A citywide Mayor and eight City Councilmembers from geographic districts comprise the Berkeley City Council, which makes decisions on local laws and policies using input from the community. Please refer to the meeting schedule to find dates for upcoming…
Seismically retrofit your building to keep yourself and our community safer in case of an earthquake. If you own an unreinforced masonry or soft, weak, or open front building, you are required to retrofit your building. Other types of buildings may also benefit from retrofits to be better prepared for an earthquake. Find funding to help you pay for seismic retrofits, including grants, tax…
Green buildings are key to Berkeley’s vision for a more sustainable future. Berkeley is committed to achieving sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Green buildings, which are more energy efficient and use renewable sources of energy, help set our community on a path to becoming a fossil fuel free city.
Access information on zoning projects and learn how to get involved in their development. Look up zoning projects in Berkeley and find detailed information on their current status. Consult the GIS Portal to discover zoning designations and history. Read about general and adopted plans that guide the City's development efforts. If you’re concerned about certain projects, get involved in several…
Connect with resources to help you understand the business landscape of Berkeley. Reach out to a commercial district association to connect with other business-owners in your area. Gain an understanding of Berkeley's economy by reading economic dashboards. Get…
Find guidance and resources to help you run your business safely, legally, and successfully. Apply for or renew your business license, and pay special business taxes, if relevant to you. Get assistance with your business, including advice, help navigating City regulations, funding, and more. Follow workforce standards—including minimum wage, paid sick leave, and commuter benefits—as well…
Find volunteer opportunities with the City of Berkeley. Volunteers help care for animals at the Berkeley Animal Shelter, deliver nature education programs to youth at the Marina, and care for their neighborhoods by adopting a storm drain or traffic circle. For one-time volunteer events, please check our event calendar.
Adopt a pet from the Berkeley Animal Shelter, report a lost or found pet, get a pet license, and find low-cost spay/neuter vouchers.Berkeley Animal Care Services helps stray and lost pets. They also handle pet adoptions, enforce animal laws, and rescue injured or dead wildlife. Additionally, they investigate cases of animal-related neglect, cruelty, nuisance and bite cases.
Information about affordable housing for residents, property owners, and developers. Get connected with resources to help you find affordable housing in Berkeley, or apply to the housing retention program to get support with keeping your housing. Owners of below market rate housing (rental units or owned units) can find guidance and regulations from the City of Berkeley. Affordable housing…
Find a job through the YouthWorks or First Source employment programs. Community agency partners can apply for funding, and find required forms to submit. Youth can get job training and placement through the YouthWorks program. Contractors working with the City can connect with Berkeley residents seeking employment through First Source. Community agencies can apply for Community Development…