Dublin · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dublin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
Free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers, aimed at taxpayers over 50 with low to moderate incomes, is offered annually at the Senior Center. The committee will hear an update on the program.
Free Senior Legal and Medicare Counseling Services
LASHICAP offers free, one-on-one legal help and Medicare counseling at the Dublin Senior Center — covering Medicare HMOs, billing, and claims. The committee will hear an update on these services.
City Investment Portfolio Performance
The council approved its yearly review of how the city invests public funds, with updates for new state law and a formal role for the Finance and Investment Committee.
2026 Fall Home Decorating Contest
The city is launching a new Fall Home Decorating Contest to celebrate traditions like Halloween and Diwali. Commissioners reviewed the contest format, which will include judging and public voting.
Small Business Assistance Program Update
The city's program helping local businesses with compliance costs got refreshed — new relocation assistance grants, expanded technical help, and a bigger role in the annual budget process.
Merger of Human Services and Parks & Community Services Commissions
The council formally erased the Human Services Commission from the city code, completing its September consolidation with the Parks and Community Services Commission. Community health and welfare oversight now sits with the broader commission.
The Wave summer 2026 promotions and pricing
The Wave wrapped its tenth waterpark season with 62,212 visitors, free-admission events that drew record crowds, new shade structures, and expanded water-safety education with the nonprofit Swimbrayv.
2026-27 Youth Mini-Grant Program funding
Dublin's Youth Mini-Grant Program gives $10,000 a year to youth-led clubs and organizations serving middle and high school students. Ten finalists pitched out of 22 applicants, and the funding ultimately goes through the Parks and Community Services Commission and City Council before winners are announced in December.
PRFTA Master Plan Update
Camp Parks (PRFTA) is a major federal presence in Dublin, and any changes to its master plan can affect the community around it. The Committee was scheduled to receive an update on the plan, revisions, and additional projects.
Selection of Dublin's next Poet Laureate
Dublin's honorary Poet Laureate serves a two-year volunteer term writing and reading poetry at civic events and promoting literature in schools and the community. The commission was scheduled to hear applicants and recommend a candidate, who then needs City Council approval.
2027 Temporary Public Art Program – Decorated Shamrocks
Dublin spends $20,000 a year from the Public Art Fund on temporary art. The commission weighed four approaches — repeat past murals, try new elements like benches, loan an exhibition, or commission an original interactive piece — which changes how many local artists get paid work.
East Ranch (Francis Ranch) CFD Bond Sale
The council authorized bond issuance to reimburse the Trumark master developer for roads and other public facilities in the East Ranch area. The debt is backed by special taxes on properties within the district, not the city's general fund.
Animal shelter services renewal
Dublin renewed its share of the agreement keeping the East County Animal Shelter on Gleason Drive running, after the old contract expired June 30. The new deal runs one year with two optional one-year extensions.
Employee cost-of-living adjustments
All city employees received an additional 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment retroactive to July 1, bringing this year's total to 3.2%. Department heads and the City Manager got their own adjustments under a separate salary plan resolution.
Code of Ethics and Conduct adoption
Dublin adopted its first standalone ethics code covering the council and all boards and commissions, with amendments on respecting past council decisions and fixing cross-references. Final version returns September 15.
City Manager compensation increase
City Manager Colleen Tribby received a 6% raise retroactive to June 1, 2026, plus $10,000 in annual performance pay, following her 2026 evaluation.
Dublin Arts Center arts ecosystem planning
The Dublin Arts Collective is laying out a vision for what happens around the new Arts Center once it opens in 2026-27 — galleries, artist mentorship, youth programs, and arts-and-wellness offerings. It could shape how Dubliners of all ages experience the arts in their city.
Youth Mini-Grant Program outcomes
The committee reviewed how it will score applications for its youth mini-grant program, which has $10,000 to give to Dublin youth clubs for arts, cultural, and other activities. Funding recommendations still need commission and council approval.
Employee Cost-of-Living Adjustment Methodology
Employees got a 1.7% cost-of-living raise in 2026, which the council felt fell short of actual inflation. The pay question now heads to a closed session on September 15.
City Council and Mayor Salary Adjustments
The council voted 3-2 to introduce an ordinance raising councilmember pay to $1,730.56 per month and setting the mayor's additional salary at $400 per month, effective after the November 2026 election.
Alameda County Emergency Management Participation
Dublin signed on to continued participation in the county's Operational Area Emergency Management Organization — the coordination framework for disaster response born after the 1991 East Bay Hills firestorm.
Fund Balance and Reserves Policy Modernization
Dublin's rules for how much money it keeps in reserve — and how it can spend it — haven't been fully updated since 2015. Staff proposed simplifying the policy and aligning it with current priorities, with changes eventually headed to the City Council. This affects how well the city can weather economic downturns, emergencies, and future infrastructure bills.
Financial Sustainability and Cost Recovery Framework
The Parks Department is moving beyond its one-size-fits-all 65% cost recovery goal from 2018 toward a tiered model that treats community-benefit programs (like parks and events) differently from individual-benefit ones (like classes and rentals). Fees for some programs could change once the framework is built, but nothing is decided yet.
2026-27 Youth Advisory Committee Work Plan
The teen committee set its priorities for the year: a virtual event with sister city Wicklow in Ireland, mini-grants for youth programs, a mental health campaign and forum, KidVenture Night, and a benefit concert. Ad-hoc committees were appointed to lead each project.
Forest Park and parks capital improvements
The council formally accepted the finished Safe Routes to School crossing improvements and Iron Horse Nature Park Phase 1, and applied for county transportation funding for Dublin Boulevard Extension and pedestrian projects.
Street Lighting Assessment District 2026-1 Formation
Property owners in Street Lighting Districts 1983-1 and 1999-1 will see the annual assessment levied for fiscal year 2026-27 after the Proposition 218 ballot process concluded with no opposition raised at the hearing.
Street Resurfacing and Tassajara Road Improvements Authority Delegation
The council was asked to let the City Manager award street resurfacing, pedestrian/ADA, and Tassajara Road contracts during the summer recess so construction isn't delayed.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan
The council was scheduled to adopt an EV Infrastructure Plan building on the city's Climate Action Plan 2030, guiding where charging infrastructure goes.
Parks and Community Services Programming Trends
The department's January–April report shows sports class registrations jumping from 1,161 to 1,628 year over year, plus progress on the Francis Ranch parks — Poppy Meadow Park targeted for winter 2027 and Wild Wind Park for spring 2028.
GHAD Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budgets
The three geologic hazard districts collect special assessments from homeowners in Fallon Village, Fallon Crossing, and Schaefer Ranch to prevent and fix landslide and slope hazards. The proposed budgets total roughly $1.95 million in combined spending next year.
Noise ordinance amendments
New rules now limit when lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and amplified sound can be used in residential areas — a win for quiet neighborhoods.
$5 million reserve boost for Village Parkway road work
The council locked in an extra $5 million of next year's surplus to rebuild pavement on Village Parkway — good news for drivers on that corridor.
Fallon Sports Park Cell Tower Lease
The cell tower company agreed to sweeten its deal: $150,000 community benefit payment (up from $100,000) and other payment options for the city.
Residential Noise Regulation Amendments
Dublin is adding clear clock-based rules for lawn mowers, leaf blowers and amplified sound in neighborhoods, on top of the old vague nuisance standard. The ordinance was introduced unanimously but needs a final adoption vote to take effect.
Diwali Mela 2026 event space grant
Tri-Valley Hindu Connect won free use of Emerald Glen Community Park for a Diwali Mela celebration on November 7, 2026, with fees waived as part of the quarterly cultural event grant program.
Dublin C.R.E.A.T.E. program consolidation
The city plans to merge two separate arts funding programs — the Cultural Event Fee Waiver and Arts Space Grant — into one streamlined application called Dublin C.R.E.A.T.E., making it easier for local arts groups to get city support.
2026 Dublin Benefit Concert debrief
The committee reviewed how the April 23 youth benefit concert went — eleven youth acts performed at Emerald Glen Park Amphitheater, raising money for the Dublin Youth Assistance Fee Program. Feedback on dates, performers, marketing, and sponsorships will shape next year's event.
Housing Element Annual Progress Report
The city reports each year on how it's doing meeting state housing goals, including its share of regional housing needs. This update gives residents a picture of Dublin's housing progress and General Plan implementation.
City and DUSD Services and Collaborative Efforts
The city and school district were set to talk about sharing resources, including Emerald Glen baseball/softball fields and a possible fitness court at Devany Square.
Senior Center Volunteer Program Recognition
The committee reviewed the success of the annual volunteer appreciation event, which honors the 50-plus volunteers who keep the Dublin Senior Center running smoothly by managing front desk tasks, leading classes, and assisting at events.
Update on City Development Projects
The city was scheduled to brief the committee on private development projects, which affect enrollment projections and school capacity planning.
Civic Naming Policy
Dublin's City Council is updating its rules for naming public spots like parks and buildings. They're also figuring out the best way to honor former Mayor Janet Lockhart, so get ready for some new names around town!
Honoring former Mayor Janet Lockhart
The council debated how to honor the late/former Mayor Janet Lockhart — ideas ranged from renaming Heritage Park and Museums entirely to naming just a lawn area. Ultimately the question goes to two commissions plus a public survey before returning to the council.
Mayoral election
Pleasanton Mayor Jack Balch is running for another term, and he's got a plan! He wants to keep focusing on making life good in the city, with safety, smart spending, water, and jobs as his top priorities.
Brown Act compliance and meeting conduct
New state law requires cities to keep hybrid meetings running smoothly, so Dublin adopted a technology disruption policy and tightened its own rules — remote councilmembers now must keep cameras on and backgrounds off.
Juvenile Justice Abuse Claims
Heads up, Dublin! A massive lawsuit is hitting Contra Costa County over alleged sexual abuse by staff at juvenile detention centers. This is a huge deal, bringing past failures in youth justice to light.