During the recent Oroville City Council meeting held on September 2, 2025, discussions centered on the local economy and the regulation of personal services, particularly in office settings. Natalie Sheard, a community member, emphasized the importance of personal services, such as tattooing and permanent makeup, in supporting the local economy. She argued that these services cannot be provided online and are essential for filling office spaces that are increasingly difficult to lease.

Sheard pointed out an inconsistency in the city’s code that restricts personal services from being classified as professional offices, which traditionally include professions like doctors and architects. She urged the council to reconsider these regulations to allow personal service providers to operate without the need for additional permits, thereby supporting local businesses.

City staff responded to Sheard's concerns, acknowledging the need for a text amendment to clarify the definitions within the code. Vice Mayor Smith suggested that the Planning Commission could address these inconsistencies in their upcoming work.

Cheyenne Velasquez, owner of Evolution Studio, also voiced her support for the proposed changes. She highlighted the burden of requiring additional permits for her low-impact business, which already operates under a permanent makeup permit. Velasquez called for the council to recognize existing permits to alleviate financial strain on small business owners.

The council appeared to reach a consensus on moving forward with the proposed amendments, directing staff to draft the necessary changes for review by the Planning Commission. This decision reflects a commitment to fostering a supportive environment for local businesses and addressing the evolving needs of the community.

In addition to the discussions on personal services, the council announced the upcoming Oroville Economic Alliance annual barbecue scheduled for September 11 at Centennial Plaza, further engaging the community in local events.

As the meeting concluded, the council acknowledged ongoing power outages affecting parts of Oroville, reminding members to prioritize safety as they returned home. The discussions from this meeting highlight the city’s efforts to adapt regulations that support economic resilience and community engagement.