Board Defers AHS Layoffs, Deploys $53M for Housing After Years of Delay

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors intervened to halt looming healthcare worker layoffs at Alameda Health System, buying time to confront a structural deficit driven by an estimated $9.5 billion statewide hit from federal HR1 spending cuts. In a meeting that also broke a four-year logjam on affordable housing investment, the board approved nearly $53 million in Measure W funds for 950 units across 10 projects — the first major capital deployment since litigation over the measure was resolved.

• Board votes unanimously to defer March 9 AHS layoffs, creates two-supervisor working group to find alternatives before next fiscal year

• $53 million in Measure W Home Together funds awarded for 10 affordable housing projects, including 310 units for people experiencing homelessness

• County joins legal fight against Trump administration, authorizing amicus brief in Newsom v. Trump 9th Circuit case

• Two long-tenured county leaders retire — Registrar of Voters (24 years) and County Counsel (26 years) — with interim replacements named and national searches underway

• Supervisors push Fair Chance Housing ordinance to open publicly funded units to formerly incarcerated residents

• Residents demand withdrawal of Measure D study RFP, calling it misuse of public funds to undermine voter-approved open space protections

Healthcare on the Brink: Board Halts AHS Layoffs, Forms Emergency Working Group

The most consequential action of the day came at the continued Beilenson Act hearing on Alameda Health System's proposed staffing and program reductions — a crisis supervisors framed almost entirely as a consequence of federal policy.

The basics: The Beilenson Act requires county boards to hold public hearings before public hospitals can reduce services or lay off staff. The board first heard testimony Feb. 25 on AHS's plan to cut positions to close an estimated $10 million gap this fiscal year. That hearing drew extensive public testimony from SEIU labor representatives and clinical staff.

Why it matters: Federal HR1 spending reductions threaten an estimated $9.5 billion statewide impact on California counties, with public hospital systems bearing the brunt. Highland Hospital, Alameda Hospital and San Leandro Hospital — the county's safety-net facilities — face cuts that could gut frontline care for the county's most vulnerable residents.

Where things stand: County Administrator Susan Muranishi outlined a framework in which AHS would defer its March 9 layoff date and identify non-patient-facing positions for reduction instead. The county committed to adjusting the behavioral health contract payment schedule — specifically a 20% withhold on payments to AHS — renegotiating AHS's line of credit with the county treasury, and exploring alternative service models for the Intensive Outpatient Program slated for reduction. A report back was scheduled for March 17.

Board President David Haubert was blunt about causation: "The reason we're here is largely, almost exclusively, it is because of HR1. It's not because of anything we have done internally or that AHS has done internally."

AHS CEO James Jackson acknowledged the rollout could have been handled better, particularly in consulting frontline clinicians before announcing cuts. "Could it have been better informed prior? Absolutely, and I acknowledge that. As the CEO, I have to own that. Having said that, nothing has been done that is irreparable, that cannot be adjusted."

Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas emphasized the testimony from clinical staff at the Feb. 25 hearing as a turning point: "One of the things that really struck me was the testimony from a number of clinical staff, medical staff, about wanting to really have collaboration with AHS executive leadership around the future."

Supervisor Elisa Marquez called for a clean start: "Let's kind of just have a clean slate and figure out how to move forward collectively to minimize the harm."

Supervisor Nate Miley, who was designated to the ad hoc committee alongside Supervisor Fortunato Bas, made the comprehensive motion directing the layoff deferral, staff financial work, and the creation of the working group. He also publicly urged CEO James Jackson, MPH, to relocate AHS executive offices back to the Wilma Chan Highland Hospital campus from their current Jack London Square location, calling the move poor optics during a layoff discussion: "I do think the perception of moving your office from the Wilma Chan Highland campus — I think that was a big mistake."

Jackson expressed gratitude for the county's partnership: "We're not having to resolve this by ourselves. And I am just beyond words to try to express my appreciation for that."

Decisions: The board voted 5-0 (For: Haubert, Marquez, Tam, Miley, Fortunato Bas) to defer the March 9 layoffs, direct staff to work on the financial adjustments, establish the ad hoc committee, and schedule a March 17 report back. The AHS board was expected to take up the deferral at a special meeting the following evening.

What's next: The ad hoc committee of Supervisors Miley and Fortunato Bas will work with AHS leadership and labor representatives outside the Brown Act to develop fiscal solutions before July 1. Staff will report back March 17 on progress with the behavioral health contract, line of credit and alternative service models.

$53 Million Breaks the Logjam: Measure W Funds Flow to 10 Housing Projects

After four years of litigation that froze Alameda County's signature housing investment, the board approved the first major round of Measure W Home Together Fund capital awards — nearly $53 million spread across 10 affordable housing projects countywide.

The basics: Measure W, approved by voters, created the Home Together Fund to finance affordable housing and homelessness services. Legal challenges delayed deployment for years. The awards announced fund 950 affordable units, including 310 specifically for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Why it matters: The awards leverage county funds alongside City of Oakland, state and other financing to accelerate construction of shovel-ready projects that address both the county's housing shortage and its homelessness crisis. Staff reported tracking 85 to 90 projects in pre-development countywide.

Where things stand: Named projects include Liberation Park (119 units in East Oakland), Downtown Livermore Apartments (130 units with 33 permanent supportive housing units, developed by Eden Housing and itself the subject of litigation since 2021), Brighter Bancroft (91 senior units with 25 PSH units in Oakland's Eastmont neighborhood), 500 Lake Park, 3135 San Pablo, East 12th Circle, People's Park Supportive Housing, and Thornton Avenue Housing.

The City of Oakland received five awards totaling $23.475 million — 44% of total funding. Fay Darmawi, Deputy Director of Oakland's Housing and Community Development Department, noted that Oakland's homeless population represents 60% of the county total and 70% of Black persons experiencing homelessness countywide. SAHA received three awards totaling $16.6 million for 242 units.

Multiple developers testified in support. Vasko Yorgov of Eden Housing highlighted the Downtown Livermore project, which had been tied up in litigation since 2021. Diego Castro, also of Eden Housing, spoke on behalf of the Brighter Bancroft senior housing project. Nan Mai of Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) noted the organization's three awards would deliver 242 new units, with 84 designated for homeless and formerly homeless households. Obi Uwakah of Eden Housing highlighted Liberation Park's 119 units in East Oakland.

A representative of East Bay Rental Housing Association (EBRHA) made a pitch for a complementary approach, advocating a Vacancy Activation Program that would target existing vacant units for repairs — plumbing, electrical, safety improvements — arguing it could bring housing online in weeks rather than years.

Supervisor Fortunato Bas praised the awards and asked staff about future funding opportunities for acquisition-conversion and small-site projects: "I am really happy to see that we are moving forward to support 10 affordable housing projects with Measure W funding — 950 affordable units, including 310 for people who are experiencing homelessness."

Supervisor Marquez flagged that no applicants came from Districts 1 or 2, and urged staff to correct factual errors in a recent article that overstated available Measure W funds at $700 million. "Richmond is not in Alameda County," she noted. "If we could please look at that article carefully and respond, because it's really important that we provide accurate information to the public." A second RFP for capital housing acquisition, rehabilitation, preservation and shelter is planned for later in the year.

What's next: Staff will continue tracking the pipeline of 85–90 pre-development projects and will release a second RFP later this year for acquisition, rehabilitation, preservation and shelter investments.

Fair Chance Housing: Board Pushes to Open County-Funded Units to Re-Entry Population

The Measure W discussion surfaced a parallel policy priority: whether Alameda County can require that all affordable housing projects receiving county dollars accept formerly incarcerated tenants, regardless of where the project is located.

Why it matters: Without Fair Chance protections, people with criminal records are effectively locked out of the very affordable units the county funds — undermining the board's own Care First, Jails Last resolution and justice reform goals.

Where things stand: Supervisor Fortunato Bas, who co-authored Oakland's 2020 Fair Chance Housing policy, urged the board to act quickly: "I do hope that we'll act with urgency to bring the countywide policy to the board. This issue is very important to me."

President Haubert argued the policy is essential to preventing homelessness among re-entry populations: "I think we need to do everything we can to make sure that they take in those people that have formerly been incarcerated, because otherwise they will end up on the streets and then we have to unfortunately see bad outcomes for them."

The other side: The legal pathway is complex. Supervisor Miley noted that a county Fair Chance ordinance would only apply to unincorporated areas by default. County Counsel Donna Ziegler characterized one dimension of the legal analysis as a dormant commerce clause question — whether the county can mandate conditions on projects it funds within incorporated cities, or whether an incentive-based approach would be required instead.

Supervisor Marquez, as Public Protection Committee chair, reported that staff shared a draft and expects an updated version for the full board by summer.

Two Decades of Institutional Knowledge Walk Out the Door

The board approved interim replacements for two of the county's longest-serving leaders, both retiring effective March 29.

Acting Registrar: Cornejo Steps In After Dupuis' 24-Year Run

Cynthia Cornejo, current Deputy Registrar of Voters, was appointed Acting Registrar upon the retirement of Tim Dupuis, who served nearly 24 years. A permanent recruitment is underway with a March 20 application deadline.

Supervisor Miley praised the decision to separate the Registrar position from IT leadership for the first time, noting the combination had created challenges. "I'm also appreciative of the fact that we're taking action to decouple the positions and to bring Cynthia on in the acting position." He also acknowledged the political pressures election officials face from the current federal administration.

Vote: 5-0 (For: Haubert, Marquez, Tam, Miley, Fortunato Bas).

Interim County Counsel: Weddle Replaces Ziegler After 26 Years

Andrea Weddle, current Chief Assistant County Counsel, was appointed Interim County Counsel upon the retirement of Donna Ziegler, who served more than 26 years in the office — 14 as County Counsel. An executive search firm is being secured for a national recruitment.

Supervisor Miley gave an extensive tribute, noting Ziegler became County Counsel after the passing of Richard Winnie, beating out Brian Washington, who went on to Marin County. He praised her directness and intellect. President Haubert called it one of the most difficult jobs in the county, and the board gave Ziegler a round of applause.

Vote: 5-0 (For: Haubert, Marquez, Tam, Miley, Fortunato Bas).

What's next: The county loses its top attorney during a period of escalating federal legal conflicts, making the permanent hire a high-stakes recruitment.

Residents Challenge County RFP on Measure D Open Space Protections

Two residents used end-of-meeting public comment to call attention to an informal RFP issued the prior week titled "Measure D Initiative Campaign Analysis and Strategy Development," with proposals due March 20.

Why it matters: Measure D, a voter-approved initiative protecting agriculture and open space, can only be amended by another vote of the people. The RFP's scope includes studying the feasibility of re-establishing the Board of Supervisors as the legislative authority for general plan amendments — an authority the initiative removed.

Glenn Kirby, a Hayward resident, argued the scope conflicts with the voter initiative's intent and requested the process be agendized for a public discussion. Mark Evanoff, a 31-year county resident, quoted Measure D language stating that portions enacted by initiative may not be amended except by voter approval. He read from the RFP scope, which seeks to "assess the likelihood of voter approval of specific changes to Measure D." Both urged the board to withdraw the RFP, calling it an inappropriate use of public funds to develop a political strategy to overturn the will of voters.

Minor Items

• Consent calendar: The board passed approximately 40 consent items (5-0), excluding items 28, 29 and 38 (pulled at department request).

• Amicus brief: In closed session, the board voted 5-0 to authorize signing an amicus brief supporting the City of LA and Gov. Newsom in Newsom v. Trump (9th Circuit cases 25-5553 and 25-7781) and authorized retaining counsel for a separate potential litigation matter.

• Settlement: The board approved a $120,000 settlement in the Mejia Valle case (4-0; Supervisor Tam excused).

• AHS 24-hour service designation: The board voted 5-0 to designate AHS to provide a 24-hour information service and receive complaints under Health and Safety Code Chapter 2.5, as required following the Beilenson hearing.

• Hayward Acres infrastructure: Supervisor Tam thanked Public Works for leading long-awaited improvements in the Hayward Acres neighborhood.

• Illegal dumping conference: Supervisor Miley detailed plans for the county's fifth annual statewide illegal dumping conference, a hybrid event April 30–May 1 at the county training center in Oakland. A model ordinance is forthcoming for board adoption, and State Sen. Jesse Arreguín will carry related state legislation. The county is also pushing for a statewide registry of an estimated 10,000-plus unregulated haulers.

• Measure C pediatric funding: Supervisor Miley requested an April work session on the pediatric portion of Measure C. Keela Moore of Parent Voices Oakland and other commenters demanded funds be spent exclusively at Children's Hospital Oakland — not diverted to San Francisco — citing infrastructure deficiencies including leaks in the emergency room and calling for audits of expenditures.

• Immigration response: Supervisor Fortunato Bas reminded the public that the Alameda County Together for All meeting on March 5 would provide an update on the Immigration Enforcement Response Plan and ICE-free zones passed in January.

• CARE Court recognition: Supervisor Marquez highlighted Gov. Newsom's recognition of Alameda County's CARE Court performance.

• Probate reform: Venus Gist of the National Probate Reform Coalition and United Seniors Oakland updated the board on monthly town halls addressing families at risk of losing homes and assets through probate court, with the next session March 5.

• Meeting adjourned in memory of Betty Reid Soskin, the nationally known historian and former National Park Service ranger, who passed at age 104. Vice Chair Lena Tam noted Soskin "served not only as a historian, but as a living witness to the social, racial and political transformation that shaped the East Bay."