Should the City Council refer to the City Manager to include specific priorities for investment in Berkeley’s Opportunity Zones for proactive outreach and marketing to investors or Opportunity Funds, and to guide any discussions or negotiations regarding development projects in Opportunity Zones?

At its July 16, 2019 regular meeting the City Council will consider whether to refer to the City Manager to include specific priorities for investment in Berkeley’s Opportunity Zones for proactive outreach and marketing to investors or Opportunity Funds, and to guide any discussions or negotiations regarding development projects in Opportunity Zones. The priorities are: Construction of new Affordable Housing units or acquisition and preservation of affordable housing; Preservation of historic buildings; Cultural Institutions and Performing Arts Venues; Civic Uses (Government Offices, Libraries, Schools, Public Safety); Public Open Space and Recreation Facilities; Health Care Services; Transportation Demand Management features; and Job training or employment opportunities.

To read the full agenda item, see Item 14 on the July 16, 2019 agenda page.

The Council, whose Agenda & Rules Committee selected this topic, would like to hear from you.  How would you like them to decide, and what would you like them to consider?