Subject: Resolution To Authorize Aerbits Inc. Pilot Program To Strengthen Illegal Dumping Remediation From: Oakland Public Works Department Recommendation: Adopt A Resolution: (1) Approving The Surveillance Impact Report And Amended Surveillance Use Policy, Incorporating Recommendations Of The Privacy Advisory Commission, For The Aerbits System; (2) Authorizing The City Administrator To Negotiate And Enter Into An Agreement With Aerbits Inc. For A Pilot Program To Detect And Report Illegal Dumping; (3) Waiving The Local/Small Local Business Enterprise Program And Competitive Multi-Step Technology Acquisition Requirements; And (4) Directing The City Administrator To Return Within One Year Of The Adoption Of This Resolution To Provide An Informational Report

The Oakland City Council is considering a resolution to authorize a 6-month pilot program with Aerbits Inc. to combat illegal dumping using aerial camera technology. The program aims to improve the identification, tracking, and remediation of illegal dumping by providing proactive, data-driven insights into dump site locations, volumes, and types of waste.

Key aspects of the proposal include:

• Technology: Aerbits uses drones equipped with AI-powered cameras to detect and classify illegal dumping. The system is designed with privacy in mind, explicitly stating it will not use facial recognition, license plate reading, or capture private property. Images are automatically processed to mask vehicles, redact private property, and identify waste.
• Pilot Program Details: The pilot will cover 1,440 linear road miles across Oakland's most impacted areas, with 72 scheduled flights over six months. The total budget for this pilot is $150,000, funded from the Comprehensive Clean-Up Fund.
• Goals: To move away from a complaint-driven system, which is seen as inequitable, towards a proactive approach that ensures more efficient and equitable cleanup, especially in underserved communities. A previous pilot in San Francisco's Bayview neighborhood reportedly led to a 97% reduction in dump sites within a month.
• Approvals Required: The resolution seeks City Council approval of the Surveillance Impact Report and an amended Surveillance Use Policy (incorporating Privacy Advisory Commission recommendations), authorization for the City Administrator to enter into an agreement with Aerbits Inc., a waiver of Local/Small Local Business Enterprise and competitive multi-step technology acquisition requirements, and a directive for the City Administrator to report back within one year.
• Cost vs. Benefit: The $150,000 pilot cost is presented as a small investment (0.6% of Oakland's $24M annual illegal dumping spend) for a significant data upgrade. The benefits cited include time savings, improved data quality, better planning, enhanced staff safety, and a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable city.