Alameda Social Service Human Relations Board Meeting Summary - May 28, 2025
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Alameda Social Service Human Relations Board Meeting Summary - May 28, 2025
This was a regular meeting of the Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB) held on May 28, 2025. The primary agenda item was a detailed presentation and discussion of the Housing and Human Services (HHS) Division's proposed budget for fiscal years 2025-2027. Key topics included the city's stable but stretched financial condition, the impact of expiring one-time federal funds, the proposed restructuring of homeless outreach services, and the addition of a social services position at the library. Board members provided extensive feedback and asked clarifying questions, and workgroup updates were given.
Consent Calendar
- The board unanimously approved the minutes from the April 24, 2025 meeting (6-0 vote).
Public Comments & Testimony
- There were no public comments for the non-agenda public comment period or for any specific agenda items.
Discussion Items
-
Budget Presentation (Item 4A): Assistant City Manager Amy Woolridge presented the city's overall financial context and the HHS Division budget for FY 2025-27. The city has a 25% operating reserve ($37.5 million) and is in a stable financial position, but the budget is "stretched." Operating revenues cover 97% of expenditures, with the remaining 3% coming from residual fund balance. Sales tax revenue has decreased due to the loss of a major sales tax generator. The city is facing $6.3 million in high-risk federal grants due to new federal non-compliance clauses related to DEI and ICE cooperation. The general fund is now absorbing approximately $7 million in costs for critical programs (e.g., Care Team, homeless initiatives) that were previously funded by one-time federal funds. The HHS budget is estimated to be about 2% of the overall general fund ($150 million). Homeless program expenditures alone will rise to approximately $4.6 million by the end of the two-year budget. The CDBG allocation decreased by about 1.5% ($16,000) from previous funding levels. The budget for the Emergency Supportive Housing (ESH) program is transitioning entirely to the general fund ($1.1 million annually) after federal ARPA funds are exhausted in December 2025. The proposed budget does not cut any services and aims to preserve $9.5 million in residual fund balance. A van for homeless outreach (AEA van) was proposed. The division moved 216 people into housing in 2024.
-
Key Budget Decisions & New Positions: The city council approved one new Program Specialist II (MSW) position for homeless outreach, two additional police officer positions, and one victim's advocate. The city is not renewing the Village of Love mobile outreach contract, saving $270,000, and using those funds to create a full-time and part-time/contract social services position for the library (Enhanced Social Services Program). The first year of the library program will use part-time or contract staff, with a recommendation for year two based on data. The division is exploring MSW/BSW internships for these roles.
-
Financial Challenges & Risk: The budget assumes the city will absorb the full cost of the Emergency Supportive Housing program ($1.1 million in the second year) and the day center relocation project (funded by a mix of state, general fund, and pro-housing grants). Dignity Village has approximately $4.2 million remaining in funding, which will be expended by the end of the two-year budget cycle; staff are exploring options to avoid the $2 million annual operating cost hitting the general fund. A potential revenue measure for the 2026 or 2028 ballot is under consideration.
-
Board Questions and Concerns: Board members raised concerns about the lack of institutionalized substance use disorder treatment, the need for prevention services, and the difficulty unhoused residents face in navigating the system. A board member shared a personal story of a constituent who felt leaving Alameda's system would make it nearly impossible to return. Staff acknowledged these gaps and the need for better coordination with Alameda County, noting that root causes of homelessness (affordable housing, health services) are primarily county responsibilities. The board also clarified that 70% of the city's general fund goes to public safety, with HHS being a smaller portion. The city's unfunded pension liability is not fully funded but is in a healthy position relative to other cities, and the city contributes 50% of year-end surpluses to the retirement fund.
-
Workgroup Reports (Item 4B):
- United Against Hate Workgroup: Met with school officials and AUSD, refined language in a resolution, and have a meeting scheduled with the national United Against Hate organization. A board member noted ongoing racial microaggressions in Alameda schools, leading some students to consider leaving the district.
- Domestic Violence Workgroup: Awaiting the appointment of a new SSHRB member. The workgroup is exploring a presentation from a community expert on domestic violence resources, including a potential library-based information hub.
- Road Home / Homelessness Workgroup: Discussed public education on homelessness and service navigation. Efforts include an infographic, a potential fourth of July race partnership, and a community meeting at the library. A resident from Dignity Village participated in a recent presentation.
- Age-Friendly Alameda Workgroup: Progress is stalled due to staff changes; the board is seeking administrative support. A volunteer list for seniors has been expanded and will be hosted on the city website.
- McKay Avenue Committee: Received $202,000 in funding for a senior housing project (106 units), with design and permitting expected by October 2025 and construction starting September 2026. A respite care center is 60% complete, but permit delays for a neighboring apartment complex are causing issues.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar Approved: Minutes from April 24, 2025, unanimously approved (6-0).
- Budget Presentation Received: Staff provided an overview of the FY 2025-27 budget; no formal board action was required, but discussion and feedback were extensive.
- Library Social Services Pilot Approved by City Council: The Enhanced Social Services Program, as presented, was approved by the city council.
- Homeless Outreach Restructured: The Village of Love outreach contract will not be renewed, with funding redirected to in-house staff.
- Next Steps: The workgroups will continue their activities. The board will meet with a domestic violence expert. The next board and commission event is scheduled for May 29, 2025. The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 PM.
Meeting Transcript
I am not going to Nigeria, but I thought it was like that's the only one I see. So yeah, but that's where I'll copy this after I made the question. We would have to go on it. And I can tell you the engagement. Should be friends of our mouth drop. The link takes you to the list. Okay, so it's not like something. I gotta do that. It says directly here. Okay, we're like, I know my sister moved to London, and I was mentioned. She can get meant. This is actually this will still get you there, but then you have to figure it out. Yeah, we're really not so bad because it's not what live. Oh, we're live. Oh, awesome. Um, sure I've got all this together. All right. Um welcome to the May 22nd, 2025 Social Service Human Relations Board meeting. This is a regular meeting. Um, it is being recorded. The chat function has been turned off. If members of the public would like to comment on an item, please digitally raise your hand or email Gracia Man Ayan, G M-A-N-N-A-H-A-Y-O-N at Alameda C A.gov. Comments submitted during the meeting before the conclusion of the public comment section will be read into the record. Her email address is also on the meeting's agenda. If you're calling in by phone, please email Ms. Man Ayan as we cannot see you raise your hand. You can also dial star nine to raise your hand, and we will call on you. Public comments will be limited to three minutes. The public has two opportunities for public comments. First, under item two, public comments. Comments from the audience may concern matters either on or not on the agenda, but must deal with matters subject to the jurisdiction of the Social Service Human Relations Board. Second, under each agenda item, there will be an opportunity for public comment on the specific item. Each item follows a format similar to council meetings. First, after a presentation, we will ask if there are any clarifying questions from Shrub members for staff. Then second, we will ask if there are any public comments on the agenda item. And third, after public comment, we will open the item up for board discussion and a vote if recommended. The meeting is now called to order at 7 04 p.m. And we will start with some roll call. And we'll be doing everything by a vote. Um, because we have one of our members is um remote. Um Bernie Wolf here. Michelle Vokolz? Here, Samantha Green. Here Scott Means, and I'm here. Does he need to actually say a few words of about why he's remote? Is it correct? Um, could you just uh give us a few words about why you're remote tonight, Mr. Wolf? Yeah, it's got a family matter and I have to be home for it. Great, thank you so much.
openpublica.com