Official City Roundup: Homeless Count Volunteers, Housing Rights Alert, and Council Notices

Volunteer Alert: 2026 Point in Time Homeless Count

The City of Oakland is calling for 500 volunteers to participate in the bi-annual Point in Time (PIT) Count taking place today, Thursday, January 22, 2026. This comprehensive census is a critical requirement for securing federal funding and helps the city and county understand the current scale of homelessness in our community. Volunteers will work in teams to survey various neighborhoods and ensure an accurate representation of unhoused residents. Accurate data from this count is essential for the effective deployment of housing resources and support services over the next two years.

Housing Rights Notice: Broadway Fire Recovery Updates

Following the three-alarm structure fire in the 1700 block of Broadway earlier this week, the Oakland City Attorney’s Office has issued an urgent notice to displaced tenants. Residents are advised that a building being 'red-tagged' does not automatically terminate a lease agreement. The City Attorney is demanding that property owners withdraw any unlawful termination notices and comply with the 'right of return' laws, which mandate that tenants be allowed to return to their units once repairs are completed and the building is deemed habitable. Displaced residents are strongly encouraged not to sign any legal documents or lease termination agreements without consulting a lawyer. A Local Assistance Center is scheduled to open tomorrow, January 23, at 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza to provide further resources.

City Council: Rules and Legislation Committee Meeting

The Oakland City Council's Rules and Legislation Committee will convene today at 10:30 a.m. in the City Council Chamber on the 3rd Floor of City Hall. Key items on the agenda include the scheduling of upcoming legislative items and procedural reviews for the early 2026 session. Members of the public are invited to attend in person or observe via the KTOP television channel. Public comment will be accepted for each agenda item; those wishing to speak must submit a speaker card before the item is called for discussion.

Public Health Advisory: Leptospirosis Warning

The Alameda County Public Health Department and the City of Berkeley have issued a health advisory regarding a spike in animal leptospirosis cases identified near the northwestern border of Oakland and Berkeley. While human cases remain rare, the infection can spread through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. Residents are advised to avoid contact with standing water in the affected area and to ensure pets are kept away from creek beds and potentially contaminated mud.

Traffic Safety: Speed Camera Warning Period

Oakland’s new automated speed safety camera program remains in its official 60-day warning period. Drivers recorded exceeding the speed limit at designated high-injury corridors will receive warning notices by mail rather than citations during this time. This grace period is intended to educate the public and encourage safer driving habits before monetary penalties begin later this spring.