City of Berkeley

Behind the scenes, our IT team is strengthening the platforms that keep Berkeley moving. Working on everything from financial systems to permit processing, internal tools, and service delivery.   Recent wins include: ✔️ Rolling out enterprise quality Wi-Fi thru-out City facilities and the Marina ✔️ Enabling secure credit card payments by phone ✔️ Deploying modern solutions such as: · Deploying modern Customer Relationship Management ("CRM") software for use by 311 · Deploying Envision Connect (SAIRA) for Toxics Mgmt division · Deploying Assetworks fleet management system for our Public Works Department · Migrating our permitting system to the cloud ✔️ Updating 240+ permit fees in Accela ✔️ Collaborating with 311 and Public Works to improve CRM reporting ✔️ Building new interfaces to reconcile data with Alameda County ✔️ Streamlining financial inputs and reducing manual work in ERMA ✔️ Evaluating Employee Access to give staff more control over their records   All while the Service Desk fields hundreds of support calls each month, keeping City systems online and staff supported.   Every integration, script, and upgrade help build a City that works better for everyone.   We’re proud of the innovation, reliability, and service our IT team delivers.

Our Public Health team loves helping our community thrive. Our dedicated staff reflect the diversity of Berkeley and make sure every client feels welcome.   Just a few of the programs Public Health runs include: - Free food, diapers, and breastfeeding support for families with children up to age 5 and for people who are pregnant or have recently experienced pregnancy loss through WIC - Quit smoking classes - Group therapy and health resources for Black/African American mothers - A free food pantry, yoga, and other wellness programs through community partnerships - Free vaccinations for uninsured and underinsured children and adults   Come visit us at the newly renovated West Berkeley Family Wellness Center! Thank you, Public Health staff, for your passion for supporting the wellbeing of our community. Your work is helping to create a healthier, more equitable Berkeley. #PublicHealth #WIC #Wellness #Berkeley

It’s not every day you get to cheer on your coworkers racing cardboard boats across a pool, but we highly recommend it. City staff brought teamwork, creativity, and a splash of friendly competition as they raced each other in this year’s Derby Day. Derby Day is a City of Berkeley summer tradition where youth from camps and playground programs race cardboard boats at a city pool. This year, during a break in the action, three staff teams joined the fun with floats of their own. 🐢 Public Works – Engineering took home wins in three races with their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles–themed float—a tribute to their sewer team colleagues. The boat featured a working maintenance hole and pizza paddles. • Team members: Captain-Joshua Brett. Builders-Arielle Abdon, Nicole Adams, Francisco Alonso, Areli Balderrama, Tom Bautista, PE, and Vincent Chen. Special thanks to Daniel Akagi for float, weight, and water-level calculations. 🚣♂️ Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront – Parks paddled out in a bold inspired float, complete with a rowboat design, silver oars, and precise green-and-white duct tape flair.  • Team members: Captain-Ocello Morales, Builder-Joe Ertl. 🕊 Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront – Engineering soared in with a themed float shaped like a bird, built for speed, splash, and style.  • Team members: Captain-Lael Garrett, Builders-Robert Chan, Csilla Kenny, PE, Stacey Rutherford, PE, LEED AP, QSD/QSP, Jesus Espinoza, and Taylor Lancelot. Big props to all staff teams for their after-hours building, creative designs, and top-tier teamwork.

🌟 Let's hear it for the City of Berkeley Public Works Department! 🌟 Our Public Works team is the backbone of our city’s infrastructure. Much of their work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt by every resident, every day. Their 325+ staff manage: - 214 miles of streets - 400 miles of sanitary sewers - 78 miles of storm water piping - 30 green infrastructure installations - 8,000+ streetlights - 3,750 parking meters - 54 public buildings - 28,000 customers' waste, recycling, and composting Their dedication keeps Berkeley running smoothly, cleanly, and safely — rain or shine, day in and day out. 💪 Thank you to all the hardworking individuals in Public Works who help build, maintain, and improve the essential systems that support our community. Your work is vital, and we appreciate you!

As Pride Month comes to an end, we're proud to stand with our LGBTQIA2S+ community—today and every day—as we celebrate love, authenticity, and the ongoing fight for equality. 🏳️🌈 #BerkeleyPride #PrideMonth #CityofBerkeley

Staff got a little in-office vacation thanks to the City Clerk Department's annual open house! Folks from departments across the City gathered to enjoy festive food and decor while learning about the City Clerk Department's work. Some fun facts included: - The Berkeley Municipal Code is the comprehensive collection of local laws enacted by the City of Berkeley, and when printed, is over 2,000 pages. - In 1889 the City of Berkeley passed Ordinance No. 303 which made slingshots illegal without a permit. These events help foster a culture of collaboration and community across the City. Thank you to the City Clerk Department for being excellent hosts!

Sustainability-minded colleagues from across departments are finding community and connection at the monthly staff Sustainability Lunch Brown Bag. It’s a space where coworkers can step away from their desks, share conversations, and exchange ideas. Held on the rooftop deck at 2180 Milvia, this casual gathering is a reminder of how shared experiences can bring people together. No RSVP, no formalities, just friendly folks catching up and celebrating a common passion for sustainability. It’s a moment of connection that many look forward to each month.

People power in action! City staff and volunteers came together to protect the environment by revitalizing the bioswales downtown. Bioswales—those strips of greenery by the sidewalk—are more than just nice to look at; they help protect from flooding, filter pollutants, and provide habitat. Be a part of stewarding the bay and our local environment; sign up to volunteer today!

The City of Berkeley’s Police Department Community Services Bureau focuses on outreach, relationship-building, and connecting people with the resources and services they need. Events like Coffee with a Cop provide an opportunity for residents to have friendly, open conversations with Police Officers and members of the Police Department outside of traditional police settings. These regular gatherings are a cornerstone of our approach to fostering trust, collaboration, and understanding throughout Berkeley. At our recent Coffee with a Cop event at Penelope’s Coffee and Tea, CSOs chatted with residents, listened to their concerns, and shared helpful information. Through efforts like Coffee with a Cop, we aim to create a safer, more connected community where everyone feels heard and supported. We appreciate everyone who joined us for this event and look forward to continuing these conversations.

City staff celebrated Pi day with delicious pie and delectable data at our annual event, hosted by the City Auditor and City Manager's Offices! Test your Berkeley knowledge with our data scavenger hunt (answer key is in the comments below): 1) What year did City Hall burn down, leading to the establishment of a paid Fire Department? 2) What is the date of the next general municipal election in Berkeley? 3) What percent of Berkeley residents bike to work? 4) How many Berkeley properties are registered with the Rent Board? Staff had a great time connecting with each other, learning about different teams' work, and of course enjoying pie 🥧