Fighting for Measure W funds

Hayward's budget outlook is bleak; San Leandro is setting itself up for a retail cannabis expansion

☕️MORNING BUZZ

—In order to further fund solutions for housing and homelessness, Alameda County voters approved Measure W, a half-cent sales tax increase in 2020.

How the proceeds from Measure W will be allocated is probably the most talked about subject in Alameda County politics right now.

Oakland leaders are pushing for their “fair share” of Measure W funds to alleviate its chronic issues with homelessness.

The refrain is nothing new. Nor is the constant grumbling about Oakland often receiving outsized amounts of state funding to combat homelessness, and with questionable results.

Fremont, the county’s second-largest city, also has a significant homelessness problem. In recent years, city officials have aggressively pushed back against Oakland’s hegemony when it comes to state and federal funding of all stripes.

Last week, Hayward councilmembers and staff raised the issue of Measure W funding during its budget discussions.

Some councilmembers wondered if the county could do more to alleviate homelessness in Hayward amidst the city’s large projected deficit.

Less than one percent of county funding for homelessness goes to Hayward, although the county contends the percentage is much larger. The actual percentage is not likely to equal Hayward’s status as the county’s fourth-largest city.

Some councilmembers advocated for seeking Measure W funds to lessen stress on its budget.

County supervisors, however, may have different views. Supervisor Nate Miley raised the idea of using a small amount of Measure W money on a rental housing inspection pilot program.

Community-Based Organizations, however, are already deploying a full-court press on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Last week, more than a dozen CBOs encouraged the county to allocate Measure W proceeds to their non-profits.

By the looks of it. Nobody is going to be happy when the Measure W is sliced.

—More inside:

• Amid growing budget shortfall, Hayward’s interim finance director says he’s out of tools.

• Councilmember thinks Hayward’s move to district elections should coincide with a reduction in campaign contribution caps.

• San Leandro approves its fourth cannabis permit, while setting itself up for more in the future

• Castro Valley MAC is again short one member

• Alameda County supervisor prefers cocktails over wine.

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