Alameda County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Alameda County, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
County-AHS lease renewal and efficiency study
A 30-year, $1-a-year lease renewal is being fast-tracked to qualify for a dental clinic grant, and the long-promised efficiency study RFP is finally moving toward award — Supervisors Miley and Haubert pressed hard on the timeline, hoping for results by spring 2027.
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.
Ethical Investment Policy Implementation
Residents debated the county's ethical investment policy and whether to immediately implement it or await an independent peer review of its financial impact.
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.
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.
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.
Saint Rose Hospital's dependence on a delayed IGT payment
Saint Rose has drawn $10 million of a $25 million line of credit and will be out of money by February if CMS doesn't approve its $38 million intergovernmental transfer. Supervisors Márquez and Tam pressed for answers; the hospital's birthing center remains suspended.
Relocation of the IOP/PHP behavioral health program
A program that was slated for closure under budget cuts was saved through the county-AHS ad hoc committee process and will move from Highland to Fairmont in November — though staff testified the move feels rushed and logistically unready.
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.
Reparations committee becomes permanent
The ad hoc reparations committee is now a standing policy committee, chaired by Nate Miley with Elisa Márquez as a member, tasked with implementing the Reparations Commission's recommendations with the first meeting targeted before year's end.
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.
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.
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.
Military Leave Benefit Calculation and Policy
The spouse of a deployed Sheriff's deputy told the Board the county's 2001-era rules count non-taxable military housing allowances as income, stripping her family of supplemental pay and health benefits. She asked the Board to fix the calculation as it extends military leave benefits under item 25 — other Bay Area counties already do.
Firefighter behavioral health support
The Fire Department is extending counseling services for firefighters after a rough year that included the suicide of Hayward firefighter Travis Foster. Chief McDonald said usage is strong and an RFP will follow next year.
Pedestrian and bike safety funding
A $100,000 state traffic-safety grant went to Public Health for West Oakland, but Supervisor Miley wants similar funding and crash data for unincorporated communities where pedestrian and bike injuries have occurred.
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.
Support for Proposition 40 Wealth Tax and Health Funding
Public speakers and committee recommendations highlighted the urgent need for Proposition 40 to generate state revenue and prevent severe healthcare and Medi-Cal funding cuts.