June 2nd, 2026 City Council Meeting
The Pleasanton City Council meeting focused on increasing the city's hotel tax, honoring outgoing City Manager Gerry Beaudin, transportation safety planning, and a major housing development proposal for the Lester Property.
Opening Announcements and Recognitions
The Council recognized City Manager Gerry Beaudin for his years of service and leadership.
Alameda County presented Beaudin with a commendation recognizing his leadership on major initiatives, including the city's strategic plan, housing element, public works department, Community Academy, and infrastructure improvements.
The Council thanked Beaudin for guiding Beaudin through budget challenges and major development projects.
Hotel Occupancy Tax (TOT) Increase
The Council considered increasing the city's Transient Occupancy Tax (hotel tax) to generate additional revenue.
Staff recommended a phased increase rather than an immediate jump, citing discussions with hotel operators and the business community.
Councilmembers debated balancing the city's structural budget deficit with maintaining strong relationships with local hotels.
Community survey results showed approximately 67% of respondents supported increasing the hotel tax.
The additional revenue is intended to help address Pleasanton's long-term structural deficit while minimizing impacts on residents.
Action Taken: The Council approved a phased hotel tax increase rather than an immediate increase.
Transportation Safety Action Plan
The Council approved a citywide Transportation Safety Action Plan aimed at improving road safety.
Staff analyzed traffic collisions from 2020–2024 and identified the city's highest-priority corridors for safety improvements.
Public speakers urged the city to prioritize protected bicycle infrastructure, noting that cyclist injuries remain disproportionately high.
Officials emphasized that future projects will focus on protected bike lanes, safer intersections, and improvements to major corridors such as Santa Rita Road and West Las Positas Boulevard.
Action Taken: The Council unanimously approved the Transportation Safety Action Plan and authorized grant applications for future safety improvements.
Health and Human Services Grant Program
The Council reviewed annual Health and Human Services grant funding.
Local nonprofit organizations spoke in support of continued funding for services benefiting seniors, vulnerable residents, and families.
Meals on Wheels representatives highlighted the importance of city funding in maintaining daily meal deliveries and wellness checks for homebound seniors.
Action Taken: The Council approved the annual Health and Human Services grant allocations.
Lester Property Development Project
The Council considered the long-awaited Lester Property proposal after nearly nine years of planning.
The project includes annexation of approximately 130 acres, construction of 28 new homes, preservation of significant open space, and a future East Bay Regional Park staging area.
Councilmembers discussed wildfire preparedness, insurance availability, emergency access, environmental impacts, and housing needs.
Staff explained that new homes would be required to meet current fire and building code standards while balancing housing goals with environmental preservation.
Action Taken: The Council unanimously approved the environmental review, annexation, zoning changes, development agreement, and related approvals for the Lester Property project.
Matters Initiated by Council
Councilmembers proposed several future policy discussions.
A proposal to consider a resolution opposing the use of the former FCI Dublin prison as an ICE detention facility did not receive enough Council support to be placed on a future agenda.
Councilmembers also discussed revisiting regulations related to single-use plastics, though no formal action was taken.
Council Reports and Announcements
Councilmembers attended regional transportation, environmental, wildlife conservation, and government meetings.
The City Manager highlighted Bike to Wherever Day and thanked community partners including Bike East Bay and Trek Bicycles for supporting the event.
Staff announced the Duke's Musical Plaza grand opening on June 4, ahead of the city's annual Concerts in the Park series.
