2020 Vision
This fall, BUILD: Equity Through Literacy will be focusing its efforts on hundreds of public elementary K-3rd graders who are struggling to read.
BUILD is part of 2020 Vision, which is the multi-agency effort to close the academic achievement gap in Berkeley by the year 2020. More than 500 students will be tutored at the after-school programs run by the schools, the City and our non-profit partners. The tutors are University of California, Berkeley Cal Corps students who receive training designed by Berkeley Unified School District literacy coaches.
2020 Vision is a concerted effort of the City of Berkeley, BUSD, UC Berkeley, the Berkeley Alliance, and the community to eliminate Berkeley’s achievement gap. This year, the focus is on making measurable improvements in kindergarten readiness, 3rd grade literacy and school attendance.
www.CityofBerkeley.info/2020vision
Senior Services
Berkeley’s senior centers have many drop-in services, educational and recreation opportunities, but an increasing number of older adults are also struggling to meet their housing and health needs.
In order to provide more intensive services with a tighter budget, senior services were reorganized. Seniors can get a hot lunch and recreation at the North and South Berkeley Senior Centers, while more intensive services, such as Meals-on-Wheels and case management, are available at the West Berkeley Senior Center. West Berkeley residents can ride a free City shuttle to and from the other centers.
By reorganizing, the City was able to expand the services that are needed to help seniors remain in their homes. The reorganization achieved the added benefit of consolidating our staff so centers can be open every Friday.
www.CityofBerkeley.info/agingservices
Business in Berkeley
Businesses are integral to the Berkeley community, and many business owners are finding creative ways to give back and
reflect community values. For example, an increasing number of Berkeley businesses have been using the popular Green Business Program to reduce their energy use, use sustainable materials, and increase recycling.
Another example is the recent creation of a new property-based Business Improvement District (PBID) in our Downtown. Paid for by property owners, the PBID brings more resources to support Downtown revitalization, and will provide services such as removing graffiti, steam-cleaning sidewalks, adding beautification features, and marketing the District with special events and promotions.
To support new or growing Berkeley businesses, the City recently launched LocateInBerkeley.com to help people find the right work space for their next great idea.
www.CityofBerkeley.info/oed