Piedmont, California Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
Leslie Mendez Appointed as New Planning and Building Director
The City Council formally appointed Leslie Mendez as the new Planning and Building Director. Mendez brings over 20 years of public sector planning experience and holds an MA in city and regional planning from UC Berkeley. She previously served as the Planning Manager for the City of Albany and will begin her role at the end of the month. The appointment follows the retirement of former director Kevin Jackson. Mendez expressed her honor and eagerness to work with the council and staff to implement strategic plan goals via a recorded message.
Piedmont Receives 2025 Annual Housing Element Progress Report
The City Council received the 2025 Annual Progress Report (APR) on the implementation of the city's sixth cycle Housing Element (2023-2031). The report, mandated by state law, details progress on meeting regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) of 587 units. In 2025, 15 housing units were permitted, 16 units were approved through the planning process, and 14 projects were completed. The report also outlines the affordability breakdown of units and the status of 77 adopted programs and policies. Staff noted that while the number of units may seem low compared to the RHNA, 2025 was considered productive given market conditions and that Piedmont is generating more Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) than many other communities. The report highlights progress on the Moraga Canyon-specific plan and code amendments to expand housing options. The council received and accepted the report, acknowledging the ongoing task of housing element implementation and potential state enforcement.
Piedmont City Council Approves Consent Calendar Items
The City Council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included the minutes from city council meetings of June 15th and July 6th, and the acceptance of improvements for the Grand Avenue Paving and Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project. There was no public comment on these items.
Piedmont Proclaims Honoring Former City Clerk Ann Swift
The City Council held a proclamation ceremony to honor the life and contributions of former City Clerk Susan Ann Swift (Ann Swift), who served for over 20 years. The proclamation highlighted her dedication, professionalism, and her work in publishing over 500 city council packets, guiding the introduction of computers as the first municipal information systems manager, serving as de facto communications manager, directing KCOM TV, launching the city's first website, and acting as city historian. Her daughter, Susie Swift, and former city clerk John Tulloch were present. Mayor Betsy Smagel Anderson read the proclamation, expressing gratitude and condolences to her family.
Piedmont City Council Approves Increase to Real Property Conveyance Tax
The City Council conducted the second reading and considered the adoption of Ordinance 792NS, which retitles and amends chapter 20, Article 4 of the Piedmont City Code. The ordinance aims to increase the real property conveyance tax (transfer tax) to $17.50 per $1,000 of sales price, which is 1.75% of the sales price. The purpose of this increase is to generate approximately $1.5 million in additional annual funds for the general fund, intended to address unfunded Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) such as roof replacements, HVAC upgrades, road and sidewalk maintenance, and window replacements. The ordinance requires a four-fifths adoption by the council and a majority vote by the voters to become effective on July 1, 2027. The council adopted the ordinance unanimously, and the ballot language for voter approval was also approved, with a word count of 67 words.
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