On Tuesday, City of Oakley Mayor Hugh Henderson offered a few comments as the city kicks of 2026 highlighting his goals. He was appointed mayor in December.
Here is a transcript of Henderson’s comments:
Good evening, Oakley. As we gather and welcome a new year, I am reminded of the strengths and resilience and the heart that defines this community. We face challenges as a nation, as a community, and individuals. But here, we rise to meet those challenges together and define us.
Oakley is more than a city. It’s a place that’s built on shared purpose where families grow and neighborhoods look out for each other. I believe leadership means being open. One of my personal challenges is I’m a dyslexic, so I may mispronounce or misspell words as I’m speaking. I ask for your understanding if this happens. I’ve never ever allowed this to define me or limit my service. I share this to remind anybody facing dyslexia or other disabilities, there’s no limit of what you can achieve.
This year, as we look forward, we honor people, places, and traditions that shape Oakley. Strengthen the further to make our community unique. A key focus this year ahead is advancing the establishment of the 55-acre park. This project will be a centerpiece for recreation, community gatherings, and open space for generations. We will actively identify funding sources locally, state, and federal to make sure that we build a park that reflects the needs and dreams of our residents.
We will also continue the process on Laurel Road extension to sellers, a vital inter infrastructure improvements that will ease traffic, support further development, and strengthen the connectivity throughout our city.
In 2026, we will reach some exciting milestones as we break ground on a new library, a project that symbolizes learning, imagination, and community connectivity. This library will be a hub for students, families, and long time learners, offering services to blend tradition to modern innovation. It will be a place that where opportunities will expand and where the story for Oakley’s future will continue.
At the heart of any thriving community is safety. We will continue to prioritize police services, providing resources, staffing, technology necessary to maintain a safe and secure Oakley. Our police department plays a critical role in the quality of life as we remain committed to support our community. They will protect and serve our residents with professionalism and integrity.
As we move forward, let’s remember the progress that is not all about projects we build. It’s about a culture we build together in coming years. My commitment as mayor is to lead with mutual respect, civility, and decorum. Government functions best when we listen to each other, treat each other with dignity, and work from a foundation we share purposes other than division. Leadership roots with respect and sets the tone for the entire community. Together, we will hold those values.
Oakley, this is our moment. This is our year of opportunity, a year of growth, a year of strength and foundation. Honor our heritage and shape a brighter future. Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your partnership. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your mayor this year. Let’s make this year the best year yet.”
Oakley Agrees to Fund Café Costa Meal Program
The Oakley City Council agreed to cover the shortfall to keep its Café Costa Meal Program at Studio 55 going. Currently, the county funds Café Costa where they contract with a vendor to prepare and deliver the food. The city then serves the participants.
Staff said the monthly meal average is 409 meals—with an original goal of serving just 10 meals per day but on some days, it pushes 45 meals. Each meal is $6.20 . The total meals served between July – Dec 2025 was 2,452. However, due to funding, the monthly meals were reduced from 409 to 282 – just 127 meals per month
Staff provided the city council with three options (see staff report):
- Fund anything over the county meal cap – estimated at $800 per month ($5,000 annual)
- Stop Serving meals once the cap is reached each month
- Fund a specific amount of meals over the County Cap to control costs.
Councilmember Anissa Williams asked what was causing the funding shortfall in funding. Staff said the need was greater than anticipated.
Without discussion, Vice Mayor Aaron Meadows motioned to approve Option 1 which was approved in a 5-0 vote.
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