Alameda County Opens $6.7 Billion Budget Hearing as Advocates Demand Mental Health Investment

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors opened its FY 2026-27 budget hearing on a proposed $6.7 billion spending plan that closes a $185 million funding gap — half through pension savings, the rest through cuts and revenue adjustments — with no major program reductions or layoffs. But 22 public speakers made clear the real fight is just beginning: two large coalitions demanded the county redirect hundreds of millions from jails and law enforcement toward mental health housing, prevention services, and childcare before critical funding deadlines expire at month's end.

• $6.7 billion proposed budget closes a $185 million gap, with pension prepayment strategy covering half

• Care First Jails Last coalition calls on the Board to shift $132 million from sheriff's budget to mental health housing, diversion courts, and rental subsidies

• Prevention funding cliff: 10 organizations serving 56,000 residents across 27 languages face June 30 cutoff with no bridge funding

• Parents demand action on Measure C pediatric health funds and restoration of children's services budget absent for two years

• Supervisor Marquez blasts SB 1193 as a deliberate attack on safety net services by a member of the county's own state delegation

• Alameda Health System recommendations expected Monday from ad hoc committee led by Supervisors Fortunato Bas and Miley

NOTE: Meeting video publication was delayed by Alameda County's systems.