Alameda County Closes $6.7B Budget Hearings as AHS Layoffs, Food Security Dominate Debate

Alameda County's Board of Supervisors spent more than five hours Monday reviewing the largest budget in county history — a $6.7 billion spending plan that closes a $185 million gap with fixes that are overwhelmingly one-time, setting the stage for harder choices ahead. With deliberations continuing June 23, the biggest unresolved questions center on whether $19.3 million can save 92 healthcare jobs at Alameda Health System, whether a behavioral health program that staff say prevents hospitalizations will survive, and whether tens of millions in Measure W revenue will reach senior services and food security providers before their contracts expire.

• $19.3M proposed to halt 92 AHS layoffs, fund an independent performance audit, and extend the Fairmont behavioral health program through October 2026
• Food security and senior services advocates flood hearing, pressing for $6M in senior meal funding and up to $20M in food recovery and sovereignty investments through Measure W
• Budget relies on 52% one-time strategies to close its $185M gap, with the five-year forecast projecting widening structural deficits
• $795M capital program draws scrutiny over $223M earmarked for Santa Rita Jail projects amid calls to redirect funds to community care
• Social Services faces 18% vacancy rate — 425 unfilled positions — as federal HR1 threatens to push thousands off Medi-Cal and CalFresh

Why it matters: More than half the strategies balancing Alameda County's proposed $6.7 billion budget are one-time measures — meaning the structural deficit will persist and grow without corrective action, even as the county maintains AAA credit ratings.