Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Alameda County, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues
Military Leave Benefit Calculation and Policy
A public commenter raised concerns that the county's current calculation of military supplemental pay for deployed deputies improperly treats non-taxable allowances like housing and hazard pay as base salary, reducing family benefits.
Immigration Enforcement and Rapid Response
Supervisors addressed recent ICE enforcement actions in Alameda County, expressing concern over reported excessive force during arrests and reaffirming the county's sanctuary and ICE-free zone policies.
Election Guide
Get up to speed on the upcoming November election with this handy guide covering all the key local races and ballot measures in Oakland. It breaks down everything you need to know so you can cast an informed vote without spending hours researching.
Street Vendor Enforcement
Hayward and Alameda County are joining forces to crack down on unlicensed street vendors. If you walk the local sidewalks, expect to see tighter enforcement on food safety and business permits.
Reparations Plan
Alameda County just approved a new reparations plan that's going to shake up how local tax dollars and resources are handed out. Expect to see big changes in county policies as they try to tackle historical equity gaps.
Reparations Task Force
Alameda County just gave the green light to a major reparations report, which means they're finally diving into the messy work of figuring out how to actually put these policies in place. It's a big first step, but the real challenge—deciding what changes actually look like—starts now.
Reparations Action Plan
Alameda County is reviewing a draft reparations action plan that could soon reshape local policies and budget priorities. This plan marks a major step forward in addressing historical disparities across the region.
Senate Bill 707 Brown Act Modernization Compliance
County staff presented implementation requirements for Senate Bill 707, which modernizes the Brown Act by mandating two-way video and audio for remote meetings, technology disruption policies, and ADA accommodations.
Measure D Open Space and Agricultural Regulations
The county approved funding for a professional poll to gauge voter opinions on potential changes to Measure D, the 2000 initiative protecting open space and agricultural lands in East County. Agricultural advocates argue current rules are too restrictive and harm local farming and the wine economy, while environmentalists and open space defenders warn against weakening protections.
Lawsuit Over Tax Measure
A local taxpayer group is suing the city, alleging that officials and labor unions illegally teamed up to pass a new tax measure. If the lawsuit succeeds, it could throw future tax plans and city-labor relations completely out of whack.
National Guard deployment
Oakland leaders are prepping for the possibility of a National Guard deployment if the Trump administration takes over, which could heavily impact local policing and city-federal relations. It's a huge shift in how local public safety might be handled downtown.
Redistricting
Governor Newsom just dropped a brand new redistricting map that's shaking up political boundaries right here in Alameda County. This big shake-up could totally change who represents you and how much voting power your neighborhood actually has.
Police Drone Program
Alameda County is testing drones as the first responders to 911 calls instead of police officers. This new approach could completely change how public safety and emergency response work right in your neighborhood.
Reparations Fund
Alameda County is close to approving a reparations fund for families pushed out of Russell City decades ago. This move is a big deal and could set a major local precedent for how cities address historical displacement.
Election Results
Keep track of the 2024 Alameda County election results as they come in. Find out how your local neighborhood races and community measures are actually shaking out.
Road Construction
Union City and Alameda County just bagged a $40 million state grant to fix up local roads, which means smoother daily drives are on the way—along with some inevitable construction delays.
Candidate Election
Voters need to get to know Alameda County supervisor candidate David Haubert to see where he stands on the local issues affecting daily life. Reviewing his platform helps residents understand how his policies might shape the community.
Tax Increase
Alameda County voters are heading to the polls to decide on Measure C, a sales tax hike that will directly affect the cost of your everyday purchases. If passed, this measure will change how the county raises funds, making it crucial to pay attention if you want a say in local taxes.