ph) (925) 253-4231 (ph) (925) 254-9158 (fax) (925) 254-2068 (fax) (925) 253-7719 (fax) (925) 253-7716 (fax) (925) 254-9158 (fax) (925) 253-7699 (fax) February 11, 2026
Board of Directors
San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District
2150 Webster Street
Oakland, CA 94612
Re: Public Comment on the Board Workshop – File #26-059 Dear President Hernandez and Board Directors,
On behalf of the City of Orinda, I write to formally express strong opposition to any proposal to close the Orinda BART station.

The Orinda station is a vital component of the regional transportation network and an essential public asset serving not only Orinda residents, but also the broader Lamorinda community and eastern Contra Costa County.

Its continued operation supports regional mobility, environmental sustainability goals, economic stability, and public safety.

From a transportation planning perspective, Orinda BART functions as a key gateway between Contra Costa County and the urban core. It reduces vehicle miles traveled on Highway 24, mitigates congestion through the Caldecott Tunnel corridor, and advances state and regional greenhouse gas reduction mandates. Closure of the station would shift commuters back to private vehicles, undermining climate objectives and placing additional strain on already constrained infrastructure.

Public safety considerations are equally significant. Orinda and neighboring communities rely heavily on limited roadway corridors for ingress and egress. In emergency situations—including wildfire evacuations and major incidents affecting Highway 24—the Orinda BART station provides a critical alternative mode of transportation, a staging area, and regional access point. Reducing this redundancy would materially weaken regional resilience.

The economic impacts must also be acknowledged. Property values, local business vitality, and long-term fiscal stability in our community are closely tied to access to reliable transit. The Orinda BART station represents decades of coordinated land use and transportation planning. Closure would disrupt that planning framework and create uncertainty for residents, employers, and investors. The closing of any one station seem viable on paper, but you must also appreciate the signal it sends about the viability and reliability of the system as a whole, and with years of state policy aimed at housing laws encouraging density and by-right development around transit, the no-confidence signal in the transit system that you send with station closures could undermine all of that progress.

We recognize and appreciate the significant fiscal challenges facing BART. However, closure of strategically important stations such as Orinda is not a sustainable long-term solution. We respectfully urge the Board to Item H.4
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pursue collaborative alternatives, including regional funding partnerships, operational efficiencies, service adjustments, and advocacy for state and federal support.

The City of Orinda stands ready to engage constructively in dialogue regarding solutions that preserve essential transit service while addressing financial realities. We strongly urge the Board to reject any proposal to close the Orinda BART station.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,
Brandyn Iverson
Mayor, City of Orinda
Cc: Linda Smith, City Manager
Orinda City Council
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CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Department: Administration
Meeting Date: February 17, 2026
SUBJECT:

City of Orinda 2026 Legislative Platform
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The City Council will consider the proposed 2026 Legislative Platform. The Platform is consistent with the adopted 2025 Platform with some refinements and reorganization of information within the document itself. The Guiding Principles and the Public Policy Priority Categories remain the same.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the City’s 2026 Legislative Platform.

BACKGROUND:

On May 21, 2024, the City Council created a two-member ad-hoc committee to interview firms and recommend a legislative advocacy firm.

On July 2, 2024, the City Council approved an agreement with Townsend Public Affairs to provide legislative advocacy services, including development of a Legislative Platform.

On December 3, 2024, the City Council reviewed a draft Platform and provided direction to Staff, including modification of language related to climate change impacts within the RHNA process. On January 7, 2025, the City Council approved its first Legislative Platform and remained opened to changes following the adoption of its first Strategic Plan. Following adoption of the City’s Strategic Plan in July 2025, no changes were necessary.

The proposed 2026 Legislative Platform builds upon the prior document and incorporates refinements reflecting evolving legislative trends and community priorities.

DISCUSSION:

The Legislative Platform organizes the City’s advocacy efforts under three Guiding Principles:

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 Preserving Local Control
 Promoting Fiscal Stability and Sustainability
 Supporting Funding Opportunities
The Platform maintains seven Public Policy Priority categories:

1. Administration Services

2. Climate and Environment

3. Community and Economic Development

4. Local Government Finance

5. Parks and Community Services

6. Public Safety and Public Health

7. Public Works
Key updates for 2026 include strengthened positions on wildfire mitigation and insurance reform, refined housing and land use advocacy, expanded public safety and public health priorities, reinforced fiscal protections, and enhanced climate and infrastructure support.

Following is a highlight of some of the refinements, additions or areas of emphasis:
• Supporting limits on application of the Builder’s Remedy once a housing element has been certified;
• Supporting tools to address long-term vacant commercial properties; • Promoting pedestrian and e-bike safety, including helmet and age-appropriate operation requirements; and
• Supporting clarification of local authority to assess service-related fees for street maintenance.

The Legislative Platform continues to provide a streamlined process for responding to legislation through clearly defined position categories (Support, Support if Amended, Neutral, Oppose, Oppose Unless Amended, and Watch), allowing the Mayor or City Manager to take timely action consistent with adopted policy direction.

As in prior years, the list of Public Policy Priorities is not exhaustive. When potential legislation does not fall squarely within a stated priority, the Guiding Principles will direct the City’s response.

NEXT STEPS:

Upon approval, the City will work with Townsend Public Affairs during the 2026 legislative session to monitor proposed legislation and recommend positions consistent with the adopted Platform.

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FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with approval of the 2026 Legislative Platform.

STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:

Not applicable.

ATTACHMENTS:

A. 2026 Legislative Platform (clean)
B. 2026 Legislative Platform (redlined from 2025)
Respectfully Submitted by,
Linda Smith, City Manager
Approved By:

Linda Smith, City Manager
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City of Orinda 2026 Legislative Platform
Purpose
This document serves as the City of Orinda’s guide to actively pursue pending legislation through monitoring and communications activities. The 2026 City of Orinda’s Legislative Platform represents the City Council’s position on current or future issues that have the potential to directly or indirectly impact the City.

Below are the Guiding Principles and Policy Statements that will allow City staff to address 2026 legislative and regulatory issues in a timely manner, without precluding the consideration of additional legislative and budget issues that may arise during the legislative session.

Platform Overview
The Legislative Platform provides a streamlined process through which the City Council, City Manager, City staff, and the City’s legislative advocates can act in a timely manner in response to legislative proposals. The Legislative Platform is adopted annually and serves as an opportunity to identify specific priority areas of interest for the City and the region, which benefit the community. The Legislative Platform is developed and maintained using legislative positions taken by the City Council, input from the City Council and City staff, research of current law and pending legislation, and discussions with local legislative staff in consultation with the City’s legislative advocates.

When the need to respond to state and federal legislation arises, Staff composes letters outlining the City’s position. These letters include one of the following positions: support, support if amended, oppose, oppose unless amended, neutral, or watch. Legislation that is consistent with the Legislative Platform is reviewed, approved and signed by the Mayor. When the Mayor is unavailable, legislative positions that are deemed time-sensitive and are consistent with the Platform may be approved and signed by the City Manager. Once approved, a position letter is sent to the bill’s author, the City’s legislative advocate, and other stakeholders as deemed appropriate by Staff, and a copy of the letter is distributed to the City Council.

Legislation that is inconsistent with or silent in the City’s Legislative Platform may be placed on a public meeting agenda for consideration by the City Council or a subcommittee of the City Council.

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES
I. PRESERVE LOCAL CONTROL
Preserve and protect the City’s powers, duties, and prerogatives to enact local legislation and policy direction concerning local affairs and oppose legislation that preempts local authority. Local agencies should preserve and enhance authority and accountability for revenues raised and services provided.

II. PROMOTE FISCAL STABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Support measures and legislation that promotes fiscal stability, predictability, financial independence, and preserve the City’s revenue base and maximum local control over local government budgeting. Oppose measures that shift local funds to the county, state, or federal governments and/or make cities more dependent on the county, state, or federal governments for financial stability, such as mandated costs with no guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting benefits.

III. SUPPORT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Support opportunities that allow the City to compete for its fair share of regional, state, and federal funding, and that maintain current funding streams. Funding opportunities may include competitive grant and funding programs as well as dedicated funding streams at the regional, state, and federal levels that allow the City to maximize local revenues, offset and leverage capital expenditures, and maintain City goals and standards. Funding priorities include, but are not limited to public safety, disaster preparedness and prevention, wildfire mitigation, fuel modification, public works, transportation, road resurfacing, transit (bicycle lanes, sidewalks, trails, etc.), pedestrian safety, utility undergrounding, economic development, open space, land use, local zoning, community services, community development, sustainable communities, smart growth, water conservation and recycling, waste management and recycling, clean air, renewable energy, greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies, technology improvements, mental health and crisis intervention, and affordable housing.

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POLICY STATEMENTS

ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
Staff recommends that the City Support state or federal legislation that:

1. Streamlines the process to apply for, and receive approval of, reimbursement funding for carrying out state or federal mandates.

2. Increases the use of technology for providing public services which have a defined funding stream or structure associated with the service.

3. Assists local agencies with the coordination, implementation, and funding of efforts to prepare for, and mitigate risks from, emergencies and natural disasters, such as wildfires, flooding, landslides, and earthquakes.

Staff recommends that the City Oppose state or federal legislation that:

1. Creates an additional financial burden on cities through unfunded mandates.

2. Reduces local control over employee relations issues or attempt to include specific requirements that must be considered as part of the local collective bargaining process.

3. Mandates new or enhanced local government employee benefits that could otherwise be addressed through the local bargaining process.

4. Imposes compulsory and binding arbitration with respect to employees.

5. Imposes redundant or unnecessary human resources burdens without sufficient reimbursement.

6. Diminishes or eliminates the City’s ability to contract with other governments, non-profit providers, or other service providers, for the provision of services.

7. Imposes additional administrative provisions on local governments, including through the Public Records Act or Brown Act, without resources to implement and carry out the new requirements.

CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT
Staff recommends that the City Support state or federal legislation that:

1. Reduces dependence on fossil fuels, developing alternative energy resources and fuelefficient technologies, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with state and federal mandates and goals.

2. Provides for continued funding and incentives to cities to work together to improve air quality.

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3. Requires manufacturers to assume financial and/or physical responsibility for the costs of collecting, processing, recycling or disposing of products at end-of-life.

4. Advances projects that demonstrate cost-effective, environmentally friendly, cutting-edge technologies, and renewable energy for publicly owned facilities.

5. Provides equitable access to environmental benefits for all our communities and accelerate and improve clean energy infrastructure.

6. Streamlines development and provides funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure locally and regionally.

7. Provides flexibility for local jurisdictions to meet mandated short-lived climate pollutant goals set by the State through SB 1383 (Lara, 2016) and other legislation.

8. Regulates, eliminates or reduces waste from the production, distribution, or use of singleuse plastic food ware items as well as enhances the reliability of recycling operations.

Staff recommends that the City Oppose state or federal legislation that:

1. Reduces local participation and input on wildfire planning and mitigation efforts.

2. Weakens or reduces efforts and goals to improve air quality, water quality, and general environmental quality aimed at improving the overall climate in California.

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Staff recommends that the City Support state or federal legislation that:

1. Strengthens the legal and fiscal capability of local agencies to prepare, adopt, and implement plans for orderly growth, development, and conservation of local planning areas.

2. Creates a more equitable Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process that takes specific local factors, including affordability levels, availability of developable land, and impacts to individual communities due to climate change, into consideration when developing allocation of units.

3. Affirms that a local government shall not be subject to Builder’s Remedy, or other statesanctions associated with a non-compliant housing element, once the Department of Housing and Community Development or a court has certified a local housing element.

4. Allows local governments to adequately account for all types of housing that can be built in the City, including those through state-level streamlining programs, as part of the RHNA process.

5. Provides resources and technical assistance for the City to meet its affordable housing needs and requirements.

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6. Provides additional tools, or increased penalties, for code enforcement, including that related to the commercial use of property in residential zones.

7. Provides local government with tools, including incentives and penalties, to increase tenancy in long-term vacant commercial properties.

8. Recognizes the need to balance new residential and commercial development within areas that have been identified as high fire hazard severity zones.

9. Protects existing resources, reduces and prevents homelessness, and strengthens state and local partnerships to connect individuals with the care they need through coordinated care systems that provide access to wraparound services, including mental health and substance use treatment, and ongoing dedication of County Mental Health Services Act funds, for persons experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness.

10. Retains local control and authority in placing restrictions or regulations on residential units for tourist or transient occupancy use.

11. Accelerates and streamlines the processing of permits for Accessory Dwelling Units.

12. Encourages regional, sub-regional, or countywide cooperation in planning urban development strategies, especially those that provide funding for effective implementation of agreed-upon goals.

13. Addresses sustainable development practices and provides financial and technical support to the local government in implementing such practices.

14. Encourages reinvestment in downtown areas and provides funding to support efforts to revitalize core areas of communities.

Staff recommends that the City Oppose state or federal legislation that:

1. Imposes regional, state, or federal growth, development, or land use planning standards within the City.

2. Reduces or removes local control over zoning and other land use methods.

3. Removes local regulatory authority on the siting of telecommunications infrastructure, including cellular communications towers or transmission sites.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE
Staff recommends that the City Support state or federal legislation that:

1. Utilizes incentives to encourage local government action, rather than the imposition of state, federal, or regional mandates upon local governments.

2. Preserves maximum local control over any legislation that would increase taxes to support statewide infrastructure.

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3. Grants greater flexibility to local governments in creating new revenue sources for infrastructure projects and maintenance.

4. Provides funding and assistance to local governments for mapping storm drains and improvements to local stormwater infrastructure.

5. Reimburses local governments for state of emergency related expenses, including the need for essential public safety service overtime, mutual aid assistance, and operation of community support networks, among other items.

6. Updates the tax structure to enhance local government revenues that have declined due to the expansion of online sales, increased consumption of services rather than durable goods, and innovations in technology.

7. Updates to state law that clarify the ability of local governments to assess service-related fees and charges to recover the cost of street maintenance and repair caused by public service operation.

Staff recommends that the City Oppose state or federal legislation that:

1. Proposes borrowing or redirecting local revenues as a means for the state to balance its budget.

2. Imposes unfunded, or underfunded, federal or state mandates on local governments.

3. Proposes to eliminate local development or franchise fees, or the limiting of the City’s ability to levy such fees, to provide for infrastructure or services for the community.

4. Requires, or expands, state involvement in local financial audits, fiscal monitoring, or general oversight by the State Treasurer, State Controller, or other state agencies.

PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Staff recommends that the City Support state or federal legislation that:

1. Promotes access to parks and open space, and the development of streets and trails that encourage physical activity and healthy living.

2. Recognizes the benefits of parks and recreational facilities in the advancement of “sustainable communities” and curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Increases funding for parks, open space, including open-space acquisitions, bike lanes, and non-motorized trails.

4. Provides funding for accessibility upgrades for park and recreational facilities so that they can be enjoyed by all members of the community.

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5. Promotes collaboration with local, state, and federal stakeholders in the establishment of regional, state, and federal parks as well as open space while preserving local control and land management for future infrastructure projects.

Staff recommends that the City Oppose state or federal legislation that:

1. Reduces or eliminates the City’s ability to levy park impact fees.

2. Imposes requirements that create cost prohibitive administration burdens which may result in the reduction of parks programming.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Staff recommends that the City Support state or federal legislation that:

1. Promotes a sense of community safety and well-being.

2. Increases funding opportunities for local law enforcement, fire suppression, mitigation, and prevention, emergency medical services and disaster preparedness initiatives.

3. Increases funding and resources for local governments and property owners for wildfire prevention, preparedness, and recovery, including home hardening, enhancing defensible space, and brush management.

4. Requires public utilities to provide for fire safety measures in high fire-risk areas.

5. Includes local jurisdictions as part of the wildfire planning process, including in any review, revision, or modification of state or local wildfire severity zone mapping.

6. Waives or streamlines permitting provisions for standard or routine fuel modification projects that intend to slow or prevent the spread of wildfires.

7. Ensures a robust insurance market for homeowners and businesses where policyholders have access to adequate levels of protection, at reasonable prices, including from wildfire and other natural disasters.

8. Strengthens the FAIR Plan as to ensure meaningful protections for all policyholders, as well as to ensure long-term viability and solvency of the Plan in the event of significant disasters.

9. Provides hazard mitigation assistance to communities damaged by wildfires to prevent floods and landslides.

10. Increases the penalties associated with the sale or purchase of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.

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11. Advances, and fully funds, sensible public safety reforms, particularly as it relates to retail theft, burglary, and assault.

12. Expands access and resources to public health care services, including mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse services.

13. Promotes practices and procedures aimed at eliminating health related pandemics such as COVID-19 or other illnesses.

14. Promotes pedestrian and bicycling safety, including safe use of electronic bicycles (ebikes), requires appropriate helmets and safety equipment for e-bike riders, and implements age-appropriate operation restrictions for the various classes of e-bikes Staff recommends that the City Oppose state or federal legislation that:

1. Reduces the ability of local governments to enact ordinances or take action to preserve the public safety of their communities.

2. Limits the ability of local government to provide input on statewide public safety initiatives, such as wildfire mapping and emergency preparedness, that reflect unique community dynamics and characteristics.

3. Creates barriers for homeowners and businesses from securing adequate levels of property insurance, due to the threat of wildfire, or reduces the likelihood that insurers will offer coverage to homeowners and businesses due to the threat of wildfire.

PUBLIC WORKS
Staff recommends that the City Support state or federal legislation that:

1. Increases funding for local transportation projects including road resurfacing projects; the City’s transit system; adding bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and trails throughout the city; and enhancing pedestrian safety.

2. Increases state and federal funding of transportation improvements with regional or subregional benefits for all modes of transportation.

3. Affords local agencies greater discretionary authority to expend available transportation funds and affords local jurisdictions greater flexibility over transportation-related issues.

4. Requires public utilities to underground power lines in high fire risk areas and support legislation that would provide funding for undergrounding of utilities.

5. Includes state, federal, and regional funding formulas that ensure equitable distribution of funds at the local level.

6. Provides for a more stable and equitable long-term funding source for local transportation needs.

7. Maintains and enhances local authority and economic flexibility to regulate solid waste and recyclables.

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Staff recommends that the City Oppose state or federal legislation that:

1. Infringes upon the ability of local governments to effectively administer and modify state and local construction provisions and standards.

2. Reduces local government’s ability to enact transportation impact fees that fund transportation improvements in affected communities.

3. Adds redundant solid waste regulations without coordinated support and funding from the State and waste haulers.

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LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS
Support – A support position indicates to the Legislature, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders, that the City of Orinda is in favor of the legislation in question. A support position may include the following resources: position letters, councilmember/advocate testimony to committees, and meetings with members of the Legislature/regulatory agency to effectively communicate the City’s position.

Support if Amended – A support if amended position indicates to the Legislature, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders, that the City of Orinda is neutral on this legislation in question but would move to a support position if the changes requested by the City are incorporated into the legislation. A support if amended position may include the following resources: position letters, councilmember/advocate testimony to committees, and meetings with members of the Legislature/regulatory agency to effectively communicate the City’s position and requested amendments.

Neutral – A neutral position indicates to the Legislature, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders, that the City of Orinda is impartial on the legislation in question and does not wish to take a formal position. A neutral position may be communicated with additional feedback on the legislation.

Oppose – An oppose position indicates to the Legislature, regulatory agency, and other stakeholders that the City of Orinda is against the legislation in question. An oppose position may include the following resources: position letters, councilmember/advocate testimony to committees, and meetings with members of the Legislature/regulatory agency to effectively communicate the City’s position.

Oppose Unless Amended – An oppose unless amended position indicates to the corresponding legislature, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders, that the City of Orinda is against the legislation in question but would move to a neutral position if the changes requested by the City are incorporated into the legislation. An oppose unless amended position may include the following resources: position letters, councilmember/advocate testimony to committees, and meetings with members of the Legislature/regulatory agency to effectively communicate the City’s position and requested amendments.

Watch – A watch position indicates to the City of Orinda will continue to monitor the legislation in question, but will not take, nor communicate, a formal position on the measure.

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City of Orinda 2026 Legislative Platform
Purpose
This document serves as the City of Orinda’s guide to actively pursue pending legislation through monitoring and communications activities. The 2026 City of Orinda’s Legislative Platform represents the City Council’s position on current or future issues that have the potential to directly or indirectly impact the City.

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