Alameda County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Alameda County, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Measure W Essential County Services Funding & Excess Tax Allocations
The county approved nearly $53 million in Measure W Home Together funds to support 10 affordable housing projects, creating hundreds of permanent supportive housing units for people experiencing homelessness.
Impacts of Federal H.R. 1 on Local Safety Net Programs
Federal legislation H.R. 1 introduces strict work requirements and redetermination rules for Medi-Cal and CalFresh, threatening to strip health and food assistance from tens of thousands of Alameda County residents. Social services leaders warned that the changes will increase county administrative burdens, raise the county's CalFresh cost-sharing ratio, and overwhelm local indigent health programs like Health Pack as newly uninsured residents turn to emergency rooms.
Alameda Health System Funding and Layoff Mitigation
AHS just posted a $62.3 million profit thanks to a $109.5 million state settlement, but projections show losses of $95 million in FY 2028 and $123 million in FY 2029 once the MCO tax expires and HR 1 cuts land. That means tough budget decisions are coming within two years.
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Complex Sale and Redevelopment Negotiations
In closed session, the county continued private negotiations over the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum and Arena Complex with three parties: Oakland Acquisition Company, Coliseum Way Partners, and the City of Oakland.
Immigration Enforcement and Rapid Response
The boards heard an hour of angry testimony over ICE's six-day presence at Highland during a warrantless arrest and hospitalization of a patient. Supervisors demanded a factual report; a public critical incident review was agreed to within about 30 days.
Russell City Redress Fund and Phase 1 Implementation
Supervisors Márquez and Miley each pledged $250,000 to the fund compensating families displaced when Russell City was destroyed in the 1960s. Phase One applications are open until November 2, and the county, Hayward, and the Office of Education have all contributed.
Flock Surveillance Technology and Data Privacy
The Board approved a ten-year, no-cost license letting the Sheriff install drone docking stations on the Fire Station 23 rooftop for its Drone as First Responder program.
Homelessness and Housing Initiatives
A public speaker accused the county of displacing older adults and failing to build affordable housing, saying he's ready to build homes on family property but has been blocked.
Indigent Care Health Realignment Funding Transfer
The board authorized transferring $49.5 million in state health realignment funds to Alameda Health System to support healthcare delivery for indigent residents.
Expansion of Child Abuse Forensic Interview Services
County leaders are advancing major organizational assessments and state audit responses for the Department of Children and Family Services to improve child safety and workforce stability.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 County Budget
Alameda County is facing a $91.4 million preliminary funding gap for the upcoming fiscal year due to rising labor, internal service, and workers' compensation costs combined with flat revenues. County administrators emphasized that aggressive pension prepayments saved the county from an even worse $185 million deficit. Staff will work with department heads to find spending cuts and revenue enhancements before presenting a balanced budget in late May.
Home Together 2030 Homelessness Plan & Shelter Stabilization
County officials reviewed ongoing operations and updates regarding the local homelessness system.
Unincorporated Alameda County Minimum Wage Initiative
The board reviewed an economic impact study on a voter-initiated measure to establish a $30-an-hour minimum wage in unincorporated areas. Supervisors voted to place the initiative on the March 2028 ballot while referring the matter to the Unincorporated Services Committee to explore a potential competing measure.
County Workforce Compensation and Vacancy Rates
The county is negotiating terms with various labor organizations and unrepresented management personnel, which could impact county budget and services.
Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (FY 2027-2031)
General Services Agency presented a $2.5 billion five-year capital improvement plan addressing county facilities, deferred maintenance, and major capital projects, including extensive upgrades at Santa Rita Jail.
Alameda County Reparations Commission Final Report
The Reparations Commission delivered its comprehensive final report and 44 recommendations addressing historical and ongoing racial disparities in housing, health, and criminal justice. The board voted to receive the report and establish a standing committee to begin implementing structural reforms.
Mental Health Services and Public Health Clinic Staffing
Community members and advocates raised concerns regarding mental health program funding, suicide prevention, and resources for vulnerable populations.
Behavioral Health and 'Care First Jails Last' Funding
Numerous representatives and workers from peer-run mental health organizations testified about devastating proposed budget cuts under Proposition 1 and the Behavioral Health Services Act, warning that key community programs face elimination.